Sep 10, 2021
— On Sept. 9, the Biden Administration issued a far-reaching Executive Order (EO) focused on COVID-19 requirements for several employment sectors. The most significant of the directives is a requirement that companies with 100 or more employees either ensure their employees are either vaccinated OR provide proof of at least a weekly COVID-19 negative test result, prior to an employee entering the workplace.
Sep 1, 2021
— Please see attached notes and slides from the 31 Aug USTC industry/Services/JPPSO call.
Of particular note, Col Safranek (Brig Gen select) was on the call today and provided some short inputs at the end of the call. USTRANSCOM acknowledged they received over 300 comment resolution matrices (CRMs) from industry and are reviewing the inputs (thanks to everyone who provided inputs). And as stated after the last call, the Thursday peak calls are finished. DoD will transition now to a non-peak season call starting 14 October, and continuing every second Thursday of the month til next peak season. These Tuesday invite calls are ongoing until changed by DoD.
Aug 25, 2021
— Please see attached notes and slides from the 24 Aug USTC industry/Services/JPPSO call.
As a reminder, 2022 Business Rule comments are due to USTRANSCOM by 4:30 CDT Wednesday, 25 Aug.
Aug 11, 2021
— IAM created a summary of proposed DoD changes to 2022 business rules for the Defense Personal Property Program (DP3), all in one document. See advisory #21-0095 for details on commenting on the rules. All business rule documents and proposed changes are posted on move.mil/sme; along with a comment resolution matrix (CRM) spreadsheet, that must be used by industry to make comments or recommend changes to the 2022 business rules. Questions on filling out the CRM can be directed to the TRANSCOM Ops Team at: transcom.scott.tcj9.mbx.pp-ops@mail.mil; or to Dan Bradley on the IAM staff at daniel.bradley@iamovers.org.
Aug 11, 2021
— Please see attached notes and slides from the 10 August USTC industry/Services/JPPSO call.
The TRANSCOM Deputy Commander (VADM Mewbourne) was on the call, and engaged on an IAM question to USTC and the Services on what procedures a TSP should follow when an inconvenience claim is clearly out of the control of the TSP. He said he sensed that friction from the issues across the supply chain, and appreciated it being brought up; and believed it needed to be discussed. IAM has raised the issue on previous calls, and directly to USTC J9 leadership via correspondence with very little input to date. But with the Deputy Commander engaging on the topic, maybe we’ll see some movement on this issue.
Jul 29, 2021
— The 29 July Peak Season call notes and slides are provided for your awareness. For those who participate in the call regularly, next week USTRANSCOM is changing the call over to MS TEAMS instead of the current dial in method. The TEAMS information is supposed to come out in an updated calendar appointment. Good conversation today about converted storage lots and some in DoD trying to re-activate those lots to DoD expense. Discussion on issues with third-party crating and reimbursements being out of synch with today’s realities. DoD asking TSPs to push the information from these calls out to their agent networks so the word gets down to everyone…for example mask policies, etc.
Jul 29, 2021
— "The Fact Finding Officer proposes the following interim recommendations to the Commission. These recommendations are aimed at minimizing barriers to private party enforcement of the Shipping Act, clarifying Commission and industry processes, encouraging shippers, truckers, and other stakeholders to assist Commission enforcement efforts, and bolstering CADRS’ ability to facilitate fair and fast dispute resolution. The Fact Finding Officer also fully supports the Commission’s recently announced Vessel-Operating Common Carrier Audit Program and BOE’s continuing investigations into unreasonable demurrage and detention practices."
Jul 28, 2021
— Yesterday, the U.S. CDC issued new indoor masking recommendations and guidance, based on a county's (aka, locality/city) transmission level of COVID-19, seen most frequently in the US through the spread of the delta variant. On a 4-level scale (low to highly transmissible), indoor masking is recommended for those counties falling into the "substantial" or "high" transmission rate categories. See the current U.S. county list and transmission-level ratings. The U.S. CDC will update the county transmission ratings as new data is received.
