FAR 47.204—Single-movement contracts.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 47.204 addresses when the Government may use a single-movement contract for transportation services. The section is narrow and practical: it allows award of a contract for a one-time or otherwise unique movement when the service is not available under published carrier tariffs and is not already covered by Department of Defense (DoD) or General Services Administration (GSA) transportation contracts. It specifically points to situations involving special requirements at the origin and/or destination, which means the movement may need unusual handling, access, equipment, timing, security, or delivery conditions that standard transportation arrangements do not cover. In practice, this section gives contracting officers a way to obtain tailored transportation support when ordinary commercial transportation channels are insufficient. It also signals to contractors and transportation planners that these awards are reserved for exceptional movements, not routine freight or recurring shipping needs. The section is brief, but its significance is in identifying the threshold for using a special-purpose contract instead of standard tariff-based or existing Government transportation arrangements.
Key Rules
Use only for unique services
Single-movement contracts are appropriate only for transportation services that are unique. The service must be outside ordinary, readily available transportation offerings.
No tariff coverage
The movement must not be otherwise available under carrier tariffs. If a published tariff already covers the service, this section does not support a single-movement contract.
Not covered by DoD or GSA contracts
The Government should use this authority only when the movement is not already covered by existing DoD or GSA transportation contracts. Existing contract vehicles take priority over creating a new single-movement arrangement.
Special origin or destination needs
The section specifically contemplates special requirements at the origin and/or destination. These may include unusual pickup or delivery conditions, handling constraints, access limitations, or other nonstandard service needs.
Single movement only
This authority is for a specific movement, not a standing transportation program. It is intended for a discrete shipment or trip requiring tailored terms.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Determine whether the transportation need is unique and unavailable under carrier tariffs or existing DoD/GSA contracts. Document the special requirements at origin and/or destination and award a single-movement contract only when this authority is appropriate.
Agency Transportation/Logistics Personnel
Identify the operational need, confirm that standard transportation channels cannot meet it, and provide the contracting officer with the shipment details, special handling requirements, and any constraints at pickup or delivery points.
Contractor/Carrier
Provide the specific transportation service required for the one-time movement and comply with any special origin or destination requirements stated in the contract.
DoD or GSA Transportation Contracting/Program Officials
Maintain and administer existing transportation contract coverage so agencies can determine whether a movement is already covered before using a single-movement contract.
Practical Implications
This section is a narrow exception, so the first question should always be whether a tariff or existing DoD/GSA contract already covers the movement.
The most common mistake is treating a special shipment as a single-movement contract without checking available standard transportation arrangements first.
Contracting officers should clearly describe the special requirements at origin and destination, because vague requirements can lead to disputes, delays, or inadequate pricing.
Because the authority is limited to a specific movement, it should not be used to create recurring transportation support or bypass normal competition and contract-coverage checks.
Contractors should expect these awards to be highly tailored and should price based on the actual special handling, access, timing, or equipment needs of the movement.
Official Regulatory Text
Single-movement contracts may be awarded for unique transportation services that are not otherwise available under carrier tariffs or covered by DoD or GSA contracts; e.g., special requirements at origin and/or destination.