There are two authorized methods of transporting and paying for the movement of HHG, PBP&E, and temporary storage. Agencies determine which of the following methods will be authorized. Employees do not have to use the method selected by their agency for transportation and temporary storage of their HHG and PBP&E; however, reimbursement is limited to the actual cost incurred, not to exceed what the Government would have incurred under the method selected by the agency.

1. (a) Commuted rate system. Under the commuted rate system, the employee assumes total responsibility for arranging and paying for all aspects of transporting the HHG. When any PBP&E is transported as an administrative expense of the agency, all arrangements will be handled and paid for by the agency.
2. (b) Actual expense method. Under the actual expense method, the agency assumes the responsibility for arranging and paying for all aspects of transporting the HHG and PBP&E with a commercial HHG carrier.