What's New? - Year 2007

Freight Rate Offers Effective December 1, 2007

New freight rate offers with an effective date of December 1, 2007 are now available for viewing on the TMSS website at www.moveit.gsa.gov. To view the new rates, please ensure that a pickup/move date of December 1, 2007, or later is entered into the appropriate query screen or report screen.

Using jUpload for Rate Filing

The instructions for using jUpload were provided during a presentation at the November 6, 2007, TSP Partnership Meeting.

2007-2008 Household Goods Request for Offers

The 2007-2008 Household Goods Request for Offers is now available.

2007 Customer Satisfaction Survey for Transportation

CFI Group, an independent consulting firm, conducted the 2007 Transportation Customer Satisfaction Survey during the period of August 1st through September 7th via internet and telephone. Customers using the Freight Management Program (FMP) and the Centralized Household Goods Traffic Management Program (CHAMP) responded. Click results to view the survey's methodology, findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

2007-2008 Department of State Request for Offers

GSA has posted the 2007-2008 Department of State Request for Offers and Special Filing Instructions. The due date for submission of rate offers is November 5, 2007.

RFO for the submission of Non-Alternating rate offers for National Industries for the Blind and Severely Handicapped (NIB/NISH)

GSA has posted a Request for Offers (RFO) transmitting the Filing Instructions (FI) for the submission of Non-Alternating rate offers on behalf of the National Industries for the Blind and Severely Handicapped (NIB/NISH) for freight-all-kinds (FAK) traffic, which are due by 10:00pm CST, November 5, 2007. If you have any questions, please contact Jim Stroup at 816-823-3646 or via e-mail at jim.stroup@gsa.gov.

Notice of Amendment to the General RFO to include a 4% Transaction Fee

The General Service Administration is amending the General Request for Offers (RFO) dated March 2, 2007, to include a 4% Transaction Fee. Rates may be, but are not required to be resubmitted during the identified supplemental window of October 2, 2007 – November 5, 2007, which are due by 10:00pm CST, November 5, 2007 . Please note that all terms and conditions of the RFO and its Filing Instructions (FI) dated March 2, 2007, are still applicable to those rate offers submitted and accepted during the supplemental filling. If you have any questions, please contact Jim Stroup at 816-823-3646 or via e-mail at jim.stroup@gsa.gov.

GSA Household Goods Industrial Funding Fee Reminder (3rd Qtr 2007)

This Notice serves as a reminder that per the Household Goods Tender of Service (HTOS) paragraph 5-17, "The Participant must remit the GSA Industrial Funding Fee (IFF) specified in HTOS Paragraph 7-1.11 within sixty (60) calendar days after the end of each calendar quarter upon which the shipment reports are required." Failure to remit IFF and shipment and claim reports could result in revocation of your approval in the CHAMP program. Third quarter 2007 (July through September 2007) IFF and shipment reports are due no later than November 30, 2007. Please annotate 3rd Quarter 2007 on the checks to ensure they are credited to the proper quarter. Per the Request for Offers 2-7.6.1 "An IFF is not assessed against POV and UAB shipments unless an agreement has been developed." If there are multiple Household Goods (HHG) shipments, an IFF is assessed on each HHG shipment. See 2-7.6 Supplemental Shipments. Per Household Goods Tender of Service 7-1.11.1.1. Check payment: "Checks shall be made payable to "GSA-GL474.1 [SCAC Code]"; e.g., "GSA-GL474.1 [YZAB]. The check register/memo line must identify the quarter (i.e. 1stqtr00, 3rdqtr00) and the GBL/BL number or include with the IFF submission a copy of the shipment report containing such information. Checks must be mailed to:

Express delivery (i.e. FedEx, UPS, Airborne, etc.) should be sent to:

Per HTOS 9-3.2.2.2, the Federal Agency Identification Code (FAIC) is required in Record Position(s) 15-23. Please ensure the correct FAIC is included. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Anne Sykes (703) 605-2889 or maryanne.sykes@gsa.gov.

