41 C.F.R. Subpart C—Business Rules To Consider Before Shipping Freight or Household Goods
Title 41 - Public Contracts and Property Management
When acquiring transportation or related services you must: (a) Use the mode or individual transportation service provider (TSP) that provides the overall best value to the agency. For more information, see §§102–117.105 through 102–117.130; (b) Demonstrate no preferential treatment to any TSP when arranging for transportation services except on international shipments. Preference on international shipments must be given to United States registered commercial vessels and aircraft; (c) Ensure that small businesses receive equal opportunity to compete for all business they can perform to the maximum extent possible, consistent with the agency's interest (see 48 CFR part 19); (d) Encourage minority-owned businesses and women-owned businesses, to compete for all business they can perform to the maximum extent possible, consistent with the agency's interest (see 48 CFR part 19); (e) Review the need for insurance. Generally, the Government is self-insured; however, there are instances when the Government will purchase insurance coverage for Government property. An example may be cargo insurance for international air cargo shipments to cover losses over those allowed under the International Air Transport Association (IATA) or for ocean freight shipments; and (f) Consider the added requirements on international transportation found in subpart D of this part. Best value to your agency when routing a shipment means using the mode or individual TSP providing the best combination of satisfactory service factors. You should consider the following factors in assessing whether a TSP offers satisfactory service: (a) Availability and suitability of the TSP's equipment; (b) Adequacy of shipping and receiving facilities at origin and destination; (c) Adequacy of pickup and/or delivery service; (d) Availability of accessorial and special services; (e) Estimated time in transit; (f) Record of past performance of the TSP including accuracy of billing; (g) Capability of warehouse equipment and storage space; and (h) Experience of company, management, and personnel to perform the requirements. You calculate total delivery costs for a shipment by considering all costs related to the shipping or receiving process, such as packing, blocking, bracing, drayage, loading and unloading, and transporting. You must assure that small businesses, socially or economically disadvantaged and women-owned TSPs have equal opportunity to provide the transportation or related services. You must describe property in enough detail for the TSP to determine the type of equipment or any special precautions necessary to move the shipment. Details might include weight, volume, measurements, routing, hazardous cargo, or special handling designations. No, but, whenever possible, you are encouraged to select TSPs that use alternative fuel vehicles and equipment, under policy in the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 7612) or the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 13212).
Title 41: Public Contracts and Property Management
PART 102–117—TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT
Subpart C—Business Rules To Consider Before Shipping Freight or Household Goods
§ 102-117.100 What business rules must I consider before acquiring transportation or related services?
§ 102-117.105 What does best value mean when routing a shipment?
§ 102-117.110 What is satisfactory service?
§ 102-117.115 How do I calculate total delivery costs?
§ 102-117.120 To what extent must I equally distribute orders for transportation and related services among TSPs?
§ 102-117.125 How detailed must I describe property for shipment when communicating to a TSP?
§ 102-117.130 Must I select TSPs who use alternative fuels?
