FAR 52.247-24—Advance Notification by the Government.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 52.247-24, Advance Notification by the Government, is a transportation clause used in solicitations and contracts for transportation or transportation-related services when the Government—not the contractor—is responsible for telling the contractor when shipments will be ready and what will be shipped. The clause addresses advance notice of normal shipments, including the number of pieces, total weight, and the time the shipment will be available for pickup, and it also addresses additional information for unusual or nonstandard shipments, such as oversized dimensions or other details needed to plan equipment and manpower. Its purpose is to give the contractor enough lead time and shipment data to schedule vehicles, labor, and handling resources efficiently and safely. In practice, the clause helps prevent missed pickups, under-dispatched equipment, delays, and disputes over whether the Government provided enough notice for the contractor to perform. It also creates a clear allocation of responsibility: the Government must provide timely and useful shipment information, and the contractor can rely on that information to plan performance.
Key Rules
Applies to transportation services
This clause is prescribed for solicitations and contracts involving transportation or transportation-related services. It is used only when the Government is the party responsible for notifying the contractor about shipment readiness and service timing.
Advance notice is required
The Government must notify the contractor a specified number of hours in advance. The blank in the clause is filled in by the contracting activity to set the required lead time for notice.
Normal shipment data must be provided
For normal shipments, the Government must provide the number of pieces, the weight of the shipment, and the time the shipment will be available for pickup. This information is intended to let the contractor plan the pickup and dispatch resources.
Extra details for unusual shipments
For other-than-normal shipments, the Government must provide additional information as needed, such as the dimensions of oversized pieces. The level of detail must be sufficient for the contractor to determine the equipment and manpower required.
Supports performance planning
The clause is designed to make shipment planning workable in practice. It ties Government notice obligations directly to the contractor’s ability to schedule equipment, labor, and handling for the required service.
Responsibilities
Government
Provide advance notice of shipment information within the number of hours specified in the contract. For normal shipments, identify the number of pieces, weight, and pickup availability time; for unusual shipments, furnish additional details needed for performance planning.
Contracting Officer
Include the clause when prescribed by FAR 47.207-8(a)(1) and fill in the required advance-notice period. Ensure the contract clearly reflects the notice requirement so both parties understand the timing and information obligations.
Contractor
Use the Government’s notice and shipment details to plan pickup, equipment, and labor. Raise issues promptly if the notice is late, incomplete, or insufficient to support safe and timely performance.
Practical Implications
This clause matters most in day-to-day scheduling: if the Government gives late or incomplete notice, the contractor may not be able to dispatch the right vehicle, crew, or handling equipment on time.
The biggest pitfall is leaving the notice period blank or unclear. The contract should specify the exact number of hours so there is no dispute over what counts as timely notice.
For unusual or oversized shipments, vague descriptions can cause performance problems. Contractors should confirm they have enough information on dimensions, weight, and handling needs before pickup.
The clause helps reduce avoidable delays and extra costs, but only if the Government actually provides the required information in a usable form.
Contractors should document any deficient notice or missing shipment data, since those facts may affect performance, scheduling, or later claims/disputes.
Official Regulatory Text
As prescribed in 47.207-8 (a)(1) , insert the following clause in solicitations and contracts for transportation or for transportation-related services when the Government is responsible for notifying the contractor of specific service times or unusual shipments: Advance Notification by the Government (Apr 1984) The Government will notify the Contractor ___ hours in advance of the number of pieces and weight of all normal shipments and the time the shipment will be available for pickup. On other-than-normal shipments, the Government will furnish additional information; e.g., dimension of oversized pieces, as necessary to determine the amount of equipment and/or manpower needed to perform the required services. (End of clause)