| 2022 Movers and PCS Season Tips |
***Very IMPORTANT Note for this season.***
The purpose of this MARADMIN is to stress the importance of immediate action by Marines, Civilian Marines, and their families executing a Permanent Change of Station move this year in accordance with guidance provided in reference (a). Effects of the on-going pandemic continue to challenge normal relocation processes especially in the area of moving household goods and other personal property (household goods, unaccompanied baggage, privately owned vehicles and mobile homes).
Background. The moving industry is experiencing a significant reduction in the number of available packers, loaders and drivers, which is limiting the capacity that DoD normally receives during the summer peak moving season. This, coupled with the national lumber shortage/cost increase, is creating a lead time of 6-8 weeks at certain locations to get a shipment picked up.
Marines in receipt of PCS orders, the time to book your household goods shipment is NOW. The moving industry is experiencing a significant reduction in the number of available packers, loaders and drivers, which is limiting the capacity that DoD normally receives during the summer peak moving season. This, coupled with the national lumber shortage/cost increase, is creating a lead-time of 6-8 weeks to get a shipment picked up.
If you desire to execute a Government procured household goods or non-temporary storage (long-term storage) shipment anytime between now and the end of September, you must visit the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) via https://www.move.mil to complete the counseling module, also called “Self-Counseling” and submit your application. Failure to take the appropriate actions now will result in the inability of the DMO/Transportation Office to accommodate your requested dates for household goods transportation and non-temporary storage.
For Marines moving in CONUS or between CONUS and Hawaii, another option that provides you more flexibility and allows you to manage the move yourself is the Personally Procured Move (PPM) program. You decide how much of the move you want to do yourself and how much money ends up in your pocket. The DoD has also made recent changes to DPS that allows for additional compensation. See your local DMO/Transportation Office to obtain an estimated incentive, or copy and paste this link to view the latest PPM brief:
https://www.iandl.marines.mil/Portals/85/Docs/LPD/LPD/LPD-2%20Approved%20PPM%20Brief%203%20May%202021.pptx
Other actions include close and regular contact with Manpower Management and the MOS Monitor for modification to PCS Orders or possible delay of dependent travel if the Marine/Civilian Marine is unable to meet their no later than date due to a delay in HHG pick up or delivery. Additional coordination with the base/station military housing office may be required to make adjustments to check out dates as necessary.
Educational products, including Marine Minute videos, MARADMINs and Checklists for CONUS to Japan and CONUS to Hawaii can also be found at the following link: https://www.iandl.marines.mil/Divisions/Logistics-Plans-Policies-Strategic-Mobility-LP/Logistics-Distribution-Policy-Branch-LPD/PCS2/
In response to the busy moving season ahead, DPS has provided the following MarAdmin and 3 tips for the moving season to help personnel work toward a successful move:
1. 2022 Peak Moving Season Preparations (UPDATE as of 29 March 2022) - MARADMIN 108/22
2. Don't Wait to Start: Applications come in first come first serve. Get your move started as soon as you can. Access the DPS Home Page at https://move.mil/ (ensure Pop-Up Blockers are turned off).
3. Use DPS after normal work hours: If you experience intermittent connectivity issues, report the issue to the System Response Center at (800) 462-2176 and keep trying to complete your task. If you cannot successfully complete your task in DPS, contact your Personal Property Office for additional support.
4. Fill out Your Surveys: Your feedback matters. The customer satisfaction survey helps the DOD determine if the company that supplied your movers should be issued more contracts. So, fill out the DOD Survey honestly and thoroughly.
A successful move is not a matter of chance. It is the result of planning and hard work. At the center of these efforts is you, the customer. If you expect a good move, you should play an active role and be aware of your rights and responsibilities. Your responsibilities are visible in the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) Self Counseling module and in the "It's Your Move" pamphlets at https://www.ustranscom.mil/dtr/part-iv/dtr_part_iv_app_k_1.pdf (Military) or https://www.ustranscom.mil/dtr/part-iv/dtr_part_iv_app_k_2.pdf (Civilian)