The 2021 household good (HHG) transportation season will soon be upon us, and with it comes the importance of HHG counseling. To ensure all members have the most success with their movement of HHGs commands are highly encouraged to provide each transferring or separating member with a copy of this ALCOAST and include HHGs counseling on PCS check-out sheets.
The industry’s peak season runs from 15 May to 31 Aug with the busiest time being between 15 June and 31 July. We realize that many decisions must be made prior to booking shipments and requesting a packing and moving date. Booking your shipment needs to be made at the earliest opportunity to ensure a smooth transition and successful outcome. Trying to schedule a shipment during the busiest times (between 15 Jun and 31 Jul) may be challenging, and avoiding these peak times is highly recommended whenever possible. Members should not cancel or enter into a rental agreement, lease, or buy/sell a home until they have verified with their local Transportation Office that the requested dates have been confirmed by the Transportation Service Provider (TSP).
HHG counseling may be conducted in-person by a TO, or members may self-counsel through the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at: www.move.mil. Members must register for a username and password with a valid civilian email account. Registration may take up to 72 hours, so members should plan accordingly.
DPS is used to request Government HHG shipments, and to receive authorization to perform a Personally Procured Move (PPM) of HHG. Members scheduling both a Government HHG shipment and a partial PPM must enter both shipments in DPS separately. Once the member’s HHGs event has been requested in DPS, a copy of the signed PCS orders must be provided to the origin TO to complete the shipment request. Guidance on PPMs is available here.
If operational commitments prevent a member from scheduling their HHG shipment or PPM, they should seek guidance from their local TO or legal assistance office to assign a trusted agent or grant a special power of attorney to schedule the HHG shipment on their behalf.
Members must understand their weight limits and the consequences of exceeding their maximum allowable weight. Exceeding the weight limits will create excess costs, for both shipping and storage that must be paid by the member. Maximum HHG weight allowances are found here.To help members calculate the approximate weight of their HHG before pack-out, a weight estimating tool is available at: www.move.mil. After pickup, the net HHG weight is reported by the TSP, and the member may log into their DPS account, or contact the Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO) to verify the weight. If a member disputes the HHG weight, they may request a re-weigh via their DPS account, the TSP, or the destination PPSO. It is NOT possible to reweigh HHG after delivery.
A member married to another service member must ensure their origin HHG counselor is aware of their marital status, as they may request to combine their HHG weight allowances for one shipment. Weight allowances may not be combined after delivery in an attempt to offset HHG weight overages.
Professional books, papers, and equipment (PBP&E or pro-gear) is limited to a maximum of 2,000 pounds per member. Guidance and limitations on pro-gear are found in 051304 and Appendix A of REF (A), and on www.move.mil. Pro-gear cannot be claimed after delivery in an attempt to offset HHG weight overages. Waivers are not
authorized.
Spousal pro-gear is limited to 500 pounds. An itemized inventory of spousal pro-gear indicating the profession which the items are used, and signed by the member, must be provided to the TO for verification at the time of counseling. Member (m-pro) and spousal (s-pro) pro-gear may not be combined.
The member is responsible for ensuring m-pro and/or s-pro is separated from HHG, and clearly marked to be weighed separately. All pro-gear must be clearly itemized on the origin TSP inventory sheet, and the estimated weight must be entered on the Application for Shipment and/or Storage of Personal Property, DD Form 1299.
Inventory sheets must specifically indicate which items are m-pro and/or s-pro, cubic feet, and pounds. Pro-gear cannot be added after-the-fact.
After delivery of HHG, members will be reminded via email to grade their TSP’s performance by submitting a Customer Satisfaction Survey (CSS) in DPS. The CSS will capture written feedback and a numerical satisfaction rating, which directly impacts the Government’s continued use of that TSP.
Full Replacement Value (FVR) protection is provided at no additional cost to the member. For personal property lost, damaged or destroyed while in the care of the TSP, the member can recover the greater of $7,500 per shipment or $6.00 times the net weight of the HHG shipment (in pounds) or the gross weight of the Unaccompanied Baggage shipment (in pounds) up to a maximum of $75,000 as compensation for loss. For moves prior to 15 May 2019, the member can recover the greater of $5,000 per shipment or $4.00 times the weight of the shipment (in pounds) up to a maximum of $50,000 as compensation for loss. Submission of damage claims are the responsibility of the member, and are a multi-step process.
Incorrect claims or claims submitted beyond the prescribed timeline may result in reduced compensation. To ensure proper and timely notification to the TSP and compliance with service requirements, specific guidance can be found at: https://cgweb.fincen.uscg.mil/. For higher value shipments, members should consider purchasing homeowners’ or renters’ personal property insurance through a third party.
Members authorized to ship a privately owned vehicle (POV) to, from, or between OCONUS locations must ensure all vehicle safety recall notices are resolved prior to arranging shipment. Specific information on POV safety recalls is available at: https://www.pcsmypov.com.
Eligible Members who elect to ship a second POV at their own expense in CONUS should review the guidance found in Par. 052902 of REF (A), Par. 052902 of REF (B) https://cg.portal.uscg.mil/sites/externaldata/Directives/CIM_4600_17B.pdf, to determine requirements, reimbursement, excess costs, and restrictions that may apply to
their respective vehicle, destination, and dependency status. Members shipping in CONUS are not entitled to reimbursement for delivery to, or pick-up from the carrier. Member’s orders must reflect entitlement and maximum reimbursement to ship a POV. Proof of POV ownership by member or lawful dependent must be provided.
Authorization to ship a POV by Government contract in CONUS when a member is physically unable to drive, or there is insufficient time
in accordance with Par. 052901 of REF (A) and 052901 of REF (B) may only be granted by COMDT (CG-133).
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