GSA TO ADD CHAPTERS TO ITS FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION HANDBOOK

GSA TO ADD CHAPTERS TO ITS FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION HANDBOOK    The U.S. General Services Administration plans to develop several instructional chapters to supplement its U.S. Government Freight Transportation Handbook.
   The newest chapter discusses the transportation process without using a government bill of lading (GBL) for domestic shipments and emphasizes the use of electronic commerce. The chapter is available online at http:www.gsa.gov/transportationpolicy.
   Government traffic managers and industry are encouraged to comment on the chapter. Comments should be submitted to Elizabeth Allison, program analyst for GSA’s Transportation Management Policy Program, by e-mail at elizabeth.allison@gsa.gov by Aug. 30.
   The government bill of lading had been used to acquire freight transportation for the government. The government is phasing out this 100-year-old document by replacing it with electronic transmissions.
   “The mechanics of business transactions without a GBL must be fully understood to ensure a smooth transition to standard business practices; to move toward electronic commerce; to ensure transportation bills are auditable in the future and continue to protect the government interest,” GSA said.
   The GSA said the new chapter to its handbook should “promote industry understanding and heighten the knowledge base of the government transportation manager.”