FAR 47.305-10—Packing, marking, and consignment instructions.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 47.305-10 tells contracting personnel how to handle packing, marking, and consignment instructions so supplies arrive safely, go to the right destination, and can be processed without delay. It covers four main topics: required packing and marking provisions in acquisition documents, complete consignment and marking instructions in the contract, use of amended delivery instructions when full consignment data is not yet known, and emergency or time-sensitive instructions issued by telephone or electronic means. It also distinguishes between military shipments and civilian-agency shipments by requiring military marking to follow MIL-STD-129 and other applicable DoD rules, while civilian shipments must use Federal Standard 123. In practice, this section is about preventing damage, avoiding misdelivery, and making sure shipping paperwork is accurate enough for carriers, warehouses, and receiving activities to do their jobs. It matters because incomplete or incorrect instructions can cause delays, lost shipments, storage problems, and disputes over who bears responsibility for delivery errors.
Key Rules
Include protective packing and marking
Acquisition documents must state the packing and marking requirements needed to protect supplies from deterioration and shipping, handling, and storage hazards. When applicable, the marking must also comply with 49 CFR 172.300.
Provide complete consignment instructions
Contracts must contain complete consignment and marking instructions when awarded so supplies can be delivered to the correct destination without delay. The government should not leave destination information vague if it can be determined up front.
Use amended delivery instructions if needed
If complete consignment information is not known at award, the contracting officer must issue amended delivery instructions under the Changes clause as soon as the information becomes available. This keeps the contract current and gives the contractor authoritative shipping direction.
Allow urgent instructions by phone or electronic means
When needed to meet delivery schedules, the contracting officer may issue instructions by telephone or electronically. Any telephonic instruction must be confirmed in writing, and electronic instructions must be confirmed if receipt was not acknowledged.
Follow shipment marking standards by customer type
Military shipments must conform to the current MIL-STD-129 and other applicable DoD regulations. Civilian agency shipments must be marked in accordance with Federal Standard 123 for domestic shipment.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Include necessary packing and marking requirements in acquisition documents; ensure contracts contain complete consignment and marking instructions at award; issue amended delivery instructions under the Changes clause when full consignment data becomes known later; provide urgent instructions by telephone or electronic means when necessary; and confirm telephonic instructions in writing and electronic instructions when receipt is not confirmed.
Contractor
Pack and mark supplies in accordance with the contract, applicable shipping standards, and any agency-specific instructions; use the consignment and destination information provided by the contracting officer; and follow amended or urgent delivery instructions once properly issued and confirmed.
Agency/Shipping or Receiving Activity
Provide accurate destination, consignee, and marking information when available; support timely correction of incomplete shipping data; and receive shipments using the applicable military or civilian marking standards.
DoD Components
Apply MIL-STD-129 and other applicable Department of Defense regulations to military shipments and ensure shipment marking and consignment practices align with those standards.
Civilian Agencies
Use Federal Standard 123 for marking domestic shipments and ensure their shipment instructions are consistent with civilian-agency requirements.
Practical Implications
This section is mainly about preventing avoidable shipping problems: damaged goods, misdirected deliveries, and warehouse delays. Clear packing and marking instructions reduce the risk of claims, rework, and late performance.
Contracting officers should not wait until after award to sort out destination details if they can be determined earlier. If the consignment data is incomplete at award, they need a disciplined process to issue amended instructions quickly.
Telephone and email instructions can be used to keep shipments moving, but they create documentation risk. The key is prompt written confirmation and proof of receipt when electronic instructions are used.
Contractors should verify that the marking standard matches the customer type. A common mistake is applying the wrong standard—MIL-STD-129 for military shipments or Federal Standard 123 for civilian shipments.
Because these instructions affect physical delivery, even small errors in consignee names, addresses, or marking format can cause major delays. Parties should treat shipping data as contract-critical information, not administrative detail.
Official Regulatory Text
(a) Acquisition documents shall include packing and marking requirements necessary to prevent deterioration of supplies and damages due to the hazards of shipping, handling, and storage, and, when appropriate, marking in accordance with the requirements of 49 CFR 172.300 . (b) Contracts shall include complete consignment and marking instructions at the time the contract is awarded to ensure that supplies are delivered to proper destinations without delay. If complete consignment information is not initially known, the contracting officer shall issue amended delivery instructions under the Changes clause of the contract (see 43.205 ) as soon as the information becomes known. (c) If necessary to meet required delivery schedules, the contracting officer may issue instructions by telephone or electronic means. The contracting officer shall confirm telephonic instructions in writing, and confirm electronic instructions if the contracting officer did not receive confirmation of receipt. (d) Marking and consignment instructions for military shipments shall conform to the current issue of MIL-STD-129 (Military Standard Marking for Shipment and Storage) and other applicable DoD regulations. Shipments for civilian agencies shall be marked as specified in Federal Standard 123, Marking for Domestic Shipment (Civil Agencies).