Jul 28, 2021
— Despite travel opening up to Americans heading into the EU, Schengen region and Canada, the Biden Administration has held off on permitting entry from most countries for travel to the US deemed "non-essential", due to the high rate of transmission of the delta variant. IAM, alongside dozens of travel-focused trade organizations, several Members of Congress and some federal agency representatives continue to press for a reopening path and plan for international visitors.
Jul 28, 2021
— In the open session of this morning's FMC meeting, Commissioner Rebecca Dye provided an update and an oral overview of Interim Recommendations for Fact Finding 29, tasked with reviewing and investigating international ocean transportation challenges. In addition to establishing container depots to alleviate some of the concerns raised and a continued review of detention and demurrage fee applications, she highlighted top-line interim recommendations.
Jul 26, 2021
— Our partners at the National Defense Transportation Association have passed along three new documents coming out of the Office of the Secretary of Defense that are of interest to DoD-Approved Transportation Service Providers (TSPs). The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Logistics provided a bulletin dated 23 July on Motor Carrier Installation Access. Additionally, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment has provided a handful of slides describing what they are calling Project Spectrum; along with a more detailed Project Spectrum Capabilities Statement.
Jul 23, 2021
— Notes and slides from the 22 July Peak Season Call. DoD is begging industry to communicate with the member and PPSO when a TSP can’t get an agent under a shipment. The earlier the member and JPPSO know, the more effective the DoD can be in helping arrange alternatives for the member…extended reporting dates, changes to leases or closing dates on homes (at origin and destination), actual cost reimbursement for a PPM. When that doesn’t happen, it’s often costing the member significant out of pocket expenses. And as anyone who has PCS’d knows, service members already face a wave of out of pocket expenses each time they move to a new duty station.
Jul 15, 2021
— Notes and slides from the 15 July Peak Season Call highlight a few common themes from industry and DoD. Another good job by many industry representatives to provide comments and raise issues/perspectives/potential actions. DoD received plenty of feedback today on the challenges facing the industry. JPPSOs are still imploring industry reps to be transparent on their ability to service a shipment and communicate with the member and JPPSO on those challenges so other potential solutions can be worked, and members can know what they are facing and make appropriate arrangements with regard to their lease, home sale, new duty assignment, etc.
Jul 13, 2021
— The 13 July USTRANSCOM Conditions Based Movement call covered the industry call readaheads presented by USTRANSCOM and the associated notes from the call.
Jul 8, 2021
— Today’s Peak Season Call continued with the themes of many of the previous week’s meetings. DoD is frustrated over late turnbacks of shipments and continue to urge industry to not accept shipments they can’t service…and when you find yourself in that situation, please communicate immediately with the customer and the personal property shipping office. Don’t delay. Good job on today’s call by many industry representatives to provide comments and raise issues/perspectives/potential actions. Please see the notes and slides from the call.
Jul 8, 2021
— Many of the same themes came out today from the DoD side as in previous weeks. Turnbacks, no-shows, and a need for more communication from industry as soon as possible when you might be having trouble getting a shipment serviced. Please remember the military member and the stress of getting out of their house/apartment per their contract; missing a flight to their next assignment, etc. I know this group fully understands that because you’re professionals, but that’s the theme of the call, and I wanted to pass that along. Please see notes and slides from the call.
Update Number 21-0081
Jun 16, 2021
— USTRANSCOM has issued Advisory #21-0081A, authorizing TSPs to use non-DoD SIT facilities for Domestic Code of Service (COS) D and COS 2. There are warehouse requirements TSPs must ensure exist prior to using a warehouse, and several other requirements for use. Please be sure to read the entire advisory for details.
Jun 15, 2021
— The June 15 Conditions Based Movement Call with USTRANSCOM, Services and Industry covered the USTRANSCOM created “readahead” slides. Notes captured from the meeting highlight continued capacity constraints; thoughts on what DoD volume is expected for the remainder of the peak season; discussion on a falling refusal ratio and why that might be; questions to industry on labor availability, and more.
