APRIL 3, 2017, SAN DIEGO (NNS) – In a message released March 24, Naval Supply Systems Command Global Logistics Support (NAVSUP GLS) advised Sailors and family members that peak season for household goods (HHG) moves will run from May 15 to August 31 this year.
During this time, almost 55 percent of all Department of Defense household goods moves for the year will be executed. Sailors expecting to move during this time should prepare as early as possible.
This year is especially critical due to the continuing resolution (CR) for fiscal year 2017, which results in permanent change of station (PCS) orders being issued later than normal.
“Early initiative and flexibility are key for a successful household goods move during the summer peak season,” said Deborah McGlennon, NAVSUP GLS Household Goods program manager. “The sooner you submit your application, orders and all the required signed documents, the more control you will have over your move.”
To alleviate some stress, the Navy HHG office recommends that Sailors start their move application process in advance of receiving their PCS orders. While Sailors can start the application online as soon as possible, they cannot ‘submit’ the application forward until they have received official PCS orders. Ideally, Sailors will have the online application almost complete and be ready to review and submit immediately upon receiving PCS orders.
To start the process, Sailors and family members are advised to go to http://www.navsup.navy.mil/household to review various “how-to” guides for using the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) and basic entitlement information.
Sailors should then go to the http://www.move.mil, obtain a login and password for DPS, and start their application.
Once an application has been created, signed, and the required documents have been uploaded into DPS – documents including official military PCS orders, signed forms DD 1299 and DD 1797, and any other required specialized documents, such as power of attorney – the move application can then be submitted.
After an application has been submitted, Sailors should check the status of their application frequently to ensure a moving company, pack-out date, and pick-up date are assigned. Sailors should expect to receive an automated email when their HHG shipment has been assigned to a moving company. The assigned moving company is required to initiate contact to arrange a pre-move survey.
“It is important that our Sailors contact their local personal property or HHG counseling office if they have not received notification two weeks prior to their requested first pack date,” said McGlennon.
The average lead time for Navy personal property offices to process move applications during peak season increases to four weeks from the average two weeks outside of peak season. Therefore, Sailors may be asked to be flexible and adjust their requested pick-up date or conduct a personally procured move (PPM) if a moving company is not available.
Sailors may also designate a releasing agent, such as a spouse or family member, if they are not available at the time of the move. Releasing agents act on the service member’s behalf, should be available for both the pack-out and pick-up appointments, and will be required to sign the required moving documents.
Sailors do not need legal assistance to designate a releasing agent. A note signed by the moving service member stating the name, phone number and email of the releasing agent is sufficient for designation.
Sailors are also advised they should not submit notice to vacate their residence prior to discussing moving dates with their local HHG office and, if possible, prior to their shipment being accepted by a moving company.
“It is important our Sailors avoid terminating their rental and lease agreements until a firm pack-out and pick-up date have been agreed upon and confirmed with the assigned moving company,” said McGlennon.
To assist with the moving process, the Navy HHG program is offering webinars to provide information on basic PCS entitlements.
The scheduled topics and time of the webinars are as follows (all times are given in PDT):
– First time movers – basic terminology, what can be shipped, responsibilities, etc.: April 11 at 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.; May 9 at 7 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.; and June 13 at 7 a.m. and 2 p.m.
– Retiree moving information – final move preparation, storage: April 18 at 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.; May 16 at 7 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.; and June 20 at 7 a.m. and 2 p.m.
– Overseas information restrictions – for overseas locations, storage: April 19 at 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.; May 17 at 7 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.; and June 21 at 7 a.m. and 2 p.m.
– Personnel separating from the Navy – information on final move entitlements: April 25 at 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.; May 23 at 7 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.; and June 27 at 7 a.m. and 2 p.m.
– Personally procured moves (PPM) – how to conduct a PPM, weight tickets, advance of funds, etc.: April 27 at 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.; May 25 at 7 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.; and June 29 at 7 a.m. and 2 p.m.
There are two steps to attend a webinar, as follows:
1) To hear the webinar, dial into the conference line at 866-914-8369, participant code 6183853#
2) To see the presentation, use the following directions depending on what device is being used:
– For a cell phone or tablet, download the GoToMeeting application. Once GoToMeeting is installed on the device, find the session with the identification number 166349037.
– For a computer, go to: www.gotomeeting.com/meeting/join-meeting and enter session identification number 166349037. If using a government computer on the NMCI network, the recommended web browsers are Chrome or Firefox.
Sailors may submit questions via email to householdgoods@navy.mil or call 1-855-HHG-MOVE (1-855-444-6683).
By Suzanna Brugler, Naval Supply Systems Command Global Logistics Support, Office of Corporate Communications