Modifying rate filing window of the 2007 - 2008 Freight Management Program Request for Offers

Per this notification, the General Services Administration (GSA) is modifying the dates identified in Section 1-2.F.2. New Filings, Late Filings, and Supplemental Filings of the 2007-2008 Freight Management Program Request for Offers dated March 2, 2007. GSA anticipates that the rate filing opportunities identified in Section 1-2.F.2. will now open on or about October 1, 2007, and will close approximately thirty (30) days after it opens. As a result of the modification, acceptable rates submitted during this modified window will become effective December 1, 2007, as opposed to the originally identified Accepted/Effective date of November 1, 2007. All references to the dates identified in Section 1-2.F.2. in other portions of the RFO are also modified per this notification. Firm dates for "Date Received" as identified in Section 1-2.F.2 will be provided once GSA issues notification that the filing opportunities have opened.

Questions can be directed to Jim Stroup at 816-823-3646 or jim.stroup@gsa.gov.

Exercising option to extend the expiration date of accepted NIB/NISH rate offers

In accordance with Section 1-4 of the 2006/2007 NIB/NISH, WDC and EDC Request for Offers dated August 28, 2006, and Amended September 14, 2006, the General Services Administration (GSA) is exercising its option to extend the expiration date of the accepted NIB/NISH rate offers. Instead of the original expiration date of October 31, 2007, accepted rate offers will now expire on November 30, 2007. It is anticipated that the 2007/2008 NIB/NISH RFO will be posted on or about October 1, 2007, for a rate effective date of December 1, 2007.

This extension does not apply to the WDC and EDC rate offers accepted under the same RFO as identified above. The WDC and EDC accepted rate offers are not due to expire until October 31, 2008 with an option to extend for an additional year.

Questions can be directed to Jim Stroup at 816-823-3646 or jim.stroup@gsa.gov.

EXTENSION OF CURRENT DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL RATES IN CHAMP

In accordance with Section 2-10 of the 2006-2007 Household Goods Request For Offers (RFO), GSA is hereby notifying all approved Transportation Service Providers in the GSA Centralized Household Goods Traffic Management Program (CHAMP) of its intent to extend the current Domestic and International rates. These rates will continue to be in effect through December 31, 2007. This extension is necessary to allow time for GSA to modify RFO requirements in accordance with the recent STB decision. The 2007-2008 RFO will open approximately November 1, 2007. If you have any questions, please contact Brian Kellhofer at 816-823-3646 or via e-mail at brian.kellhofer@gsa.gov.

Training on How to Prepare a Quality Offer

GSA will host a training session, How to Prepare a Quality Offer, on Schedule 48 for Transportation, Delivery & Relocation Solutions (TDRS). This session provides an opportunity for transportation service providers to learn more about the Schedules environment. This will be beneficial for those considering offering services under Schedule 48, The Transportation, Delivery & Relocation Solutions. It is different from the tenders environment in which many of you operate.

An overview of the Schedule 48 solicitation that will include general information regarding the GSA Multiple Award Schedules program, as well as specific information regarding the TDRS program will be presented. Following the formal presentation, there will be time allotted for questions and one-on-one sessions.

What: How to Prepare a Quality Offer session

When: Monday, October 29, 2007 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Where:	2200 Crystal Drive Room L1301
	Arlington, VA 22202

Registration: All interested attendees must register on-line at www.gsa.gov/events.

Please contact Patrick Mudd at 703.605.2857 or patrick.mudd@gsa.gov if you have questions.

Federal Civilian Agencies Freight and Household Goods Relocation Committee meeting

Review the minutes of the quarterly combined Federal Civilian Agencies Freight and Household Goods Relocation Committee meeting held at 2200 Crystal Drive, Crystal Plaza 4 on August 1, 2007.

Transportation Service Providers Partnership meeting minutes

Review the minutes of the semi-annual Transportation Service Providers Partnership meeting held at 2200 Crystal Drive, Crystal Plaza 4, Arlington, Virginia on August 1, 2007.

Federal Civilian Agencies Freight and Household Goods Relocation Committee meeting

Review the minutes of the quarterly combined Federal Civilian Agencies Freight and Household Goods Relocation Committee meeting held at 490 L'Enfant Plaza East, Washington DC on May 2, 2007.

Transportation Service Providers Partnership meeting minutes

Review the minutes of the semi-annual Transportation Service Providers Partnership meeting held at 490 L'Enfant Plaza East, Washington DC on May 3, 2007.

