Household goods and POV shipments

By U.S. ArmyMarch 8, 2016

THE BASICS

HHG movement and/or storage and personally procured move applications must be initiated via the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at www.move.mil. DPS offers a full suite of counseling information and tools to assist members in the move process. First time DPS users will also be required to establish an account, and certain members are eligible to complete the Self-Counseling module and simply submit completed/signed documents foregoing the requirement to set up a counseling appointment with their local Transportation Office/Traffic Management Office.

WHEN SHOULD I START?

Begin your DPS application as soon as you have orders in hand and keep in mind most TO/TMOs request three weeks lead-time ahead of the requested move pick-up date to process shipment applications. Additionally, most shipments are planned/offered to service 4,000 to 5,000 pounds per day. For example, for a 12,000-pound shipment, the carrier is given three days to pack and one day to load.

WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS

DPS determines member weight entitlements during the application process, however Alaska is weight restricted for single/unaccompanied Soldiers E-5 and below. All other military member weight entitlements are derived from the Joint Federal Travel Regulations, U5310. DoD civilians are entitled to 18,000 pounds.

DRIVING THE ALASKA MARINE HIGHWAY

If you are using the Alaska Marine Highway System, you also retain the authority to ship one POV at government expense using the Vehicle Processing Center servicing the losing base. Reservations may be made via local Commercial Travel Offices, or via www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/index.shtml.

SHIPPING A POV

You must ship POVs to Alaska via your servicing VPC. More information is available at www.whereismypov.com. If your POV is not delivered to the servicing VPC within 90 days of departing your last station, additional approval to ship your POV will be required after you arrive in Alaska.

MOBILE HOMES

If you are considering shipping a mobile home to Alaska, contact your local TO/TMO immediately for specific advice/information.

ON ARRIVAL

Check DPS and/or contact your HHG carrier to inquire on HHG shipment status and to arrange delivery. Stateside members should plan for estimate 30 days transit before HHG arrive, while overseas members should discuss transit times to Alaska with their TO/TMO. Authorized temporary storage is time limited and becomes your expense if storage extensions are not requested and approved.

FILING A CLAIM

If you need to file a claim due to missing or damaged items in your household goods shipment, please visit the Claims page.

OTHER HELPFUL TIPS

Contact 673d Civil Engineer Squadron Housing Office at (907) 552-4439 for questions regarding on-base quarters and accommodations. Quarters are equipped with washer, dryer, stove and refrigerator. Some have dishwashers. Drapes are not furnished. Some liquid items and canned foods are normally not be accepted for shipment between October and May due to freezing/damaging other HHG during transit.

To avoid problems, if you are unclear on your entitlements, contact your local TO/TMO.

Related Links:

Claims Page

Alaska Department of Transportation

move.mil

Where is my POV