Jun 9, 2021
— Yesterday evening, the U.S. Senate today passed by a vote of 68-32, S. 1260, the U.S. Competition and Innovation Act, which included a key provision directing the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury to ensure that any personally identifiable information, are removed from a vessel, aircraft, or vehicle manifest, before that manifest is provided for public disclosure.
Jun 3, 2021
— Please see the attached slides and notes from the 3 Jun Peak Season call with DoD and industry. Significant conversations once again on capacity concerns from both the DoD side and industry side. Industry reps did a nice job laying out some of the issues. DoD is concerned with turnbacks that are apparently more significant this year (and certainly more significant earlier in the year) than previous years.
Update Number 21-0076
Jun 2, 2021
— The topic of “refusals” and short fuse expansion have been center stage for a couple of weeks with Personal Property Shipping Offices (PPSOs) and industry. Per advisory #21-0076, effective 1 June, TSPs can refuse shipments with requested pickup dates through 31 July.
Jun 1, 2021
— The DoD is still focused on preventing a large number of turnbacks they are experiencing this summer, and asking TSPs to engage the PPSOs earlier in the process if they can’t service a shipment, as opposed to holding on too long, which puts the member in an even worse position in terms of getting out of housing on schedule, making it to training, etc. Additionally, the TRANSCOM Deputy Commender, VADM Mewbourne, was interested in the large number of refusals, the reason behind turnbacks, and whether the assembled crowd believed we were seeing an earlier peak season than recent years.
Jun 1, 2021
— The EEOC provided long-awaited formal guidance surrounding vaccine incentives and requirements, in addition to updating several FAQs. IAM has followed this area closely for member companies, as vaccine incentives, requirements and other disclosures have been under review since late last year. Employers should keep in mind potential employee limitations and provide reasonable accommodations within the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.
May 21, 2021
— Please see the attached slides and notes from the 20 May Peak Season call with DoD and industry. Plenty of discussion on the liftvan, crating, packing material advisory; as well as potential and issues with using seavan containers in lieu of liftvans.
May 19, 2021
— Currently, all persons entering the U.S. from an international destination via plane, (including U.S. citizens and those fully vaccinated), are required to have and present a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 3 days prior travel, OR documentation of recovery from COVID-19 within the past 3 months.
May 19, 2021
— Yesterday, the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee held a hearing with Gen. Stephen Lyons, Commander, U.S. Transportation Command. Among the topics covered by Gen. Lyons and other witnesses, was a brief update on the pending Global Household Goods Contract (GHC).
Update Number 21-0051
May 17, 2021
— As a reminder, USTC published advisory #21-0051, canceling last year’s extension for submitting financial information for DP3 and NTS TSPs. See advisory for details.
May 14, 2021
— As we head into peak season, ERRC is providing guidance to ensure agencies have necessary latitude to approve adjustments when warranted for climbing lumber costs related to household goods shipping services. Price or service adjustments described in this notice are wholly at agency BLIO discretion. Please read the attached notice carefully and send questions, if any, to errc@gsa.gov.
May 6, 2021
— IAM President Charles White signed on to a joint letter to congressional leaders, urging them to reinstate the moving expense tax deduction effective Jan. 1 of this year, and also asked them to not increase corporate or individual tax rates at this time.
May 5, 2021
— USTRANSCOM covered the read ahead slides during their 4 May Conditions Based Movement call with industry and interested DoD parties. Please see IAM notes from the call for details.
Apr 27, 2021
— USTRANSCOM hosted the normal Tuesday Conditions-Based Movement call with DoD and industry attendees. The slides and notes from the call are attached.
Apr 22, 2021
— USTRANSCOM’s Personal Property Directorate held their weekly peak season call with interested DoD parties and the moving industry on 22 April. Please review the slides and notes from the call.