Federal Civilian Agencies Freight and Household Goods Relocation Committee meeting

Review the minutes of the quarterly combined Federal Civilian Agencies Freight and Household Goods Relocation Committee meeting held at 2200 Crystal Drive, Arlington, Virginia on February 15, 2007.

GSA Household Goods Industrial Funding Fee Reminder (2nd Qtr 2007)

This Notice serves as a reminder that per the Household Goods Tender of Service (HTOS) paragraph 5-17, "The Participant must remit the GSA Industrial Funding Fee (IFF) specified in HTOS Paragraph 7-1.11 within sixty (60) calendar days after the end of each calendar quarter upon which the shipment reports are required." Failure to remit IFF and shipment and claim reports could result in revocation of your approval in the CHAMP program. Second quarter 2007 (April through June 2007) IFF and shipment reports are due no later than August 31, 2007. Please annotate 2nd Quarter 2007 on the checks to ensure they are credited to the proper quarter. Per the Request for Offers 2-7.6.1 "An IFF is not assessed against POV and UAB shipments unless an agreement has been developed." If there are multiple Household Goods (HHG) shipments, an IFF is assessed on each HHG shipment. See 2-7.6 Supplemental Shipments. Per Household Goods Tender of Service 7-1.11.1.1. Check payment: "Checks shall be made payable to "GSA-GL474.1 [SCAC Code]"; e.g., "GSA-GL474.1 [YZAB]. The check register/memo line must identify the quarter (i.e. 1stqtr00, 3rdqtr00) and the GBL/BL number or include with the IFF submission a copy of the shipment report containing such information. Checks must be mailed to:

Express delivery (i.e. FedEx, UPS, Airborne, etc.) should be sent to:

Per HTOS 9-3.2.2.2, the Federal Agency Identification Code (FAIC) is required in Record Position(s) 15-23. Please ensure the correct FAIC is included. If you have any questions, please contact Lynn Ju at (703) 605-2898 or lynnette.ju@gsa.gov.

Posting of Household Goods (HHG) Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI)

See the 2007 Customer Satisfaction Indexes (Domestic and International).

Clarification on fuel surcharges

Need clarification on fuel surcharges? Click on GSA Fuel Surcharge Frequently Asked Questions.

RFO for the transportation of FEMA Trailers and Mobile Homes

On April 20, 2007, GSA posted an RFO for parties interested in submitting tenders for transportation of FEMA excess trailers and mobile homes. For instructions and additional information, go to FedBizOpps.

GSA Freight Industrial Funding Fee Reminder

NOTE: This Notice only applies to agencies (excluding National Industries for the Blind (NIB)/National Industries for the Severely Handicapped (NISH)) that have signed Freight Transportation Services Agreements (TSAs) with GSA. The 2nd FY Quarter 2007 (January - March) quarterly reports and Industrial Funding Fee (IFF) are due no later than April 14, 2007 (14 calendar days after the end of the quarter) unless otherwise stated in your TSA. Failure to remit IFF and shipment reports could result in revocation of your participation in the Freight Management Program.

The quarterly report should preferably be sent to: transportation.programs@gsa.gov It may also be faxed to (703) 605-9933, attention Raymond F. Price, Jr.. The reporting data should contain the quarter you are reporting, number of shipments, and the dollar value of transportation services purchased from TSPs pursuant to GSA’s freight management services. Also include the 4% industrial funding fee (IFF) dollar amount owed to GSA. IFF payment should be processed using an automated interface. In the event payment has to be made by check, make it payable to the “General Services Administration” and make sure you reference on the check, “GSA-GL 474.2 (followed by your agency abbreviation and GSA invoice number).” When using regular USPS mail, send the check to the General Services Administration, Miscellaneous Receipts for Non-Federal Claims, P.O. Box 979009, St. Louis, MO 63197-9009. When using FedEx or another company for express delivery, send the check to US Bank, Attn. Government Lockbox 979009, Mail Code # SL - MOC1GL, 1005 Convention Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63101-9009. If you have any questions, please contact Raymond F. Price, Jr. at (703) 605-2890 or raymond.price@gsa.gov.

