Q: How did you find out about Freight Ninja?

A: I have known Chris for a few years through my work with PCS reform. I’ve been following his journey on LinkedIn as he has made the transition into Freight Ninja and sharing what it’s all about.

Q: How do you see Freight Ninja being able to help families feel relief that their valuables are safe and secure?

A: Freight Ninja offers gate access, secured parking for the logistical network. One of the things that military families face every year is the fear that when driving a rental moving truck or towing a trailer that they become a target of theft. Many military families will try and stay on military bases if they can, but that is not always the possibility. Having someplace that they know is secured and monitored brings some peace of mind to them. They know they can get a good night’s rest and not have to be on guard for what may be happening in the parking lot.

Q: In your opinion, would facilities like Freight Ninja’s be what these families are searching for when they are making these moves?

A: Absolutely. Recently there was a family traveling from JBLM who had their rental truck stolen from the hotel parking lot. And this situation isn’t isolated or uncommon. We see stories like this every year. Every day in the PCS social media groups, families are posting asking about safe places to stop along routes to try and limit the potential for theft. Knowing they can utilize Freight Ninja facilities can help in that planning process, especially when a facility in located near a location that is not always the best.

Q: From an operational standpoint, do you see any objectives that could arise from these families and using Freight Ninja? If so, can you elaborate how this issue could be resolved before a family does start parking?

A: The only additional piece that families will need to consider is the logistics of getting to a from the Freight Ninja lot to overnight lodging. It may have to unhook the trailer or a second vehicle, or even calling an uber to pick them up. Families will need to do some researching on that piece.

Q: Do you happen to have any statistics regarding the number of families that either must move from base to base or making their last move their permanent residence? If so, what does that number look like?

A: Statistics in general – every year about 150,000 personnel make a PCS, with the majority happening within an 8-week timeframe in the summer. Planning and executing a PCS will generally fall onto the spouse. Families spend on average $2,000-$7,000 out of pocket (depending on if going CONUS or OCONUS). Everyone is driving at least 1 vehicle – either to the next location, or to a vehicle processing center to be shipped by the military. In 2023, there were 75,436 full PPMs and 33,734 partial PPMs (partial is usually those with what they take in their vehicles, pulling a trailer or driving the moving truck.)