U.S. Transportation Command hosts forum to improve family relocations

U.S. Transportation Command hosted a Personal Property Forum March 13, 2018, for more than 300 members of the Defense Personal Property Program (known as DP3) team at the Four Points by Sheraton conference center in Fairview Heights, Illinois.

“The forum’s purpose is to synchronize pre-peak moving season processes to make the relocation experience even better for families,” said Army Col. Ralph Lounsbrough, chief, Personal Property division, in USTRANSCOM’s Strategic Plans, Policy, and Logistics directorate.

Attendees included Department of Defense-approved commercial transportation service providers and agents, personal property shipping office personnel and representatives from military claims offices. Discussions featured DP3 improvements, peak moving season preparation, business rules, storage management, carrier qualifications, claims and quality assurance procedures. 

“Moving is stressful,” said Lounsbrough. “The relationships we foster here are key to providing families a positive transition into their new environment.”

Marine Corps Lt. Gen. John J. Broadmeadow, deputy commander, USTRANSCOM, thanked the group for supporting DP3 reform initiatives.

“We need to stop focusing on moving things and instead concentrate on relocating families,” said Broadmeadow. “We must do this in partnership with you.”

Broadmeadow emphasized industry’s role in making sure service members and their families have trouble-free moves.

“Smooth relocation will aid retention,” said Broadmeadow. “We need quality men and women in the service of our country, and your participation in this forum is vital to the defense of our nation.”

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