[Claim for Reimbursement for Household Goods Transportation Costs]
B-212818: Mar 13, 1984
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An Air Force employee appealed a Claims Group settlement which denied his claim for reimbursement for transportation expenses in excess of the commuted rate. The employee was authorized transportation expenses under a government bill of lading (GBL), but he chose to make his own shipping arrangements. The employee contended that the Tort Claims Act and contract law entitled him to reimbursement at the GBL actual expense rate rather than at the lower commuted rate schedule. GAO is not authorized to settle claims that are based on the act. Regarding contract law, GAO has held that an employee who is authorized to ship goods under a GBL, but chooses to ship the goods under his own arrangements, is to be reimbursed under the commuted rate schedule. Accordingly, the prior decision was sustained.
