AR 56-4 — Distribution Of Materiel, Distribution Platform Management, And In-transit Visibility
AR 56-4 governs Army distribution-based logistics, platform management, hazardous material, in-transit visibility, and customs clearance.
- Publication number: AR 56-4
- Title: DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIEL, DISTRIBUTION PLATFORM MANAGEMENT, AND IN-TRANSIT VISIBILITY
- Date: 04/15/2026
- Proponent: G-4
- Status: ACTIVE
View AR 56-4 on armypubs.army.mil
It establishes policies and standards for distribution platforms, leasing, asset visibility, hazardous material shipments, and border clearance. It also addresses automatic identification technology, automated information systems, pipeline control, and Army distribution roles in Joint and combined operations.
Applies to: This regulation also prescribes policies, responsibilities, and standards for all Army organizations and activities originating or receiving materiel and/or forces to ensure effective ITV and to enable positive pipeline control within the transportation and distribution systems.
Topics covered
- Distribution platform management
- ISO container leasing
- In-transit visibility
- Hazardous material shipments
- Customs and border clearance
- Automatic identification technology
- Automated information systems
Questions and answers
What types of missions allow Army container leasing?
Leasing of containers is appropriate for rebasing of forces, training of forces, and one-way shipments. (paragraph 5-1)
Is local leasing of intermodal equipment authorized?
Local leasing of intermodal equipment is not authorized without AIDPMO approval. (paragraph 5-1)
How much lead time is normally required for a commercial intermodal equipment task order?
As a baseline, normal task order issuance from the receipt of funding to contract award is 21 calendar days. (paragraph 5-2)
What must Army personnel do before signing commercial hazardous material shipping certifications?
All Army personnel responsible for signing the certification statement on commercial bills of lading, DD Form 2890 (DoD Multimodal Dangerous Goods Declaration), must attend the HAZMAT certification training course. (paragraph 7-2)
What information must asset visibility capabilities provide?
Asset visibility capabilities must provide timely and accurate information on the location of materiel to meet warfighter requirements. (paragraph 6-1)