Federal Transportation Officer Training Program: …...Basic (Level 1) Session 2: Roles Associated with Federal Transportation What You Will Learn In this session, you will learn about

Federal Transportation Officer Training Program: Basic (Level 1)

Freight, Cargo, and Household Goods

Session 2: Roles Associated with Federal Transportation

Basic

http://transbasic.knowledgeportal.us/session2/

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Basic (Level 1) Session 2: Roles Associated with Federal Transportation

What You Will Learn

In this session, you will learn about the transportation officer's (who may also be called in your agency the traffic manager) roles and responsibilities. You will be introduced to U.S. General Services Administration's role in transportation management, as well as transportation service providers' (TSPs) and other federal agencies' roles.

Basic

http://transbasic.knowledgeportal.us/session2/p1a/

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Session 2 Outline

What Are the Roles of aTransportation Officer?

What Is U.S. General ServicesAdministration's Role?

What Are TransportationService Provider Roles?

What Other Federal AgenciesHave Roles in Transportation?

Glossary of Terms

Knowledge Review

Where to Go for More Information

Basic

http://transbasic.knowledgeportal.us/session2/p1/

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What Are the Roles of a Transportation Officer?

A transportation officer (TO) is responsible for the execution, direction, and coordination of all transportation matters within an agency. Agencies may not have an activity designated as a "transportation office." The functions may be included within another department, such as Administration, Finance, Fleet, Logistics, or Distribution.

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Why do agencies rely on a transportation officer?

Federal agencies rely on transportation officers to provide transportation management, which includes:

Strategically managingresources

Continually improvingoperational and sustainable efficiencies

Meeting customer requirements

Adhering to all agency and higher authority transportation laws,regulations, and policies, and

Achieving the agency mission.

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What does a transportation officer need to know?

A transportation officer should have knowledge of:

Transportation laws, policiesand regulations, such asFederal ManagementRegulations (FMR) FMR 102-117 and FMR 102-118 and theagency's policies andrequirements

The transportation industry,including current trends andissues

The procurement process,including budget and financialaccounting

Local and regionaltransportation lanes andinfrastructure

Shipment frequency and volume patterns

Hazardous Materials and their transporting requirements, and

Methods of communication with the agency, with other agencies, and withtransportation providers.

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What does a transportation officer do?

A typical workday for the transportation officer may encompass the following activities:

Working withcustomers todeterminetransportationrequirements in orderto ensure the besttransportation serviceis selected andprovided

Researching andapplying laws and regulations

Sourcing and negotiating prices for transportation services

Learning and analyzing agency shipping patterns, available transportationservices and limitations which could affect the agency

Interacting with TSPs on service and quality issues, and

Interacting with other professionals to include contracting and financialmanagement officials.

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How are the federal transportation-related positions classified?

U.S. Office of Personnel (OPM) classifies Federal Transportation positions in Transportation, Series–2100 through Series–2199.

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What are the OPM Transportation Series (GS) Positions?

The OPM transportation series (GS) positions include:

GS-2101-Transportation SpecialistPerforms work involving two or more specialized transportation functions, or other work not specifically included in other Series 2100 specialties.

GS-2102-Transportation Clerk and AssistantArranges transportation for freight, passengers, or personal property. Can also include fleet management, QC and inspection, carrier evaluation, or transportation report and analysis.

GS-2110-Transportation Industry AnalysisProvides analysis, evaluation, and advice pertaining to regulation of the transportation industry (carrier operations, services, competitive practices).

GS-2121-Railroad SafetyDevelops, administers, and enforces railroad safety standards; investigates and promotes carrier safe operating practices and prevention of railroad accidents.

GS-2123-Motor Carrier Safety (Department of Transportation only)/li>Enforces carrier compliance with regulatory guidance, including compliance by shippers of hazardous materials; investigates accidents and promotes motor carrier safe operating practices and accident prevention.

GS-2125-Highway Safety (Department of Transportation only)Develops and administers highway safety regulations, standards, and programs; performs studies and analysis to determine safety problems and to evaluate effectiveness of safety programs; provides technical support to state and local authorities.