Apr 21, 2021
— New rate offers are now available in the General Services Administration’s (GSA’s) Transportation Management Services Solution 2.0 (TMSS 2.0) system for Household Goods shipments with a move date between May 1, 2021 and October 31, 2021. To view the new rate offers, log in to TMSS 2.0 and enter a Move Date between May 1, 2021 and October 31, 2021 on the “HHG Queries” screen.
Update Number 21-0051
Apr 16, 2021
— USTRANSCOM has canceled the extension they created for submitting financial information last year during the COVID Stop Movement. Please see the Personal Property Advisory #21-0051 for more detailed information.
Apr 16, 2021
— 15 April was DoD’s first peak season call that included industry. These calls are now weekly through 26 August. Set your calendar reminders for every Thursday at 0930 EDT.
Apr 13, 2021
— United States Transportation Command (USTC) hosted the weekly “Conditions-Based Movement Call” to discuss latest issues from DoD’s Personal Property Program (DP3). The “Readahead” slides were reviewed in short order. You can review overall highlights from the call, with updates from various DoD representatives.
Mar 18, 2021
— The readahead slides for this call were once again “fairly” consistent with previous weeks. Health Protection Protocols bumped up a bit. And reweigh compliance is still a large non-compliance issue.
Mar 15, 2021
— USTC’s Non-Peak call for 11 Mar was kicked off by COL Gipson reinforcing that COVID-19 Health Protocols are still in place and DoD will continue to focus on them.
Mar 10, 2021
— The 9 March Conditions Based Movement Call started out with an update from COL Gipson. She wanted to reinforce that although vaccinations against COVID-19 are continuing to rise, and new cases are falling, the DoD hasn’t changed their stance that Health Protocols are still required for DoD shipments. And those rules apply to Service Members as well.
Mar 3, 2021
— Each year, the Air Force Personal Property Activity sends out their Special Interest Items that they are focusing on for the new rate year. Attached are the Air Force’s 2021 Special Interest Items.
Mar 3, 2021
— There were no major items of interest noted on the readahead slides from the 2 Mar meeting. Overall, the last two Tuesday meetings have ended in less than a half-hour. There were a few notes of interest on today’s call, however.
Feb 24, 2021
— The Readahead slides on today’s DoD call were covered quickly with little new information noted. The number of reweigh violations was noted again, and industry was asked to focus their attention on reweigh requirements.
Feb 23, 2021
— First, GSA sent out a summary of Intrastate Moves Research which provides information on regulated and deregulated states and policies for moving intrastate shipments under CHAMP. The information in the summary will become effective 1 May 2021.
Second, GSA released an advisory on in response to impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic on higher cost of air shipments by commercial carriers. If there are any questions, please reach out to Kim Chancellor at Kim.Chancellor@gsa.gov.
Feb 10, 2021
— The readaheads for the 9 Feb Conditions-Based Movement call with DoD and Industry were covered by USTC J9. No major issues identified in the slides.
Feb 2, 2021
— Today’s call started out with a COVID-19 update from USTRANSCOM’s Command Surgeon. A great deal of information and stats on COVID was provided. The information was broad, detailing U.S. COVID statistics on cases, deaths, and vaccines. In general, the US, in terms of new cases, is currently at about where we were pre-Thanksgiving, and new case numbers are falling. CDC believes that trend will continue through at least March. In terms of vaccines, 50 million doses have been distributed; and 32 million doses have been administered.
Update Number 21-0006B
Jan 27, 2021
— TSPs must ensure their account information is complete and up-to-date with current contact information. Specific account questions can be directed to the Systems Response Center via 1-800-462-2176 or via e-mail usarmy.scott.sddc.mbx.g6-src-dps-hd@mail.mil. As previously communicated, the DPS Program continues to prepare for enforcement of RPA policies on 1 February 2021. Please ensure all RPA account requests are submitted before this date.
Jan 27, 2021
— USTRANSCOM covered the readaheads per usual. No major changes in data noted. Per request of the Air Force, J9 is looking at adding Non-Temp Storage (NTS) and Direct Procurement Method (DPM) shipment totals to slide one; but they are trying to clean up that data first. They stated it appears right now that as an average, NTS and DPM represent about 85 shipments per week; but the flow of those shipments is obviously not smoothed out over the whole year.
