In an attempt to make military moves a little easier, the U.S. Transportation Command (Transcom) in 2012 rolled out the Defense Personal Property (DPS) system on a single website, Move.mil. But how do you use it?
When Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders are received, you must prepare and submit shipment of personal property requests to your local Personal Property Processing Office (PPPO) for booking move dates in the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at http://www.move.mil. Being proactive and prepared helps to maximize the potential to receive your desired move dates.
Use of the Defense Personal Property System, or DPS, website is required to request shipment dates. People having difficulties with the DPS system can contact the Help Desk at 800-462-2176 or 618-589-9445.
1. Log-in or Register for DPS
If you've previously used DPS, but have not used it for 35 days or more you need to register as a first-time user again. If it has been less than 35 days since registration, call the Help Desk to reactivate your account.
Military members and civilian employees must register as first-time users and initiate a request to obtain a User ID in order to access DPS.
After registration, they will receive an email providing you with a User ID.
2. Upload Your Military Move Orders
Upon receipt of the User ID, login into DPS at http://www.move.mil to input shipment information. Do not create a shipment on old or previous orders. New shipments require new order information provided from new orders. You can add that by selecting "Enter Order Information" on the upper left menu. Read the information carefully when reviewing the self-counseling process.
3. Complete DD Forms 1299 and 1797
Once you finish the shipment information, DPS will generate the Application for Shipment (Department of Defense Form 1299) and Counselling Checklist (DD Form 1797) that need to be printed for member or employee's signature and date. Signed documents and a complete set of orders need to be submitted to the local PPPO for processing to book the requested move dates.
While DPS gives the option to upload orders and signed documents (DD Form 1299 & DD Form 1797), but the member or employee must contact requested PPPO to process shipment request. These forms will not be automatically forwarded for booking. It is required that individuals hand-carry the signed documents and complete set of orders with amendments (if applicable) 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. (Navy members are required to input shipment requests in DPS, provide signed documents and complete set of orders to their local PPPO.)
Members and employees needing assistance are encouraged to go to their local Personal Property Processing Office.
4. Remember to Plan Your Military Move Well
When planning a move, prepare early and be flexible by providing alternate dates for pack and pick-up that you are willing to accept for your property. Never schedule a pick-up or delivery on the same day you vacate or gain access to your residence.
Do not schedule two different shipments for pick-up or delivery on the same day. If you are not available on the scheduled dates, you will be billed for an attempted pick-up or attempted delivery.
5. Look for Military Move Confirmation
Once the shipment is booked, the transportation service provider, or TSP, will send an email to confirm information and move dates. The TSP's local agent will make contact to conduct a pre-move survey.
Make sure the pre-move survey is done at least five days prior to the first scheduled packing day. People can also obtain the TSP's contact information by logging into their account in DPS, and clicking on the "Shipment Management" section.
Keep in mind that household goods, or HHG, shipments require separate pack dates based on the estimated weight of the property. People will provide the pick-up date (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 your estimated weight.
6. Double Check Your Military Move Dates
When you get to the "View" and "Print" screen in DPS, be sure to double check the move dates to see if they meet your schedule. Reminder: Do not overlap dates if there are multiple shipments.
7. Know Your Military Move Responsibilities
Service members have a few responsibilities before their pack out and shipment dates
First, military members must separate military professional books, papers and equipment, or PBP&E, that need to be separately packed. These items must be clearly identified on the itemized inventory 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 itemized inventory, the member will not get credit for PBP&E as free weight.
Related: Military Spouse 'Pro-Gear'
Residence and furniture must be clean and pest free.
Remove from residence or clearly separate out any items you do not want movers to pack and ship, such as important documents, passports, luggage, keys, money, jewelry, valuables, etc.
As suggestions for achieving desired dates, avoid Mondays, Fridays and the last week of the month. No weekends or holidays. Shipping office requires three week notice to book shipments.
Start securing move dates immediately after receipt of PCS orders.
Provide alternate move dates that you will be available for move. Changing move date are impossible during peak season.
Remember that for military members pressed for time, an alternate mode of household goods transportation is Personally Procured Move, or PPM, formerly known as Do It Yourself, or DITY, move. A PPM must be submitted in DPS and the member must go to the local PPPO for approval.
8. Remember These Things After Pick Up
If your shipment exceeds your authorized weight allowance, you must request a reweigh with your transportation service provider prior to accepting your personal property for delivery. Confirm that a reweigh was accomplished with your driver before any property is off-loaded from the delivery truck to your residence.
You must submit claims for loss or damage of your personal property must be submitted into DPS at http://www.move.mil. Service members and civilian employees must submit a claim online within 75 days from the date of delivery. The settlement is directly with the TSP. If unable to reach a settlement with your TSP, contact the claims office for assistance.
Miltiary.com contributed to this report.
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