TMO wants to help with your PCS Move Published July 31, 2012 By Lupe Rodriguez 17th Logistics Readiness Squadron GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- What challenges does the Travel Management Office face each summer when customers seek assistance with a pending PCS notice? The simple and fundamental answers are timely issuance of PCS orders and no empowerment to locally book relocation services directly with a transportation service provider or moving company. During peak moving season, May 1 through Sept.1 customer anxiety increases drastically as initial notice is received to move stateside or overseas. For instance, a new job, making new friends, house must be sold, apartment lease terminated, children prepared for change, request port call, flight reservation or ship my car (overseas assignment only) and the dreaded call, visit to TMO to plan viable moving timeline that will meet the customer needs. Did you know TMO Personal Property personnel regularly encounter Department of Defense customers seeking early assistance with booking their PCS move without firmed PCS orders? The common myth is the TMO is able to secure services directly with a local company while PCS orders are being processed. The truth is TMO cannot legally obligate funds and services without hardcopy orders. Regrettably, TMO is not the process owner for securing pack or pickup dates and awarding shipments to TSPs. In other words, TMO lost authority and can only prep your shipment documentation and up-channel it electronically. Booking responsibility is strictly controlled by implementation the Defense Personal Property System and a regionalized agency known as the Joint Personal Property Shipping Office, South Central located in San Antonio, Texas. If you have issue with finalizing your pack or pickup dates, JPPSO-SC is the office of primary responsibility and customer feedback on this process is requested. The key to start the moving process is your PCS orders. TMO highly recommends customers work closely and early with 17th Force Support Squadron or Air Force Personnel Center. The sooner your PCS orders are finalized the sooner TMO can review your shipping needs and help you plan the move, especially as valuable moving resources are stretched to the limits from an influx of relocation demands imposed on the whole moving industry which result in blackout dates or non-availability of service that do not coincide with your plans. Recommended moving tips in preparation for your move · Involve all family members as you plan o Your spouse is often the ultimate person who knows what items are going and what can be discarded o Children often resist change but if kept informed they often buy into the process o Plot your calendar of events - going away parties, vacation time, and pack/pickup dates o Schedule a garage sale or call a charity organization - get rid of unnecessary household goods items · Plan your house sale or apartment lease termination early; avoid the first and last days of the month - you are competing with city-wide customers for this short moving window · Work with your destination sponsor or realtor to prep in obtaining a new residence · Contact TMO once PCS orders are in hand · Visit Military Move Website - http://www.move.mil/home.htm · Register in DPS - TMO will explain how this system can benefit you · Allow flexibility when planning your pack/pickup dates; request primary and alternate dates; TSPs will work directly with you · Give yourself a two week time cushion in case TSPs are overwhelmed and cannot meet your timeline · Do not schedule your oversea travel flight first; wait till TSP services are confirmed · If a personal procured move (PPM) or DITY is for you, this can speed up your moving effort. But documentation preparation is essential before you press with this option · If you are a student residing in the dorm, you have specific needs. See TMO for mass student briefing times. TMO can simplify your move · Once you and your TSP moving coordinator fine tune your move dates, also discuss feasibility of a direct delivery to the destination residence · Keep in mind if your shipment arrives early and no residence is available, you are entitled to temporary storage. But during peak season, TSP agents often encounter difficulties in delivering your goods out of storage - talk to your JPPSO or TMO about this at destination In summary, PCS orders, prep time and knowledge in how personal property shipment are processed and booked can help you plan early and secure moving services, which can ultimately ease some of your moving anxiety. Your TMO and JPPSO personnel are committed in providing quality service so see us early. Visit TMO, 371 Fort Lancaster Avenue, Building 431. Call Personal Property (325) 654-3702, Passenger Travel (325) 654-3701 Facebook information is available through the Goodfellow home page or the following link: http://www.facebook.com/groups/381959801820281/#!/pages/17th-LRS-Traffic-Management-Office/185378571511565.
