The summary below is created from the Defense Transportation Regulation – Part IV, Chapter 402. 

 1. Your request goes into the queue at the assigned Transportation Office (TO).​

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 2. A member of the Transportation Office, specifically the Personal Property Shipping Office (PSSO), will review the request for any errors and request any missing information or documentation from you.

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 3. The PSSO will approve the request and assign a Code of Service based on the pickup location, type of move, i.e., CONUS or OCONUS, and destination location.

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 4. The shipment is offered to the next Transportation Service Provider (TSP) on the list.

• Shipments are offered to TSPs in a round-robin rotation within each market based on the TSPs Best Value Score.

• The TSPs with higher scores are offered shipments before the TSPs with lower scores.

• Each TSP is allotted a certain number of shipments based on the market area. Higher score TSPs are allotted more shipments than lower score TSPs.

• TSPs have 24 hours to accept or refuse the shipment. The TSP can work within a 7-day spread of your requested date to pack and load up your HHG. Here is more information on the 7-day spread from DPS. 

• Three attempts will be made to acquire a TSP for your shipment in your market. If no TSP is available in your market for your requested dates, the TO will reach out to:

  • Try and adjust your dates to when a TSP has availability or

  • Switch your move to a PPM.

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 5. DPS will send you an email when your TSP has been assigned. Note that the origin and destination TSPs will most likely not be the same company. The email will contain your Bill of Lading. Ensure you keep this number handy when communicating with the TSPs as it makes it easier to locate your information.

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 6. The origin TSP has 3 government business days to reach out to you with contact information and to confirm your pack and pick-up dates. If they do not reach out within 3 days, call the TSP via the number provided in the DSP TPS assignment notification email. If you are still unable to get ahold of the TSP, call your local Transportation Office.

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 7. The origin TSP will complete a pre-move survey to:

• Establish the volume of HHGs

• Assess necessary packing material

• Identify special packaging requirements

• Ascertain any other difficulties (i.e., if access to the house is difficult)

• Confirm or establish agreed-upon pack and pickup dates.

This may be a physical walk-through or conducted virtually. It will depend on the TSP. The TSP has until 9 days before your move date to complete the pre-move survey, but most complete them shortly after receiving your contract. If you have any questions, contact the TSP.

 

 8. Prepare your HHGs and family for moving.

• Work on your PCS Checklist and PCS Binder Checklist.

• Check out the various Tips & Tricks Guides to assist you in your preparations.

• Read over the Personal Property Quick Reference Guide.

• Check out Military One Source’s PCS FAQs 

• US TRANSCOM “It’s Your Move” 

 

The TSP will contact you 24 hours before the first packing day to confirm their arrival time, verify the pickup address, and ascertain any special information they need to know regarding your residence, i.e., access to the house, street parking, access to a freight elevator.

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You can track your HHG shipment while it is in transit in DPS by clicking on “Shipment Management.”

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When your HHGs arrive at the destination, the destination TSP will coordinate directly with you regarding temporary storage and delivery date.