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Airmen can get full value from moving firms

Airmen whose belongings are damaged when being shipped for an official move will soon be able to get full replacement value for the items and file all their claims online.

Previously, the Air Force would pay airmen only a depreciated value for damaged or destroyed items — often a fraction of what it would cost to replace the item. But under a new contract negotiated with the carriers who ship airmen’s household goods, the carriers will now pay airmen full replacement value, said Air Force Judge Advocate General spokeswoman Maj. Linell Letendre.

To receive full replacement value, airmen will file claims through the carrier that shipped the goods rather than through the Air Force. But they will have nine months to file a claim rather than two years, Letendre said.

Airmen will still have two years to file a damage claim through the Air Force, but the service will pay only the depreciated value.

A new Web site that will allow airmen to handle all aspects of claims will be available beginning May 15, Letendre said.