More PCS problems possible, families warned - Marine Corps News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Marine Corps Times

More PCS problems possible, families warned

Troops and families of all services should take note of a warning issued April 29 by Marine officials to their personnel who are making household goods moves this summer.

They cited numerous issues that could come into play during the peak moving season — problems that, last year, led to a number of military families being frustrated when their moving companies failed to show up to pack, load or truck their household goods.

While the U.S. Transportation Command has taken several steps to improve service for the upcoming peak season, improvements are still incomplete, stated the April 29 administrative message, authorized by Lt. Gen. Frank Panter, deputy commandant for installations and logistics.

“Furthermore, economic conditions are still negatively impacting industry capacity, so significant risk remains,” the message stated.

Last summer, because of implementation of the new Defense Personal Property System and a reduction in household goods carrier capacity, “too many Marines, civilian Marines and their families experienced difficulties with their household goods moves,” according to the message.

“Proper planning, careful preparation of household goods and flexibility in movement dates can reduce the potential for shipment difficulties.”

Officials from the Marine Corps and other services have told Transportation Command about their dissatisfaction with several elements of the new moving system — including the claims system, described as cumbersome. TRANSCOM officials have said short-term fixes will be made in time for late-summer claims filing, and they are working on long-term solutions to address all the system’s weaknesses.

Those expected to move between May 15 and Sept. 30 should plan ahead, and are advised to attend a command-sponsored permanent change-of-station workshop; log on to www.move.mil or contact their local personal property office (or transportation office) to arrange the move; and consult the local personal property office for additional help when necessary.

Troops should also consider a personally procured move, formerly called a “do-it-yourself” move — an option also advised by the Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, the executive agency for moving household goods for troops across the services.

But changes in rates have affected potential reimbursements for such moves. Troops should consult with the personal property office ahead of time to determine if this is a wise decision financially, and to find out how to ensure reimbursement.