USMC personal property moves in distinctive trailers

Translog: Journal of Military Transportation Management, Summer, 2004 by LaWanda York

Packy Keller has made several personal property moves as the spouse of a U.S. Marine Corps captain.

She says the couple's move April 16, however, is one that will always stand out.

The moving company tractor-trailer that pulled up in front of her apartment at the Quantico, Va., Marine Corps base at 8 a.m. that morning was brightly imprinted with massive decals portraying the military service's logo and icons.

Keller's neighbors could hardly fail to notice: A Marine Corps-"wrapped" trailer moving a Marine Corps family-the 43-foot trailer had a giant Marine saber on one side and Marines standing guard on the other.

"This is my third move with the Marines and I moved three times with the Army," said Keller, relocating with her husband, James, to Swansboro, N.C, where he will be assigned to nearby Camp Lejeune. "These guys are doing their job fabulously, so I don't have to worry (about the move)."

The trailer is one of three that have been freshly wrapped and painted for Interstate Worldwide Relocation, of Springfield, Va., said Maureen Cameron, marketing manager.

It is all part of a Marine Corps recruiting initiative to paint as many as 1,000 trailers across the country.

"The trailers are being extremely well received both by Marine families and other service members," said Cameron. "You just see them and get a sense of pride."

Interstate's movers were enthusiastic about the attention they were getting.

"Fresh in-and-out," said Jim Dupee. "This is the first shipment to be loaded onto this trailer since it was refurbished."

Dupee was so enthusiastic about the use of the Marine Corps imaged trailer on a Marine Corps base that he volunteered to work on his day off.

The trailer withstanding, Keller was enthusiastic about her move.

"I received a call the day before the movers came from Interstate just checking to see how I was doing," said Keller. "This was the first time that has happened, I was very impressed."

Keller said she has had good experience relocating in military moves. She particularly appreciates packing and unpacking services offered by the movers.

"It's the easiest way to move," said Keller. "There is nothing hard about it. I have never had a bad experience with any of my moves."

Loading complete, the rolling billboard set out on the open highways. The trailer had two missions: Hauling a service member's family personal goods to their next duty station and promoting the Marine Corps.

Interstate is a 2004 SDDC Quality Award winner.

LaWanda York, Public Affairs Specialist SDDC HQ Alexandria