GSA Household Goods Industrial Funding Fee Reminder

This Notice serves as a reminder that per the Household Goods Tender of Service (HTOS) paragraph 5-17, "The Participant must remit the GSA Industrial Funding Fee (IFF) specified in HTOS Paragraph 7-1.11 within sixty (60) calendar days after the end of each calendar quarter upon which the shipment reports are required." Failure to remit IFF and shipment and claim reports could result in revocation of your approval in the CHAMP program. First quarter 2007 (January through March 2007) IFF and shipment reports are due no later than May 31, 2007. Please annotate 1st Quarter 2007 on the checks to ensure they are credited to the proper quarter. Per the Request for Offers 2-7.6.1 "An IFF is not assessed against POV and UAB shipments unless an agreement has been developed." If there are multiple Household Goods (HHG) shipments, an IFF is assessed on each HHG shipment. See 2-7.6 Supplemental Shipments. Per Household Goods Tender of Service 7-1.11.1.1. Remittance By Check. "Checks shall be made payable to "GSA-GL474.1 [SCAC Code]"; e.g., "GSA-GL474.1 [YZAB]. The check register/memo line must identify the quarter (i.e. 1stqtr00, 3rdqtr00) and the GBL/BL number or include with the IFF submission a copy of the shipment report containing such information. Checks must be mailed to:

Express delivery (i.e. FedEx, UPS, Airborne, etc.) should be sent to:

Per HTOS 9-3.2.2.2, the Federal Agency Identification Code (FAIC) is required in Record Position(s) 15-23. Please ensure the correct FAIC is included. If you have any questions, please contact Lynn Ju at (703) 605-2898 or lynnette.ju@gsa.gov.

2007 GSA and AMSA Household Goods and Freight Forum Presentations

We received many positive comments about the 2007 General Services Administration (GSA) and American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) Household Goods and Freight Forum (January 29 - February 1, 2007, Charlotte NC). Copies of the presentations are posted at www.gsa.gov/transportation. On the left side, click on "Forum Presentations" to view presentations from the past three forums.

If you need anymore information or have additional feedback, please contact Lynn Ju at (703) 605-2898 or lynnette.ju@gsa.gov.

2007 - 2008 Freight Request for Offers

GSA has posted the Request for Offers, 2007-2008 with Filing Instructions & Enclosure. If you have any questions, please contact Jim Stroup at (816) 823-3646 or via e-mail at jim.stroup@gsa.gov.

Notice 4, regarding supplemental filing window for Household Goods RFO

GSA's supplemental filing window which opened on February 14, 2006, is now subject to a 2% increase to the 415-G tariff and will become effective May 1, 2007. The Domestic increase applies to line haul rates, max-pack figures, accessorial services, water charges, and all storage related charges. The 2% increase also applies to all rates filed by TSPs that became effective November 1, 2006. Those TSPs who currently have rates on file can adjust their rates during this supplemental window due to the increase. TSPs who missed the initial filing may also file rates with this supplemental window.

Due to the above mentioned changes, GSA will extend the open window from March 29, 2007 to April 9, 2007.

Per this notice, daily validation of rates will take place at 10:00 p.m. CST. On the closing day of April 9, 2007, validation will occur at 10:00 a.m. CST, 2:00 p.m. CST, 6:00 p.m. CST and 10:00 p.m. CST. Error reports created during the 10:00 p.m. CST validation on the final day will not be available for correction.

Change in the Fuel Surcharge Calculation

TO ALL TRANSPORTATION SERVICE PROVIDERS IN GSA’S CENTRALIZED HOUSEHOLD GOODS TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

CHANGE IN THE FUEL SURCHARGE CALCULATION

CLARIFICATION

Effective with shipments picked up on or after May 1, 2007, the calculation of the Fuel Surcharge on domestic and international household good shipments will be calculated based on the shipment’s origin and destination, and if applicable, the distance for delivery in or delivery out of storage in transit (SIT), using the billable mileage as currently identified by ALK Technologies.

For international relocations, the fuel surcharge can only be calculated on the portion of the shipment which was handled under traffic in the conterminous United State to the port of debarkation and from the port of embarkation to a location in the conterminous United States.

For origins and/or destinations in Canada, Rand-McNally mileage will be used in lieu of ALK Technologies.

When the cost of diesel fuel exceeds $1.399 as identified by the Department of Energy (DOE) on the first Monday of the month, with an effective date of the 15th of the same month, the Transportation Service Provider (TSP) may calculate a fuel surcharge based on the difference between the DOE price and the trigger price of $1.40.

