No. We are a fully independent community dedicated to providing support and resources for military personal property relocations. We are not affiliated with the U.S. Government or Transportation Service Providers. Our goal is to provide you with information and services with no strings attached!

The TSP is entitled to take possession of and sell for salvage a damaged item on which they have paid the customer the depreciated or full replacement cost. The customer may make a counteroffer to retain the item for a lesser amount.

Under some circumstances an extension may be approved, such as medical leave, TDY, or other official absences. Let the Primary TSP know if you have a good reason for the delay and send them documentation to substantiat,e.

If the item could be considered dangerous, for example broken glass, mirror or other item that presents a health hazard, the TSP may accept liability. It is always best to send your TSP an email to advise them beforehand and take pictures of the broken item to substantiate your claim. Chances are better if the item was noted as broken on the Report of Loss and Damage AT Delivery form.

High-value items must be identified and listed on the High-Value Inventory (HVI) sheets. These items are tracked separately and require special handling. If lost or damaged, the TSP is responsible for their full replacement value.

When moving refrigerators, you should wait several hours before turning them on. This allows the refrigerant liquid to settle properly. Refer to the instruction manual for manufacturer suggested wait times.

Refrigerators, washers, dryers, and mattresses are essential items. If lost or damaged you should immediately contact the Primary TSP to request instructions for submitting a claim for essential items. The TSP is required to respond within 2 business days.

Yes, I am home!

You should contact the Primary TSP and request they trace the item. In cases of low value items, you might be advised just to claim the item. If you share your shipment details, the MilMove team can try to assist and point you to the most likely point of loss so further checks can be attempted. Just email us at support@milmove.com

The Full Replacement Value Act allows the Secretary of Defense to include a clause for full replacement value (FRV) in contracts with Transportation Service Providers (TSPs). If you file a claim within nine months of delivery, the TSP is liable for FRV for all damaged, missing, and/or destroyed items.

TSPs are not liable for loss or damage caused by acts or omissions of the customer, inherent vice of the article, hostile or warlike action, acts of God, pre-existing infestations, or loss/damage prior to release to a TSP. See Section 1.4 for a full list.

You must file your claim in the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) within two years of delivery. If filed within nine months, you are eligible for Full Replacement Value (FRV). If the TSP does not settle your claim within 30 days, you can transfer it to a Military Claims Office (MCO).

The MCO adjudicates claims that are transferred to them by customers. They can assert recovery claims against TSPs and determine liability. If a claim is transferred to the MCO within nine months of delivery, the TSP remains liable for FRV.

You must file a claim within two years of delivery. For Full Replacement Value (FRV), file within nine months. If you miss the nine-month window, you may still file for depreciated value.

You need to contact the Primary TSP that was awarded your shipment. Their claims contact information should be listed on the bottom of your Loss and Damage at Delivery form, often refered to as DD Form 1840.  It should also be listed in the shipment management tab of the DPS system.  Feel free to let us know if you have claims difficulty by sending us an email at support@milmove.com

If mold or fire/smoke damage is discovered, the TSP must notify the Military Claims Office (MCO) and follow the mitigation and remediation procedures outlined in Section 1.5. The MCO will determine if remediation is required and who is liable.

Essential items are those necessary for everyday living, such as refrigerators, medical equipment, mattresses, and washers/dryers. If lost or damaged, the TSP must replace or repair them within two business days of notification.

Yes, you can submit a claim for repair or replacement. Unless proven otherwise, electronic devices are assumed to be in working condition prior to moving. In some cases a TSP may arrange for a repair estimate. The repair person may be able to determine the cause of the malfunction and if it is related to shipping or not. For example a 115 Volt appliance plugged into a 220 Volt outlet if you moved from the US to an overseas location with 220 Volt electrical power. If evidence is clear the malfunction was caused by misuse or user error the TSP attempt to deny the claimed item. If in doubt, transfer the item to your Military Claims Office (MCO) in the DPS system.

For shipments scheduled for pickup on or after 15 May 2022, the TSP’s maximum liability is the greater of $10,000 per shipment or $6.00 times the net weight of the shipment, not to exceed $75,000.

