FORT SILL, Okla.-- Did you know that 65 percent of permanent change of station moves occur between May 1 and Sept. 30?
This, coupled with increases in private sector moves due to economic conditions, stresses the commercial moving industry's capacity and capabilities to conduct moves in a timely manner.
If you will PCS during this timeframe, there are many ways to ease the stress of your move.
The Department of Defense recently started a new program -- the Defense Personal Property System, or DPS. It is a Web-based system for service members and DoD employees to conduct self-counseling and scheduling of their household goods shipment directly with the transportation service provider, or TSP. Proper planning, careful preparation, flexibility on packing and shipping dates, and constant communication with transportation service providers can reduce the stress and potential for shipment difficulties.
Move planning
Visit www.move.mil and review the vast household goods move planning tools available. Take the time to review the "It's your move" video and pamphlets that give special instructions and other useful information. While on the website, you will need to register for a DPS account. First-time movers, those separating from service, retirees and other special category personnel must be counseled at the local personal property office. A DPS account is required to track and manage all shipments and to file claims. Upon completion of self-counseling, immediately provide a copy of your official orders to your local personal property office. Applications for household goods moves will not be processed without a valid copy of official orders. All personnel are encouraged to consult the Fort Sill Personal Property Office in Building 4700 for additional counseling assistance when necessary.
Tips for success
Being flexible on pack-out, pickup and delivery dates is key due to the high volume of moves occurring during this period. Pickup dates must not be so tight that a few days delay will negatively impact plans to vacate housing, commence travel or execute other PCS-related events. Dates at the beginning and ending of the month are particularly difficult since this is when most leases or rental agreements end. As a reminder, final pack-out and pickup dates are not confirmed until the conclusion of your pre-move survey. Be sure to obtain confirmation of pack-out and pickup dates before making any final travel arrangements. If circumstances require a change to the agreed upon dates, there is a substantial risk that new requested dates may not be available which may result in a significant delay in getting new dates. Stay in contact with the TSP. DPS provides point of contact telephone numbers for each TSP supporting each move. Immediately notify the local personal property office should any unforeseen issues arise during the move.
Other options
During peak shipping season you may also want to consider making a personally procured move formerly known as a do-it-yourself move. Eligible military members may be paid up to 95 percent of the government's cost for performing this type of move. One advantage is it offers the greatest flexibility when performing an eligible move.
Remember planning, preparation, flexibility and communication are the keys to executing a successful PCS move.
To help ensure your PCS move goes without a hitch, follow this process for success:
go to www.move.mil to get started;
watch the video;
register for a DPS account;
log into DPS;
perform self-counseling (and provide a copy of official orders to the personal property office);
enter shipment info in DPS;
remain in constant communication with your TSP provider until the move is complete;
and after the move is finished, log into DPS and complete the customer satisfaction survey (12 short questions).
If you incurred losses or damage during the move, log into DPS, within 75 days of delivery and file your claim online.
This is a requirement if you want the full replacement coverage. If you have difficulty in agreeing with the TSP on settlement, you may contact your local military claims office for assistance.
For more assistance regarding anything to do with PCS moves, visit the Fort Sill Personal Property Office in Building 4700 or call 442-3909/3931.
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