Abstract: An indicator attachable to a shipping container is adapted to visually indicate whether or not the container has been excessively tilted during transportation thereof. The indicator includes a thin sheet of absorbent paper carrying a small receptacle containing a colored ink or holding a glass ampoule containing ink. The receptacle has an upper end from which the ink flows from the receptacle onto the absorbent paper when the container is excessively tilted. The absorbent paper and receptacle are removably enclosed in an envelope of thin transparent plastic adapted to be taped onto an upright container wall. Upon tilting of the container and displacement of the colored ink onto the absorbent paper, the latter is stained thereby and the color change is visible through the envelope. Preferably, the indicator is taped to the inside surface of a container wall which is provided with an opening through which the indicator is visible from outside the container.