FAR 52.247-15—Contractor Responsibility for Loading and Unloading.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 52.247-15 allocates responsibility for loading and unloading freight in transportation and transportation-related service contracts. It tells contractors when they must load and unload shipments at no extra cost to the Government, explains the default delivery/receipt point as the tailgate of the contractor’s vehicle, defines what “tailgate delivery” means in practical terms, and assigns the contractor responsibility for shoring, blocking, bracing, and dunnage when the contractor is responsible for loading. The clause exists to prevent disputes over who handles cargo at pickup and delivery, what equipment and labor are included in the transportation price, and where the Government’s responsibility ends. In practice, it is important because loading and unloading can create significant cost, safety, damage, and liability issues if the contract does not clearly assign those tasks. It also helps distinguish ordinary tailgate service from more extensive store-door or inside delivery, which must be specifically stated in the contract if required. For contractors, the clause affects pricing, labor planning, equipment needs, and cargo protection procedures; for contracting officers, it is a key term to ensure the solicitation and contract match the actual transportation requirement.
Key Rules
Default loading and unloading duty
Unless the contract specifically says it includes store-door or inside delivery, the contractor must load and unload shipments without charging the Government extra. This makes loading/unloading part of the transportation service price unless the contract states otherwise.
Tailgate delivery standard
The Government or its agent receives or places freight at the tailgate of the contractor’s vehicle. The clause defines tailgate delivery as access that allows a forklift truck or similar equipment, operated by one person, to load or unload cargo from the vehicle’s tailgate.
Contract must specify inside service
If the Government expects store-door or inside delivery, that requirement must be stated in the contract. Without that express language, the contractor’s obligation is limited to tailgate-level handling.
Contractor handles cargo securement
When loading is the contractor’s responsibility, the contractor must perform all shoring, blocking, and bracing. These are mandatory cargo-securing tasks intended to protect the shipment during transit.
Dunnage at contractor expense
If the contractor is responsible for loading, the contractor must provide dunnage at its own expense. The cost of materials used to protect, separate, or stabilize cargo is not separately reimbursable under the clause.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Include the clause when applicable to transportation or transportation-related services where the contractor is responsible for loading and unloading. If the Government needs store-door or inside delivery, clearly state that requirement in the solicitation and contract so the delivery obligation is unambiguous.
Contractor
Load and unload shipments at no additional expense to the Government unless the contract expressly requires a different level of service. Provide shoring, blocking, bracing, and dunnage when loading is the contractor’s responsibility, and ensure cargo is handled safely and in a manner consistent with the contract terms.
Government or Government Agent
Receive or place freight at the tailgate of the contractor’s vehicle unless the contract specifies a broader delivery obligation. Use equipment and procedures consistent with tailgate delivery as defined in the clause.
Practical Implications
This clause is mainly a pricing and risk-allocation provision: contractors should build loading/unloading labor, equipment, and dunnage costs into their rates when the clause applies.
A common pitfall is assuming the Government will provide inside delivery or extra handling when the contract only requires tailgate service; if that is needed, it must be written into the contract.
Another frequent issue is cargo damage caused by inadequate shoring, blocking, bracing, or dunnage; when loading is the contractor’s job, those protections are the contractor’s responsibility.
Contracting officers should make sure the solicitation matches the actual delivery requirement, because vague language can lead to disputes over access, equipment, and who bears the cost of moving freight beyond the tailgate.
Both parties should understand that the clause sets a practical boundary: the Government’s role is generally limited to the tailgate unless the contract clearly expands the service level.
Official Regulatory Text
As prescribed in 47.207-5 (e) , insert the following clause in solicitations and contracts for transportation or for transportation-related services when the contractor is responsible for loading and unloading shipments: Contractor Responsibility for Loading and Unloading (Apr 1984) (a) (1) Unless otherwise specified in this contract to cover store-door or inside delivery, the Contractor shall load and unload shipments at no additional expense to the Government. (2) The Government or its agent will place or receive freight at the tailgate of the Contractor’s vehicle. Tailgate delivery, for purposes of this contract, is defined as that which enables a forklift truck or similar equipment, with operator only, to place or remove cargo from the tailgate of the Contractor’s vehicle. (b) If loading is the responsibility of the Contractor, the Contractor shall perform all shoring, blocking, and bracing. The Contractor shall provide dunnage at the Contractor’s expense. (End of clause)