If you are still within 9 months of delivery, you can still claim FRV. If you are over 9 months and up to 2 years you can file for depreciated value. Some exceptions may apply, but they must be well documented, such as hospitalization, deployment, TDY, Emergency Leave etc.

Contact your TSP and send them your new address so they can correct it in their payment system.

The parts box contains hardware from disassembled items and is crucial for reassembly at your destination. Ensure the box is clearly labeled and placed inside a larger furniture item to prevent loss. Locate the parts box as soon as it is unloaded on delivery day to ensure all necessary parts are available for reassembly.

Unaccompanied baggage is part of your weight allowance shipped separately and expedited for immediate use at your destination. It typically includes personal clothing, essential kitchen items, and collapsible items like cribs.

It depends. A motorcycle or moped can be considered a POV if you are not shipping another vehicle at government expense on the same authorization or travel orders.

If you notice damage to your home during the move, document it with photos and fill out the Real Property Damage form provided by the moving crew. Email a copy of this form to the Primary TSP involved. If the Local TSP does not resolve the issue, escalate it to the Primary TSP and your responsible Transportation Office.

Your shipment may be selected for inspection. Ensure all belongings are clean and free of pests, especially outdoor items like lawn furniture and garden tools.

The fuel tank of a motor vehicle may not be more than one-fourth full when shipped.

Yes. Official orders or a Letter-In-Lieu of Orders are required to book a move. These documents contain specific information needed by the transportation office, such as funding line, duty stations, and authorized dependents.

Yes, you will be prompted with questions about these items in DPS. Provide as much information as possible and point out these items during the pre-move survey.

The pre-move survey is required for all PCS moves and can be done in person or remotely. Its purpose is to estimate the equipment and supplies needed for your move, establish pack and pickup dates, and identify any items requiring special handling. It is important because it helps prevent issues during the packing and loading process and ensures the proper vehicles, crates, packing material, tools, and workers are on hand.

No, you don’t need a final delivery address to schedule a move. You can enter your destination city, state, and ZIP code in the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) and update the street address later.

Yes, but ensure the delivering company weighs the container empty before drop-off. You are required to submit full and empty weight tickets.

To prepare for packing day, use colored tape to mark items for different shipments, prepare labels for rooms or items not to be packed, and ensure you have plastic bags, markers, and a clipboard. Organize items for each shipment in separate areas, dispose of unwanted items, and ensure all electronic devices are unplugged and batteries are removed. Also, arrange for child and pet care to ensure safety and reduce distractions.

You can schedule your move using the Defense Personal Property System (DPS). You will need to register for an account, upload your orders, and create a shipment. You can log in using a Common Access Card (CAC) or a user ID and password.

Spread dates refer to the 7-day window within which your moving company must pick up your shipment. This provides more certainty for scheduling your move.

If your shipment is delayed, contact your Primary TSP for tracking information and an estimated date of arrival. Delays can occur due to various reasons such as trucking capacity issues, port congestion, or extreme weather. If your shipment is delayed past the agreed delivery date, you may be eligible to file an inconvenience claim for essential items.

Yes, certain situations require a counseling session with your local transportation office before using DPS. This includes first-time movers, separating or retiring service members, and those moving under special circumstances like deployment orders or overseas moves.

The pickup date is when your moving company removes your belongings from your home. Pack-out dates, when your items are packed, always come before the pickup date.

The shipment inventory is crucial for tracking your items and filing claims for loss or damage. It should accurately describe each item, including any pre-existing damage. Ensure that the inventory is descriptive and legible, and that you receive a copy. This will help in identifying and claiming any missing or damaged items.

A HHG move is arranged and paid for by the government, while a PPM (do-it-yourself move) is managed by you. You can also do a partial PPM, such as using your personal vehicle to transport some items. PPMs require weight tickets for reimbursement.

Your moving company must confirm the pickup date with you in writing within three calendar days of accepting your shipment.

