2015 Summer PCS Season Information Published June 2, 2015 By Tech. Sgt. Torane Barnett Section Chief of Personal Property MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Information has been received through the Joint Personal Property Shipment Office that the commercial moving industry is completely saturated, and the upcoming permanent change of station season for personnel across the Department of Defense in the United States in general is going to be challenging. Carriers have initiated blackout dates, dates they are no longer accepting move requests. For North Dakota and Minot in particular, blackout dates run through July 10, 2015. The blackout challenges will have the largest impact on outbound shipments but, it will also impact those coming in. Below are the salient points to know. FACTS: - The total Transportation Service Provider blackout affects the booking of all outbound shipments - The blackout affects all stateside and overseas moves - Blackout dates are fluid dates and at any given time could be extended - Shipments already booked with a TSP are not affected at this time - Members electing for a Government Procured Move must select a move date after the blackout date - The blackout does not affect Personally Procured Moves, DITY moves - Effective May 20, 2015, all requested move dates for Minot, North Dakota must reflect a date after July 10, 2015 - Blackout Dates by state are as follows: o New Mexico, South Dakota, North Dakota: blackout thru July 10, 2015 o Nebraska, Kansas, Wyoming, Montana: blackout thru June 30, 2015 o All Others: blackout thru June 19, 2015 - The blackout dates will negatively impact our inbound personnel too, since their outbound shipments may be delayed at origin - Lead time to book a local, Non-Temp Storage and/or new move will also be delayed due to industry saturation The 5th Logistics Readiness Squadron will work with and push information to the 5th Force Support Squadron, 5th Civil Engineer Squadron and Balfour Beatty as needed to keep them aware of the situation and changes. Members sponsoring folks in are encouraged to reach out to those they are sponsoring to ensure they are aware of potential delays to their inbound shipments. In the past, when saturation of this nature occurs, the probability of dropped shipments, carrier promises to fulfill a move during a particular time period but is unable to, also increases. Members are encouraged to contact JPPSO/TMO immediately if this occurs. Members with orders need to work household goods moves as soon as possible. Blackout dates can and more than likely will be extended rolling into the summer. Members waiting on orders need to weigh options on how best to deal with this and their individual situations. Some alternatives available for consideration are: PPM where members will need to make arrangements to move property; schedule GPM after July 11, 2015 and appoint a releasing agent to act on their behalf, a person to oversee packing loading and sign documents; or request a report no later than delay to their next base. 5th LRS will continue to post the most current information available at the following locations for military personnel's convenience. www.facebook.com/5LRS.TMO https://ca1.eis.af.mil/sites/minot/wing/5bw/5msg/5lrs/lgrd/lgrdf/default.aspx For additional questions and information, please contact the Traffic Management Office at (701) 723-1848/2545 or personal.property2@us.af.mil. Traffic Management Office Hours of Operation are Monday - Friday, walk-in hours are 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and appointment hours are 12:30-3:30 p.m.