Federal Transportation Officer Training Program: Basic (Level 1)

Transcription

1 Page 1 of 4 Federal Transportation Officer Training Program: Basic (Level 1) Freight, Cargo, and Household Goods Basic (Level 1) Course Introduction Page 1 of 4

2 Page 2 of 4 Basic (Level 1) Course Introduction The Basic (Level 1) series of sessions will introduce to you the process of determining requirements and options and acquiring the transportation services necessary to meet your agency's requirements. You will learn about transportation management responsibilities, planning, types and modes of transportation, how services are acquired and paid for, and financial audit and reporting requirements, including a working knowledge of the transportation laws and regulations. There is no prerequisite for taking this course. The course is intended for participants who work with or want to know more about the federal transportation system. Page 2 of 4

3 Page 3 of 4 Basic (Level 1) Course Introduction Federal Transportation Officer Training Basic (Level 1) is composed of the following 12 sessions: Session 1: Introduction to Federal Transportation Session 2: Roles Associated with Federal Transportation Session 3: Modes of Transportation Session 4: Domestic Transportation Session 5: International Shipments Session 6: Hazardous Materials Transportation Session 7: Payments and Audits of Transportation Services Session 8: Temporary Non-use, Suspension and Debarment Session 9: Claims Session 10: Laws, Rules and Regulations Session 11: Sustainable Transportation Session 12: Household Goods Transportation and a Final Basic (Level 1) course exam. Page 3 of 4

4 Page 4 of 4 Basic (Level 1) Course Introduction Course Information We recommend that you plan on several hours to complete all sessions of Basic (Level 1). You will be able to bookmark your place in any session and return later to complete that session. Page 4 of 4

5 Page 1 of 23 Session 1 - Introduction to Federal Transportation Page 1 of 23

6 Page 2 of 23 What You Will Learn This session will introduce you to the overall concepts behind federal transportation. Concepts presented in this session will be further explored throughout the remaining 12 sessions. Page 2 of 23

7 Page 3 of 23 Session 1 Outline What Is Transportation? Who Regulates Federal Transportation? What Is a Mode of Transportation? How Are Transportation Services Procured? Glossary of Terms Knowledge Review Where to Go for More Information Page 3 of 23

8 Page 4 of 23 What Is Transportation? According to Federal Regulation (FMR) Title 41, Part , "Transportation " ( ), transportation management is "the agency oversight of the physical movement of commodities, household goods (HHG) and other freight from one location to another by a transportation service provider (TSP)." Page 4 of 23

9 Page 5 of 23 What are commodities? A commodity is a grouping of things or bulk materials that have common characteristics which affect their movement. Material is classified by commodity codes, and these are used to determine movement services and safeguards, which can impact pricing for transportation services. What is freight? Freight is property or goods transported as cargo ( ). The term "freight" is generally applied to material shipped by road, rail, and expedited carriers, i.e., "air freight." What is cargo? Cargo is the goods or items that are being transported ( ). The term "cargo" is generally applied to material shipped by vessel (ships and barges) and intermodal carriers. What are Household Goods (HHG)? Household goods (HHG) are the personal effects of government employees and their dependents entrusted to the government for shipment ( ). Information on HHG may be found in the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) Chapter 302. HHG are included in this introduction, as personal property is considered freight with special transportation needs. Page 5 of 23

10 Page 6 of 23 What is a transportation service provider (TSP)? A transportation service provider can be any party, person, agent or carrier that provides freight or passenger transportation and related services to an agency ( ). For a freight shipment this would include packers, truckers and storers. For passenger transportation this would include airlines, travel agents and travel management centers. Your own agency may function as a TSP, providing in-house transportation-related services, or providing those services to other agencies under assistance agreements or on a fee-for-service basis. Likewise, another agency may function as a TSP, providing those services to you. Page 6 of 23

