United States
Office of Personnel Management

Office of Merit Systems Oversight and Effectiveness
Digest of Significant Classification Decisions and Opinions


December 2002
Article No. 29-07

Standards:	Freight Rate Series, GS-2131 (February 1962) [PDF][TXT]
		Traffic Management Series, GS-2130 (July 1991) [PDF][TXT]

Factor:		N/A

Issue:		Distinguishing between freight rate and traffic management work


Identification of the Classification Issue




The appellant’s position was classified as Freight Rate Specialist, GS-2131-7.  In his rationale, the appellant stated that his work required broad knowledge of traffic management principles and transportation industry practices to develop new methods and recommend changes typical of traffic management work.  He, therefore, wanted his occupational series changed to GS-2130.

Resolution

The appellant’s primary duties involved procuring common carrier and other transportation services by water, motor, air, rail, and other means for moving freight.  The paramount requirement was knowledge of published classification guides, rate tariffs, agreements, contracts, and related carrier and Federal publications in the classification of freight and the determination of appropriate rates and routes. That knowledge and skill matched those needed to perform work in the Freight Rate Series, GS-2131.

The appellant and his organization were not involved in the type or level of work covered by the GS-2130 series.  Another activity organization retained traffic management program responsibility.  The appellant implemented local policies and practices developed by that organization.  His input on potential program changes and comments arose from his role as a major program user and did not require applying the full range of knowledge and skill typical of positions classified in the GS-2130 series.

“Back to the Basics”

Each position performs part of the mission of the organization in which it is located.  Since GS2130 series functions were found in another activity and, therefore, could not be ultimately assigned to the appellant’s organization, they could not be credited to his position.

Link to C-2131-07-01[PDF][TXT]


Digest of Significant Classification Decisions and Opinions, No. 29, December 2002