ADVISORY - Shipments of Sheet Metal and Metal Pipes 1 (1).pdf

NAVY SHIPPING ADVISORY

Subj: SHIPMENTS OF SHEET METAL AND METAL PIPES

Ref: (a) DOD 4500.9-R, Defense Transportation Regulation (DTR), Part II, C

(b) MIL-STD-2073 (latest version)

(c) MIL-STD-147 (latest version)

(d) AFI 24-605 V2 Ch.3 (latest version)

Encl: (1) Examples of Unitized Loads

1. Effective 1 November 2023, Travis Air Force Base (AFB) Air Mobility Command (AMC) stopped accepting sheet metal or pipes without proper packing, blocking and bracing. Travis will reject shipments that are not properly packaged to safely off-load or are not considered airworthy.

Shipments of sheet metal or pipes cannot be shipped in a loose configuration. Enclosure (1) defines unacceptable and acceptable unitized loads. It is imperative that contract language provides specific packaging requirements to prevent this material from getting frustrated or returned.

2. Per reference (a), blocking and bracing is used to secure material in a container, on a skid, or in a conveyance (e.g., truck or railcar). Blocking is the use of cut pieces of dimensional lumber, typically fastened to the top deck of the structure or inside a container. Blocking is used to provide a railing around the edge of the product to block the product in place to prevent shifting from side to side or front-to-back during transit. Bracing prevents the lateral movement of the product within the container. Braces are secured to the interior walls and at times to the inside top of the container. Per reference (b), unpreserved item(s) shall be protected from physical damage and mechanical malfunction. Cushioning materials, dunnage, blocking and bracing shall be applied as required to protect the item(s) and the enclosing media and restrict the movement of the item within the container. Per reference (c), provides guidance on unitization and banding of unit loads, i.e., container consolidation, placement on a pallet or load base, securely binding materials together. References (b) and (c) are required and referenced in Navy and DLA contracts.

3. Shippers are responsible to ensure all cargo tendered to AMC is packed, marked, labeled, and documented in accordance with the DTR 4500.9-R, Part II. It’s extremely important to follow the

DTR and AMC process. If the sheet metal is not properly unitized and secured, Travis AFB will reject the shipment and the requestor will be responsible for all additional charges incurred. Travis

AFB will submit a Supply Discrepancy Report (SDR) against the vendor for non-compliant unitization. Submitted SDRs will generate a report in the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPS) impacting the vendor’s future acquisitions.

4. For additional questions please contact Mandie Kirk, N33 Department Head, WSS Transportation &

Distribution at 757-443-5344 or mandie.kirk.civ@us.navy.mil.

Enclosure 1

Examples of Unitized Loads

**Below are examples of how your sheet metal and pipes should be packaged. It must be packaged properly to load and off loaded using a forklift and secured to a 463L pallet.

**Do not ship metal without being properly braced. This is unsafe for on and off loading and cannot be loaded onto a MILAIR 463L pallet. Examples of improper packaging are below: