1. U.S. Code
  2. title 5
  3. part III
  4. subpart D
  5. chapter 57
  6. subchapter II
  7. § 5725

Collapse to view only § 5725. Transportation expenses; employees assigned to danger areas

§ 5721. DefinitionsFor the purpose of this subchapter—
(1) “agency” means—
(A) an Executive agency;
(B) a military department;
(C) a court of the United States;
(D) the Administrative Office of the United States Courts;
(E) the Library of Congress;
(F) the Botanic Garden;
(G) the Architect of the Capitol;
(H) the Government Publishing Office; and
(I) the government of the District of Columbia;
but does not include a Government controlled corporation;
(2) “employee” means an individual employed in or under an agency;
(3) “continental United States” means the several States and the District of Columbia, but does not include Alaska or Hawaii;
(4) “Government” means the Government of the United States and the government of the District of Columbia;
(5) “appropriation” includes funds made available by statute under section 9104 of title 31;
(6) “United States” means the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the territories and possessions of the United States, and the areas and installations in the Republic of Panama that are made available to the United States pursuant to the Panama Canal Treaty of 1977 and related agreements (as described in section 3(a) of the Panama Canal Act of 1979); and
(7) “Foreign Service of the United States” means the Foreign Service as constituted under the Foreign Service Act of 1980.
(Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 500; Pub. L. 97–258, § 3(a)(14), Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1063; Pub. L. 105–264, § 6(1), Oct. 19, 1998, 112 Stat. 2356; Pub. L. 110–161, div. H, title I, § 1303(a), Dec. 26, 2007, 121 Stat. 2242; Pub. L. 113–235, div. H, title I, § 1301(b), Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2537.)

CITE AS: 5 USC 5721

§ 5722. Travel and transportation expenses of new appointees; posts of duty outside the continental United States
(a) Under regulations prescribed under section 5738 of this title and subject to subsections (b) and (c) of this section, an agency may pay from its appropriations—
(1) travel expenses of a new appointee and transportation expenses of his immediate family and his household goods and personal effects from the place of actual residence at the time of appointment to the place of employment outside the continental United States;
(2) these expenses on the return of an employee from his post of duty outside the continental United States to the place of his actual residence at the time of assignment to duty outside the continental United States; and
(3) the expenses of transporting a privately owned motor vehicle as authorized under section 5727(c) of this title.
(b) An agency may pay expenses under subsection (a)(1) of this section only after the individual selected for appointment agrees in writing to remain in the Government service for a minimum period of—
(1) one school year as determined under chapter 25 of title 20, if selected for appointment to a teaching position, except as a substitute, in the Department of Defense under that chapter; or
(2) 12 months after his appointment, if selected for appointment to any other position;
unless separated for reasons beyond his control which are acceptable to the agency concerned. If the individual violates the agreement, the money spent by the Government for the expenses is recoverable from the individual as a debt due the Government.
(c) An agency may pay expenses under subsection (a)(2) of this section only after the individual has served for a minimum period of—
(1) one school year as determined under chapter 25 of title 20, if employed in a teaching position, except as a substitute, in the Department of Defense under that chapter; or
(2) not less than one nor more than 3 years prescribed in advance by the head of the agency, if employed in any other position;
unless separated for reasons beyond his control which are acceptable to the agency concerned. These expenses are payable whether the separation is for Government purposes or for personal convenience.
(d) This section does not apply to appropriations for the Foreign Service of the United States.
(Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 501; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title XVII, §§ 1715(b)(1), 1723(b)(1), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2755, 2759; Pub. L. 105–264, § 6(2), Oct. 19, 1998, 112 Stat. 2356.)

