Tools
Which Delivery Term Code and Offer Release Code fit this shipment?
Answer four questions about a shipment to see the Delivery Term Codes and Offer Release Codes whose definitions in the fit it, and whether it needs a .
Estimate only — the governs. The assigns the codes on each line.
Describe the shipment
Codes that fit
Choose who moves the materiel and where it is handed over to see the codes.
Before relying on these codes
- The purchaser's shipping method drives the codes: who moves the materiel, and where the U.S. Government hands it over.
- These are typical paths, not defaults. The manual sets no default code, and more than one code can fit a line.
- A is rarely settled for good when the is signed. The assigns it during case development and changes it by amendment in coordination with the purchaser.
- No transportation rates are shown here.
Who sets the codes
“During case development, the Implementing Agency’s (IA) role in determining and assigning the proper DTC to each line on the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) is critical to successful materiel shipment.”
“A purchaser may specify a preferred DTC in the Letter of Request (LOR).”
“Following case implementation assigned DTCs should be updated through an Amendment as required in coordination with the purchaser.”
The two codes go together:
“This code specifies notification requirements prior to shipment and must be compatible with the Delivery Term Code.”
Sources
- SAMM Figure C5.F10 — Letter of Offer and Acceptance Information
- SAMM Table C7.T6 — Offer Release Codes
- SAMM C7.11.1 — Notice of Availability
- SAMM C7.11.1.1 — Unclassified Materiel
- SAMM C7.11.1.2 — Classified Shipments
- SAMM C7.11.2.1 — Offer Release Codes for the Government of Canada
- SAMM C7.13.1 — General
- SAMM C7.13.2 — Transportation Plan Preparation
- SAMM C7.13.3.1 — Classified Requirements
- SAMM C7.13.3.2 — Arms, Ammunition, & Explosives Requirements
- SAMM C7.13.3.3 — Controlled Cryptographic Item Requirements
- SAMM C7.4.1 — Delivery Term Code
- SAMM C7.4.2
- SAMM C7.6.2.7 — Shipments by the U.S. Government to a Freight Forwarder or Embassy (DTC 5)
- SAMM C7.6.2.8 — Delivery on Board a Purchaser-Controlled Ship or Aircraft at a Department of Defense Port of Embarkation (DTC 8)
- SAMM Figure C5.F11 — Instructions for Preparing a Letter of Offer and Acceptance
- SAMM C15.3.11.1.2.2.1 — Prime Vendor and Vendor Small Parcel Package Transportation
Related guides
- What is a Delivery Term Code?
- What is a Transportation Plan in a Foreign Military Sale?
- Should a Foreign Military Sales purchaser use a freight forwarder or the Defense Transportation System?
- How is classified materiel shipped in FMS?
- How are hazardous materials shipped in a Foreign Military Sale?
- How does a purchaser pay for transportation in a Foreign Military Sale?
Foreign Military Sales (FMS)
A process, authorized by the Arms Export Control Act, through which eligible foreign governments and international organizations may purchase defense articles, services, and training from the United States Government.
SAMM Glossary, as of 12 September 2026
Glossary entry →Open the manual’s entry → (opens in new tab)
Security Assistance Management Manual (SAMM)
DSCA Manual 5105.38-M required under DoD Directive 5105.65, "Defense Security Cooperation Agency" mandatory for use by all DoD Components. The SAMM provides DoD-wide guidance to the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), the Military Departments (MILDEPs), the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Joint Staff, the Combatant Commands, the Defense Agencies, the DoD Field Activities, the Security Cooperation Organizations (SCOs), and all other organizational entities within the DoD engaged in the management or implementation of DoD Security Assistance and Security Cooperation programs over which DSCA has responsibility.
SAMM Glossary, as of 12 September 2026
Glossary entry →Open the manual’s entry → (opens in new tab)
Transportation Plan
A document that details the transportation and security arrangements for moving classified or sensitive material, and identifies individuals responsible for providing security at various points during transportation.
SAMM Glossary, as of 12 September 2026
Glossary entry →Open the manual’s entry → (opens in new tab)
Implementing Agency (IA)
The military department or defense agency responsible for the execution of military assistance programs. With respect to FMS, the military department or defense agency assigned responsibility by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency to prepare an LOA and to implement an FMS case. The implementing agency is responsible for the overall management of the actions that will result in delivery of the materials or services set forth in the LOA that was accepted by a foreign country or international organization.
SAMM Glossary, as of 12 September 2026
Glossary entry →Open the manual’s entry → (opens in new tab)
LOA — Letter of Offer and Acceptance
SAMM Acronyms, as of 12 September 2026
Delivery Term Code (DTC)
A single character code that represents how far the USG is responsible for arranging transportation of defense articles going to an international customer.
SAMM Glossary, as of 12 September 2026
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Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA)
The legal instrument used by the USG to transfer itemized defense articles, defense services, and design and construction services to foreign partners.
When used under the authorities provided in the Arms Export Control Act for Foreign Military Sales, the LOA is a binding agreement signed by the USG and the foreign partner to transfer such articles and services.
When used under Building Partnership Capacity (BPC) authorities, the BPC LOA is not signed by the Benefitting Partner.
SAMM Glossary, as of 12 September 2026
Glossary entry →Open the manual’s entry → (opens in new tab)