By CWO J. R. Jeffery, COMDT (CG-1332), HHG Transportation Program Manager
COMDT (CG-1332) received feedback that SPO yeoman may have incorrectly advised members regarding reimbursement for shipping a Privately Owned (Motor) Vehicle (POV) in the Contiguous United States (CONUS). The following information is to ensure that all yeoman understand when a member is entitled to reimbursement for shipping a POV in CONUS, and when they are not.
In accordance with Joint Travel Regulations (JTR), par. 5322-B and Coast Guard Supplement to the Joint Federal Travel Regulations (CGS-JFTR), COMDTINST M4600.17 (series), par. 5414-A, for a member to be reimbursed for shipping a POV in CONUS, the member must have a dependent(s), the member or their dependent(s) must possess more than one POV to be relocated to the new PDS, and the member and their dependent(s) must travel together, at one time, in a Privately Owned Conveyance (POC) to the new Permanent Duty Station (PDS). If a member meets these criteria they may be entitled to reimbursement for shipping their second POV in CONUS. However, if a member chooses to utilize commercial transportation for themselves or their dependent(s) to the new PDS the member does not meet these criteria and they are not entitled to reimbursement for shipping a second POV in CONUS.
When a member meets the criteria of JTR 5322-B and CGS-JFTR 5414-A they are entitled to reimbursement for shipping a second POV in CONUS. However, use of a Government Vehicle Processing Center (VPC) is not authorized. The member must use a commercial POV carrier and make all arrangements for the shipment of their second POV. Travel time is not authorized to drop off, or pick up a second POV, and the member may not be reimbursed for mileage to drop off, or pick up a second POV transported IAW JTR 5322-B and CGS-JFTR, par. 5414-A. Also, the Government is not responsible for any damages or missed delivery dates caused by a commercial POV carrier.
When a member is entitled to reimbursement for shipping a second POV in CONUS the calculations and maximum reimbursable amount must be reflected on the member's PCS orders. See JTR par. 5328 for examples of how to calculate a members reimbursable amount to ship a second POV in CONUS.
Yeoman should counsel members if they do not meet the above criteria, and do not travel together with their dependents at one time in a POC, then the member is not entitled reimbursement for shipping a second POV in CONUS. Yeoman should also counsel members that falsifying a DD-1351/2 to reflect the member and their dependent(s) traveled together at one time in a POC, when they didn't is fraud.