CITE AS: 5 USC 5722

§ 5723. Travel and transportation expenses of new appointees and student trainees
(a) Under regulations prescribed under section 5738 of this title and subject to subsections (b) and (c) of this section, an agency may pay from its appropriations—
(1) travel expenses (A) of a new appointee, or a student trainee when assigned on completion of college work, to any position, (B) of a new appointee to the Senior Executive Service or the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Drug Enforcement Administration Senior Executive Service, or (C) of any person appointed by the President to a position the rate of pay for which is equal to or higher than the minimum rate of pay payable for a position classified above GS–15 pursuant to section 5108;
(2) transportation expenses of his immediate family and his household goods and personal effects to the extent authorized by section 5724 of this title; and
(3) the expenses of transporting a privately owned motor vehicle as authorized under section 5727(c) of this title;
from his place of residence at the time of selection or assignment to his duty station. If the travel and transportation expenses of a student trainee were paid when he was appointed, they may not be paid when he is assigned after completion of college work. Travel expenses payable under this subsection may include the per diem and mileage allowances authorized for employees by subchapter I of this chapter. Advances of funds may be made for the expenses authorized by this subsection to the extent authorized by section 5724(f) of this title. In the case of an appointee described in paragraph (1) who has performed transition activities under section 3 of the Presidential Transition Act of 1963 (3 U.S.C. 102 note), the provisions of paragraphs (1) and (2) may apply to travel and transportation expenses from the place of residence of such appointee (at the time of relocation following the most recent general elections held to determine the electors of the President) to the assigned duty station of such appointee.
(b) An agency may pay travel and transportation expenses under subsection (a) of this section only after the individual selected or assigned agrees in writing to remain in the Government service for 12 months after his appointment or assignment, unless separated for reasons beyond his control which are acceptable to the agency concerned. If the individual violates the agreement, the money spent by the Government for the expenses is recoverable from the individual as a debt due the Government.
(c) An agency may pay travel and transportation expenses under subsection (a) of this section whether or not the individual selected has been appointed at the time of the travel. In the case of an appointee described in subsection (a)(1) who has performed transition activities under section 3 of the Presidential Transition Act of 1963 (3 U.S.C. 102 note), the travel or transportation shall take place at any time after the most recent general elections held to determine the electors of the President.
(d) This section does not impair or otherwise affect the authority of an agency under existing statute to pay travel and transportation expenses of individuals named by subsection (a) of this section.
(Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 502; Pub. L. 95–454, title III, § 305, title IV, § 409(a), title IX, § 906(a)(2), (3), Oct. 13, 1978, 92 Stat. 1147, 1173, 1224; Pub. L. 98–151, § 118(a)(1), Nov. 14, 1983, 97 Stat. 977; Pub. L. 98–473, title I, § 120(a), Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 1968; Pub. L. 100–325, § 2(j), May 30, 1988, 102 Stat. 582; Pub. L. 100–398, § 6, Aug. 17, 1988, 102 Stat. 987; Pub. L. 101–509, title V, § 529 [title II, § 206(b)], Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1427, 1457; Pub. L. 102–378, § 2(48), Oct. 2, 1992, 106 Stat. 1353; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title XVII, §§ 1715(b)(2), 1723(b)(1), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2755, 2759; Pub. L. 105–264, § 6(3), Oct. 19, 1998, 112 Stat. 2356.)

CITE AS: 5 USC 5723

§ 5724. Travel and transportation expenses of employees transferred; advancement of funds; reimbursement on commuted basis
(a) Under regulations prescribed under section 5738 of this title and when the head of the agency concerned or his designee authorizes or approves, the agency shall pay from Government funds—
(1) the travel expenses of an employee transferred in the interest of the Government from one official station or agency to another for permanent duty, and the transportation expenses of his immediate family, or a commutation thereof under section 5704 of this title;
(2) the expenses of transporting, packing, crating, temporarily storing, draying, and unpacking his household goods and personal effects not in excess of 18,000 pounds net weight; and
(3) upon the separation (or death in service) of a career appointee, as defined in section 3132(a)(4) of this title, the travel expenses of that individual (if applicable), the transportation expenses of the immediate family of such individual, and the expenses of moving (including transporting, packing, crating, temporarily storing, draying, and unpacking) the household goods of such individual and personal effects not in excess of eighteen thousand pounds net weight, to the place where the individual will reside (or, in the case of a career appointee who dies in service or who dies after separating but before the travel, transportation, and moving is completed, to the place where the family will reside) within the United States, if such individual—
(A) during or after the five years preceding eligibility to receive an annuity under subchapter III of chapter 83, or of chapter 84 of this title, has been transferred in the interest of the Government from one official station to another for permanent duty as a career appointee in the Senior Executive Service or as a director under section 4103(a)(8) of title 38 (as in effect on November 17, 1988); and
(B) is eligible to receive an annuity upon such separation (or, in the case of death in service, met the requirements for being considered eligible to receive an annuity, as of date of death) under the provisions of subchapter III of chapter 83 or chapter 84 of this title.
(b) Under regulations prescribed under section 5738 of this title, an employee who transports a house trailer or mobile dwelling inside the continental United States, inside Alaska, or between the continental United States and Alaska, for use as a residence, and who otherwise would be entitled to transportation of household goods and personal effects under subsection (a) of this section, is entitled, instead of that transportation, to—
(1) a reasonable allowance for transportation of the house trailer or mobile dwelling, if the trailer or dwelling is transported by the employee; or
(2) commercial transportation of the house trailer or mobile dwelling, at Government expense, or reimbursement to the employee therefor, including the payment of necessary tolls, charges, and permit fees, if the trailer or dwelling is not transported by the employee.
However, payment under this subsection may not exceed the maximum payment to which the employee otherwise would be entitled under subsection (a) of this section for transportation and temporary storage of his household goods and personal effects in connection with this transfer.
(c) Under regulations prescribed under section 5738 of this title, an employee who transfers between points inside the continental United States, instead of being paid for the actual expenses of transporting, packing, crating, temporarily storing, draying, and unpacking of household goods and personal effects, shall be reimbursed on a commuted basis at the rates per 100 pounds that are fixed by zones in the regulations. The reimbursement may not exceed the amount which would be allowable for the authorized weight allowance. However, under regulations prescribed under section 5738 of this title, payment of actual expenses may be made when the head of the agency determines that payment of actual expenses is more economical to the Government.
(d) When an employee transfers to a post of duty outside the continental United States, his expenses of travel and transportation to and from the post shall be allowed to the same extent and with the same limitations prescribed for a new appointee under section 5722 of this title.
(e) When an employee transfers from one agency to another, the agency to which he transfers pays the expenses authorized by this section. However, under regulations prescribed under section 5738 of this title, in a transfer from one agency to another because of a reduction in force or transfer of function, expenses authorized by this section and sections 5726(b) and 5727 of this title (other than expenses authorized in connection with a transfer to a foreign country) and by section 5724a(a) through (f) of this title may be paid in whole or in part by the agency from which the employee transfers or by the agency to which he transfers, as may be agreed on by the heads of the agencies concerned.
(f) An advance of funds may be made to an employee under regulations prescribed under section 5738 of this title with the same safeguards required under section 5705 of this title.
(g) The allowances authorized by this section do not apply to an employee transferred under the Foreign Service Act of 1980.
(h) When a transfer is made primarily for the convenience or benefit of an employee, including an employee in the Foreign Service of the United States, or at his request, his expenses of travel and transportation and the expenses of transporting, packing, crating, temporarily storing, draying, and unpacking of household goods and personal effects may not be allowed or paid from Government funds.
(i) An agency may pay travel and transportation expenses (including storage of household goods and personal effects) and other relocation allowances under this section and sections 5724a, 5724b, and 5726(c) of this title when an employee is transferred within the continental United States only after the employee agrees in writing to remain in the Government service for 12 months after his transfer, unless separated for reasons beyond his control that are acceptable to the agency concerned. If the employee violates the agreement, the money spent by the Government for the expenses and allowances is recoverable from the employee as a debt due the Government.
(j) The regulations prescribed under this section shall provide that the reassignment or transfer of any employee, for permanent duty, from one official station or agency to another which is outside the employee’s commuting area shall take effect only after the employee has been given advance notice for a reasonable period. Emergency circumstances shall be taken into account in determining whether the period of advance notice is reasonable.
(Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 502; Pub. L. 90–83, § 1(36), Sept. 11, 1967, 81 Stat. 204; Pub. L. 90–623, § 1(14), Oct. 22, 1968,

