Peak PCS Season is Here

  • Published
  • 319th Logistics Readiness Squadron Travel Management Office
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  More than half of all Department of Defense household goods moves are performed between June 1 and Sept. 30.

Unfortunately, many service members who moved during last year's peak season experienced some dissatisfaction with the process.

Two main areas were the focus of many complaints: The Transportation Service Provider could not accommodate preferred dates and/or did not handle property with care; or the Defense Personal Property System locked up often, and screens were slow to load.

Moving is stressful, and any issue that impedes the move process places a burden on members and their families.

Unfortunately, some moving problems are beyond the control of the DOD, such as a shortage of private sector drivers or an increase in private sector moves. However, there are areas where DOD has made improvements, such as making it easier to find Personal Property Processing Office customer service numbers, or increasing DPS efficiency.

While some of the same challenges may occur again this year, system improvements should greatly enhance the overall experience for DOD members. Below are some helpful tips to reduce stress and make your move a successful one:
  • Visit www.move.mil, review the "It's Your Move" pamphlets and other information under the DOD Service Members and Civilians section.
  • Contact your local Personal Property Office (TMO) as soon as you have orders.
  • All shipments will require a waiting period of at least 21 calendar days from date briefed to the first pack date. Exceptions will be worked on a case by case basis and will be accepted for emergencies only.
  • If you self-counsel, be sure to bring the required paperwork into the Personal Property Office as soon as you complete the counseling.
  • If you do self-counsel and encounter problems with the system, contact the DPS helpdesk at 1-800-462-2176, and choose option 5. If you have entitlement questions, contact the Personal Property Office.
  • Provide both primary and alternate move dates and be flexible with these dates.
  • Provide valid e-mail address and phone number so that you can be easily reached throughout your move.
  • Remember to obtain and keep numbers and points of contact from the TSP conducting your move and keep in contact with them throughout the move.
  • Contact your Personal Property Office immediately if your TSP doesn't initiate contact within 10 days of primary pack and pick-up dates, or if they do not arrive on the projected move day.
  • Contact your local Personal Property Office for questions before your move; contact your TSP with questions after your property has been picked up. If your TSP does not satisfy you, contact your responsible JPPSO.
  • Once your move dates are requested, don't assume they are set. Move dates are not confirmed until your TSP has contacted you and confirmed the dates.
  • Never schedule a pickup on the following days: Closing date of a residence; The last day of residency in an apartment or the day of termination of a lease; and the day a cleaning crew is to start cleaning
Another move option to consider is performing a Personally Procured Move. These moves allow service members to control their own move dates and avoid any delay between arriving to a new assignment and receiving their personal property. Members are also reimbursed 95 percent of the cost of a government move.

In order to have a successful move, you need to be engaged and start planning your move as soon as you are notified. Along with the tips above, your local Personal Property Office is available and ready to answer any questions you have.

For more information, call the Grand Forks Personal Property Office at 747-3848.