Basic Allowance for Quarters (BAQ) is standard. The
following information is designed for military personnel and family members who
are preparing for shipment of household goods. It is based on
entitlements found in Joint Federal Travel Regulation (JFTR) and the "IT'S YOUR
MOVE" booklet by the American Forces Information Service, Department of Defense,
1987.
Generally, the Permanent Change of Station (PCS) and arrangement of
household goods begin once the service member receives orders from the Personnel
Support Detachment (PSD) and a destination site has been
determined. Specific arrangements for personal shipments normally
begin at the local transportation office. Each pay grade has its own
weight allowance, which is the maximum weight that can be moved at goverment
expense under JFTR. The allowance includes the weight of household
goods shipped, placed in storage or sent as unaccompanied
baggage. Anything exceeding the maximum weight allowances must be
paid by the service member. All shipments can be weighed before
destination delivery and can be coordinated with the local transportation
office.
DOCUMENTS NEEDED: Ten (10) copies of orders (and
amendments, if any) are required to assure having copies to cover each type of
shipment. Service members can appoint someone to conduct their
shipment plans for them. The appointment must be in writing and a
copy must be furnished to the transportation office when arranging the
shipment.
STORAGE: The government provides two types of
storage: Temporary and non-temporary. Temporary storage
can run for up to 90 days. It can be used at either origin, en route,
or at destination. An additional 90-day emergency extension can be
obtained by submitting a formal request in writing. Service members
are expected to pay for any temporary storage time exceeding the 180 day
period. Non-temporary storage is long-term storage authorized in
specific cases, such as an overseas assignment.
SHIPMENT ITEMS are
household furnishings, appliances, equipment, clothing, personal effects,
professional books, papers and spare parts for a privately owned vehicle
including a motorcycle.
Be sure to set a counseling appointment with your
local travel office once new PCS orders are in hand for a smooth coordination of
all shipment arrangements.