11 Page 7 of 23 What is a bill of lading (BOL)? A bill of lading (BOL) is the ordering document that binds the TSP to provide services for the shipper. The terms commercial bill of lading (CBL) and government bill of lading (GBL) may be used. The BOL is legally recognized as the TSP's receipt for the shipment and establishes its responsibility and liability while the shipment is in its care. Page 7 of 23

12 Page 8 of 23 Who Regulates Federal Transportation? Federal transportation is regulated through various laws and regulations, such as 49 U.S.C., contracting rules (Title 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System (FAR) Part 47 Transportation) and federal agencies with designated regulatory authority. Page 8 of 23

13 Page 9 of 23 What about state and municipal transportation regulations? Besides federal transportation regulations, there are also state and municipal transportation regulations the transportation officer should be aware of. Each state is responsible for the safety and protection of the public through enactment of laws, rules, and regulations that do not conflict with federal law. Also, a state in the case of the use of its highways and roads, has the authority to impose highway route controls or limitations based on the size or weight of the motor vehicle or the hazardous nature of the cargo, and can regulate motor carriers with regard to minimum amounts of financial responsibility relating to insurance requirements and self-insurance authorization. Municipal jurisdictions may also enact their own laws as long as they are not in conflict with the provision of state law, unless authorized by statute. Page 9 of 23

14 Page 10 of 23 What federal agencies oversee and regulate transportation activities? U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) publishes the Federal Regulation (FMR) and the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) and issues transportation policy and guidance. GSA also negotiates services and rates with TSPs under tenders of service and GSA contract schedules to be used by federal transportation specialists, and conducts audits on transportation financial transactions. U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) through its bureaus regulates motor and air carriers, pipelines, and the packaging, marking, and movement of hazardous materials. Page 10 of 23

15 Page 11 of 23 What federal agencies oversee and regulate transportation activities (continued)? U.S. Department of Energy is involved with efficiencies and energy use throughout transportation systems. U.S. Department of Justice is involved with civil antitrust enforcement and competition. U.S. Department of Agriculture oversees transportation of agricultural products. U.S. Department of State provides liaison with foreign governments, and provides guidance and assists federal shippers with the international movement of cargo and freight. U.S. Department of Homeland Security regulates the security of goods and commodities in international and domestic commerce. Your own agency may have policy and regulations. Page 11 of 23

16 Page 12 of 23 What is GSA's policy guidance? Policy Document Covers FMR Title 41, Public Contracts and Property, Subtitle C, Federal Property Regulations System, Chapter 102, Subchapter D, Section Worldwide shipment of freight and household goods FMR Title 41, "Public Contracts and Property," Subtitle C, "Federal Property Regulations System," Chapter 102, Subchapter D, Section Transportation payments and audits FMR Title 41, "Public Contracts and Property," Federal Travel Regulation (FTR), Chapter 302 Guidance for movement of household goods Page 12 of 23

17 Page 13 of 23 What Is a Mode of Transportation? A mode is how goods or commodities are moved. There are five modes or methods of transportation and each mode is governed by laws, rules and regulations. Modes are generally associated with the type of conveyance used for the movement. Motor Rail Air Pipeline Water Page 13 of 23

18 Page 14 of 23 How are Transportation Services Procured? The federal government uses two methods to procure transportation services. Your agency may: Use contracts, or Use tenders, which are a TSP's offer to provide service as specified by rules or terms at a given price which is then negotiated. Contracts and tenders provide two separate, legitimate processes for procuring transportation services to meet your mission requirements. Page 14 of 23

19 Page 15 of 23 What is the Federal Acquisition Regulation? The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is the principal set of rules used by the federal government in the acquisition of goods and services, and it regulates the activities of government personnel carrying out that process. The FAR is amended by the FAR council, composed of representatives from GSA, U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The Department of Defense also must abide by a DOD supplement to the FAR. Page 15 of 23

