Step-by-Step Shipping Instructions
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Get Your Quote and Shipping Address
Call (404) 860-1288 or submit the contact form. Confirm the test position, process, and number of welders. We'll provide a qualified WPS, quote pricing, and give you the shipping address. This step happens same business day in most cases.
Do not prep or weld the plate before confirming the test requirements — using the wrong WPS or wrong plate thickness means starting over.
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Weld the Test Plate Per the WPS
The welder completes the test plate at your facility following the WPS exactly. Standard groove plate setup for most positions:
- 45° included angle groove (22.5° per side)
- Knife-edge root face (0" land)
- 1/4" root opening
- 1/4" × 1" × 8" A36 permanent backing bar
- 1" plate for unlimited thickness qualification
After welding: Let the plate cool to ambient temperature completely. No quenching with water, no accelerated cooling. No rust-preventative sprays, oils, coatings, or paint on the weld surface or adjacent base metal — these interfere with visual inspection and can compromise bend test specimens.
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Mark Every Plate Permanently
Every plate must be permanently marked before shipping. Markings must survive shipping, handling, and the inspection process. Use metal stamp, paint marker, or engraving — not tape, paper labels, or markers that will rub off.
Required on every plate:
- Welder's full name
- Date of weld
- Welding process (SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, GTAW)
- Test position (1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G)
- Plate thickness
- Unique ID number matching the Test Request Form (for multi-welder submissions)
A plate that arrives without permanent identification goes to the back of the queue until we can confirm all details. Don't let paperwork slow down a plate that welded cleanly.
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Prepare Required Documentation
Every shipment must include the following documents. Seal all paper documents in a clear plastic zip-lock bag before placing inside the package — moisture and metal dust from the plate will destroy loose paperwork during shipping.
- Completed Test Request Form — provided after quote acceptance. Fill it out completely. Missing fields cause processing delays.
- Copy of the applicable WPS — the same WPS the welder used. Must cover the process and position being tested.
- Special testing notes — if your project requires RT instead of bend testing, note it clearly here. If there are specific NDE requirements beyond standard D1.1 testing, document them on the form before shipping.
- Contact information — welder name, employer name, phone, and email for WPQ delivery.
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Package the Plates Properly
Shipping damage to the weld surface is avoidable with proper packaging. A damaged plate may need to be re-welded — costing time and money that good packaging would have prevented. Plates must not shift, rattle, or contact each other in transit.
- Wrap each plate individually in bubble wrap or foam padding
- Use cardboard or foam separators between multiple plates — no metal-to-metal contact
- Place the sealed documentation bag between the first plate and the box wall, not under a plate
- For single plates: sturdy double-wall cardboard box sized to the plate with minimal void space
- For multiple plates or heavy plates (>50 lbs): wooden crating strongly recommended
- For pipe coupons: wrap circumference in bubble wrap, cap ends with foam, ship in rigid tube or wooden crate
- Fill void space with packing peanuts, crumpled paper, or foam — the plate must not move when the box is shaken
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Ship to the Provided Address and Send Tracking
Use the exact address provided after quote acceptance. Ship via UPS, FedEx, or freight for heavy shipments. Get a tracking number — always.
- Send tracking number to WeldCertTest by call, text, or email before or at the time of shipment
- This allows us to monitor arrival and confirm receipt the day the plate is delivered
- Plates with advance tracking notification move into the inspection queue immediately on arrival
- Consider shipping insurance for multi-welder submissions or high-value testing batches
- For cross-country submissions on tight timelines: 2-day shipping saves 2 to 3 days versus ground
Southeastern US customers: Ground shipping typically arrives in 1 to 2 business days from most southeastern locations. Ground is fine unless you're under time pressure.
Complete Shipment Checklist
Run through this before sealing the box. Every item with a star is required — missing any of them causes a hold at receipt.
