ALCOAST 100/18 - MAR 2018 2018 HOUSEHOLD GOODS (HHG) AND MANDATORY CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY (CSS) INFORMATION

united states coast guard

 

R 221442 MAR 18
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-13//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N04050//
ALCOAST 100/18
COMDNOTE 4050
SUBJ: 2018 HOUSEHOLD GOODS (HHG) AND MANDATORY CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY (CSS) INFORMATION
A.  Joint Travel Regulations
1.  The 2018 HHG transportation season will soon be upon us, and with it comes the importance
of HHG counseling.  To ensure a member’s successful movement of HHG, whether cross-country or
local, commands are highly encouraged to provide all members departing on PCS orders or
separating from the Coast Guard a printed copy of this ALCOAST, and include HHGs counseling
on their PCS check-out sheets. 
2.  HHG counseling may be received in person from a transportation officer (TO), or members
may self-counsel through the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at www.move.mil.  Members
must register for a username and password with a valid civilian email account.  Registration
may take up to 72 hours, so members should plan accordingly. 
3.  Members and their spouses may use DPS to request HHG pack-out, pick-up, delivery, and
request authorization to perform a Personally Procured Move (PPM) of HHG.  Members performing
both a PPM and a funded Government HHG shipment must enter both shipments in DPS separately.
DPS may also be used to initiate a damage claim, if necessary.  Once the member’s HHGs event
has been requested in DPS, a copy of the signed PCS orders must be provided to the origin TO
for approval.
4.  DPS may not be available via limited connectivity or underway.  If operational commitments
prevent a member from scheduling their HHG shipment, they should seek guidance from their local
TO or legal assistance office to assign a trusted agent or grant a special power of attorney to
schedule the HHG shipment in their stead.
5.  The peak of HHG move season is between 15 June and 31 July. To mitigate delays or errors,
members should make every attempt to schedule their HHG outside of the peak season whenever
possible. It is important to note that requested dates are not guaranteed, so members should not
cancel or enter into a rental agreement, lease, or buy/sell a hoem until they have verified with
their local TO and their Transportation Service Provider (TSP) that the requested dates have
been confirmed.  If a TSP cannot be contracted, or if a member prefers, they may conduct a PPM.
Guidance on PPMs will be published in a separate ALCOAST.
6.  Exceeding HHG weight limits is the leading cause of excess costs paid by members.  Maximum
HHG weight allowances are found in 5200-B of REF (A).  To help members calculate the approximate
weight of their HHG before pack-out, a weight estimating tool is available at
www.move.mil/dod/before_you_begin/weight_allowance.cfm.  The TSP will also estimate a member’s
HHG weight during the pre-move survey.  After the HHG have been picked up, the member may
contact the origin Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO) for the actual HHG weight as
reported by the TSP.  If a member disputes the HHG weight, they may contact their TSP or PPSO
(origin or destination) for a witnessed or un-witnessed reweigh.  It is not possible to reweigh
HHG after delivery.
7.  A member married to another service member must ensure their HHG counselor is aware of
their marital status, as their respective HHG weight entitlements may be combined.  Weight
allowances may not be combined after delivery in an attempt to offset HHG weight overages.
8.  Professional books, papers, and equipment (pro-gear) is limited to a maximum of 2,000 pounds
per member.  Personal computer equipment and memorabilia such as awards, plaques, or
performance-related mementos are no longer considered pro-gear.  Members who transported more
than 2,000 pounds of pro-gear to an OCONUS PDS before 1 May 2014 may return the same pro-gear
amount to the CONUS PDS, and the 2,000 pound limit will resume for all future PCS transfers.
Waivers are not authorized.
9.  Spousal pro-gear is limited to 500 pounds.  An itemized inventory of spousal pro-gear
indicating the profession which the items are used, and signed by the member, must be provided
to the TO for verification at the time of counseling.  Member (m-pro) and spousal (s-pro)
pro-gear may not be combined.
10.  The member is responsible for ensuring m-pro and/or s-pro is separated from HHG, and
clearly marked to be weighed separately.  All pro-gear must be clearly itemized on the origin
TSP inventory sheet, and the estimated weight must be entered on the Application for Shipment
and/or Storage of Personal Property, DD Form 1299.  Inventory sheets must specifically indicate
which items are m-pro and/or s-pro, cubic feet, and pounds.  Pro-gear cannot be claimed after
delivery in an attempt to offset HHG weight overages.  Waivers are not authorized.
11.  After delivery of HHG, members must grade their TSP’s performance by submitting a Customer
Satisfaction Survey (CSS).  The CSS will document both positive and negative feedback, and can
directly impact the Government’s use of that TSP’s services in the future.
12.  Full Replacement Value (FRV) protection is provided at no additional cost to the member.
For personal property lost, damaged or destroyed while in the care of the TSP, the member can
recover the greater of $5,000 per shipment or $4.00 times the weight of the shipment (in pounds)
up to a maximum of $50,000 as compensation for loss.  Submission of damage claims are the
responsibility of the member, and are a multi-step process.  Incorrect claims or claims submitted
beyond the prescribed timeline may result in reduced compensation.  To ensure proper and timely
notification to the TSP and compliance with service requirements, specific guidance can be found
at www.move.mil/dod/claims_css/dod_claims.cfm and www.fincen.uscg.mil/hhg.htm.  Additional
information on FRV claims can be found at www.sddc.army.mil.
13.  Members authorized to ship a privately owned vehicle (POV) to, from, or between OCONUS
locations must ensure all vehicle safety recall notices are resolved prior to arranging shipment.
Specific information on POV safety recalls is available at https://www.pcsmypov.com.
14.  COMDT (CG-1332) POCs are CWO Sara Pepin at 202-475-5402, sara.e.pepin@uscg.mil or
Mr. Tony Pearson at 202-475-5368, anthony.h.pearson@uscg.mil
15.  RDML Andrew S. McKinley, Director of Reserve and Military Personnel, sends.
16.  Internet release authorized