CITE AS: 5 USC 5724

§ 5724a. Relocation expenses of employees transferred or reemployed
(a) Under regulations prescribed under section 5738, an agency shall pay to or on behalf of an employee who transfers in the interest of the Government, a per diem allowance or the actual subsistence expenses, or a combination thereof, of the immediate family of the employee for en route travel of the immediate family between the employee’s old and new official stations.
(b)
(1) Under regulations prescribed under section 5738, an agency may pay to or on behalf of an employee who transfers in the interest of the Government between official stations located within the United States—
(A) the expenses of transportation of the employee and the employee’s spouse for travel to seek permanent residence quarters at a new official station; and
(B) either—
(i) a per diem allowance or the actual subsistence expenses (or a combination of both); or
(ii) an amount for subsistence expenses, that may not exceed a maximum amount determined by the Administrator of General Services.
(2) Expenses may be allowed under paragraph (1) only for one round trip in connection with each change of station of the employee.
(c)
(1) Under regulations prescribed under section 5738, an agency may pay to or on behalf of an employee who transfers in the interest of the Government—
(A) actual subsistence expenses of the employee and the employee’s immediate family for a period of up to 60 days while the employee or family is occupying temporary quarters when the new official station is located within the United States; or
(B) an amount for subsistence expenses, that may not exceed a maximum amount determined by the Administrator of General Services, instead of the actual subsistence expenses authorized in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph.
(2) The period authorized in paragraph (1) of this subsection for payment of expenses for residence in temporary quarters may be extended up to an additional 60 days if the head of the agency concerned or the designee of such head of the agency determines that there are compelling reasons for the continued occupancy of temporary quarters.
(3) The regulations implementing paragraph (1)(A) shall prescribe daily rates and amounts for subsistence expenses per individual.
(d)
(1) Under regulations prescribed under section 5738, an agency shall pay to or on behalf of an employee who transfers in the interest of the Government, expenses of the sale of the residence (or the settlement of an unexpired lease) of the employee at the old official station and purchase of a residence at the new official station that are required to be paid by the employee, when the old and new official stations are located within the United States.
(2) Under regulations prescribed under section 5738, an agency shall pay to or on behalf of an employee who transfers in the interest of the Government from a post of duty located outside the United States to an official station within the United States (other than the official station within the United States from which the employee was transferred when assigned to the foreign tour of duty)—
(A) expenses required to be paid by the employee of the sale of the residence (or the settlement of an unexpired lease) of the employee at the old official station from which the employee was transferred when the employee was assigned to the post of duty located outside the United States; and
(B) expenses required to be paid by the employee of the purchase of a residence at the new official station within the United States.
(3) Reimbursement of expenses under paragraph (2) of this subsection shall not be allowed for any sale (or settlement of an unexpired lease) or purchase transaction that occurs prior to official notification that the employee’s return to the United States would be to an official station other than the official station from which the employee was transferred when assigned to the post of duty outside the United States.
(4) Reimbursement for brokerage fees on the sale of the residence and other expenses under this subsection may not exceed those customarily charged in the locality where the residence is located.
(5) Reimbursement may not be made under this subsection for losses incurred by the employee on the sale of the residence.
(6) This subsection applies regardless of whether title to the residence or the unexpired lease is—
(A) in the name of the employee alone;
(B) in the joint names of the employee and a member of the employee’s immediate family; or
(C) in the name of a member of the employee’s immediate family alone.
(7)
(A) In connection with the sale of the residence at the old official station, reimbursement under this subsection shall not exceed 10 percent of the sale price.
(B) In connection with the purchase of a residence at the new official station, reimbursement under this subsection shall not exceed 5 percent of the purchase price.
(8) Under regulations prescribed under section 5738, an agency may pay to or on behalf of an employee who transfers in the interest of the Government expenses of property management services, instead of expenses under paragraph (1) or (2) of this subsection for sale of the employee’s residence, when the agency determines that such transfer is advantageous and cost-effective for the Government.
(e) Under regulations prescribed under section 5738, an agency may pay to or on behalf of an employee who transfers in the interest of the Government, the expenses of property management services when the employee transfers to a post of duty outside the United States. Such payment shall terminate upon return of the employee to an official station within the United States.
(f)
(1) Under regulations prescribed under section 5738 and subject to paragraph (2), an employee who is reimbursed under subsections (a) through (e) of this section or section 5724(a) of this title is entitled to an amount for miscellaneous expenses—
(A) not to exceed two weeks’ basic pay, if such employee has an immediate family; or
(B) not to exceed one week’s basic pay, if such employee does not have an immediate family.
(2) Amounts paid under paragraph (1) may not exceed amounts determined at the maximum rate payable for a position at GS–13 of the General Schedule.
(g) A former employee separated by reason of reduction in force or transfer of function who within one year after the separation is reemployed by a nontemporary appointment at a different geographical location from that where the separation occurred, may be allowed and paid the expenses authorized by sections 5724, 5725, 5726(b), and 5727 of this title, and may receive the benefits authorized by subsections (a) through (f) of this section, in the same manner as though the employee had been transferred in the interest of the Government without a break in service to the location of reemployment from the location where separated.
(h) Payments for subsistence expenses, including amounts in lieu of per diem or actual subsistence expenses or a combination thereof, authorized under this section may not exceed the maximum payment allowed under regulations which implement section 5702 of this title.
(Added Pub. L. 90–83, § 1(37)(A), Sept. 11, 1967, 81 Stat. 204; amended Pub. L. 96–70, title I, § 1231(d), Sept. 27, 1979, 93 Stat. 470; Pub. L. 98–151, § 118(a)(5), (6), Nov. 14, 1983, 97 Stat. 977, 978; Pub. L. 99–234, title I, § 105, Jan. 2, 1986, 99 Stat. 1758; Pub. L. 100–202, § 101(m) [title VI, § 628(a)(1)], Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1329–390, 1329–430; Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XII, § 1206(c), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1661; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title XVII, §§ 1711–1713(a), 1714, 1718, Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2753–2755, 2757; Pub. L. 105–85, div. C, title XXXV, § 3550(c)(2), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 2074; Pub. L. 105–264, §§ 6(5), 7, Oct. 19, 1998, 112 Stat. 2356, 2357.)

