Peak move season is here, get ready now!

  • Published
  • Air Mobility Command
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Almost 65 percent of all Department of Defense Household Goods (HHG) moves are performed during the summer peak season between May 15 and September 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 their complaints: 1) The Transportation Service Provider (TSP) could not accommodate preferred dates and/or did not handle property with care and 2) The Defense Personal Property System (DPS) 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 the members and their families.

Unfortunately, some moving problems are beyond the control of the DOD, such as a shortage of private sector drivers and an increase in private sector moves. However, there are areas where DOD has made improvements, ranging from simple things such as easier to find Personal Property Processing Office (PPPO) customer service numbers to more technical fixes like improved DPS performance.

Since last peak season, DPS has gone through many changes and upgrades in order to improve the moving experience. The web pages were changed to make the system more user-friendly, the speed and functionality of the system has been upgraded to decrease lock-ups and improve processing times, and the claims module has been redeveloped to enable easier navigation and faster claims completion.

While this year may see some of the same uncontrollable problems, such as driver availability, we expect the system improvements will 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 informative information under the "DOD Service Members and Civilians (DOD)" section

· Contact your local Personal Property Office (TMO) as soon as you have orders: At Grand Forks AFB, call 747-3848 or 747-3467

· Starting 9 April 2012, all shipments will require a waiting period of at least 21 calendar days from date briefed to 1st 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 (TMO) 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 option 5. If you have entitlement questions contact the Personal Property Office (TMO).

· Provide both primary and alternate move dates and be flexible with these dates

· Provide a valid e-mail address and phone number so that you can be readily 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 prior to your move, contact your TSP with questions after your property has 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: 1) Closing date of a residence, 2) The last day of residency in an apartment or the day of termination of a lease, or 3) The day that a cleaning crew is to start cleaning

Another move option to consider is performing a Personally Procured Move (PPM). 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...give them a call.