Jan 26, 2021
— IAM conducted two Government and Military Webcasts in December (Dec. 9 & Dec.15) to discuss new DoD 2021 business rules. Based on those webcasts, IAM took participant questions and asked USTRANSCOM J9 for clarification. IAM received the attached response from J9 Operations.
Jan 20, 2021
— The 19 January Conditions-Based Movement call hosted by J9, which included industry and Service/JPPSO representatives, started out by covering the attached slides.
Jan 14, 2021
— Last night, the SBA announced that PPP eligible lenders with $1 billion or less in assets may submit both first and second draw applications beginning tomorrow, Friday, January 15th at 9 am ET. The SBA's application portal will fully open on Tuesday, January 19th to participating PPP lenders of all sizes for both first and second draw loan applications.
Jan 13, 2021
— The 12 Jan USTC call was relatively quick today, with the Services not raising any issues or concerns. The read-ahead slides are changing slightly. The first slide will transition in a minimal way over the next week or so, but not significantly. The peak season numbers will once again reflect weeks 20-35 instead of 20-45 like they did for part of 2020. The three year average information will be included, but not direct information from the preceding year the way 2019 data was reflected in the 2020 slides. And the new depiction of data on slides 4-6 will continue to be honed over time.
Update Number 21-0024
Jan 12, 2021
— USTRANSCOM’s Defense Personal Property Management Office (DPMO) released advisory #21-0024 announcing the details for the Spring Personal Property Forum (PPF) to be held on 31 Mar and 1 Apr. The PPF will be virtual. Registration is required. The advisory is posted on move.mil/sme as well.
Jan 6, 2021
— TRANSCOM’s Defense Personal Property Management Office (DPMO), also known by their staff designation, J9, started the New Year with the Conditions Based Movement Call. Per industry requests, J9 is working to add a couple new slides. They are a work-in-progress at this point.
Dec 22, 2020
— This update represents the final J9 call of the year. The next DoD-Industry call will occur on 5 January. There is nothing of significance on the read-ahead slides provided.
Dec 11, 2020
— The 10 Dec non-peak season call produced no major insights. Slide #6 was quickly skipped as it appears to have obvious data problems. Industry asked J9 to relook at slide 18, Missed RDDs as the numbers don’t appear to add up when you compare the percent of shipments that go into SIT; the overall missed RDD all shipments; and the missed RDDs direct delivery.
Dec 9, 2020
— There was nothing of particular significance covered on the J9 Read-ahead slides for the 8 Dec meeting. None of the Services had comments during their portion of the meeting. J9 provided just a few updates.
Dec 2, 2020
— J9 stated they were appreciative of the work that went into industry and Service responses to business rules. They believe the changes made to business rules reflect that they are listening to our inputs and looking for common ground; but with an eye toward making changes they believe are pivotal to the customer and “tipping the scales” towards customer requirements.
Dec 1, 2020
— The below link to the government’s acquisition website features a Joint Base McGuire, Dix, Lakehurst (JBMDL) Draft DPM contract. The draft information outlining the acquisition action is attached for your reference. There are 10 attachments.
Nov 23, 2020
— FMC approved a Supplemental Order that expands the authority of Fact Finding 29, “International Ocean Transportation Supply Chain Engagement”. Commissioner Dye will lead the FMC's efforts into further investigation of ocean carriers operating in alliances, focusing on the Ports of Long Beach, Los Angeles and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Specifically, the Commission will review policies and practices related to detention and demurrage, container return and container availability.
Nov 10, 2020
— Today’s J9 call covered the attached slides in fairly quick order. Shipment pickups for the past 4 weeks have been slightly below the 3 year average. And current projections for the next 4-6 weeks are below the 3 year average. No insight provided as to why projected movements are slowing down.
