ALCOAST 269/21 - JUL 2021 AY21 PCS UPDATE - HHG SCHEDULING AND INCONVENIENCE CLAIMS

R 261518Z JUL 21
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 269/21
SSIC 6200
SUBJ: AY21 PCS UPDATE - HHG SCHEDULING AND INCONVENIENCE CLAIMS
A. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 121420Z MAR 21/ALCOAST 098/21
1. This ALCOAST provides an update to REF (A) regarding the
challenges associated with this year's Permanent Change of
Station (PCS) season.
2. The Coast Guard's Coronavirus website continues to be a
resource for policy updates and guidance. That website can
be accessed at:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://www.uscg.mil/Coronavirus/pcs/

3. The key to executing a successful HHG move this PCS season
is planning ahead, both on the part of members and commands.
Members and commands should proactively coordinate reporting
and departing dates to support the necessary advance logistical
coordination required to execute the desired HHG shipment
pack-up and delivery dates. There have been reports of members'
desired HHG dates not being supported and placing the member
in a position to conduct a Personally Procured Move (PPM) to
meet a reporting deadline, or leave a spouse behind to handle
the move or PPM by themselves.
4. As with other industry challenges, labor challenges in the
moving and storage industry are driving tighter-than-normal
capacity in the Defense Personal Property Program. These
challenges are compounded by competition with non-military
clients (corporate and residential customers) vying for the
same services. In many locations, military personnel that are
conducting traditional moves (non PPMs) are having to wait
upwards of six weeks to get a move scheduled. Similarly, high
demand for rental trucks and storage containers has resulted
in delays by members conducting PPMs.
5. For non PPMs, several members have experienced Transportation
Service Providers (TSP) missing required pickup or delivery
dates. Even with the challenges this year, TSPs are being held
accountable for missing these contracted dates. An inconvenience
claim payment is due to the member from the TSP when the TSP fails
to meet required pickup or delivery dates. This inconvenience claim
should offset expenses incurred by the member and their dependents
because they are not able to use necessary items in their shipment
to establish their household. When a move is scheduled and a delay
occurs, the TSP must notify the member prior to the missed delivery
or pickup. The TSP should provide the member with an inconvenience
claim form and provide the submission procedures to request
reimbursement. Members should not purchase anything without first
making contact with the TSP to confirm what expenses will be
reimbursed. In some circumstances, the TSP may have a “lending”
closet of sorts which they can make available to the member. If
there is a disagreement, the member should contact their local
transportation office. Remember:
   a. Notify the TSP you intend to file a claim.
   b. Request the inconvenience claim form from the TSP
or access on move.mil, if not provided;
   c. Contact your local transportation office for assistance.
   d. Be mindful, that even if a TSP agrees to reimburse you
for the items needed to establish a household, the TSP can also
rightfully request the items once the delivery of the shipment
is complete.
6. Senior leaders across the Coast Guard and DOD’s Personnel
and Logistics communities are aware of the issues and are
exploring options to solve relocation-related problems for
military families. Whether you are conducting a traditional
move or a PPM the following steps can help:
   a. Contact your Transportation Office as soon as you receive
orders.
   b. Whether this is your first move or your 15th, take advantage
of counseling. The PCS Assist Team outlined in REF (A) is your best
resource to understand the specific challenges and delays in your
community. You can reach the PCS Assist Team by phone (833-551-0887)
or email (PCSAssist@uscg.mil).
   c. If movers cannot be arranged to support your timeline, talk
with your chain of command immediately to explore options which
may include changes to reporting timelines.
   d. Be patient with your transportation office personnel! They
want to solve problems for you. Contact your local transportation
office if your moving plans change or if you have questions
regarding your move once scheduled.
7. PCS/Travel updates and resources can be found at CG Pay &
Personnel center at:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/ppc/travel/

8. For general policy questions, please contact the Office of
Military Personnel and Policy, COMDT (CG-1331) at:
HQS-PolicyandStandards@uscg.mil.
9. Dr. D. M. Navarro, Acting Assistant Commandant for Human
Resources (CG-1), sends.
10. Internet release is authorized.