Defense Personal Property Program makes moving easier Published June 16, 2009 By Senior Airman Kristopher Levasseur 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- The Defense Personal Property Program, an innovative new Defense Department initiative, will streamline the process of getting household goods and personal property shipped during a permanent change of station move. The new service, which became available to all U.S. Air Forces in Europe bases in April, will put customers directly in contact with the servicing company, allowing them to do everything from scheduling pick-up and delivery times to filing claims directly with the carrier. According to the DP3 Web site, the goal of the program is to focus on the "Quality of Life" for servicemembers, civilian employees and their families by making their personal property move as smooth as possible. "Customers must first establish a DP3 account to process their shipments by going to www.move.mil," said Master Sgt. Kevin Gunter, 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron personal property and passenger travel chief. "Once an account is established they will be able to manage their shipment, request delivery, file a claim and complete a customer satisfaction survey. Customers will receive e-mail notifications throughout the move process; however, you must maintain a current e-mail address that will be valid at both origin and destination." Sergeant Gunter added that the biggest difference between the new and old systems is DP3 provides the transportation carriers and the customers a means to interact with each other. This will alleviate problems during the transit of the customer's property. Key improvements are: - shipments are awarded based on best value, not low cost - full replacement value is the standard for lost or damaged items - electronic claims filing through DP3 is available all day, every day - direct communication between DoD families and the transportation service provider - instructive, on-demand, web-based personal property counseling - pack and pick-up dates are negotiated between the member and carrier - servicemembers request delivery directly with the carrier - servicemembers and carrier can settle small claims using the "quick claim" option - base-level traffic management offices will continue to be initial customer interface "While there have been some transition pains during our migration to the system, overall DP3 works well and will provide customers with up-to-the-minute information on the whereabouts of their property," said Sergeant Gunter. For more information on DP3 and personal property transportation, call 238-1128 or visit www.move.mil.