methods, materials, and containers for packaging material for shipments. You can reuse shipping containers to ship similar items, when available. Also use cushioning and bracing material to fill the voids and immobilize the items in the container. If a reusable container is not available, encase and package the item with available packaging material. Ensure packaging gives a level of protection comparable to that given to new items. If item is an AVDLR, enter the words PACKAGING REQUIRED in block EE of DD Form 1348-1. The AVDLR item must be handled carefully and delivered (not shipped) to a shore activity for packaging. Some shore activities require a work request form tilled out to perform the packaging and crating. In most cases the job involves funding authorization.   Refer to the activity’s instructions for packaging and crating procedures. You may use pallets to unitize or group material for turn-in. TMs will allow usage of forklift trucks and speed up the movement process. Grouping several items to a pallet will reduce handling, thereby reducing the chance of damage. You must assemble items on a pallet in a way that will provide a stable load. Arrange pallet load carefully and secure individual items properly into a compact unit. Use the type of pallet that will accommodate material handling equipment. For example, use the winged-end pallet when using a pallet sling to move the material. Also, use hardwood pallet for transporting heavy items. When transporting gas cylinders, you may use collars or notched spacers and steel strapping to stabilize the load. SHIPMENT Selecting the proper mode of  transportation for material depends on the priority, weight and size, and the availability of transportation means. The three major categories of material movement are air, ocean, and surface transportation. The following paragraphs describe these methods. AIR SHIPMENTS Air shipments are used when they are more economical than surface transportation, or when surface transportation is not available. Air shipments within the Defense Transportation System (DTS) normally are limited to transportation priorities 1 and 2 (TP-1 and TP-2). TP-3 shipments that have advance required delivery dates (RDDs) also may qualify for air shipment under certain conditions. The UMMIPS priority designator (PD) determines the transportation priority (TP) assignment. TP-1 priorities are for shipment documents with PDs 01 through 03, TP-2 for PDs 04 through 08, and TP-3 for PDs 09 through 15. The airlift systems used by the Navy are Logistics Express (LOG-EX), QUICKTRANS, Air Mobility Command (AMC), and Special Assignment Airlift Missions (SAAMs). Logistics Express The LOG-EX airlift system includes carrier onboard delivery (COD) shipments to aircraft carriers. Also, it includes other airlift systems used to supplement AMC (formerly MAC) operations. LOG-EX is also referred to as Fleet Logistics Airlift System or LOGAIR. The goal of LOG-EX is to provide 24-hour or less transit time for TP-1 shipments. The Navy Overseas Air Cargo Terminal (NOACT) teams supervise air terminal operations of LOG-EX. NOACT also exercises traffic management and administers the LOG-EX airspam availability to the Navy within their geographic areas of responsibility. QUICKTRANS Airfreight System The QUICKTRANS airfreight system is a contractor-operated, CONUS-wide system of cargo terminals. It is connected by a scheduled air service, connecting truck lines, and an elaborate communications network. The QUICKTRANS system is under the policy direction of the Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUPSYSCOM). The Navy Material Transportation Office (NAVMTO) manages the QUICKTRANS system. This system is designed to satisfy the Navy’s specific requirements for fast movement of urgent,   high-priority material. QUICKTRANS provide service between AMC aerial ports, aircraft engine overhaul and repair facilities, or major shipyards and stock points. It also provides services to and from the weapons systems fabrication and testing facilities. The exclusive use, operational control, and aircraft capability features of the QUICKTRANS system permit flexibility in satisfying unusual requirements that would be impossible to till through commercial air sources. As a Navy segment of the DTS, the QUICKTRANS system can expand to accommodate increased fleet requirements whenever the need arises. The aircraft used by QUICKTRANS can handle individual pieces of cargo up to 616 inches long, 125 7-24