- Shipping address confirmed with WeldCertTest before shipping
- Plate welded per WPS — cooled to ambient, no coatings applied
- Plate permanently marked: welder name, date, process, position, thickness
- Test Request Form completed and included (sealed in plastic bag)
- Copy of WPS included (sealed in plastic bag with Test Request Form)
- Each plate individually wrapped — no metal-to-metal contact
- Rigid packaging — plate cannot shift in transit
- Tracking number sent to WeldCertTest before or at time of shipment
- Shipping insurance purchased (recommended for multi-welder batches)
- RT or special NDE requirements noted on Test Request Form if applicable
What NOT to Do
- Do not ship without a confirmed address and accepted quote
- Do not apply rust preventative, oil, or any coating to the weld surface
- Do not quench or water-cool the plate after welding
- Do not remove the backing bar before shipping
- Do not use tape labels or non-permanent markers on the plate
- Do not put paper documents loose in the box — always use a sealed plastic bag
- Do not allow plates to contact each other in the package
- Do not ship without a tracking number
- Do not ship without the WPS included — inspection cannot begin without it
Packaging by Shipment Type
Single Plate — Standard
Sturdy double-wall cardboard box sized appropriately — not too large. Wrap plate in bubble wrap. Fill void space so the plate cannot shift. Documentation bag secured to the inside of the box wall.
- Double-wall cardboard box
- Bubble wrap or foam wrap on plate
- Packing fill in void space
- UPS or FedEx ground or air
Multiple Plates — Small Batch
Individual wrap on every plate. Cardboard or foam separators between each — no metal-to-metal contact. Documentation for each plate in its own labeled plastic bag. Single outer box or crate.
- Individual wrap on each plate
- Foam or cardboard separators
- Labeled doc bag per plate
- UPS or FedEx — freight if over 70 lbs
Heavy Batch — 5+ Plates
Wooden crating recommended. Each plate individually wrapped and separated. Call us before shipping large batches so we can plan sequencing and give you accurate timing on the full batch.
- Wooden crate construction
- Individual foam wrap on each plate
- Call ahead for batch coordination
- Freight or LTL shipping
Pipe Coupons — 5G / 6G
Wrap the full circumference of the coupon in bubble wrap — protect the weld zone. Cap both ends with foam plugs. Ship in a rigid tube, PVC pipe sleeve, or wooden crate sized to the coupon diameter.
- Circumference wrapped in bubble wrap
- Foam end caps on both sides
- Rigid tube or wooden crate
- UPS or FedEx — freight for heavy coupons
Carrier Comparison
| Carrier | Best For | Weight Limit | Tracking | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UPS Ground | Single plates, small batches | Up to 150 lbs | Yes | Most common — reliable nationwide |
| FedEx Ground | Single plates, small batches | Up to 150 lbs | Yes | Comparable to UPS — either works |
| UPS / FedEx 2-Day | Time-sensitive, cross-country | Up to 150 lbs | Yes | Worth it from West Coast |
| Overnight Air | Hard deadlines only | Up to 150 lbs | Yes | Call us before using — confirm we can process same-day |
| Freight / LTL | Heavy batches, wooden crates | No practical limit | Yes | Required for shipments over 150 lbs |
| USPS | Not recommended | 70 lbs max | Limited | Tracking less reliable — use UPS or FedEx |
After You Ship
Once the plate is in transit, here is what happens on our end:
- We confirm receipt the day the plate is delivered — same day as carrier delivery scan
- CWI visual inspection begins within 1 to 2 business days of receipt
- If the plate passes visual — it moves immediately to bend testing
- If the plate fails visual — we call you the same day with the specific rejection reason
- Bend testing completed in 2 to 5 business days after visual pass
- WPQ emailed the same day all testing is complete and passed
- Physical WPQ copy mailed — arrives 2 to 5 business days after email
See the timeframes page for full phase-by-phase timing breakdown and what affects turnaround.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I ship my weld test plate?
What documentation must I include with the plate?
Do I remove the backing bar before shipping?
Can I apply rust preventative to the plate before shipping?
What carrier should I use?
Can I ship multiple plates in one box?
What if my plate arrives damaged from shipping?
How do I ship a pipe coupon for 5G or 6G testing?
How long does shipping take from different parts of the US?
Should I call before shipping a large batch?
Ready to Ship?
Get your quote accepted and shipping address confirmed before anything else.
Questions about packaging, carriers, or special requirements? Call us — we'll walk you through it.