This week, HomeSafe Alliance announced that it has completed it’s first move – and first-ever military move – under the Global Household Goods Contract (GHC). This move by Joyce Van Lines kicks off TRANSCOM’s initial test moves, which will service only 14 military bases and happen within a 50-mile radius of each base.
With just one military move under his belt at a ribbon-cutting ceremony this week, HomeSafe Alliance CEO Bobby Nicholson touted the move’s success and suggested that all previous PCS moves were subpar experiences for service members.
Nicholson said, “Military families sacrifice so much in their service to our country, and starting now, they no longer need to sacrifice a quality move experience.”
Really? In fact, a recent independent scientific survey found that military families had overwhelmingly positive experiences with their recent PCS moves – under the existing system.
Although the size and complexity of the inaugural HomeSafe shipment are unclear, we do know that this micro move was less than 30 miles down the road. It’s still unclear whether HomeSafe’s model as currently designed will deliver on interstate moves.
HomeSafe also touts that they are “on track to become the exclusive household move management service provider for the U.S. Armed Forces, Department of Defense and the U.S. Coast Guard,” though just 1% of domestic moves will happen under the GHC through July 2024 and only 10% in November – if all goes well.
But that won’t happen without an adequate professional labor force. In a social media post, Joyce said the company agreed to handle local moves “during the doldrums of April.” It’s yet to be seen if companies will commit to haul military moves during peak season or across state lines.
