Update to 2021 Peak Moving Season
This MARADMIN addresses critical challenges during the 2021 peak moving season caused by the ongoing pandemic, including reduced availability of moving industry personnel and a national lumber shortage. Marines and Civilian Marines with PCS orders must take immediate action to book household goods shipments through the Defense Personal Property System, as lead times have extended to 6-8 weeks at certain locations, and failure to act now may result in inability to accommodate requested moving dates.
Issued: June 3, 2021
1. The purpose of this MARADMIN is to stress the importance of immediate action by Marines, Civilian Marines, and their families executing a Permanent Change of Station move this year in accordance with guidance provided in reference (a). Effects of the on-going pandemic continue to challenge normal relocation processes especially in the area of moving household goods and other personal property (household goods, unaccompanied baggage, privately owned vehicles and mobile homes). 2. Background. The moving industry is experiencing a significant reduction in the number of available packers, loaders and drivers, which is limiting the capacity that DoD normally receives during the summer peak moving season. This, coupled with the national lumber shortage/cost increase, is creating a lead time of 6-8 weeks at certain locations to get a shipment picked up. 3. Action. 3.a. Marines in receipt of PCS orders, the time to book your household goods shipment is NOW. If you desire to execute a government arranged household goods or non-temporary storage shipment anytime between now and the end of September you must visit the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at www.move.mil to complete the counseling module (also called Self-Counseling). Failure to take the appropriate actions now may result in the inability of your servicing DMO/Transportation Office to accommodate your requested dates for household goods transportation. 3.b. For Marines relocating their household within CONUS or between CONUS and Hawaii, another option that provides you more flexibility and allows you to manage the move yourself is the Personally Procured Move (PPM) program (formerly called Do It Yourself or DITY move). You decide how much of the move you want to do yourself. The DoD has made recent changes that help ensure Marines are properly compensated for executing a PPM. To learn more about the PPM Program, click on the following website: https:(slash)(slash)www.iandl.marines.mil/Portals/85/Docs/LPD/LPD/LPD-2%20Approved%20PPM%20Brief%203%20May%202021.pptx. See your local DMO/Transportation Office to obtain an estimated incentive. 3.c. Other actions include close and regular contact with Manpower Management and the MOS Monitor for modification to PCS Orders or possible delay of dependent travel if the Marine/Civilian Marine is unable to meet their no later than date due to a delay in HHG pick up or delivery. Additional coordination with the base/station military housing office may be required to make adjustments to check out dates as necessary. 3.d. Educational products, including Marine Minute videos, MARADMINs and Checklists for CONUS to Japan and CONUS to Hawaii can also be found at the following link: https:(slash)(slash)www.iandl.marines.mil/Divisions/Logistics-Plans-Policies-Strategic-Mobility-LP/Logistics-Distribution-Policy-Branch-LPD/PCS2/ 4. Release authorized by BGen Adam L. Chalkley, Assistant Deputy Commandant, Installations and Logistics (LP).