On delivery day, introduce yourself to the Crew Chief and inform them of any items that need reassembly or unpacking. Check each item against the inventory as it is unloaded, and note any discrepancies or damages. Locate the parts box and high-value items immediately. Ensure all items are accounted for and document any loss or damage on the Report of Loss and Damage at Delivery form.

You can move most household goods, but there are restrictions on hazardous materials and perishables. Weight allowances are based on rank, dependency status, and move type. Use the U.S. Transportation Command weight estimator tool for guidance.

If you don’t hear from your mover within three calendar days after your shipment was awarded, contact the mover listed in the DPS email. If they don’t respond, contact your local transportation office.

To file a claim for loss or damage, you must notify the TSP within 180 days of delivery and submit your claim within 9 months to receive Full Replacement Value. Use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) to enter your claim, providing detailed descriptions, photos, and any supporting documents such as purchase receipts. Ensure your claim is well-documented to facilitate a speedy and compensatory settlement.

Your authorized storage allotment can be found in the Joint Travel Regulations. For example, DOD civilians are allowed 60 days of Storage in Transit (SIT) for CONUS to CONUS moves and 90 days for OCONUS moves.

You can find the Transportation Office responsible for your PCS shipment by searching here: Transportation Office Locator

Dates should not change without your approval. If the moving company requests a change and you do not agree, contact your transportation office. If they miss your pickup date, you may be eligible for an inconvenience claim.

Common mistakes to avoid include not reporting loss or damage within the required timeframe, not providing sufficient documentation, and not being descriptive enough in the inventory. Ensure you take photos of your items before the move, keep receipts, and document everything thoroughly to substantiate your claim.

No, you are allowed to ship empty gun safes, not to exceed 500 pounds, in addition to your household goods weight allowance. However, you cannot ship or store a gun in a locked container due to inspection requirements.

Your spread date window is calculated from the latest pickup date you list in DPS. For example, if your latest pickup date is June 7, your moving company must schedule pickup between June 1 and June 7.

If the delivery crew refuses to reassemble or unpack items as requested, contact the Local TSP immediately and document the refusal. Request written confirmation that they will schedule reassembly at your convenience. If the Local TSP refuses, escalate the matter to the Primary TSP and your responsible Transportation Office for assistance.

Yes, but you should contact your local transportation office to ensure you do not incur excess costs.

No, the rule applies to most household goods and unaccompanied baggage shipments but not to short-fuse shipments, DPM contracts, or non-temporary storage shipments.

MilMove focuses on sharing news, insights, tips, and experiences related to moving and relocation with the U.S. Military and Department of Defense. Our news blog consists of current news and interesting topics. Most blog topics are present in our MilMove forum so you can comment or add new information.

Yes, we welcome guest posts and contributions from our community! If you would like to submit a blog article please send an email to support@milmove.com

We look for PCS related news across the net on a daily basis and post articles regularly. Keep checking back or get news updates sent to you via email sign up for our Newsletter!

You need to contact the Primary TSP that was awarded your shipment. Their claims contact information should be listed on the bottom of your Loss and Damage at Delivery form, often refered to as DD Form 1840.  It should also be listed in the shipment management tab of the DPS system.  Feel free to let us know if you have claims difficulty by sending us an email at support@milmove.com

You can access the forum by clicking the link to forum.milmove.com in the header of our blog.

Yes, users need to register to post in discussions on the forum, however anyone can read the forum. In the interest of full transparency, no posts are hidden.

Yes, the book will be updated and folks who purchased it will receive an updated version free!

The guide is priced at $14.95 but for a limited time you can get the flipbook version free! All we ask is that you support our efforts by providing a short honest review.

The guide is available as a Flipbook, .pdf file, EPUB version and in the future will be available also as a Kindle e-book

Yes! We love new suggestions, tips and topics for future versions of the PCS guide! Just email me at jdpacker@milmove.com

It’s quite comprehensive. Here is a sample of the book that includes the Table of Contents Everything you always wanted to know about PCS moves and maybe a few you were afraid to ask.

It’s 60 plus pages

At a normal reaing speed about 20-30 minutes. The important parts are in bold font to make skimming easier. Well worth the time invested.