Basic

http://transbasic.knowledgeportal.us/session2/p7nopop

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What are the OPM Transportation Series (GS) Positions? (continued)


GS-2130-Traffic ManagementPlans, develops, and executes traffic policies and programs; directs and manages programs to obtain transportation of freight, personal property, and/or passengers.

GS-2131-Freight RatePerforms work involved in procurement of transportation services by rail, motor, air, water, or other means; applies classification guides, ratetariffs, agreements, contracts; determines classification, rate, and route prior to shipment; may perform pre- and/or post-audit of freight bills.

GS-2135-Transportation Loss & Damage Claims ExaminingExamines, develops, reviews, or authorizes claims by or against the government arising from loss or damage of goods and merchandise while in the custody of carriers of transportation.

GS-2144-Cargo SchedulingControls and schedules the flow of cargo into/within/from one or more terminals; coordinates shipment priority, volume, and sequencing with the shipper, terminal, and carriers to match capacities and manage backlogs.

GS-2150-Transportation OperationsEnforces carrier compliance with regulatory guidance, including compliance by shippers of hazardous materials; investigates accidents and promotes motor carrier safe operating practices and accident prevention.

GS-2151-DispatchingDispatches, schedules motor vehicles, trains, aircraft, or vessels for the transportation of passengers, mail, equipment, or supplies; assigns equipment to meet specific purposes; may designate routes.

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What are the OPM Transportation Series (GS) Positions? (continued)


GS-2154-Air Traffic ControlThere are three parts, depending on whether the employee is located at a station, terminal, or center. Controls air traffic to ensure safe and orderly movement along air routes and at airfields/airports; provides preflight and in-flight assistance to aircrews; develops, coordinates, and manages air traffic control programs.

GS-2161-Marine CargoPlans, monitors, and directs the loading and stowage of cargo aboard vessels, and the unloading of cargo from vessels.

GS-2181-Aircraft OperationsPilots or co-pilots aircraft; provides ground and in-flight instruction and evaluation in the piloting of aircraft; flight-tests developmental and modified aircraft and components; applies knowledge of pilot skills to planning, analyzing, and administering agency aviation programs.

GS-2183-Air NavigationControls and schedules the flow of cargo into/within/from one or more terminals; coordinates shipment priority, volume, and sequencing with the shipper, terminal, and carriers to match capacities and manage backlogs.

GS-2185-Aircrew TechnicianPerforms, instructs, or supervises flight crew duties to include operation of the aircraft (flight engineer), operating aircraft systems (refueling specialist), and loading/securing cargo in the aircraft (loadmaster). Primarily associated with civilian technical positions within the Reserves.

GS-2199-Transportation Student TraineeParticipates in a formal student employment program; formal education and on-the-job training are included.

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What Is U.S. General Services Administration's Role?

U.S. General Services Administration (GSA)publishes the Federal Management Regulation (FMR) and the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR)and issues transportation policy and guidance. GSA also negotiates services and rates with TSPs under tenders of service and GSA contract schedules to be used by federal transportation specialists, and conducts audits on transportation financial transactions.

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What transportation functions does GSA provide?

GSA provides federal agencies transportation through the:

Office of Government-wide Policy(OGP). OGP researches newapproaches, reviews best practices,provides training, and issuesgovernment-wide policies coveringasset and transportation managementpractices promoting efficient andsustainable government operations.

Federal Acquisition Service (FAS). FASnegotiates or arranges a wide range oftransportation services which can beused by transportation officers acrossthe federal government.

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What is the responsibility of the Office of Government-wide Policy?

OGP provides government-wide policy and regulations. OGP issues guidance through FMR §102-117and FMR §102-118; chairs a government Transportation Policy Council (GTPC) for strategic federal transportation visioning and planning; coordinates transportation data collection, analyses and reports; provides federal transportation training; and serves as a liaison with transportation associations, state and local agencies.

The full name of the FMR is Title 41–Public Contracts and Property Management, Subtitle C Federal Property Management Regulations System, Chapter 102 Federal Management Regulation(FMR). Transportation is located in Subchapter D–Transportation, Part 102-117 Transportation Management and Part 102-118 Transportation Payment and Audit. These regulations provide the framework agencies are to incorporate in their management and operation of federal transportation activities.

