ARRANGING THE MOVE
Either you visit your TO to arrange the movement and or storage of your personal property or, if applicable, you may “Self Counsel” yourself using DPS. Provide the following at time of counseling:
1. Complete set of orders/authorization including amendments/for each type of shipment planned (e.g., HHG, NTS, UB).
NOTE: For shipments from the United States to overseas (export) or shipments from overseas to the United States (imports), if you would like to request that certain data elements of your PII not be shared or made available to the public per 19 CFR 103.31, complete a confidentiality request form located at http://www.move.mil/ under the “Quick Links” section; click on “Overseas Moves (OCONUS)” and then download the “Vessel Manifest Confidentiality Request Form”.
2. An idea of when you want to move and an estimated weight. Be as flexible as possible when selecting HHG pack and pickup dates. Your preferred dates may not be available during some periods such as summer or days near official holidays. Avoid scheduling lease termination or house sale closing on the same date your HHG are to be packed, picked up, or delivered. Leave some time in your schedule for the unforeseen. You or your designated representative must be available between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on pack, pickup, and delivery dates. If the pack, pickup, or delivery hours exceed 5:00 p.m., the TSP must ask prior approval from you or your representative and be completed by 9:00 p.m.
3. The date you plan to arrive at your new duty station. Your arrival date assists your TSP and/or local TO with scheduling delivery of your shipment(s), which may reduce storage costs paid by the Government. For example, if you know you are not available to accept a shipment for 3 months, do not schedule a HHG delivery date during the 3 months you are not available.
4. What type of shipment you want to make (HHG, UB, and/or NTS) and the estimated weight. Do not forget to declare PBP&E/PRO-Gear.
5. Information on excess cost. The minimum excess cost is approximately $100.00 per hundred pounds over the maximum weight allowance. If you have not used an item, or you plan to get rid of it “soon”, we encourage you to “pitch it before we ship it.”
6. A list of large or unusual items (e.g., large screen TV [i.e., plasma, LCD, DLP], piano, pool table, china cabinet, wall unit, satellite dish, hot tub, boat, motorcycle, recreational vehicle).
7. A letter of authorization signed by you or a power of attorney; required if you are unable to visit the TO. You may appoint your spouse or an agent to act on your behalf. Be sure the person you choose knows what you want and has the information to make the right arrangements. Remember, this person is acting for you, and you are responsible for that person’s decisions.