FAR 47.207-4—Determination of Weights.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 47.207-4 tells the contracting officer how to specify the method for determining shipment weights in transportation contracts and which FAR clause to use based on the type of freight and who is responsible for weighing it. It covers three related subjects: general freight where the shipping activity determines the weight, general freight where the contractor must determine the net weight because the weight is not known at shipment time, and household goods or office furniture shipments tied to Government employee relocations or office moves. The section exists to make weight determination clear in the contract, because freight charges, carrier liability, and payment often depend on accurate weight. In practice, this means the contracting officer must match the clause to the shipment type and the operational reality of how weights will be established. For contractors and shipping activities, the rule reduces disputes by identifying in advance whether the Government or the contractor will establish the controlling weight. It is especially important in transportation work because even small differences in weight can materially affect rates, billing, and auditability.
Key Rules
Specify weight method in contract
The contracting officer must state in the contract how shipment weights will be determined, based on the kind of freight and the service required. This is a mandatory contract-structuring step, not an optional administrative detail.
Use agreed weight for general freight
For freight other than household goods or office furniture, insert 52.247-9, Agreed Weight—General Freight, when the shipping activity determines the shipment weight. This clause fits situations where the Government controls or establishes the weight used for pricing or payment.
Use net weight when contractor weighs freight
For general freight where the weight is not known at shipment time and the contractor is responsible for determining the net weight, insert 52.247-10, Net Weight—General Freight. This clause places the weight-determination responsibility on the contractor and is used when the shipment cannot be priced on a pre-known weight.
Use household goods net weight clause
For movements involving Government employees’ household goods or relocations of Government offices, insert 52.247-11, Net Weight—Household Goods or Office Furniture. This clause is specifically tailored to those shipment types and must be used when those moves are involved.
Match clause to shipment type
The clause selection depends first on whether the shipment is general freight or household goods/office furniture, and second on who determines the weight. Using the wrong clause can create billing disputes, payment errors, or contract administration problems.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Specify the method of determining shipment weights in the contract and insert the correct FAR clause based on the freight type and who will determine the weight. Ensure the clause matches the actual transportation arrangement and the service required.
Shipping Activity
When applicable, determine the weight of general freight shipments under the agreed-weight approach. Provide the weight information needed to support the contract and shipment processing.
Contractor
When responsible under the contract, determine the net weight of general freight shipments or household goods/office furniture shipments. Use the required method accurately so billing and payment are based on the proper weight.
Agency Transportation/Logistics Personnel
Support the contracting officer by identifying the shipment type, operational weight-determination method, and any special handling needs so the correct clause is included in the contract.
Practical Implications
This section matters because freight charges are often weight-based, so the contract must clearly say whose weight controls payment and how that weight is established.
A common pitfall is using the wrong clause for the shipment type, especially confusing general freight with household goods or office furniture moves.
Another risk is leaving weight determination vague, which can lead to disputes over invoices, audit findings, or delayed payment.
Contractors should verify whether they are expected to weigh shipments themselves or rely on Government-determined weights before pricing and performing.
Contracting officers should confirm the operational reality of the move, not just the commodity description, because the correct clause depends on both the freight category and the weight-determination method.
Official Regulatory Text
The contracting officer shall specify in the contract the method of determining the weights of shipments as appropriate for the kind of freight involved and the type of service required. (a) Shipments of freight other than household goods and office furniture . (1) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.247-9 , Agreed Weight—General Freight, when the shipping activity determines the weight of shipments of freight other than household goods or office furniture. (2) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.247-10 , Net Weight—General Freight, 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. (b) Shipments of household goods or office furniture . The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.247-11 , Net Weight—Household Goods or Office Furniture, when movements of Government employees' household goods or relocations of Government offices are involved.