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Moving: The rules on baggage

Accompanied. Accompanied baggage is the luggage service members and their family carry on an airplane, bus, train or car. It also refers to personal documents and property such as jewelry. It is not counted as part of the moving weight limit.

Unaccompanied. Unaccompanied baggage for moves overseas refers to belongings needed immediately upon arrival at a new duty station, such as clothes, linens and small appliances. It is typically sent ahead on a commercial carrier and arrives before the main household goods shipment.

Weight of unaccompanied baggage is subtracted from the full weight allowance as set by Joint Federal Travel Regulations.

Unaccompanied baggage can be shipped in addition to an administratively restricted weight allowance. Each service has its own rules.

Small watercraft — canoes, skiffs, sailboats, light rowboats, motorboats, dinghies or sculls of any size, as well as boat trailers — may be shipped as household goods and count against your weight allowance.

Service members are financially responsible for special packing, crating and handling.

Items such as clothing, electronic gear, skis and other equipment that are not part of a boat’s structure must be removed and shipped separately. All external equipment must be secured in order to transport.

Boats longer than 14 feet will incur excess shipping costs. Transportation officials recommend shipping larger boats by a self-procured move.