The recent government shutdown caused significant delays for military household goods shipments, affecting approximately 2,100 shipments out of 11,000 total permanent change of station (PCS) movements during that period. These shipments were originally funded to move in late September using fiscal 2025 funds, according to officials from the Permanent Change of Station Joint Task Force.
The task force, established in May by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has been instrumental in addressing these delays. Army Maj. Gen. Lance G. Curtis, the task force commander, emphasized the proactive steps taken to mitigate the impact of the shutdown. “We were proactive in reaching out to service members that we thought were going to be affected by the shutdown,” Curtis stated. Although the delays were unfortunate, he highlighted that the situation could have been worse without these interventions.
The primary cause of the delays was the furlough of civilian workers in shipping offices, which began in early October. Marine Corps Lt. Col. John Naughton, the task force’s liaison officer, mentioned that the task force collaborated with military branches to reinstate these workers, helping to alleviate some of the disruptions.
Curtis noted that the task force’s operations center and call center had been “knee deep” in resolving issues during the shutdown. These centers played a crucial role in communicating with service members and ensuring their moves were back on track. “I personally wrote several notes to get involved when we became aware of the issues,” Curtis explained. “Some of it had to do with getting the right information.”
Service members experiencing challenges with their moves, including claims or other issues, can contact the task force’s call center at 833-645-6683 or via email at [email protected]. Curtis aims to be a central point of contact for those feeling frustrated by the process.
In light of the peak moving season winding down in September, the call center adjusted its operating hours to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CDT. It is set to resume 24/7 operations on May 7, 2026, to accommodate the upcoming peak moving season.
The establishment of the PCS task force was a direct response to ongoing issues with the Global Household Goods Contract, which was ultimately canceled in June due to performance problems with contractor HomeSafe Alliance. The task force has also aided in resolving service members’ claims related to moves under this troubled contract.
In the six months since its inception, the task force has engaged with military families and industry stakeholders to identify and implement improvements in the moving process. For instance, the timeline for service members to book shipments has been moved forward to around April 1, instead of mid-May, allowing more time for preparation before the peak season. Dan Bradley, vice president of government and military relations for the International Association of Movers, described this change as beneficial for service members.
The call center, which began operations in August, has received 4,700 contacts to date, with 3,300 of those being proactive outreach to service members and their families. “A lot of times, they’re surprised in a good way,” Curtis said. “We’re removing obstacles for the service members.”
The task force has also been praised by industry representatives for its decision to continue operating under the current system for at least three more years. This stability is expected to foster better partnerships with moving companies and enhance the overall moving experience for military families.
Curtis attributes many of the task force’s successes to the new authorities granted to them, which were not available to previous management entities. These changes aim to create a more efficient and reliable process for moving service members’ household goods, addressing long-standing frustrations within the military community.
As the task force looks toward future improvements, officials remain committed to listening to feedback from service members and their families. Curtis emphasized the importance of these interactions, stating, “We are able to connect people who may be feeling like they’re not getting accurate information with the authoritative source for that information.” The ongoing commitment to enhancing the military moving experience is a central focus of the task force as it continues its work in the coming months.
