52.247-10 Net Weight-General Freight
Source: FAR 52.247-10 on acquisition.gov
Contractors must use certified weighmasters and scales to determine net shipment weight and provide original weight certificates with their invoices for general freight transportation services.
Overview
FAR 52.247-10, Net Weight-General Freight, establishes the method for determining the net weight of freight shipments (excluding household goods and office furniture) when the weight is unknown at the time of shipment and the contractor is responsible for weight determination. The clause requires contractors to use certified weighmasters and certified scales to obtain both the tare (empty) and gross (loaded) vehicle weights, ensuring accuracy and accountability in billing and transportation documentation.
Key Rules
- Net Weight Determination
- Contractors must determine net weight by subtracting the tare weight (empty vehicle with full fuel) from the gross weight (loaded vehicle with full fuel), both measured by a certified weighmaster on a certified scale.
- Documentation Requirement
- Contractors are required to attach the original weight certificates (for both empty and loaded vehicle) to the invoice for transportation services.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Ensure the clause is included in applicable contracts and verify compliance during invoice review.
- Contractors: Accurately determine net weight using certified methods and provide required documentation with invoices.
- Agencies: Oversee contract compliance and maintain records for audit and payment purposes.
Practical Implications
- This clause ensures transparency and fairness in billing for freight transportation services where shipment weight is not pre-determined. It protects both the government and contractors by standardizing weight determination and documentation, reducing disputes and potential overcharges. Common pitfalls include failure to use certified scales or missing/incomplete weight certificates, which can delay payment or result in noncompliance findings.
As prescribed in 47.207-4(a)(2), insert the following clause in solicitations and contracts for transportation or for transportation-related services when the weight of shipments of freight other than household goods or office furniture is not known at the time of shipment and the contractor is responsible for determining the net weight of the shipments:
Net Weight-General Freight (Apr 1984)
(a) The net weight of the shipment shall be determined by deducting the tare weight of the vehicle (determined by having the empty vehicle with a full tank of fuel weighed by a certified weighmaster on a certified scale) from the gross weight of the vehicle (determined by having the loaded vehicle with a full tank of fuel weighed by a certified weighmaster on a certified scale).
(b) The Contractor shall attach the original copies of the empty and loaded weight certificates to the invoice for services.
(End of clause)