DA Form 3857 PDF Download: Bulk Petroleum Checklist – The DA Form 3857, officially titled Commercial Deliveries of Bulk Petroleum Products Checklist, is a critical U.S. Army document used to verify and document safe, accurate, and compliant receipt of bulk petroleum products from commercial suppliers. It ensures quality, quantity, safety, and accountability during deliveries to military installations, posts, camps, or stations.
This checklist supports regulatory compliance with Army supply and petroleum operations procedures and helps prevent errors, contamination, or disputes with vendors.
Download the latest DA Form 3857 here: Official PDF
What Is DA Form 3857?
DA Form 3857 is a standardized checklist for receiving commercial bulk petroleum deliveries, such as fuel for vehicles, aircraft, or equipment storage. It guides receiving personnel through pre-delivery preparation, acceptance inspections, unloading, and post-delivery verification.
The form is referenced in Army regulations and pamphlets, including those related to inventory management and petroleum supply operations. It promotes safety, accuracy in measurements (including temperature corrections to 60°F), and proper documentation.
Key purposes include:
- Verifying product quality and quantity.
- Ensuring safety protocols during handling of flammable materials.
- Maintaining accountability for government fuel receipts.
- Reducing risks of contamination, shortages, or acceptance of substandard product.
Purpose and Importance in U.S. Army Operations
Bulk petroleum is a vital Class III supply. Commercial deliveries require rigorous checks because they come from non-military sources. The DA Form 3857 serves as an official record that receiving personnel followed proper procedures.
Using this form helps:
- Protect against pilferage, tampering, or delivery discrepancies.
- Support quality surveillance and environmental compliance.
- Provide documentation for contracting officers and commanders in case of disputes.
- Ensure compliance with safety standards (e.g., grounding, fire extinguishers, no-smoking areas).
It is especially relevant for Army garrisons, fuel farms, and units relying on commercial suppliers for bulk JP-8, diesel, or other petroleum products.
Key Sections of DA Form 3857
The form is divided into clear operational phases. Each item is typically checked off as completed.
Section I – Unit Activity
1. Preparing for Delivery
- Verify that gauging, sampling, and measuring equipment is clean and functional.
- Confirm the receiving tank has sufficient space for the delivery.
2. Prior to Acceptance or Unloading
This is the most detailed section and includes critical safety and verification steps:
- Check the vendor’s delivery ticket for completeness (product grade, API gravity, temperature, quantity, seals, consignment).
- Spot the vehicle correctly, shut off motors, and block wheels.
- Position fire extinguishers and No Smoking signs.
- Ground the vehicle and inspect for leaks.
- Examine seals on hatches and valves.
- Visually inspect product clarity and check for water/sediment.
- Measure temperature and quantity, applying corrections to 60°F standard.
- Take quality samples if required.
Note: Receiving personnel must perform these tasks themselves — drivers should not do them on behalf of the government.
3. During Unloading Operations
- Maintain constant supervision.
- Control traffic around the area.
- Suspend other dispensing operations.
4. After Cargo Is Unloaded
- Verify the tank is empty.
- Disconnect grounding, secure equipment, and clean up spills.
- Sign the delivery ticket and retain the government copy.
- Gauge the receiving tank post-delivery.
5. Remarks
Space for noting any issues, referencing specific checklist items.
Section II – Prepared By
- Printed name, rank/grade, signature, and date of the person completing the form.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Completing DA Form 3857
- Enter the unit, post, camp, or station at the top.
- Work through each checklist item in sequence, checking off completed actions.
- Record detailed remarks for any discrepancies (e.g., seal issues, water found, quantity variances).
- Ensure the driver or vendor representative does not perform government inspection duties.
- After unloading, sign and date the form. The form locks once signed in digital versions.
- Retain records per Army supply retention policies.
Pro Tip: Always notify the commander and contracting officer immediately if there is disagreement on quantity, quality, or other issues.
Best Practices and Safety Considerations
- Never leave unloading unattended.
- Use certified gauging tools and capacity tables.
- Guard against contamination (e.g., no loose objects near open hatches).
- Follow all hazardous material handling protocols.
- Coordinate with quality surveillance teams for sampling when required.
- Keep the area secure and clean after delivery.
These steps align with broader petroleum operations guidance in Army publications.
Common Issues and How to Avoid Them
- Quantity Disputes — Always perform independent gauging and temperature corrections.
- Quality Problems — Visual checks and water-finding paste are mandatory; reject cloudy or contaminated loads.
- Documentation Errors — Double-check delivery tickets against actual measurements.
- Safety Violations — Proper grounding and fire prevention are non-negotiable.
Thorough use of DA Form 3857 minimizes these risks and protects unit readiness.
Where to Get the Official DA Form 3857?
Download the current version directly from the Army Publishing Directorate:
DA Form 3857 PDF
Previous editions are obsolete. Always use the latest form for official records.
For additional guidance, refer to relevant Army regulations on supply procedures and petroleum management, or consult your unit’s supply or logistics officer.
This article provides general information based on official U.S. Army sources. Always follow current unit SOPs, regulations, and commander guidance for operational use.