US Laws on Government Surplus Shipping

Government surplus materials may be available from state surplus warehouses.

The federal government provides surplus materials to certain groups free of charge under federal surplus laws. Materials can include equipment, furniture or any other governmental surplus property not needed by the government. Groups can receive items free of charge and are only required to pay for shipping of the materials. Governmental surplus property is governed by the U.S. General Services Administration and various state agencies for surplus property.

Federal Surplus Donation Program In General

Title 40 Section 549 of the U.S. Code authorized the federal government to participate in the surplus donation program. The program is designed to assist non-governmental agencies and groups in procuring much-needed items at a dramatically reduced cost than purchasing for free. Most items are used and require repair. Personal property that may be donated through the program includes electronic equipment, furniture, computers, cars, clothing, medical supplies, tools, appliances, hardware, office supplies, boats and airplanes.

Eligible Agencies and Programs

The Federal Surplus Donation Program is designed to assist non-federal governmental agencies by donating used goods. This includes state agencies such as states themselves, local governments, instrumentalities of local governments or Indian tribes. Non-profit groups and public institutions are also eligible for donations including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools and universities, museums, libraries or historical centers. Service Educational Activities (SEAs) are also eligible including groups like Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Red Cross, Girls and Boys Scouts and any other SEA of interest to the department of defense. Public airports are also considered within the purview of the Federal Surplus Donation Program as well.

Costs

There is no cost to receive donated items. Groups are responsible for the shipping costs of donated items. Interested groups are encouraged to visit their local State Agency for Surplus Property (SASP) warehouse to view and inspect property. Interested donees may take property directly from the warehouse without shipping costs or are free to arrange to have items shipped at the donee's expense. In addition, SASP warehouses are self-sustaining and rely on service charges from donations. Service charges are calculated based on the fair market value of the donated property.

Restrictions

The Federal Surplus Donation Program extends to military vessels, firearms and animals. However, certain restrictions are placed on these specialty items. For instance, while most donees must promise to use a donated item for one year to 18 months, those receiving aircraft or vessels longer than 50 feet must agree to use the item for at least five years. Those receiving combat-configured aircraft or firearms must use those items in perpetuity. For cases involving donated animals, donees must receive permission before euthanizing certain species, canines must be donated to those with handler training and special considerations are given to non-human primates.

References

• apps.fas.gsa.gov: Guide to the Federal Surplus Personal Property Donation Program: November 2008
• GSA.gov: How to Acquire Surplus Property: U.S. General Services Administration: 2011
• GSA.gov: Special Processes for Disposal of Aircraft, Firearms, Vessels and Animals: U.S. General Services Administration: 2011