47.305-15 Loading responsibilities of contractors
Source: FAR 47.305-15 on acquisition.gov
Contractors must follow Association of American Railroads standards for loading rail car shipments, and contracting officers must ensure proper clauses and specifications are included for safe transport.
Overview
FAR 47.305-15 outlines the responsibilities of contractors regarding the loading, blocking, and bracing of carload shipments, particularly those transported by rail. Contractors must adhere to standards set by the Association of American Railroads to ensure safe and secure shipments. The regulation also requires contracting officers to include specific clauses in solicitations and contracts when rail carload shipments are possible, and to provide detailed specifications for special handling needs, coordinated with the transportation office.
Key Rules
- Contractor Loading Responsibilities
- Contractors must load, block, and brace carload shipments according to Association of American Railroads standards.
- Mandatory Contract Clause
- Contracting officers must include FAR clause 52.247-58 in solicitations and contracts when supplies may be shipped in carload lots by rail.
- Special Handling Requirements
- If special methods or vehicles are needed for safety, environmental, or transportability reasons, contracting officers must include detailed, coordinated specifications in solicitations.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Ensure the correct clause is included in contracts and coordinate special handling requirements with the transportation office.
- Contractors: Follow industry standards for loading, blocking, and bracing; comply with any special specifications provided.
- Agencies: Oversee compliance and ensure coordination between contracting and transportation offices.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures the safe and secure transport of government shipments by rail, reducing risk of damage or loss.
- Contractors must be familiar with industry standards and prepared to implement special handling procedures when required.
- Failure to comply can result in shipment damage, contract disputes, or regulatory penalties.
(a)
(1) Contractors are responsible for loading, blocking, and bracing carload shipments as specified in standards published by the Association of American Railroads.
(2) The contracting officer shall insert in solicitations and contracts the clause at 52.247-58, Loading, Blocking, and Bracing of Freight Car Shipments, when supplies may be shipped in carload lots by rail.
(b) If the nature of the supplies or safety, environmental, or transportability factors require special methods for securing the supplies on the carrier’s equipment, or if only a special mode of transportation or type vehicle is appropriate, the contracting officer shall include in solicitations detailed specifications that have been coordinated with the transportation office.