20 Page 16 of 23 What are the advantages of using a FAR contract? You may find it advantageous to use the FAR contract process when: You find that you are shipping the same type and volume of cargo on a frequent basis to the same area There is enough lead time for your transportation activity to follow the FAR contracting procedures and your contract office can handle the requirement. However, be advised it can take several months from the initiation of the FAR contract process to award, OR You have the option to use another agency's contract for transportation services. Page 16 of 23

21 Page 17 of 23 What is the history of tenders? Agencies may find using a tender advantageous for: Competitive pricing of the transportation activity When a shipment must be made within too short of a time frame for the FAR contract process When the shipment does not have sufficient volume, OR If the agency has an unknown volume of commodity to be transported. And, as with the FAR contract, agencies have the option to use another agency's tender if it offers better or equal value than otherwise available to you. Page 17 of 23

22 Page 18 of 23 Glossary of Terms The following terms are those frequently used in federal transportation; however, this is not an inclusive list of terms. You may want to refer to and for additional definitions. Bill of Lading (BOL) is the ordering document that binds the TSP to provide services for the shipper. The terms commercial bill of lading (CBL) and government bill of lading (GBL) may be used. The BOL is legally recognized as the TSP's receipt for the shipment and establishes its responsibility and liability while the shipment is in its care. Line-Haul is the movement of freight between cities excluding pickup and delivery service. Document Reference Number is the unique number on a bill of lading, GBL, Government Transportation Request, or transportation ticket. This is used to track the movement of shipments and individuals. Page 18 of 23

23 Page 19 of 23 Knowledge Review 1 Transportation is defined as the agency oversight of the physical movement of commodities by a transportation service provider (TSP). A. True B. False True: Sorry, that's not quite right. Transportation is defined as the agency oversight of the physical movement of commodities, household goods (HHG) and other freight from one location to another by a TSP. False: Yes, that's Correct. Transportation is defined as the agency oversight of the physical movement of commodities, household goods (HHG) and other freight from one location to another by a TSP. Page 19 of 23

24 Page 20 of 23 Knowledge Review 2 Bill of Lading Household Goods Commoditites Transportation Service Provider The ordering document that binds the TSP to provide services for the shipper. The personal effects of government employees and their dependents entrusted to the government for shipment. A grouping of things or bulk materials that have common characteristics which affect their movement. Can be any party, person, agent or carrier that provides freight or passenger transporation and related services. Page 20 of 23

25 Page 21 of 23 Knowledge Review 3 What are the five modes of transportation? Air Water Ground Rail Pipeline Pony Express Answer: Air, Water, Ground, Rail, Pipeline You got it right. All except the Pony Express are the five modes of transportation. While the Pony Express was a fast mail service offered to deliver mail and other communications to and from California, it was only operational from 1860 to 1861 and is not a current mode of transportation. Incorrect: That isn't correct. The five modes of transportation are air, water, ground, rail and pipeline. While the Pony Express was a fast mail service offered to deliver mail and other communications to and from California, it was only operational from 1860 to 1861 and is not a current mode of transportation. Page 21 of 23

26 Page 22 of 23 Knowledge Review 4 The federal government uses two methods to procure transportation services. It obtains services by: A. The Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) and tenders B. Contracts and tenders C. The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 19 and tenders D. The Federal Regulation (FMR) and tenders Answer: B. Yes, that's correct. The federal government uses two methods to procure transportation services: Contracts, and tenders. Incorrect: No, that's not correct. The federal government uses two methods to procure transportation services: Contracts, and tenders. Page 22 of 23

27 Page 23 of 23 Where to Go for More Information In addition to the sites identified in this session, you can find more information from the following: Information about contracts and tenders for transportation can be found in FMR Subpart B Acquiring Transportation and Related Services. Information about Household Goods can be found in Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) Chapter 302. Part Transportation and Temporary Storage of HHG, Professional Books, Papers, and Equipment, and Baggage Allowance Allowances Part for Extended Storage of HHG Part Allowances for Transportation and Emergency or Temporary Storage of a Privately Owned Vehicle Allowances Part for Transportation of Mobile Homes and Boats Used as a Primary Residence Page 23 of 23