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Shipment of Household Goods, Vehicles Consolidates Under Transcom

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U.S. Transportation Command is now the single manager of the Defense Personal Property Program, or DP3, which oversees the Defense Department's household goods and privately owned vehicle shipment programs.

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For the past eight years, the Army's Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, a Transcom component, directed the DP3. During the same timeframe, Transcom guided the Defense Personal Property System, or DPS, the DP3's electronic application that offers 24-hour access throughout the entire move process via the move.mil website. While administered by two separate units, the DP3 and its web interface, DPS, did not operate as effectively or efficiently as they could, prompting the consolidation of both under Transcom. 

"Although DP3 met customers' requirements, the program's consolidation provides the unity of effort and alignment to enhance the relocation experience of military members, DoD civil servants and their families," said Army Col. Ralph Lounsbrough, personal property division chief in Transcom's strategy, capabilities, policy and logistics directorate. "A consolidated DP3 management structure also offers one entry point for program inquiries, requests, and concerns from the military branches and the moving industry."

Improvements on the Way

Program improvements will gradually occur, including an update to the move.mil website, with most in place for the peak moving season next summer, officials said. Planned website upgrades include making critical relocation procedural tips more user-friendly, understandable and accessible, as well as providing accurate key contact information for local assistance.

"In the vast majority of cases, the quickest resolution for move-related issues is through the installation transportation or traffic management office," said Air Force Lt. Col. Todd Jensen, chief of operations in Transcom's personal property division. This won't change under the DP3 consolidation. We don't want any customer to struggle with the move process. If their questions aren't being adequately addressed locally, they can elevate their concerns to [Transcom]."

Even with a consolidated DP3, customers should plan ahead for a successful relocation by either visiting their traffic management office or registering for a DPS account on move.mil prior to, or when they receive, their permanent-change-of-station orders, officials said, emphasizing that planning is the best way to ensure a successful move.

"We're more aware than ever that it's not about the stuff we move, but it's about the families we relocate and how you deliver exceptional customer service," said Air Force Gen. Darren McDew, the Transcom commander.

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