To determine the fuel surcharge, the TSP must divide the billable miles by 4.5 to determine the number of gallons of fuel used. The total will then be multiplied by the cost difference between the DOE price and $1.399.

Example

DOE fuel $2.629 miles 750

750/4.5 = 166.66 $2.629 – $1.399 = $1.23 $1.23 X 166.66 = $204.99

Notice to all Approved Household Goods Transportation Service Providers (TSPs)

GSA's supplemental filing window will open on February 14, 2007. Those TSPs who currently have rates on file can adjust their rates during this supplemental window. New TSPs and TSPs who missed the initial filing may also file rates with this supplemental filing window. Rate files will be due by close of business March 29, 2007.

CHANGE IN THE FUEL SURCHARGE CALCULATION

Effective with shipments booked May 1, 2007, the calculation of the Fuel Surcharge on domestic and international household good shipments will be calculated based on the shipment’s origin and destination, and if applicable, the distance for delivery in or delivery out of storage in transit (SIT), using the billable mileage as currently identified by ALK Technologies. For further details on this new procedure, please refer to Notice 2 of the 2006-2007 Request for Offers at http://www.gsa.gov/hhgrfo

GSA Household Goods Industrial Funding Fee Reminder

This Notice serves as a reminder that per the Household Goods Tender of Service (HTOS) paragraph 5-17, "The Participant must remit the GSA Industrial Funding Fee (IFF) specified in HTOS Paragraph 7-1.11 within sixty (60) calendar days after the end of each calendar quarter upon which the shipment reports are required." Failure to remit IFF and shipment and claim reports could result in revocation of your approval in the CHAMP program. Fourth quarter 2006 (October through December 2006) IFF and shipment reports are due no later than February 28, 2007. Please annotate 4th Quarter 2006 on the checks to ensure they are credited to the proper quarter. Per the Request for Offers 2-7.6.1 "An IFF is not assessed against POV and UAB shipments unless an agreement has been developed." If there are multiple Household Goods (HHG) shipments, an IFF is assessed on each HHG shipment. See 2-7.6 Supplemental Shipments. Per Household Goods Tender of Service 7-1.11.1.1. Remittance By Check. "Checks shall be made payable to "GSA-GL474.1 [SCAC Code]"; e.g., "GSA-GL474.1 [YZAB]. The check register/memo line must identify the quarter (i.e. 1stqtr00, 3rdqtr00) and the GBL/BL number or include with the IFF submission a copy of the shipment report containing such information. Checks must be mailed to:

Express delivery (i.e. FedEx, UPS, Airborne, etc.) should be sent to:

If you have any questions, please contact Lynn Ju at (703) 605-2898 or lynnette.ju@gsa.gov.

Join Us in Charlotte!

Have you registered for the GSA and AMSA Household Goods and Freight Forum (January 29-February 1, 2007 in Charlotte, NC)? If you handle shipments of household goods and freight or relocation of federal personnel, this is a must-attend event. The forum provides an excellent training opportunity to stay abreast of the latest transportation issues as well as giving you the opportunity to meet with experts in the transportation community. This event is FREE for federal personnel!

To receive the special government forum rate, hotel reservations must be made by 5:00pm EST on Tuesday, January 9, 2007. Registration and details about this event can be found at: http://www.gsa.gov/hhgfrtforum. The forum is only three weeks away so make your plans to join us in Charlotte!!!

Federal Civilian Agencies Freight and Household Goods Relocation Committee Meeting and Transportation Service Providers (TSPs) Partnership Meeting

GSA’s Transportation group will continue to provide a platform to keep agencies abreast of changes in policies, regulations and transportation programs through its quarterly and semi-annual meetings. These meetings have dual purposes. They are opportunities for agencies to voice their issues or concerns. They serve as educational seminars as GSA brings Government and industry experts to address current issues impacting the transportation arena. As in the past, GSA encourages the submission of agenda topics.

This year’s meetings will be at 2200 Crystal Drive, Arlington, Virginia. The location is accessible via the Crystal City Metro Station Blue and Yellow lines.

Federal Civilian Agencies Freight and Household Goods Relocation Committee meeting:

Transportation Service Providers (TSPs) Partnership meeting:

As in the past, GSA encourages the submission of agenda topics. Anyone having an agenda item should send it to maryanne.sykes@gsa.gov or via telephone at 703 605-7063.