§ 101-40.203-3 - The commuted rate system.

The commuted rate system is the method whereby employees who are authorized to transport their household goods at Government expense make their own shipping arrangements and are reimbursed by the Government according to the commuted rate allowances published in the GSA Commuted Rate Schedule. In addition to transportation allowances, the commuted rate schedule includes allowances for various related accessorial expenses, such as packing and crating, storage-in-transit, carrier labor charges, appliance servicing, and piano/organ handling. Under the commuted rate system, employees shipping via commercial carriers are responsible for making all arrangements with the carrier, filing loss and damage claims with the carrier, and making payment to the carrier after the shipment has been completed. Under the commuted rate system, the shipment is moved using commercial documents, or employees may elect to transport their household goods in a rental vehicle or by private conveyance. The use of household goods rate tenders (see § 101-40.203-1) is not authorized when household goods are shipped under the commuted rate system.