GAO evaluated the Military Airlift Command's (MAC) air freight service TP-4 program to determine to what extent military shippers were utilizing cargo space on military flights returning to the United States from overseas.

GAO found that, although a significant volume of cargo was transported by the MAC system, MAC aircraft were still returning with unused space. Meanwhile, the Department of Defense (DOD) was paying commercial ocean carriers to move its cargo from countries served by MAC. GAO estimated that DOD could have reduced its ocean transportation costs by about $3.4 million from October 1980 through March 1982. GAO concluded that constraints on use of MAC aircraft could be overcome with more effective program management.

Status Legend:

Review Pending-GAO has not yet assessed implementation status.

Open-Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned, or actions that partially satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.

Closed-implemented-Actions that satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.

Closed-not implemented-While the intent of the recommendation has not been satisfied, time or circumstances have rendered the recommendation invalid.

• Review Pending
• Open
• Closed - implemented
• Closed - not implemented

Recommendation for Executive Action

Recommendation: The Secretary of Defense should instruct the services to place a sufficient amount of their general cargo and household goods shipments into the MAC system to use MAC airlift to the maximum extent possible and direct MAC to provide the services with sufficient and timely notice of available space.

Agency Affected: Department of Defense

Status: Closed - Implemented

Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.