Mobile Canning Service Agreement
Mobile canning service agreements establish the operational and financial framework for brewery-canner relationships. Well-crafted contracts define pricing, scheduling, quality standards, liability, and dispute resolution to protect both parties while ensuring consistent packaging outcomes. Clear agreements prevent conflicts and establish accountability for service delivery.
Last updated: August 27, 2026
Essential Contract Elements
| Contract Component | Key Provisions | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Terms | Per-can rates, volume tiers, travel fees, minimums | Establishes cost predictability and discount structures |
| Service Scope | Equipment provided, labor included, consumables coverage | Defines what's included in base rate |
| Quality Standards | DO targets, seam specs, fill tolerances, testing protocols | Sets measurable quality expectations |
| Scheduling Provisions | Booking windows, cancellation notice, rescheduling terms | Manages availability and change processes |
| Volume Commitments | Minimum cans per run or monthly totals | Balances flexibility with canner scheduling needs |
| Term and Renewal | Contract duration, renewal options, termination rights | Defines relationship stability and exit paths |
| Liability and Insurance | Insurance requirements, product loss responsibility, indemnification | Allocates risk and protects both parties |
Pricing Structure Details
Comprehensive pricing provisions should address:
- Base per-can rate: Standard pricing for typical production runs
- Volume discounts: Tiered pricing for higher volumes per run or monthly totals
- Travel charges: Distance-based fees or included service radius
- Minimum run requirements: Thresholds triggering minimum charges
- Additional services: Pricing for extra work beyond standard scope
- Price adjustment mechanisms: How and when rates may change
- Payment terms: Due dates, deposits, late payment penalties
Quality Control Specifications
Define measurable quality standards and accountability:
- Dissolved oxygen targets appropriate for different beer styles
- Seam integrity requirements and inspection frequency
- Fill level tolerances and acceptable variation ranges
- Carbonation verification processes and acceptable ranges
- Reject handling procedures and responsibility allocation
- Quality documentation and reporting requirements
- Corrective action protocols when standards aren't met
| Agreement Type | Brewery Commitment | Cost Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Per-run (no commitment) | None — maximum flexibility | Highest per-can rates; no volume discounts |
| Short-term (6-12 months) | Low — easy exit or renegotiation | Moderate rates; limited leverage for discounts |
| Annual with renewal | Moderate — year commitment | Better rates; volume commitment rewards |
| Multi-year | High — longer commitment period | Best rates; significant volume commitment benefits |
Scheduling and Availability Terms
Clear scheduling provisions prevent conflicts:
- Booking lead time: Required advance notice for scheduling runs
- Cancellation policy: Notice period and fees for cancellations
- Rescheduling terms: Process and costs for date changes
- Priority access: Whether volume commitments earn scheduling preference
- Force majeure: How weather, equipment failure, or emergencies affect obligations
- Backup equipment: Canner's obligations if primary equipment fails
Liability and Risk Allocation
Address risk through comprehensive liability provisions:
- Insurance requirements: Minimum coverage levels for general liability and product liability
- Product loss responsibility: Who bears cost of beer lost to equipment failure or quality issues
- Indemnification: Protection for each party from the other's negligence
- Limitation of liability: Caps on damages for various breach scenarios
- Quality defects: Responsibility for cans failing to meet specifications
- Facility damage: Coverage for damage to brewery property during operations
| Contract Term | What to Negotiate |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Volume discounts, price lock periods, adjustment caps |
| Quality | Specific DO targets, reject thresholds, testing protocols |
| Scheduling | Booking priority, cancellation windows, rescheduling flexibility |
| Term | Duration, renewal options, early termination rights |
| Exclusivity | Whether you can use other canners or must commit exclusively |
Equipment and Operator Standards
Specify canner's equipment and personnel requirements:
- Canning line specifications and throughput capabilities
- Maintenance records and equipment condition standards
- Quality control equipment included (DO meters, seam inspection tools)
- Operator training and experience requirements
- Backup equipment availability for equipment failures
- Sanitation protocols and brewery compliance requirements
Dispute Resolution
Establish clear processes for handling conflicts:
- Quality disputes: Process for addressing quality failures or disagreements
- Scheduling conflicts: Resolution process for booking or availability issues
- Payment disputes: Handling disagreements over invoicing or charges
- Mediation: Requirement to attempt mediation before litigation
- Arbitration: Binding arbitration clauses as alternative to court
- Governing law: Jurisdiction and applicable law for disputes
Frequently Asked Questions
What should breweries include in mobile canning service agreements?
Comprehensive agreements should cover pricing structure, volume commitments, scheduling terms, quality standards including dissolved oxygen targets, cancellation policies, liability coverage, equipment specifications, and dispute resolution processes. Clear contracts protect both parties and establish expectations for service quality, availability, and operational procedures.
How do mobile canning service agreements differ from equipment purchase contracts?
Service agreements govern ongoing relationships with per-use pricing and operational terms, while purchase contracts are one-time transactions for equipment acquisition. Service agreements address scheduling, quality protocols, and service delivery, whereas purchase contracts focus on equipment specifications, warranties, installation, and payment terms.