TMO heavily tasked during summer months Published July 7, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Daniel Phelps 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Air Force personnel may face challenges with household goods for the next couple weeks through short-notice pick-up date changes and last-minute cancellations. "The problem comes through lack of carrier ability," said L. L. Mims, 20th Logistics Readiness Squadron deployment and distribution flight chief. "Department of Defense and commercial moves are up 10 percent, while the household goods movement, equipment and personnel declined roughly 20 percent due to the economy." The personal property office here requests that all Continental U.S. Joint Personal Property Shipping Office-Northeast customers to come in earlier than usual to give the office as much time as possible to arrange shipments in case JPPSO needs to change pick-up dates. "JPPSOs are working hard to match the customer needs with the realities of an overwhelming moving industry," said Mrs. Mims. "We expect the situation to improve as we move into August." Steps have been taken to make the summer rush not as difficult for customers, she added. "Effective immediately, CONUS JPPSOs need a minimum of three weeks' notice for all shipments in Defense Personal Property System or Transportation Operational Personal Property Standard System," recommended Mrs. Mims. "This includes local moves, non-temporary storage pick-ups and releases and direct procurement method shipments." She explained that any shipment that requires packing and pick-up within that three-week window should contact the booking section at JPPSO-NE to see if it's possible to schedule the shipment in that time period. After that, customers will need to have an emergency impact statement to explain the reason for the request. "For shipments signed off inside the three-week window, Shaw PPO is also required to get alternate dates from the customer," said Mrs. Mims. "Finally, if you have not been contacted by the moving company at least 10 days prior to your first packing date, please contact Shaw TMO (803) 895-4404." Headquarters Air Force assures that the Air Force Personal Property Activity and the JPPSOs are well organized, have excellent technicians taking care of the shipments, and are doing everything possible to reduce individual impacts.