Trucking firm fined for overcharging Postal Service

Beam Bros. Trucking and its two owners have agreed to pay $1,025,000 to resolve allegations that they overcharged the U.S. Postal Service on contracts to transport mail, according to the U.S. Justice Department.    The U.S. Justice Department said Mt. Crawford, Va.-based Beam Bros. Trucking (BBT), and owners Gerald Beam and Garland Beam, have agreed to pay $1,025,000 to resolve allegations that they overcharged the U.S. Postal Service on contracts to transport mail.
   The Postal Service contracts with trucking companies, including BBT, to transport mail throughout the United States. On some contracts, the Postal Service provides trucking contractors with credit cards, known as Voyager Cards, to pay for fuel.
   According to the Justice Department, BBT misused its Voyager Cards to buy fuel on contracts which did not cover Postal Service business, resulting in “inflated” charges, a violation of the False Claims Act.
   The allegations were brought to the Postal Service’s attention by whistleblower and former BBT employee, Bobby Blizzard. The False Claims Act allows private individuals to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and obtain a portion of the government’s recovery. Blizzard’s share of the recovery has yet to be determined, the Justice Department said.