FAR 47.000—Scope of part.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 47.000 explains the scope of FAR Part 47, which covers transportation and traffic management in federal acquisitions. It tells contracting personnel that this part applies to two main subjects: how to apply transportation and traffic management considerations when buying supplies, and how to acquire transportation or transportation-related services using contract methods other than bills of lading, transportation requests, transportation warrants, and similar transportation forms. It also clarifies that transportation services may be acquired either under the FAR or under specific statutory authorities in 49 U.S.C. 10721 or 49 U.S.C. 13712. Although the FAR does not regulate transportation acquisitions when the bill of lading itself is the contract, the part still provides guidance on using bills of lading because they are widely used in practice. Finally, the section warns that the definitions in Part 47 are condensed from statutes, and if there is any conflict, the statute controls. In practical terms, this section is a roadmap: it tells agencies and contractors when Part 47 applies, when other legal authorities may govern, and where to look for guidance on common transportation contracting methods.
Key Rules
Applies to supply acquisitions
Part 47 covers how transportation and traffic management considerations are applied when acquiring supplies. This means transportation planning is part of the acquisition process, not an afterthought.
Covers non-bill-of-lading methods
The part governs acquisition of transportation or transportation-related services when the government uses contract methods other than bills of lading, transportation requests, transportation warrants, or similar forms. Those alternative methods must follow the policies and procedures in this part.
Recognizes statutory transportation authority
Transportation and transportation services may be acquired either under the FAR or under 49 U.S.C. 10721 or 49 U.S.C. 13712. Users must identify which authority applies because the governing rules may differ.
Bill of lading is outside FAR regulation
When the bill of lading is the contract, FAR Part 47 does not regulate the acquisition itself. However, the part still provides practical guidance on bill-of-lading use because it remains a common transportation contracting method.
Statutes control over condensed definitions
The definitions in Part 47 are shortened versions of statutory definitions. If the FAR text and the statute conflict, the statute prevails, so users must check the underlying law when precision matters.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Determine whether a transportation requirement falls under FAR Part 47, a bill-of-lading arrangement, or a statutory authority such as 49 U.S.C. 10721 or 49 U.S.C. 13712. Apply the correct policies and procedures and rely on the statute if a definition or rule appears inconsistent.
Agency Transportation/Traffic Management Personnel
Ensure transportation and traffic management considerations are incorporated into supply acquisitions and advise on the proper acquisition method for transportation services. Use Part 47 guidance to support compliant and efficient movement of goods.
Contractor/Carrier
Understand which legal framework governs the transportation arrangement and perform according to the applicable contract form or statutory authority. Do not assume FAR Part 47 applies in the same way to every transportation transaction, especially when a bill of lading is used.
Agency Acquisition Staff
Identify early whether transportation-related services will be acquired under the FAR or under a separate statutory regime, and route the requirement accordingly. Use the part’s guidance to avoid using the wrong form or procedure.
Practical Implications
This section matters because transportation terms and contract forms can change the legal framework for the entire acquisition. A mistake in choosing between a FAR contract, a bill of lading, or a statutory transportation authority can create compliance problems or payment disputes.
A common pitfall is assuming all transportation purchases are handled the same way. In reality, Part 47 only covers certain methods, and bill-of-lading transactions require separate attention even though they are not regulated here in the same way.
Contracting officers should verify the governing authority before awarding or issuing transportation arrangements. That includes checking whether the requirement is for supplies with transportation considerations, a transportation service, or a shipment moving under a bill of lading.
Because the definitions in this part are condensed from statutes, users should not rely on the FAR text alone when a precise legal definition matters. If there is any inconsistency, the statute controls, so the underlying U.S. Code should be consulted.
For day-to-day work, this section serves as a gateway to the rest of Part 47. It tells users when to look deeper into transportation policy, when to use bill-of-lading guidance, and when a separate statutory regime may govern the transaction.
Official Regulatory Text
(a) This part prescribes policies and procedures for- (1) Applying transportation and traffic management considerations in the acquisition of supplies; and (2) Acquiring transportation or transportation-related services by contract methods other than bills of lading, transportation requests, transportation warrants, and similar transportation forms. Transportation and transportation services can be obtained by acquisition subject to the FAR or by acquisition under 49 U.S.C. 10721 or 49 U.S.C. 13712 . Even though the FAR does not regulate the acquisition of transportation or transportation-related services when the bill of lading is the contract, this contract method is widely used and, therefore, relevant guidance on the use of the bill of lading is provided in this part (see 47.104 ). (b) The definitions in this part have been condensed from statutory definitions. In case of inconsistency between the language of this part and the statutory requirements, the statute shall prevail.