Human Resources Management Division

XIV. Claims for Damages To or Loss of Your Personal Property

Household goods carriers' liability (mover)

When your household goods are shipped using a CBL by NRCS, your risks for loss or damage are based on a limited carrier (mover) liability of $5.00 per pound per article. The carrier (mover) liability for any given item is limited to the replacement cost of the item based on current market price to replace that item.

In the event your goods are lost or damaged, your recovery from the mover is restricted to this monetary limit and liability. Movers have tariff provisions that can provide increased liability above the basic $5.00 times the total weight of your shipment or a higher lump sum according to the value of your shipment. These higher valuations are generally available at 50 cents per $100 of valuation. However, the added cost for the increased carrier liability is not payable to you by NRCS. You must pay for this extra cost yourself.

Household goods loss and damage claims

Your claims for loss or damage to your household goods will be processed by the TMC mover as part of the commercial bill of lading contract, between the TMC and the owner of the moving company involved.

Government liability

Under the Military Personnel and Civilian Employee's Claims Act of 1964, as amended (31 U.S.C. 241), NRCS employees may file claims against the United States up to $40,000 for damages to or loss of their personal property. If you wish to submit a claim for damage to or loss of your personal property due to transportation of your household goods, contact your Travel Management Center and your administrative officer as soon as possible for details.

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