FAR 53.247—Transportation (U.S. Commercial Bill of Lading).
Plain-English Summary
FAR 53.247 is a very short provision, but it points to an important transportation policy: the U.S. commercial bill of lading is the preferred document for shipping property when the Government uses transportation services. In practice, this section does not create a detailed procedural framework by itself; instead, it directs users to the transportation rules in FAR 47.101, where the circumstances for using a commercial bill of lading are addressed. The section matters because the bill of lading is the core shipping document that identifies the shipment, the carrier, the origin and destination, and the terms under which property is transported. For contracting officers, transportation personnel, and contractors handling Government shipments, the preference for this document affects how shipments are arranged, documented, and audited. It also helps standardize transportation practices, reduce administrative burden, and support accountability for loss, damage, and delivery. In short, this section establishes the preferred transportation document and signals that users must look to the transportation policy in FAR Part 47 for the operational details.
Key Rules
Commercial bill preferred
The U.S. commercial bill of lading is the preferred document for transporting property. This means it is the default transportation document unless another method or document is required or more appropriate under the transportation rules.
Refer to FAR 47.101
This section does not stand alone; it expressly ties the preference to the transportation policy in FAR 47.101. Users must consult that section to understand when and how the commercial bill of lading is used.
Applies to property shipments
The rule concerns transportation of property, not services or other contract performance issues. Its practical effect is on shipment documentation and carrier arrangements for Government-owned or Government-shipped property.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Ensure transportation arrangements follow the applicable FAR transportation policy and use the commercial bill of lading when it is the preferred document. The contracting officer should coordinate with transportation personnel or the requiring activity when shipment documentation is needed.
Transportation/Logistics Personnel
Prepare and manage shipment documentation consistent with the commercial bill of lading preference and the detailed requirements in FAR 47.101. They must make sure the shipment is properly documented for carrier handling, tracking, and accountability.
Contractor
When responsible for shipping property under the contract, use the transportation document required or preferred by the Government and follow any instructions tied to the commercial bill of lading. The contractor must ensure shipment records are accurate and complete.
Agency
Maintain transportation policies and procedures that align with FAR Part 47 and support use of the commercial bill of lading where appropriate. The agency must also ensure personnel understand when this document is preferred and how it is to be used.
Practical Implications
This section is a pointer, not a full procedure, so users must read FAR 47.101 to apply it correctly.
The main day-to-day impact is on shipping paperwork: using the right bill of lading helps avoid delays, disputes, and audit issues.
A common pitfall is treating this section as self-contained and missing the more detailed transportation rules elsewhere in FAR Part 47.
Contractors and contracting officers should confirm who is responsible for preparing the shipping document before property moves.
Proper use of the commercial bill of lading supports traceability and helps establish a clear record if loss, damage, or delivery problems occur.
Official Regulatory Text
The commercial bill of lading is the preferred document for the transportation of property, as specified in 47.101 .