8.708 Shipping
Source: FAR 8.708 on acquisition.gov
FAR 8.708 ensures clear shipping procedures and proper reimbursement of transportation costs for AbilityOne nonprofit agencies, emphasizing timely documentation and delivery responsibilities.
Overview
FAR 8.708 outlines the requirements and procedures for shipping goods acquired from AbilityOne participating nonprofit agencies that employ people who are blind or severely disabled. It defines when delivery is considered accomplished, the standard shipping documentation (Government bills of lading), and the responsibilities of both ordering offices and nonprofit agencies regarding transportation costs and documentation. The section ensures clarity in shipping processes, proper reimbursement for transportation costs, and addresses potential delays due to missing shipping instructions or documents.
Key Rules
- Delivery Definition
- Delivery occurs when the shipment is placed with the initial carrier, and the delivery date is when the carrier accepts the shipment.
- Shipping Documentation
- Shipments are typically made under Government bills of lading, but small orders may use alternative methods as specified by the ordering office.
- Provision of Bills of Lading
- Bills of lading must accompany orders or be provided promptly; failure to do so or to specify a shipping method can result in excusable delivery delays.
- Transportation Costs for Small Shipments
- Nonprofit agencies must list transportation costs for small shipments on invoices, and ordering offices are required to reimburse these costs.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers/Ordering Offices: Must provide timely shipping instructions or bills of lading and reimburse transportation costs for small shipments.
- Contractors/Nonprofit Agencies: Must include transportation costs for small shipments on invoices and ensure proper shipping documentation.
- Agencies: Oversee compliance with shipping and reimbursement procedures.
Practical Implications
- This section clarifies shipping responsibilities and documentation for AbilityOne procurements, reducing disputes over delivery timing and cost reimbursement. Contractors must ensure accurate invoicing for transportation, and ordering offices must avoid delays by providing necessary shipping documents. Common pitfalls include delayed delivery due to missing bills of lading and failure to reimburse transportation costs.
(a) Delivery is accomplished when a shipment is placed aboard the vehicle of the initial carrier. The time of delivery is the date shipment is released to and accepted by the initial carrier.
(b) Shipment is normally under Government bills of lading. However, for small orders, ordering offices may specify other shipment methods.
(c) When shipments are under Government bills of lading, the bills of lading may accompany orders or be otherwise furnished promptly. Failure of an ordering office to furnish bills of lading or to designate a method of transportation may result in an excusable delay in delivery.
(d) AbilityOne participating nonprofit agencies shall include transportation costs for small shipments paid by the nonprofit agencies as an item on the invoice. The ordering office shall reimburse the nonprofit agencies for these costs.