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TSP’s responsible for damages incurred during moving

  • Published
  • By Amanda Henney
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Legal Office
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Planning and organization can guard against household moving problems.

Plan early for moving to get an idea of what items to take with and which items to be shipped. Separate these items in another room and let the Transportation Service Providers know these items do not need to be shipped. The TSP work quickly and it's easy for them to accidentally pack and ship something you needed to take with you.

Before the TSP arrives, take digital photos, video or appraisal of high value items, family heirlooms and electronics. Also take secure receipts of the expensive items. All of these steps are important in case high value items are damaged during the move and members need to file a claim.

When TSP arrives watch as they describe the condition of the property, the TSP will document pre-existing damage to property on the inventory sheet. If members disagree with the description, address it with the carrier. If members have disagreements they should annotate it at the bottom of the inventory sheet.

The TSP also places items such as currency, coins, jewelry, silverware and silver sets, crystal, figurines, furs, and objects of art on a high value/high risk inventory list. However, AFCSC recommends members move jewelry and currency personally.

When servicemembers arrive at their new home, they may notice that some items suffered damage during the move. The TSP is responsible to pay the full replacement value on any items missing or destroyed during the move. If the item is repairable, the TSP is also responsible for tracking down a repair firm and the repair of the item.

There are two important steps to filing a claim to recover from loss or damage. The first step is to file a Loss or Damage Report through Defense Personal Property System which can be accessed online at www.move.mil or https://claims.jag.af.mil.

This Loss or Damage Report is not a claim and must be filed within 75 days of delivery.
The next step to filing a claim is to file the claim directly against TSP. This claim must be made within nine months of delivery of household goods in order for members to receive FRV. If members miss the nine month deadline, they can still file a claim up to two years from the delivery date, but will only receive depreciated valuation.

If members are not happy with the claim processing there are ways to resolve this. Members can transfer their claim to the AFCSC 30-days after filing against your TSP for any reason. Additionally, members can contact the AFCSC for support. Finally, if members receive an offer from TSP that they disagree with, they can transfer the claim to the AFCSC. The AFCSC can only pay depreciated valuation in most situations. However, after paying the claim, the Air Force will file an FRV claim against the responsible TSP and may be able to pay an additional award recovered from the TSP. The AFCSC currently has a 98 percent recovery rate against TSPs.

It is a good idea to take and upload pictures or receipts of lost or damaged items while creating the claim. This will help provide proof of damage and expedite your claim.
Finally, treat the TSP cordially. They will be packing, shipping, and ultimately responsible for the care of property. Moving is difficult work for everyone and damages are sometimes an unintended consequence of moving.

For further information contact the legal office at 256-3542.