FAR 52.247-15 — Contractor Responsibility for Loading and Unloading

Contract clause · dated Apr 1984 · prescribed in FAR 47.207-5(e) · current through FAC 2026-01

In plain English

FAR 52.247-15, Contractor Responsibility for Loading and Unloading, is a contract clause prescribed at FAR 47.207-5(e), most recently dated Apr 1984. The complete official text is reproduced below, verbatim, from GSA's published FAR source files.

Its text contains no sentence requiring insertion into subcontracts; see the flowdown section below for what that does and does not mean.

Does it flow down to subcontracts?

No flowdown mandate found in the clause text

We scanned the full clause text and found no sentence directing the contractor to insert this clause into subcontracts. That is a statement about the text, not legal advice: a prime contractor may still flow terms down contractually, an agency supplement (DFARS, VAAR, …) may add requirements, and clauses listed below (if any) may order this clause into subcontracts from the outside.

Where it's prescribed

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:

Prescribing reference: FAR 47.207-5(e).

The official text, verbatim

FAR 52.247-15 · Apr 1984 current through FAC 2026-01 acquisition.gov eCFR (48 CFR)

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)

The text above is reproduced from GSA's published FAR source files (GSA/GSA-Acquisition-FAR @ da52ccb (2026-03-30)), retrieved 2026-07-17. The official publication at acquisition.gov / eCFR controls if they differ.