CITE AS: 5 USC 5724a

§ 5724b. Taxes on reimbursements for travel, transportation, and relocation expenses
(a) Under regulations prescribed under section 5738 of this title and to the extent considered necessary and appropriate, as provided therein, appropriations or other funds available to an agency for administrative expenses are available for the reimbursement of substantially all of the Federal, State, and local income taxes incurred by an individual, or by an individual and such individual’s spouse (if filing jointly), for any travel, transportation, or relocation expenses furnished in kind, or for which reimbursement or an allowance is provided (but only to the extent of the expenses paid or incurred). Reimbursements under this subsection shall also include an amount equal to all income taxes for which the individual, or the individual and spouse, as the case may be, would be liable due to the reimbursement for the taxes referred to in the first sentence of this subsection.
(b) For purposes of this section, the term “travel, transportation, or relocation expenses” means all travel, transportation, and relocation expenses reimbursed or furnished in kind pursuant to this subchapter or chapter 41.
(Added Pub. L. 98–151, § 118(a)(7)(A)(i), Nov. 14, 1983, 97 Stat. 978; amended Pub. L. 98–473, title I, § 120(b), Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 1969; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title XVII, § 1723(b)(1), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2759; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title XI, § 1114(a), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1604; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title XI, § 1121(a), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3900.)

CITE AS: 5 USC 5724b

§ 5724c. Relocation services

Under regulations prescribed under section 5738 of this title, each agency may enter into contracts to provide relocation services to agencies and employees for the purpose of carrying out this subchapter. An agency may pay a fee for such services. Such services include arranging for the purchase of a transferred employee’s residence.

(Added Pub. L. 98–151, § 118(a)(7)(A)(i), Nov. 14, 1983, 97 Stat. 978; amended Pub. L. 98–473, title I, § 120(b), Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 1969; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title XVII, § 1713(b), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2754.)

