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SHIPMENT OF HOUSEHOLD GOODS (HHG)
(302-7)

Maximum weight allowance - 18,000 pounds net weight.

Constructive weight when no scale is available is based on 7 pounds per cubic foot of properly loaded van space.

METHOD OF SHIPMENT

The agency will obtain a cost comparison from the General Services Administration (GSA) which will be the basis for the determination to authorize commuted rate method or actual expense method.

Actual Expense (GBL) method:

The Government assumes responsibility for awarding contracts and for other negotiations with carriers. The household goods are shipped by the GBL method, and the Government audits and pays transportation vouchers directly to carriers. Under this method, the agency will obtain a cost comparison from GSA which will list contract carriers. The Agency will select the carrier from the list and household goods will be shipped by the Government, not by the employee.

If the actual expense method is authorized, an individual may select to do a self-move. If the employee wishes to rent a u-haul, etc., to move the household goods, the employee will be reimbursed for actual costs not to exceed the amount authorized under the actual expense method. In this case, the employee must obtain weight certificates, rental receipts, and gas and oil receipts in order to file a claim for reimbursement. NOTE: The employee should state in remarks on the travel voucher that the u-haul was a trailer or motorized. An employee may not choose to use the commuted rate method and hire their own moving company when they have been authorized the actual expense method.

Commuted Rate Method:

This method is only authorized when the employee can demonstrate a cost savings to the government. Commuted rate is authorized when the employee contracts directly with a moving company, and is not used for self moves. In most cases, the determination of which method is advantageous results in the actual expense method being authorized. Under the commuted rate system an employee makes his or her own arrangements for transporting household goods between points with a moving company. The employee selects and pays the carrier or transports his or her goods by noncommercial means and is reimbursed by the Government in accordance with schedules of commuted rates which are published by GSA. NOTE: Commuted rate cannot be used unless authorized.