B-248185: Sep 2, 1992

A carrier appealed the settlement denying its claim for refund of a Navy offset for damages to a service member's household goods, contending it was charged for damages that occurred while in the custody of previous custodians. GAO held that the carrier was liable for the damages, since it: (1) failed to inspect the inventory when it was picked up from the storage facililty; and (2) was the last...

B-248185: Sep 2, 1992

PROCUREMENT Payment/Discharge Shipment Damages Carrier liability Presumptions Loss of or damage to goods that pass through the hands of several custodians is presumed to have occurred in the custody of the last one. Notice was timely dispatched to Eastern. (2) the shipment was in the custody and control of the warehouseman and/or the government for a significant amount of time. It is well-establis...