CITE AS: 5 USC 5724c

§ 5724d. Transportation and moving expenses for immediate family of certain deceased Federal employees
(a)In General.—Under regulations prescribed by the President, the head of the agency concerned (or a designee) may determine that a covered employee died as a result of personal injury sustained while in the performance of the employee’s duty and authorize or approve the payment by the agency, from Government funds, of—
(1) any qualified expense of the immediate family of the covered employee attributable to a change in their place of residence, if the place where the immediate family will reside following the death of the employee is—
(A) different from the place where the immediate family resided at the time of the employee’s death; and
(B) within the United States; and
(2) any expense of preparing and transporting the remains of the deceased to—
(A) the place where the immediate family will reside following the death of the employee; or
(B) such other place appropriate for interment as is determined by the agency head (or designee).
(b)No Duplicate Payment of Expenses.—No expenses may be paid under this section if those expenses are paid from Government funds under section 5742 or any other authority.
(c)Definitions.—For purposes of this section—
(1) the term “covered employee” means—
(A) a law enforcement officer, as defined in section 5541;
(B) any employee in or under the Federal Bureau of Investigation who is not described in subparagraph (A);
(C) a customs and border protection officer, as defined in section 8331(31); and
(D) any nuclear materials courier, as defined in section 8331(27); and
(2) the term “qualified expense”, as used with respect to an immediate family changing its place of residence, means the transportation expenses of the immediate family, the expenses of moving (including transporting, packing, crating, temporarily storing, draying, and unpacking) the household goods and personal effects of such immediate family, not in excess of 18,000 pounds net weight, and, when authorized or approved by the agency head (or designee), the transportation of 1 privately owned motor vehicle.
(Added Pub. L. 111–178, § 2(a), June 9, 2010, 124 Stat. 1262; amended Pub. L. 116–283, div. C, title XXXI, § 3144, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4387.)

CITE AS: 5 USC 5724d

§ 5725. Transportation expenses; employees assigned to danger areas
(a) When an employee of the Government is on duty, or is transferred or assigned to duty, at a place designated by the head of the agency concerned as inside a zone—
(1) from which his immediate family should be evacuated; or
(2) to which they are not permitted to accompany him;
because of military or other reasons which create imminent danger to life or property, or adverse living conditions which seriously affect the health, safety, or accommodations of the immediate family, Government funds may be used to transport his immediate family and household goods, personal effects, and family household pets, under regulations prescribed by the head of the agency, to a location designated by the employee. When circumstances prevent the employee from designating a location, or it is administratively impracticable to determine his intent, the immediate family may designate the location. When the designated location is inside a zone to which movement of families is prohibited under this subsection, the employee or his immediate family may designate an alternate location.
(b) When the employee is assigned to a duty station from which his immediate family is not excluded by the restrictions in subsection (a) of this section, Government funds may be used to transport his immediate family and household goods and personal effects from the designated or alternate location to the duty station.
(c)
(1) The expenses authorized under subsection (a) shall, with respect to the transport of family household pets, include the expenses for the shipment of and the payment of any quarantine costs for such pets.
(2)
(A) the head of the agency shall by regulation prescribe; and
(B) shall, to the extent practicable, be the same as would apply under regulations prescribed under subsections (c) and (d) of section 453 of title 37 in connection with the transport of family household pets of members of the uniformed services, including regulations relating to the types, size, and number of pets for which such payment or reimbursement may be provided.
(Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 503; Pub. L. 105–264, § 6(6), Oct. 19, 1998, 112 Stat. 2356; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title XI, § 1106, Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1973; Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title VI, § 626(b)(2), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2628.)

CITE AS: 5 USC 5725

§ 5726. Storage expenses; household goods and personal effects
(a) For the purpose of subsection (b) of this section, “household goods and personal effects” means such personal property of an employee and his dependents as authorized under regulations prescribed under section 5738 of this title to be transported or stored, including, in emergencies, motor vehicles authorized to be shipped at Government expense.
(b) Under regulations prescribed under section 5738 of this title, an employee, including a new appointee and a student trainee to the extent authorized by sections 5722 and 5723 of this title, assigned to a permanent duty station outside the continental United States may be allowed storage expenses and related transportation and other expenses for his household goods and personal effects when—
(1) the duty station is one to which he cannot take or at which he is unable to use his household goods and personal effects; or
(2) the head of the agency concerned authorizes storage of the household goods and personal effects in the public interest or for reasons of economy.
The weight of the household goods and personal effects stored under this subsection, together with the weight of property transported under section 5724(a), may not exceed 18,000 pounds net weight, excluding a motor vehicle described by subsection (a) of this section.
(c) Under regulations prescribed under section 5738 of this title, when an employee, including a new appointee and a student trainee to the extent authorized by section 5723 of this title, is assigned to a permanent duty station at an isolated location in the continental United States to which he cannot take or at which he is unable to use his household goods and personal effects because of the absence of residence quarters at the location, nontemporary storage expenses or storage at Government expense in Government-owned facilities (including related transportation and other expenses), whichever is more economical, may be allowed the employee under regulations prescribed by the head of the agency concerned. The weight of property stored under this subsection, together with the weight of property transported under sections 5723(a) and 5724(a) of this title, may not exceed the total maximum weight the employee would be entitled to have moved. The period of nontemporary storage under this subsection may not exceed 3 years.
(Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 504; Pub. L. 90–83, § 1(38), Sept. 11, 1967, 81 Stat. 205; Pub. L. 98–151, § 118(a)(2), Nov. 14, 1983, 97 Stat. 977; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title XVII, § 1723(b)(1), (3), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2759.)

