Naval Supply Systems Command Global Logistics Support (NAVSUP GLS) Household Goods (HHG) provided information and moving tips directed toward Sailors and their families who will be executing a HHG move during the current peak season May 17.

HHG peak season runs from the beginning of May through August.

Start the process early and be flexible.

The high volume of moves during peak season drives a 4-6 week lead time for scheduling moves. Moving company capacity challenges are already evident in Hawaii and the East Coast.

Start the process early by going to www.navsup.navy.mil/householdgood for information. Be sure to indicate alternate dates for pack out and pickup when completing the application.

Pre-move survey

Once the service member initiates the move online, the shipment contract has been awarded, and the transportation service provider (TSP) assigned, the TSP will contact the service member to schedule and perform the pre-move survey. Be aware the TSP will conduct a pre-move survey no later than three business days prior to the first scheduled pack date.

The pre-move survey allows the TSP to establish a more realistic weight estimate, determine how many crew to assign, determine what packing materials are needed and whether any special equipment is needed.

All dates for packing, pickup and delivery are finalized between the service member and the assigned TSP.

Of note, there should be only one moving company at the residence at any given time. Cases that involve multiple carriers, such as a HHG shipment combined with non-temporary storage items and/or unaccompanied baggage, the service member must space out the timing of the moves during the pre-move process in order to avoid items being packed in the wrong shipment.

Pack out and pickup availability

Service members or their designated releasing agents must be available between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on all pack out and pickup dates. Agents may specify during the pre-move survey specific times when they are not available (i.e. before 10 a.m.), however, if the assigned moving company shifts their workload or finishes another job early, the service member or releasing agent must be available to meet them on the scheduled date.

An example is if the agent specifies that they will not be available before 10 a.m. on the scheduled pack out date, and due to a schedule shift the moving company shows up at the residence at 9:30 a.m. while the agent is not present. In this case, the service member may be charged for an attempted pickup. The best general practice is for either the service member or the designated releasing agent to remain at the residence for the entire duration, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

While the moving company is at the residence, service members or their agents should not plan to leave for an appointment or pick up children, unless a designated agent is present.

Additionally, movers can remain at the residence up to 9 p.m. the day of the scheduled move to finish packing or loading the truck. If they wish to stay longer, it must be agreed upon by both the service member and the movers.

Self-packed items

Items service members may have packed themselves or that still in their original boxes may be opened and repacked. This is done so that the moving company knows what is inside the box, and can appropriately inventory the items to ensure they are not damaged before taking possession.

Move date notification

Be sure you have a confirmed date for your pack out and pickup before you inform your landlords or turn off your utilities.

Transit times

Minimum transit times for moves are determined by the Defense Travel Regulation. For example, on domestic shipments moving companies are given a minimum of 14-20 days to drive from the East Coast to the West Coast, depending on the weight of the shipment and the start and end locations.

International transit times can be anywhere from 30-90 days, depending on the start and end locations.

NAVSUP GLS provides global logistics for a global Navy. The organization is made up of approximately 6,300 military and civilian logistics professionals operating from 105 locations worldwide, providing an extensive array of integrated global logistics and contracting services to Navy, Marine Corps, joint operational units, and allied forces across all warfare enterprises.

For more NAVSUP Global Logistics Support, visit www.navsup.navy.mil/navsup/ourteam/navsupgls/news/ or www.facebook.com/navsupgls/.

FFor more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Naval Supply Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/.