[Claim for Refund of Offset for Freight Damage]

A carrier requested review of the Air Force's offsetting collection for the loss and damage to the shipment of a member's household goods, contending that it was not liable for the missing or damaged items, since: (1) the containers were properly sealed at the time of delivery; (2) no evidence of tampering existed; and (3) the member failed to note the alleged loss and damage at delivery. GAO held that the failure to report an item as missing or damaged at delivery was not dispositive of liability. Accordingly, the claim was denied.