CITE AS: 5 USC 5726

§ 5727. Transportation of motor vehicles
(a) Except as specifically authorized by statute, an authorization in a statute or regulation to transport the effects of an employee or other individual at Government expense is not an authorization to transport an automobile.
(b) Under regulations prescribed under section 5738 of this title, the privately owned motor vehicle of an employee, including a new appointee and a student trainee to the extent authorized by sections 5722 and 5723 of this title, may be transported at Government expense to, from, and between the continental United States and a post of duty outside the continental United States, or between posts of duty outside the continental United States, when—
(1) the employee is assigned to the post of duty for other than temporary duty; and
(2) the head of the agency concerned determines that it is in the interest of the Government for the employee to have the use of a motor vehicle at the post of duty.
(c) Under regulations prescribed under section 5738 of this title, the privately owned motor vehicle or vehicles of an employee, including a new appointee or a student trainee for whom travel and transportation expenses are authorized under section 5723 of this title, may be transported at Government expense to a new official station of the employee when the agency determines that such transport is advantageous and cost-effective to the Government.
(d) An employee may transport only one motor vehicle under subsection (b) of this section during a 4-year period, except when the head of the agency concerned determines that replacement of the motor vehicle during the period is necessary for reasons beyond the control of the employee and is in the interest of the Government, and authorizes in advance the transportation under subsection (b) of this section of one additional privately owned motor vehicle as a replacement. When an employee has remained in continuous service outside the continental United States during the 4-year period after the date of transportation under subsection (b) of this section of his motor vehicle, the head of the agency concerned may authorize transportation under subsection (b) of this section of a replacement for that motor vehicle.
(e) When the head of an agency authorizes transportation under subsection (b) or (c) of this section of a privately owned motor vehicle, the transportation may be by—
(1) commercial means, if available at reasonable rates and under reasonable conditions; or
(2) Government means on a space-available basis.
(f)
(1) This section, except subsection (a), does not apply to—
(A) the Foreign Service of the United States; or
(B) the Central Intelligence Agency.
(2) This section, except subsection (a), does not affect section 403e(4) of title 50.1
1 See References in Text note below.
(Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 504; Pub. L. 96–465, title II, § 2314(e), Oct. 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 2168; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title XVII, §§ 1715(a), 1723(b)(1), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2755, 2759; Pub. L. 105–264, § 6(7), Oct. 19, 1998, 112 Stat. 2356.)

CITE AS: 5 USC 5727

§ 5728. Travel and transportation expenses; vacation leave
(a) Under regulations prescribed under section 5738 of this title, an agency shall pay from its appropriations the expenses of round-trip travel of an employee, and the transportation of his immediate family, but not household goods, from his post of duty outside the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii to the place of his actual residence at the time of appointment or transfer to the post of duty, after he has satisfactorily completed an agreed period of service outside the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii and is returning to his actual place of residence to take leave before serving another tour of duty at the same or another post of duty outside the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii under a new written agreement made before departing from the post of duty.
(b) Under regulations prescribed under section 5738 of this title, an agency shall pay from its appropriations the expenses of round-trip travel of an employee of the Government appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, for a term fixed by statute, and of transportation of his immediate family, but not household goods, from his post of duty outside the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii to the place of his actual residence at the time of appointment to the post of duty, after he has satisfactorily completed each 2 years of service outside the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii and is returning to his actual place of residence to take leave before serving at least 2 more years of duty outside the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii.
(c)
(1) Under regulations prescribed under section 5738 of this title, an agency may pay, subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, the expenses described in paragraph (2) of this subsection in any case in which the head of the agency determines that the payment of such expenses is necessary for the purpose of recruiting or retaining an employee for service of a tour of duty at a post of duty in Alaska or Hawaii.
(2) The expenses payable under paragraph (1) of this subsection are the expenses of round-trip travel of an employee, and the transportation of his immediate family, but not household goods, from his post of duty in Alaska or Hawaii to the place of his actual residence at the time of appointment or transfer to the post of duty, incurred after he has satisfactorily completed an agreed period of service in Alaska or Hawaii and in returning to his actual place of residence to take leave before serving another tour of duty at the same or another post of duty in Alaska or Hawaii under a new written agreement made before departing from the post of duty.
(3) The payment of expenses of any employee and the transportation of his family under paragraph (1) of this subsection is limited to the expenses of travel and transportation incurred for not more than two round trips commenced within 5 years after the date the employee first commences any period of consecutive tours of duty in Alaska or Hawaii.
(d) This section does not apply to appropriations for the Foreign Service of the United States.
(Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 505; Pub. L. 97–253, title III, § 351(a), (b), Sept. 8, 1982, 96 Stat. 800; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title XVII, § 1723(b)(1), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2759; Pub. L. 105–264, § 6(8), Oct. 19, 1998, 112 Stat. 2356.)

CITE AS: 5 USC 5728

§ 5729. Transportation expenses; prior return of family
(a) Under regulations prescribed under section 5738 of this title, an agency shall pay from its appropriations, not more than once before the return to the United States of an employee whose post of duty is outside the continental United States, the expenses of transporting his immediate family and of shipping his household goods and personal effects from his post of duty to his actual place of residence when—
(1) he has acquired eligibility for that transportation; or
(2) the public interest requires the return of the immediate family for compelling personal reasons of a humanitarian or compassionate nature, such as may involve physical or mental health, death of a member of the immediate family, or obligation imposed by authority or circumstances over which the individual has no control.
(b) Under regulations prescribed under section 5738 of this title, an agency shall reimburse from its appropriations an employee whose post of duty is outside the continental United States for the proper transportation expenses of returning his immediate family and his household goods and personal effects to the United States, when—
(1) their return was made at the expense of the employee before his return and for other than reasons of public interest; and
(2) he acquires eligibility for those transportation expenses.
(c) This section does not apply to appropriations for the Foreign Service of the United States.
(Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 505; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title XVII, § 1723(b)(1), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2759; Pub. L. 105–264, § 6(9), Oct. 19, 1998, 112 Stat. 2356.)