In addition to the FMR, transportation is regulated by laws, rules and regulations which will be covered in another session.

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What is the responsibility of the Federal Acquisition Service?

Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) negotiates and arranges for services using tenders and contracts. Transportation officers across the federal government may then use these to order services by selecting transportation service providers (TSP) and services at specified prices, and may deal directly with the TSP.

Examples include:

Tenders for domestic and international movement of freight, cargo, and personalproperty, and

Contracts under GSA schedules for employee relocation services (to includehousehold goods) and for transportation auditing services.

GSA offers freight and household goods transportation services for federal civilian agencies. Transportation options are accessed through GSA's internet-based TMSS system.

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What Are Transportation Service Provider Roles?

The FMR defines a transportation service provider (TSP) as "any party, person, agent, or carrier that provide freight or passenger transportation and related services to an agency. For a freight shipment, this would include packers, truckers, and freight forwarders." This broad definition of TSPs includes 2 types of organizations:

Transporters (Carriers) Intermediaries

Own Assets Brokers

Take possession of the shipment Forwarders

Provides transportation logistics management

Third Party Logistics Providers (3PL)

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What are TO relationships with providers?

Broker Owns no assets Does not take possession of cargo Links TO with TSP

Forwarder Owns assets but only operates locally Takes possession of cargo Consolidates cargo Contracts with TSP Links TO with TSP

3PL Provides management and distribution chain services May act as forwarder or broker Offers transportation solutions and access to TSP networks Agencies can function as a 3PL

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What Other Federal Agencies Have Roles in Transportation?

Several federal agencies have roles in transportation policy and regulations. They include:

U.S. Department ofTransportation, whosemission is to develop andcoordinate policies that willprovide an efficient andeconomical nationaltransportation system,with due regard for need,the environment, and thenational defense. It is theprimary agency in the federal government with the responsibility forshaping and administering policies and programs to protect and enhancethe safety, adequacy, and efficiency of the transportation system andservices.

U.S. Department of Energy for sustainable transportation.

U.S. Department of State for international shipping.

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Glossary of Terms

The following terms are those frequently used in federal transportation; however, this is not an inclusive list of terms. You may want to refer to FMR §102-117.25and §102-118.35 for additional definitions.

Government Transportation Policy Council (GTPC) is an interagency forum to help GSA formulate policy. It provides agencies managing transportation programs a forum to exchange information and ideas to solve common problems.

Transportation Service Provider (TSP) is any party, person, agent or carrier that provides freight or passenger transportation and related services to an agency. For a freight shipment, this includes packers, truckers and storers. For passenger transportation, this includes airlines, travel agents and travel management centers.

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Knowledge Review

What does a transportation service provider do?

Sells products to federal agenciesProvides freight or passenger

transportation and related services to an agency

Provides financial servicesContracts for or uses one of five

modes of transportation

Answer: Provides freight or passenger transportation and related services to an agency and Contracts for or uses one of five modes of transportation

Yes, that's correct. TSPs provide transportation services rather than products to federal agencies. While a TSP will require payment for services rendered, the TSP provides no financial services but simply submits an invoice.

Incorrect: Sorry, that's not quite right. TSPs provide transportation services rather than products to federal agencies. While a TSP will require payment for services rendered, the TSP provides no financial services but simply submits an invoice.

Basic

http://transbasic.knowledgeportal.us/session2/kcans

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Where to Go for More Information

In addition to the sites identified in this session, you can find more information from the following:

U.S. General ServicesAdministration provides policyand regulation guidance,purchasing of transportationservices through the multipleaward schedules; and audit assistance services.

Policy and Regulation Guidance

Multiple Award Schedules: Schedule 48-Transportation, Scheduling and Relocation Solutions

Audit Assistance Services

Transportation Audits Handbooks and Regulations

U.S. Department of Energy can provide sustainable transportationinformation through their SmartWay program.

U.S. Department of State can provide you with assistance for internationalshipments, or direct all questions to [email protected].

U.S. Department of Transportation can provide you with assistance withmotor, air, rail and hazardous materials transportation regulations andguidance.

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Documents

Federal Transportation Officer Training Program: …...Basic (Level 1) Session 2: Roles Associated with Federal Transportation What You Will Learn In this session, you will learn about