Legal Definitions - ullage

Ullage refers to the empty space or shortfall in a container that is intended to be full of liquid. It represents the difference between the container's total capacity and the actual volume of liquid it holds.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: Fuel Delivery

  A tanker truck is contracted to deliver 8,000 gallons of aviation fuel to an airport. Upon arrival and measurement, the receiving facility determines that the tanker contains 7,980 gallons. The ullage in this scenario is 20 gallons, representing the amount of fuel the tanker lacked from its expected full delivery volume. This shortfall might trigger a contractual clause regarding delivery discrepancies.

• Example 2: Wine Storage

  In a winery, barrels of aging wine are regularly checked. Over several months, a small amount of wine can evaporate through the porous wood of the barrel, a phenomenon sometimes called the "angel's share." If a 60-gallon barrel that was initially full now contains 59.5 gallons, the 0.5-gallon air gap at the top is the ullage. Winemakers monitor this to manage their inventory and prevent excessive oxidation.

• Example 3: Bulk Chemical Shipment

  A manufacturing plant receives a large industrial tote designed to hold 275 gallons of a specialized solvent. When the tote is opened and its contents are measured for quality control, it is found to contain only 270 gallons. The 5-gallon difference is the ullage, indicating that the tote was not completely full upon arrival, which could lead to a claim against the supplier for the missing volume.