52.247-9
Agreed Weight-General Freight
Contractors must accept the government-determined and documented weight of general freight shipments as final for all contractual purposes.
Overview
FAR 52.247-9, Agreed Weight-General Freight, establishes the procedure for determining the weight of general freight shipments (excluding household goods and office furniture) in government contracts for transportation or transportation-related services. The clause requires that the shipping activity (the government entity responsible for shipping) determines the weight of each shipment. This weight must be recorded on the shipping document and is considered the agreed weight for contractual purposes. The contractor must accept this recorded weight as final and binding for billing and other contract-related matters.
Key Rules
- Weight Determination
- The government shipping activity is solely responsible for determining the weight of each shipment.
- Documentation Requirement
- The determined weight must be clearly shown on the shipping document accompanying the freight.
- Contractor Acceptance
- The contractor must accept the weight shown on the shipping document as the agreed and binding weight for the shipment.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Ensure the clause is included in applicable solicitations and contracts and that shipping activities follow the procedure.
- Contractors: Accept the government-determined weight as final and use it for all contractual purposes.
- Agencies: Ensure shipping activities accurately determine and document shipment weights.
Practical Implications
- This clause standardizes the process for determining shipment weights, reducing disputes over freight charges.
- Contractors cannot challenge the recorded weight, so accuracy and transparency in government shipping activities are critical.
- Common issues include disputes over weight accuracy, which are resolved by reference to the shipping document.