Claim Filed by Carrier More Than Three Years After Accrual

A firm requested a review of the refusal of the General Services Administration (GSA) to consider transportation expense claims which it had submitted for outstanding freight charges on four shipments. These claims were returned to the firm as they were not received by the proper office within the proper statute of limitations. The claims were not received by GSA, the contracting agency, or the Department of the Navy within 3 years of the date of delivery of shipment. The original bills of lading had been lost and certificates in lieu were not secured until the statute of limitations had expired. The firm did not protect its rights from the bar of limitations by filing a claim with GAO, GSA, or the contracting agency prior to the transfer of audit. GAO sustained the action of GSA barring these charges from consideration and returned the documents submitted to the firm.