Traffic Management Office (Air Force)
Ramstein AB - Bldg 2106, Rm 212
DSN 480-2163/5509; +49-6371-47-2163/5509
Furnishings Management Office
DSN 489-6603/6613; +49-631-536-6603/6613
Consolidated Personal Property Shipping Office (CPPSO)
Einsiedlerhof AS, Bldg 86
DSN 489-7727; +49-631-536-7727
Preparing your household goods
When you're deciding which personal items to ship to Germany, the Traffic Management Office (Air Force) or the Central Processing Center (Army) should be the first stop after you receive orders. The staff at TMO and CPC has a list of weight allowances for household goods and a list of items that can and cannot be shipped. Also, Germany uses 220-volt outlets that are different from conventional U.S. outlets in shape. A quick image search will show you what conversion plugs are available in Germany. Just make sure the voltage is correct on the device you plan on plugging in.
The Kaiserslautern Military Community is a full Joint Federal Travel Regulation weight area for all personnel not living in the dormitory. Those PSCing to the KMC should ship their own furniture--on-base and most off-base houses are not furnished. Upon arrival, government furniture is available for loan for up to 90 days pending the arrival of household goods. To contact the FMO office, call +49-631-536-6153/6157 or DSN: 489-6153/6157. Those PSCing are encouraged to take advantage of stateside non-temporary storage option since German houses/apartments may be smaller than stateside homes. Local storage facilities are limited and very expensive.
When PSCing to the KMC, you should not ship your washer, dryer, microwave, oven or refrigerator--these items are available in government quarters. If you need these items for your off-base home, the Furnishings Management Office will loan these to you for the duration of your tour or as long as they are needed. There is no cost for these loans.
Be prepared to wait 35 to 60 days for your unaccompanied baggage and 60 to 70 days for your household goods from the date of shipment.
The Ramstein Airman's Attic is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and on the last Saturday of the month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
If you choose to mail items to yourself, you MUST visit your origin TMO/CPC and obtain a DD Form 2278 before mailing the items. In order to get reimbursed, you must provide a DD Form 2278, DD Form 1351 and Personal Property Management sheet with three copies of your receipts which show the postage amount and the weight. Additionally, you need to bring three copies of your PSC orders to TMO in Bldg 2106 RM 212, on Ramstein AB upon arrival (Tel DSN 480-2163/5509 or commercially +49-6371-47-2163/5509). You may be reimbursed for the postage up to the Government rate (insurance and registered mail are not a reimbursable cost); however, the weight of items mailed will count against your total weight entitlement.
Extras to bring with you
Bring linens, blankets, and towels with you. Although temporary furniture is available for your use until your personal property shipment arrives, linens are not. To prevent the possibility of being without sheets, blankets or towels until your baggage arrives, please remember to pack your own in your luggage or mail them to yourself at your unit. If you choose to mail items to yourself, you may be reimbursed for the cost of the postage--contact your origin TMO/CPC for an authorization letter. Your sponsor will be able to assist you with APO mailing information.
Check out tips for Unaccompanied Baggage
Check out tips for Household Goods Shipment
It is important when you arrive in the KMC that your correct and updated contact information is on file so the appropriate offices (TMO, vehicle shipping) can contact you when your property arrives. If your property was shipped using DPS, login to your account and update your contact information in your personal profile to reflect the local area. If your shipment requires using the legacy TOPS system, please call or visit the Consolidated Personal Property Shipping Office and update your contact information with CPSSO personnel. CPPSO can be reached at DSN 314-489-7727 or commercial +49-631-536-7727. You may also visit CPPSO in Building 86 on Einsiedlerhof AS from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.
For more information, check out the Move.mil Web site.