§ 101-40.203-4 - Cost comparisons.

(a) Under the centralized household goods traffic management program, agencies shall obtain cost comparisons between the GBL method and the commuted rate system from the appropriate GSA regional office. Section 302-8.3(c)(4)(i) of the Federal Travel Regulation (41 CFR chapters 301 through 304) provides that the commuted rate system shall be used for individual employee transfers without consideration being given to the GBL method, except that the GBL method may be used if the actual transportation costs (including the costs of packing and other accessorial services) to be incurred by the Government are predetermined and can be expected to result in a real saving to the Government of $100 or more.

(b) Requests for cost comparisons shall be made as far in advance of the moving date as possible (preferably 30 calendar days) and shall contain the following information:

(1) Name of employee to be moved;

(2) Origin city, county, and State;

(3) Destination city, county, and State;

(4) Anticipated or actual date household goods are to be picked up;

(5) Estimated weight of shipments;

(6) Number of days storage-in-transit is required (if applicable); and

(7) Other pertinent data.

(c) Agencies should use GSA Form 2485, Cost Comparison for Shipping Household Goods (Commuted Rate System Vs. GBL Method) for this purpose. (See § 101-40.4902.) In case of an emergency or an imminent moving date (less than 10 workdays), these details may be transmitted to the appropriate GSA regional office by phone. If information is received by phone, the response will be made by phone when requested. Regardless, all cost comparisons and carrier selection information will be confirmed in writing by the appropriate GSA regional office.