What Will Military Movers Not Pack?
As a military family, you’re likely familiar with the process of relocating to a new duty station. One of the most significant aspects of this process is the packing and moving of your belongings. Military movers, also known as Household Goods (HHG) movers, are responsible for transporting your household goods from your old home to your new one. However, there are certain items that military movers will not pack or transport. In this article, we’ll explore what those items are and provide guidance on how to handle them.
What Items Will Military Movers Not Pack?
Before we dive into the specifics, it’s essential to understand that military movers are governed by the Defense Transportation Regulation (DTR) and the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) regulations. These regulations dictate what items can and cannot be packed and transported.
Here are some general guidelines on what military movers will not pack:
- Perishable items: Food, drinks, and other perishable items will not be packed or transported. This includes fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, and open containers of food.
- Flammable or combustible items: Items that are flammable or combustible, such as candles, matches, lighters, and propane tanks, will not be packed or transported.
- Explosive or hazardous materials: Items that are explosive or hazardous, such as fireworks, ammunition, and chemicals, will not be packed or transported.
- Valuables: Military movers will not pack or transport valuable items such as jewelry, cash, important documents, and family heirlooms.
- Special care items: Items that require special care, such as fragile or delicate items, will not be packed or transported.
What Are the Exceptions?
While military movers will not pack or transport certain items, there are some exceptions to these rules. For example:
- Medications: Medications will be packed and transported, but it’s essential to ensure that they are properly labeled and packed in their original containers.
- Prescription eyeglasses: Prescription eyeglasses will be packed and transported, but it’s recommended to pack them in a protective case.
- Prosthetic devices: Prosthetic devices will be packed and transported, but it’s essential to ensure that they are properly packed and secured.
How to Handle Items That Are Not Packable
So, what do you do with items that are not packable? Here are some tips:
- Donate or discard: Consider donating or discarding items that are not packable or can be easily replaced.
- Ship separately: Items that are not packable can be shipped separately through commercial shipping services, such as UPS or FedEx.
- Pack yourself: If you have items that are not packable, you can pack them yourself and transport them to your new duty station.
Table: Items That Are Not Packable
| Item | Reason |
|---|---|
| Perishable items | Food, drinks, and other perishable items will spoil during transit |
| Flammable or combustible items | Items that are flammable or combustible pose a fire hazard |
| Explosive or hazardous materials | Items that are explosive or hazardous pose a safety risk |
| Valuables | Military movers will not be responsible for lost or damaged valuable items |
| Special care items | Items that require special care may be damaged during transit |
Conclusion
In conclusion, military movers will not pack or transport certain items due to safety, logistical, and regulatory concerns. It’s essential to understand what items are not packable and to plan accordingly. By knowing what items are not packable, you can avoid any issues during the moving process and ensure a smooth transition to your new duty station. Remember to always follow the guidelines and regulations set by the military and to plan ahead to ensure a successful move.
