6/22/2012 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
Summer is the busiest time for permanent changes of station, but service members and their families can ease their anxiety and make their move successful with careful planning.
The 902nd Logistics Readiness Squadron's Personal Property Processing Office urges personnel to focus on what they can do to offset the impact of their property movement, while the 902nd Mission Support Group Office of the Staff Judge Advocate encourages them to learn the rules governing the shipping of household goods and prepare themselves for a potential moving claim.
Kenneth Langley, 902nd LRS Deployments and Distribution Flight chief, said one thing personnel can do is review their schedule and work with the assignments team to see if they can postpone their move by changing their report-not-later-than-date until after the rush of the summer season.
"We surely understand this may be asking a lot, especially for those of you who absolutely cannot afford to make any adjustments," he said. "However, flexibility in your departure plan affords the joint personal property shipping offices an expanded opportunity to move your property."
Service members may also choose the option of a personally procured move, formerly known as "Do It Yourself," or DITY.
"This option allows you to control your move dates and ensures you have ready access to your property upon arrival at your new location," Langley said.
PPM options include one that reimburses personnel up to the amount the government would have paid for the move and another that provides for a financial incentive if a move costs less than 95 percent of the government's constructed cost.
The amount of money involved depends on factors such as weight limit, the actual weight of property moved and the distance between origin and destination.
In addition to the old "rent a truck" option, personnel can use a new mode in the commercial industry called portable moving and storage containers, or PMSCs, which they pack and the transport company picks up, moves, stores and delivers to the destination.
Local personal property processing offices can provide personnel with information about PPMs, including an estimate of cost factors and particulars of the programs, and determine if PPMs are the best option.
Langley emphasized JPPSOs are using all available tools and options to manage shipment volume and move property in accordance with customers' requested pickup dates, working closely with the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command and commercial industry to identify carriers who are able to service shipments. Some shipments are being placed into temporary storage at origin location.
For more information, call 652-1848/1849 or email tmorandolph@us.af.mil.
Representatives of the 902nd MSG/JA office urge service members and families getting ready to move to take stock of what they own and the items' condition before a transportation service provider's arrival.
"You should take digital photos or make a video of high-value items," Senior Airman Callie McElrath, 902nd MSG/JA general law paralegal, said. "Having a professional appraisal done on any antique furniture is also a good idea. A professional appraisal establishes the value of the item and can be used in the claims process to help establish any loss in value should the item arrive damaged from the move."
She said when goods are packed by the TSP, some high-value items may be placed on the high-value/high-risk inventory, so the Air Force Claims Service Center "strongly discourages members from shipping currency and jewelry."
McElrath said those who suffer damage to their household goods should be aware that their property is covered under provisions of Full Replacement Value legislation.
"This means that TSPs are required to pay the full replacement value on any items missing or destroyed during your move or replace the item," she said. "TSPs are also required to repair any item that can be repaired."
McElrath said most Airmen will be required to use the Defense Personal Property System for the claims process. DPS can be accessed at http://www.move.mil, but if it is not available for the move, a loss/damage report can be filed through the AFCSC website, https://claims.jag.af.mil.
McElrath emphasized filing a loss/damage report is not the same as filing a claim.
"The loss/damage report simply puts the carrier on notice that an Airman has discovered additional damage or loss since delivery," she said. "The loss/damage report must be received by the carrier within 75 days of delivery."
The FRV program requires that claims be filed directly against the TSP and must be made within nine months of delivery to receive FRV. Those who miss the nine-month deadline can still file a claim up to two years from the delivery date, but will receive only depreciated valuation.
The AFCSC can be reached at DSN 986-8044 or 1-877-754-1212.
Members may also email AFCSC.JA@wpafb.af.mil, visit https://claims.jag.af.mil or go to the AFCSC Facebook site by searching for "Air Force Claims Service Center."