Nov 4, 2020
— Shifts in pricing for air shipments, including unaccompanied air baggage (UAB) shipments, have resulted in significant cost fluctuations for air freight services. The increase in air freight shipping can be attributed to demand for cargo space as the economy rebounds has resulted in pricing and capacity volatility worldwide.
Nov 4, 2020
— USTRANSCOM will thoroughly, fairly, and completely re-evaluate the four most competitive offers and select the one that presents the best overall benefit and the highest quality of service for our service members, DOD civilians, and their families. Each of the four finalists will be given the opportunity to submit a new written proposal and conduct an oral presentation and demonstration to the Source Selection Team in the course of this determination.
Oct 21, 2020
— For those of you who were on the IAM Virtual Annual Meeting Session called “An Inside Look at DoD’s Personal Property Program” there was much discussion on the USTC J9 Request for Information (RFI) put out to industry with regard to climate controlled facilities for NTS Retrograde and the removal of the 50 mile radius requirement for facilities needing to be near Oakland and Norfolk.
Oct 21, 2020
— Upsurge of COVID world-wide, and heading into cold/flu season is a stark reminder that the DoD Health Protocols are still in effect for industry and service members. These protocols will be rolled into the TOS for 2021. Read More.
Sep 24, 2020
— The counseling and shipment award numbers for the week remain above the average for this week. J9 mentioned they see this as reflective of the peak season shift to the right. Slide 4 shows short fuse returning to normal levels after a sustained significant increase going back to week 27 or so.
Sep 21, 2020
— IAM participated in all 4 PPF sessions with USTRANSCOM J9 and the Services/JPPSOs. Below is a “short” summary; but there were many topics covered and this is NOT an attempt to detail them all. If something gets glossed over that you are interested in, let me know and I can try to go into more detail. I did not focus on taking notes, but mostly followed along with the slides, the conversation, and the chat box.
May 24, 2019
— This is the eighth in a series of op-eds that IAM is running to shed additional light on problems associated with privatizing the household goods program to a single source contractor.
May 17, 2019
— This is the seventh in a series of op-eds that IAM is running to shed additional light on problems associated with privatizing the household goods program to a single source contractor.
May 10, 2019
— This is the sixth in a series of op-eds that IAM is running to shed additional light on problems associated with privatizing the household goods program to a single source contractor.
May 3, 2019
— This is the fifth in a series of op-eds that IAM is running to shed additional light on problems associated with privatizing the household goods program to a single source contractor.
Apr 26, 2019
— This is the fourth in a series of op-eds that IAM is running to shed additional light on problems associated with privatizing the household goods program to a single source contractor.
Apr 19, 2019
— This is the third in a series of op-eds that IAM is running to shed additional light on problems associated with privatizing the household goods program to a single source contractor.
Apr 12, 2019
— This is the second in a series of op-eds that IAM is running to shed additional light on problems associated with privatizing the household goods program to a single source contractor.
Apr 5, 2019
— This is the first in a series of op-eds that IAM is running to shed additional light on problems associated with privatizing the household goods program to a single source contractor.
Mar 29, 2019
— USTRANSCOM Public Affairs published a press release highlighting GEN Lyons’ meeting with CEOs from various moving companies who support DoD household goods movement, and a separate meeting with moving industry trade associations. The press release is not an accurate account of the events of those meetings. Industry attendees believe the tone of the press release implied industry’s support to the general’s decision to award a contract to a single provider. To be clear, most of DoD’s current household goods service providers do not support this initiative.
— This morning, the Trump Administration announced that community and minority owned lending institutions may begin processing PPP loan applications this Jan. 11. The program will initially reopen for first-time borrowers, and for second-time (aka "second draw") borrowers application processing to begin on Jan. 13.
— Please see attached letter from Ms. Ellen Lord, Under Secretary for Acquisition and Sustainment, thanking industry for their commitment and focusing on maintaining the Defense Industrial Base. Also, please see the emails below which contain links to a short video from Secretary Esper, regarding them same.
