Striving to Make a Difference: JPPSO "stepping up" to ease moving stressors

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  "Some say relocating is one of the most stressful events a person can go through," said Russell DePietro, deputy director of the Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass. Joint Personal Property Shipping Office. "If you were to make a checklist of things to do prior to departing, it might sound like this - get rid of excess items, have a yard sale, get passports and orders, pickup medical/dental records, out-process base, sell home or clear quarters, get dependents school records/transcripts, make lodging reservations and get ready for the movers."

Fortunately for Team Dover Airmen, the JPPSO has implemented several customer-service initiatives to assist with moves and reduce move-related stressors.

Mr. DePietro said JPPSO has three key points that Airmen should understand and will benefit from.

IR System:

One initiative implemented is the Interactive Response telephone service, which, according to Mr. DePietro, "gives you more control and visibility over your entire move process."

Airmen will receive an automated reminder call from the IR system three days prior to pickup or delivery of their property. He explained," Similar to the calls you have become accustomed to receiving from your medical or dental offices, our proactive call notification feature contacts you during the evening hours to remind you of your pickup or delivery dates. This safety net helps prevent attempted pickups and deliveries while keeping you focused on your move requirements."

Also, Airmen can access detailed information about their household goods shipment twenty-four hours a day, seven-days a week by calling the IR, toll free, at (800) 235-7776.

Contact Information:

Across the Air Force, work centers have become increasingly dependent upon e-mail addresses. Mr. DePietro said JPPSO is no different and they rely heavily on e-mail to deliver key movement information. "A successful move begins with communication," he said.

Since communication is paramount, Mr. DePietro advises Airmen to always provide the transportation office with their most current contact information such as - cell phone numbers, home phone numbers and personal e-mail addresses, as well as duty phone numbers and e-mail addresses.

"It is imperative that JPPSO has this vital information to contact you with any changes to, or confirmation of, your move process," he said. "Once the shipment is booked, you will receive an e-mail advising you of your Transportation Service Provider's name and phone number, pack and pickup dates, responsible destination transportation office name and phone number, and a tracking number to monitor your shipment. You will also receive important information concerning the arrival of your shipment and, if authorized, your expiration date of temporary storage."

Survey:

"We are genuinely interested in the quality of your move," said Mr. DePietro. The Surface Deployment Distribution Command has implemented a Customer Satisfaction Survey. Servicemembers and DoD civilians can affect future quality moves. "Upon completion of your move, you will receive a short CSS survey via e-mail. Your survey is your voice ... only you can rate your movers. You now have the power at your finger tips to make a difference."

For detailed shipping information, links and videos, Airmen are encouraged to visit http://afmove.hq.af.mil.