FAR 52.247-19—Stopping in Transit for Partial Unloading.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 52.247-19, Stopping in Transit for Partial Unloading, is a transportation pricing clause used when multiple shipments are tendered at the same time for movement from one origin to two or more consignees along the route to the final destination. The clause addresses how the carrier’s charge is calculated when a shipment is stopped at an intermediate point so part of the load can be unloaded before the remaining freight continues to the last destination. It ties the charge to the rate applicable to the aggregate weight, then adds a separate dollar amount for each shipment unloaded at an intermediate point en route. In practice, this clause is about pricing structure, not operational routing authority: it tells the parties how to bill for partial unloading stops during a multi-consignee movement. It is prescribed by FAR 47.207-6(c)(5)(ii), so it is intended for solicitations and contracts involving transportation or transportation-related services where this specific shipping pattern exists. The clause helps avoid disputes over whether intermediate unloading is included in the base rate and ensures the contract clearly states the extra charge for each stop.
Key Rules
Applies to multi-consignee shipments
Use this clause only when multiple shipments are tendered together for movement from one origin to two or more consignees along the route to the final destination. It is not a general transportation clause for all freight movements.
Base charge uses aggregate weight
The transportation rate is calculated on the aggregate weight of the multiple shipments, rather than separately pricing each shipment as if it were an independent movement. This establishes the core freight charge before any stop-off fees are added.
Separate stop-off fee applies
For each shipment unloaded at an intermediate point en route to the last destination, the contract adds a specific dollar amount. The blank in the clause must be filled in with the agreed stop-off charge.
Intermediate unloading only
The additional charge is triggered by unloading at an intermediate point between origin and the last destination. The clause does not create a separate charge for the final destination delivery itself.
Must be inserted when prescribed
The clause is prescribed by FAR 47.207-6(c)(5)(ii), meaning contracting officers must include it in the specified solicitations and contracts when the described transportation scenario exists.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Determine whether the shipment pattern fits the clause prescription, insert the clause when required, and complete the blank with the negotiated or otherwise established charge for each intermediate unloading stop.
Contractor/Carrier
Apply the contract rate based on the aggregate weight and add only the specified per-shipment charge for each intermediate unloading. The contractor must bill in accordance with the clause and the contract terms.
Agency/Shipper
Identify when multiple shipments will be tendered together for delivery to multiple consignees along the route, and ensure the solicitation or contract reflects the correct pricing structure for stop-off unloading.
Consignees/Receiving Points
Receive shipments at the designated points along the route as arranged under the transportation movement; they do not set the charge but may be affected operationally by the unloading sequence.
Practical Implications
This clause prevents pricing disputes when one truckload or movement serves multiple consignees and some freight is dropped off before the final destination.
The blank dollar amount matters: if it is left incomplete or unclear, billing disputes are likely because the stop-off fee is not self-executing.
Contracting officers should confirm the movement really involves multiple shipments tendered at one time and intermediate unloading; otherwise the clause may be inapplicable.
Contractors should distinguish between the base aggregate-weight rate and the per-stop charge so they do not overbill or underbill.
Because the clause is narrow, a common pitfall is using it for ordinary single-destination shipments or for situations where no intermediate unloading actually occurs.
Official Regulatory Text
As prescribed in 47.207-6 (c)(5)(ii), 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 along the route between origin and last destination: Stopping in Transit for Partial Unloading (Apr 1984) When multiple shipments are tendered at one time to the Contractor for movement from one origin to two or more consignees along the route between the origin and the last destination, the rate charged shall be the rate applicable to the aggregate weight, plus a charge of $ ______ for each shipment unloaded at an intermediate point en route to the last destination. (End of clause)