DA Form 2978 PDF: Container & Dunnage Work Order

DA Form 2978 PDF: Container & Dunnage Work Order – The U.S. Army uses DA Form 2978, titled Container and Dunnage Fabrication Work Order, to request and authorize the custom fabrication of containers and dunnage for military storage, shipping, and material handling. This form ensures proper documentation, cost tracking, and production scheduling for protective packaging solutions critical to logistics and supply chain operations.

What Is DA Form 2978?

DA Form 2978 is an official Department of the Army form used to initiate work orders for fabricating custom containers and dunnage materials. It dates to June 1965 and remains referenced in relevant Army technical manuals for storage and materials handling.

Dunnage refers to materials like lumber, padding, or supports used to secure, protect, and separate cargo during storage and transportation, preventing damage from movement, moisture, or environmental factors. Containers include crates, cases, and boxes tailored to specific items.

This form supports Army supply units, depots, and maintenance activities in managing packaging requirements per established standards.

Purpose and Importance of the Container and Dunnage Fabrication Work Order

The primary purpose of DA Form 2978 is to provide a standardized request and tracking document for fabricating specialized packaging. Key benefits include:

  • Accurate Specification Capture — Details dimensions, materials, and load types for precise fabrication.
  • Cost Control — Tracks material and labor costs through detailed accounting sections.
  • Production Scheduling — Establishes delivery timelines and monitors progress.
  • Compliance — Ensures adherence to military packaging and preservation standards outlined in technical manuals like TM 743-200-1.

Proper use of this form helps maintain supply readiness, reduces damage to equipment and supplies, and supports efficient logistics operations across U.S. Army installations and deployments.

Key Sections of DA Form 2978

The one-page form includes several structured sections:

  • Header Information: Work Order Number, Date, Requested By, Telephone Extension.
  • Account and Delivery Details: Account Number, Stock/SNL Ticket, Deliver To, Production Date.
  • Item Specifications: Item Required, Quantity, Style, Type Load, Length, Width, Depth, Contents Weight.
  • Case Liners and Remarks: Additional protective layering and special instructions.
  • Delivery Schedule: Required and Received dates/quantities.
  • Cost Accounting Data: Breakdown of materials (lumber in MBF, barrier in Sq. Yd., fiberboard, plywood, nails, staples, etc.) with quantities, costs, overhead, shop costs, and total man-hours.

These fields create a comprehensive record for fabrication shops and accounting purposes.

How to Fill Out DA Form 2978?

  1. Complete Header and Requester Info — Enter the work order number, date, and contact details.
  2. Specify Account and Delivery — Provide account numbers and delivery location.
  3. Detail the Item Requirements — Describe the container/dunnage needed, including exact dimensions and weight of contents.
  4. Add Protective Elements — Specify case liners, barrier types, and any remarks for special handling.
  5. Outline Delivery Schedule — Indicate required dates and quantities.
  6. Cost Data — Fabrication personnel or supply staff typically complete the material and cost breakdown upon production.

Use clear, precise entries. Consult unit supply or packaging specialists for complex requirements. The form pairs with DA Form 2979 for production control tracking in some workflows.

Note: Always refer to current Army regulations and TM 743-200-1 for detailed guidance, as policies may update.

Who Uses DA Form 2978?

  • U.S. Army supply and logistics personnel.
  • Maintenance and repair units requiring custom packaging.
  • Depot-level fabrication shops.
  • Contractors supporting Army material handling and storage operations.

It is primarily for internal Army use but supports broader Department of Defense logistics efforts.

Official DA Form 2978 PDF Download

Download the official fillable DA Form 2978 here:

DA Form 2978 PDF – Army Publishing Directorate

This is the authoritative source from armypubs.army.mil. Save the blank form for your records or printing.

Best Practices and Tips for Using DA Form 2978

  • Double-check dimensions and weight specifications to avoid fabrication errors.
  • Include clear remarks for unique requirements (e.g., environmental protection or hazardous materials).
  • Maintain copies for unit records and audits.
  • Coordinate with packaging engineers or reference military standards for complex items.
  • Integrate with inventory and work order systems for better tracking.

Accurate completion supports mission readiness and helps control costs in military supply chains.

  • DA Form 2979: Container and Dunnage Fabrication Work Order and Production Control Register.
  • TM 743-200-1: Storage and Materials Handling (primary reference).
  • Army Publishing Directorate (armypubs.army.mil) for the latest forms and manuals.

For questions specific to your unit, contact your local supply or logistics support office.

Stay prepared with the right documentation. DA Form 2978 remains an essential tool for efficient container and dunnage fabrication in the U.S. Army. Download your copy today and ensure your logistics operations run smoothly.

This guide is for informational purposes and targets U.S. Army personnel and support staff. Always verify with official Army channels for the most current instructions.