[Request for Reconsideration of Denial of Claims To Recover Set-Off Monies]

A carrier requested reconsideration of a decision which denied its claim to recover monies set off by the Marine Corps to pay a claim for transportation-related damage to a member's mobile home. The carrier contended that: (1) most of the damage incurred was due to wear and tear; and (2) a lower estimate for the repair of the actual damages should have been used. Because of strong evidence of the carrier's negligence, GAO found that the damages noted on the repair estimate appeared consistent with reports of rough handling. Furthermore, a lower estimate which the carrier supplied for repair costs was made after several of the damages had been corrected. Accordingly, the prior decision was affirmed.