An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : News
JBSA News
NEWS | April 27, 2016

PCS made easier during peak household goods shipping season

Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

When permanent change of station orders are received, military members are advised to not hesitate to prepare and submit shipment of personal property requests to their local Personal Property Processing Office to book move dates. Being proactive and prepared helps maximize the potential of receiving desired move dates.

Visit the Defense Personal Property System website at http://www.move.mil to request shipment dates.

If members have difficulties with the DPS system, they can contact the DPS Help Desk at 800-462-2176 or 618-589-9445. If a member has previously used DPS but has not used it for six months or more, they will have to register as a first time user again.  If it has been less than six months since registration, they should call the Help Desk to reactivate their account.

Military members and civilian employees must register as first time users and initiate a request to obtain a User ID to access DPS. After registration, they will receive an email providing a User ID. Upon receipt of the User ID, log in to the DPS website at  http://www.move.mil to input shipment information.

Users must read the information carefully as they begin the self-counseling process. DPS will generate the Application for Shipment, DD Form 1299, and Counseling Checklist, DD Form 1797, that must be printed for the member's or employee’s signature and date.  Signed documents and a complete set of orders must be submitted to the local PPPO for processing to book the requested move dates. 

The Application for Shipment, DD Form 1299, will not be automatically forwarded for booking. Individuals must hand carry the Application for Shipment, DD Form 1299, to their local PPPO. 

First-time movers, and individuals retiring  or separating must go to their local PPPO to manually complete shipment documents. A transportation counselor will provide information on entitlements and be available to answer questions.

When planning a move, members should prepare early and be flexible by providing alternate dates for packing and pick-up. Members should never schedule a pick-up or delivery on the same day they vacate or gain access to a residence. Also, members should not schedule two different shipments for pick-up or delivery on the same day. If the member is not available on the scheduled dates, they will be billed for an attempted pick-up or attempted delivery.

Once a shipment is booked, the Transportation Service Provider will email a confirmation with information and move dates. The TSP’s local agent will make contact to conduct a pre-move survey. Members should make sure the pre-move survey is done at least five days prior to the first scheduled packing day. The TSP’s contact information can be obtained by logging into DPS, and clicking on the “Shipment Management” section.

Members should keep in mind that household goods shipments require separate pack dates based on the estimated weight of the property. Members must provide the pick-up date, or the last day of the move, as requested by the DPS system and it will automatically populate the pack days. Pack days can range from two to three days depending on the estimated weight of goods to be packed and shipped.

When members get to the “View” and “Print” screen in DPS, they should double check the move dates to see if they meet their schedule.

• Reminder: do not overlap dates if shipping multiple shipments.

• Member responsibilities prior to move date:

Military members must separate military professional books, papers and equipment, or PBP&E, that need to be packed separately. These items must be clearly identified on the itemized inventory list as “Pro-Gear or M-PRO.”

If a military member declares PBP&E for a dependent spouse, PBP&E must also be distinctly separated and annotated on the inventory as “PBP&E for Spouse or S-PRO.” All PBP&E items must be identified at origin so that the weight will not count against the members' authorized weight allowance. If not clearly identified on an itemized inventory, the member will not get credit for PBP&E as free weight. 

The residence and furniture must be clean and pest free. Members must remove from their residence or clearly separate out any items they do not want movers to pack and ship, i.e. important documents, passports, luggage, keys, money, jewelry, valuables, etc.

• Things to be aware of after pick-up:

If a shipment exceeds the authorized weight allowance, members must request a reweigh with their TSP prior to accepting their personal property for delivery.  Confirm that a reweigh was accomplished with the driver before any property is off-loaded from the delivery truck to the new residence.

Claims for loss or damage of personal property must be submitted to the DPS website at http://www.move.mil.

Members and civilian employees must submit a claim online within 75 days from the date of delivery. The settlement is conducted directly with the TSP.  If a member is unable to reach a settlement with their TSP, they may contact the claims office at http://www.move.mil/dod/claims_css/dod_claims.cfm for assistance.

For additional guidance or assistance, contact the local Personal Property Processing Offices at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph PPPO at 652-1848; JBSA-Fort Sam Houston PPPO at 221-1605; or  JBSA-Lackland PPPO at 671-2821.