Reducing the stress of a PCS move

  • Published
  • By Joint Personal Property Shipping Office
CHELMSFORD, Mass. --  With the busy summer moving season approaching fast, officials with Joint Personal Property Shipping Office provide moving tips to assist in making the process simpler with tools such as the Defense Personal Property Program, or DP3.

In its third successful year, DP3 provides improved quality of life for servicemembers, civilian employees and their families through enhanced household goods moves.

"DPS [Defense Personal Property System] not only provides direct and empowered communications between the servicemember and the Transportation Service Provider 24/7, 365 days a year, but now also provides shipment status and storage notifications by email," said Gail Rust, JPPSO Customer Information Management Division chief.

After servicemembers complete the initial move requirements, the DPS Interactive Voice Response system will provide access to the shipment information as servicemembers transition to a new home.

"Servicemembers must establish a DPS account to process or manage a shipment, request delivery, file a claim or complete a customer satisfaction survey," said Rust.

To create an account, visit www.move.mil and select the "first time users" link on the left side of the homepage. Even though a request is made here, servicemembers are still required to visit the Transportation Office.

"A shipment cannot be scheduled for a pick up until you have stopped by the Transportation Office to sign the application and provide a copy of your orders," Rust said.

Rust went on to say that not all personal property shipments can be moved in DPS.

"Servicemembers should contact the Transportation office to see if they qualify," she said. "Also, if you have any property in government paid storage, be sure to make arrangements to release that property for shipment as well."

Servicemembers moving this summer should be aware of the high volume of moves in June, July and August. Plan to be flexible when selecting a pickup date.

"Members should not schedule a pickup on the closing date of the residence, on the last day of residency in an apartment or the day of termination of a lease, or the day a cleaning crew is to start cleaning the residence," Rust said. "Scheduling the pickup on any of these days leaves no room to adjust for unforeseen problems."

She said it's also a good idea to leave the telephone and other utilities connected until all property has been picked up.

Limited capability during peak season means that not everyone can move on the last day of the month. JPPSO encourages servicemembers to be prepared to provide alternate move dates which will allow flexibility in the event the preferred dates can't be met.

"In most cases, the actual pack, pick-up and delivery dates will be negotiated directly between the member and the TSP during the pre-move survey," said Rust. "Expect one pack day for every 4,000 pounds of estimated weight."

This is determined during a required TSP pre-move survey five days prior to the requested pickup date.

"A good move depends largely on how much you get involved and are well prepared when the movers arrive," said Rust.

She recommends personnel tog onto www.move.mil and read the information under the "Preparing for Your Move" section.

Upon shipment delivery, servicemembers and the TSP will record lost or damaged property on a "Notification of Loss/Damage AT Delivery" form. Lost or damaged property discovered after delivery will be listed on the "Notification of Loss/Damage AFTER Delivery" form or entered into DPS by the member.

"All lost or damaged property must be declared and forms filed within 75 days of delivery," Rust said. "Neither the TSP nor the government will pay for items not identified on the lost or damaged report."

For full replacement value claims, servicemembers must file directly with the TSP within nine months of delivery. A claim can be filed by logging into DPS and selecting the claims tab. The TSP is required to replace any item that is lost or destroyed with a new item. Additionally, TSP must pay the cost of a new item of the same kind and quality, without deducting for depreciation. TSP is not required to replace items which can be repaired for less than the full value of the item. Repair will be to the extent necessary to restore the item to its condition when it was received by the TSP.

Claims Critical Timeline:

Within five days of delivery: The TSP may provide a quick claim settlement if total claim is less than $500.

Within 75 days after delivery: Servicemembers must file a notice of loss or damage form or complete the action in DPS. If you opt for filing with the military claims office, you must file within 75 days after delivery.

Within nine months after delivery: File a claim directly with the TSP for full value protection.

No later than two years after delivery: After 9 months, file a claim with the TSP or your Military Claims Office for other than a full value settlement.

For further information, contact 800-235-7776 or the Traffic Management Office at 781-225-6399.