Arranging Household Goods Shipments
As soon as you are alerted to your upcoming PCS move, you can start getting your house and family ready. Clean up and get rid of junk. Hold a yard sale or take serviceable items you no longer need to a thrift shop or donate to charity. Get important family records together in one place. You can even estimate the weight of your household goods before you visit your transportation office to set up the move. If you are going overseas, you should begin to plan what items you will take in your hold baggage, in your household goods shipment and what might need to go into storage. Remember for overseas assignments electricity is different and houses are generally much smaller and cannot handle large furniture.

Set up an appointment with your transportation office as soon as you have a copy of your PCS orders. The earlier you call or visit your transportation office, the greater your chances of moving on the date you desire. The counselors will explain all your PCS move entitlements in detail. Your first decision is whether to have the government move you or whether to move yourself. There are pros and cons to each type of move. Your counselor will answer all of your questions. If you choose a government move, they will book your shipment and let you know the exact dates the movers will come. If you choose to move yourself, the counselor can assist with recommendations and tips on how to do a personal move.

Automobile
The government may ship one Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) at their expense to your new overseas location. This is handled through your transportation office. Remember to discuss your POV needs at your initial counseling session. The shipping contractor has established a website where you can track the location of your POV through the shipping process.

Shipping Pets
Planning for shipment of your pet includes researching airline requirements and quarantine and restriction laws in your new location. You will need to ask the airlines the requirements for size, weight, number of animals, kennel construction, documentation and season of the year limitations. Occasionally, small pets can be shipped on military flights but availability and regulations are always changing as well as fees. Checking the SDDC website will provide details on shipping pets.

Many international locations have strict importation laws including extended quarantines and restrictions on breeds or types of animals that can be brought into the country. Carefully research these rules as they could impact your moving schedule. Not only do overseas locations have strict rules but many locations have restrictions on dangerous dogs as well. For more pet information click here.

Delivery of Household Goods Shipments
It is your responsibility to contact the transportation office as soon as you arrive at your new duty station. Let them know how you can be contacted, phone, mobile phone and e-mail. If you already have new quarters, they will help arrange delivery of your personal property shipments. Otherwise they will arrange for temporary storage until you have permanent housing.

Customer Satisfaction Survey
Once your personal property is delivered, you’ll be asked to rate the customer service you received from the movers. Make sure you take the time to do this. You feedback will make the process better for everyone.

Claims
If you have any loss or damage to your personal property you may need to file a claim. Use the front of DD Form 1840/1840R to notify the mover of any loss or damage you find at the time of delivery. If further loss or damage is discovered after the transportation provider departs, use the reverse side of the form, DD Form 1840R. You must file DD Form 1840/1840R within 70 days of delivery. Completing and submitting the DD Form 1840/1840R does not constitute filing a claim. A claim is separate and distinct from these forms. Your local personal property office and claims office will give you complete instructions on where and how to file DD Form 1840/1840R and your claim..