FAR 52.247-18—Multiple Shipments.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 52.247-18, Multiple Shipments, is a transportation pricing clause used in solicitations and contracts for transportation or transportation-related services when several shipments are tendered at the same time from one origin to two or more consignees at the same destination. Its purpose is to establish how the carrier or transportation contractor must calculate charges when a single tender covers multiple shipments: each shipment is billed at the rate applicable to the aggregate weight, rather than separately priced as if each shipment stood alone. In practice, this clause prevents fragmented pricing that could overcharge the Government when multiple shipments are moved together under one tender. It also gives both contracting officers and contractors a clear billing rule for multi-shipment movements, reducing disputes over whether rates should be based on individual shipment weights or the combined weight of the tender. The clause is narrow in scope, but important in transportation procurements because it directly affects freight charges, invoice review, and rate application when multiple consignees are involved at the same destination.
Key Rules
Applies to multiple tendered shipments
The clause applies only when multiple shipments are tendered at one time to the contractor for transportation. It is aimed at transportation or transportation-related services where the Government presents more than one shipment under a single tender arrangement.
Same origin and destination required
The shipments must move from one origin to two or more consignees at the same destination. If the movement does not fit that origin/destination pattern, this clause does not govern the pricing rule.
Aggregate weight controls pricing
The rate charged for each shipment must be the rate applicable to the aggregate weight. In other words, the contractor must price each shipment using the combined weight of the multiple shipments tendered together, not the weight of each shipment separately.
Billing must follow the clause
The contractor cannot charge a different rate structure that ignores the aggregate-weight rule when this clause is included in the contract. Invoice calculations should reflect the clause exactly as written.
Inserted only when prescribed
The clause is used only when prescribed by FAR 47.207-6(c)(5)(i). Contracting officers should include it in the specific solicitations and contracts identified by that prescription.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Determine whether the procurement meets the prescription in FAR 47.207-6(c)(5)(i) and include the clause when required. Ensure the solicitation and contract clearly state the pricing rule so the contractor understands that multiple shipments tendered at one time are rated on aggregate weight.
Contractor
Apply the aggregate-weight rate to each shipment covered by a multiple-shipment tender. Prepare invoices and transportation charges in accordance with the clause and avoid charging individual shipment rates when the clause requires combined-weight pricing.
Agency/Transportation Activity
Tender shipments in a manner consistent with the clause’s conditions and verify that the movement involves multiple shipments from one origin to multiple consignees at the same destination. Review invoices and freight charges for compliance with the aggregate-weight rule.
Practical Implications
This clause can materially reduce transportation charges when multiple shipments are moved together, because the rate is tied to the combined weight rather than each shipment’s standalone weight.
A common pitfall is billing each shipment separately even though the tender was made at one time and the clause requires aggregate-weight pricing; that can lead to overbilling and invoice rejection.
Contracting officers should confirm that the shipment pattern actually fits the clause before including it, since it is limited to one origin, multiple consignees, and the same destination.
Contractors should align their rating systems and invoice review procedures with the clause to avoid disputes, payment delays, or corrective billing.
Because the clause is short and specific, the main compliance risk is not misunderstanding broad transportation law but misapplying the pricing rule to the wrong shipment configuration.
Official Regulatory Text
As prescribed in 47.207-6 (c)(5)(i), insert the following clause in solicitations and contracts for transportation or for transportation-related services when multiple shipments are tendered at one time to the contractor for transportation from one origin to two or more consignees at the same destination: Multiple Shipments (Apr 1984) When multiple shipments are tendered at one time to the Contractor for movement from one origin to multiple consignees at the same destination, the rate charged for each shipment shall be the rate applicable to the aggregate weight. (End of clause)