CITE AS: 5 USC 5729

§ 5730. Funds available

Funds available for travel expenses of an employee are available for expenses of transportation of his immediate family, and funds available for transportation of things are available for transportation of household goods and personal effects, as authorized by this subchapter.

(Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 506.)

CITE AS: 5 USC 5730

§ 5731. Expenses limited to lowest first-class rate
(a) The allowance for actual expenses for transportation may not exceed the lowest first-class rate by the transportation facility used unless it is certified, in accordance with regulations prescribed under section 5738 of this title, that—
(1) lowest first-class accommodations are not available; or
(2) use of a compartment or other accommodation authorized or approved by the head of the agency concerned or his designee is required for security purposes.
(b) Instead of the maximum fixed by subsection (a) of this section, the allowance to an employee of the Government for actual expenses for transportation on an inter-island steamship in Hawaii may not exceed the rate for accommodations on the steamship that is equivalent as nearly as possible to the rate for the lowest first-class accommodations on trans-pacific steamships.
(Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 506; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title XVII, § 1723(b)(4), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2759; Pub. L. 105–264, § 6(10), Oct. 19, 1998, 112 Stat. 2356.)

CITE AS: 5 USC 5731

§ 5732. General average contribution; payment or reimbursement
Under such regulations as the President may prescribe, appropriations chargeable for the transportation of baggage and household goods and personal effects of employees of the Government, volunteers as defined by section 8142(a) of this title, and members of the uniformed services are available for the payment or reimbursement of general average contributions required. Appropriations are not available for the payment or reimbursement of general average contributions—
(1) required in connection with and applicable to quantities of baggage and household goods and personal effects in excess of quantities authorized by statute or regulation to be transported;
(2) when the individual concerned is allowed under statute or regulation a commutation instead of actual transportation expenses; or
(3) when the individual concerned selected the means of shipment.
(Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 506; Pub. L. 105–264, § 6(11), Oct. 19, 1998, 112 Stat. 2356.)

CITE AS: 5 USC 5732

§ 5733. Expeditious travel

The travel of an employee shall be by the most expeditious means of transportation practicable and shall be commensurate with the nature and purpose of the duties of the employee requiring such travel.

(Added Pub. L. 90–206, title II, § 222(c)(1), Dec. 16, 1967, 81 Stat. 641.)

CITE AS: 5 USC 5733

§ 5734. Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses of employees transferred from the Postal Service

Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, officers and employees of the United States Postal Service promoted or transferred under section 1006 of title 39, United States Code, from the Postal Service to an agency (as defined in section 5721 of this title), for permanent duty may be authorized travel, transportation, and relocation expenses and allowances under the same conditions and to the same extent authorized by this subchapter for other transferred employees within the meaning of this chapter.

(Added Pub. L. 99–234, title I, § 106(a), Jan. 2, 1986, 99 Stat. 1758.)

CITE AS: 5 USC 5734

§ 5735. Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses of employees transferring to the United States Postal Service
(a)In General.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, employees of the Department of Defense described in subsection (b) may be authorized travel, transportation, and relocation expenses and allowances in connection with appointments referred to in such subsection under the same conditions and to the same extent authorized by this subchapter for transferred employees.
(b)Covered Employees.—Subsection (a) applies to any employee of the Department of Defense who—
(1) is scheduled for separation from the Department, other than for cause;
(2) is selected for appointment to a continuing position with the United States Postal Service; and
(3) accepts the appointment.
(Added Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title III, § 345(a)(1), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2723.)

CITE AS: 5 USC 5735

§ 5736. Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses of certain nonappropriated fund employees

An employee of a nonappropriated fund instrumentality of the Department of Defense or the Coast Guard described in section 2105(c) of this title who moves, without a break in service of more than 3 days, to a position in the Department of Defense or the Coast Guard, respectively, may be authorized travel, transportation, and relocation expenses and allowances under the same conditions and to the same extent authorized by this subchapter for transferred employees.

(Added Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title XVI, § 1605(a)(1), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2736.)

CITE AS: 5 USC 5736

§ 5737. Relocation expenses of an employee who is performing an extended assignment
(a) Under regulations prescribed under section 5738 of this title, an agency may pay to or on behalf of an employee assigned from the employee’s official station to a duty station for a period of not less than six months and not greater than 30 months, the following expenses in lieu of payment of expenses authorized under subchapter I of this chapter:
(1) Travel expenses to and from the assignment location in accordance with section 5724 of this title.
(2) Transportation expenses of the immediate family and household goods and personal effects to and from the assignment location in accordance with section 5724 of this title.
(3) A per diem allowance for en route travel of the employee’s immediate family to and from the assignment location in accordance with section 5724a(a) of this title.
(4) Travel and transportation expenses of the employee and spouse to seek new residence quarters at the assignment location in accordance with section 5724a(b) of this title.
(5) Subsistence expenses of the employee and the employee’s immediate family while occupying temporary quarters upon commencement and termination of the assignment in accordance with section 5724a(c) of this title.
(6) An amount, in accordance with section 5724a(f), to be used by the employee for miscellaneous expenses of this title.1
1 So in original.
(7) The expenses of transporting a privately owned motor vehicle or vehicles to the assignment location in accordance with section 5727 of this title.
(8) An allowance as authorized under section 5724b of this title for Federal, State, and local income taxes incurred on reimbursement of expenses paid under this section or on services provided in kind under this section.
(9) Expenses of nontemporary storage of household goods and personal effects as defined in section 5726(a) of this title, subject to the limitation that the weight of the household goods and personal effects stored, together with the weight of property transported under section 5724(a) of this title, may not exceed the total maximum weight which could be transported in accordance with section 5724(a) of this title.
(10) Expenses of property management services.
(b) An agency shall not make payment under this section to or on behalf of the employee for expenses incurred after termination of the temporary assignment.
(Added

CITE AS: 5 USC 5737

§ 5737a. Employees temporarily deployed in contingency operations
(a)Definitions.—For purposes of this section—
(1) the term “covered employee” means an individual who—
(A) is an employee of an Executive agency or a military department, excluding a Government controlled corporation; and
(B) is assigned on a temporary change of station in support of a contingency operation;
(2) the term “temporary change of station”, as used with respect to an employee, means an assignment—
(A) from the employee’s official duty station to a temporary duty station; and
(B) for which such employee is eligible for expenses under section 5737; and
(3) the term “contingency operation” has the meaning given such term by section 1482a(c) of title 10.
(b)Quarters and Rations.—The head of an agency may provide quarters and rations, without charge, to any covered employee of such agency during the period of such employee’s temporary assignment (as described in subsection (a)(1)(B)).
(c)Storage of Motor Vehicle.—The head of an agency may provide for the storage, without charge, or for the reimbursement of the cost of storage, of a motor vehicle that is owned or leased by a covered employee of such agency (or by a dependent of such an employee) and that is for the personal use of the covered employee. This subsection shall apply—
(1) with respect to storage during the period of the employee’s temporary assignment (as described in subsection (a)(1)(B)); and
(2) in the case of a covered employee, with respect to not more than one motor vehicle as of any given time.
(d)Relationship to Other Benefits.—Any benefits under this section shall be in addition to (and not in lieu of) any other benefits for which the covered employee is otherwise eligible.
(Added Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title XI, § 1104(a), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 346.)

CITE AS: 5 USC 5737a

§ 5738. Regulations
(a)
(1) Except as specifically provided in this subchapter, the Administrator of General Services shall prescribe regulations necessary for the administration of this subchapter.
(2) The Administrator of General Services shall include in the regulations authority for the head of an agency or his designee to waive any limitation of this subchapter or in any implementing regulation for any employee relocating to or from a remote or isolated location who would suffer hardship if the limitation were not waived. A waiver of a limitation under authority provided in the regulations pursuant to this paragraph shall be effective notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter.
(b) In prescribing regulations for the implementation of section 5724b of this title, the Administrator of General Services shall consult with the Secretary of the Treasury.
(c) The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations necessary for the implementation of section 5735 of this title.
(Added Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title XVII, § 1722, Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2758.)

CITE AS: 5 USC 5738

§ 5739. Authority for relocation expenses test programs
(a)
(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter, under a test program which the Administrator of General Services determines to be in the interest of the Government and approves, an agency may pay through the proper disbursing official any necessary relocation expenses in lieu of any payment otherwise authorized or required under this subchapter. An agency shall include in any request to the Administrator for approval of such a test program an analysis of the expected costs and benefits and a set of criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of the program.
(2) Any test program conducted under this section shall be designed to enhance cost savings or other efficiencies that accrue to the Government.
(b) The Administrator shall transmit a copy of any test program approved or extended by the Administrator under this section to the appropriate committees of the Congress at least 30 days before the effective date of the program or extension.
(c)
(1) An agency authorized to conduct a test program under subsection (a) shall annually submit a report on the results of the program to date to the Administrator.
(2) Not later than 3 months after completion of a test program, the agency conducting the program shall submit a final report on the results of the program to the Administrator and the appropriate committees of Congress.
(d) No more than 12 test programs under this section may be conducted simultaneously.
(e)
(1) The Administrator may not approve any test program for an initial period of more than 4 years.
(2)
(A) Upon the request of the agency administering a test program, the Administrator may extend the program.
(B) An extension under subparagraph (A) may not exceed 4 years.
(C) The Administrator may exercise more than 1 extension under subparagraph (A) with respect to any test program.
(Added Pub. L. 105–264, § 5(b), Oct. 19, 1998, 112 Stat. 2355; amended Pub. L. 109–325, § 1(a), Oct. 11, 2006, 120 Stat. 1760; Pub. L. 111–112, § 1(a), Nov. 30, 2009, 123 Stat. 3024.)

CITE AS: 5 USC 5739