Your PCS Move,
Mission Ready.
The most comprehensive resource for military relocations. From PPM profit calculations to carrier vetting, we've helped 15,000+ service members execute successful PCS moves.
15,000+
Military Moves Analyzed
96%
Carrier On-Time Rate
$2,400
Avg. PPM Profit
100%
DBIDS-Verified Carriers
Understanding Your PCS Options
When you receive PCS orders, you have three primary options for moving your Household Goods (HHG). Each has trade-offs between convenience, control, and cost.
Government TSP (HHG Move)
The military hires a Transportation Service Provider (TSP) to pack, load, transport, and deliver your household goods. You don't pay out of pocket, but you have less control over timing and the company assigned.
PPM / DITY Move
PROFIT POTENTIALA Personally Procured Move (formerly DITY) lets you move your own goods—or hire a commercial mover—and receive reimbursement based on the government's cost. If you spend less than the reimbursement, you keep the difference.
Partial PPM (Best of Both)
Split your move: Let the government TSP handle heavy furniture while you do a PPM for lighter items. You get the convenience of professional movers AND a profit check for what you move yourself.
⚠️ The Broker Trap: Protect Your RDD
If you're hiring a commercial mover for your PPM, you MUST understand the difference between brokers and asset-based carriers. Getting this wrong is the #1 reason military families miss their Required Delivery Date.
🚫 Broker Red Flags
- • Can't name the driver/company that will arrive
- • Gives "cubic foot" estimates (not weight)
- • FMCSA shows "Broker" authority only
- • Large upfront deposit (30%+)
✓ Carrier Green Flags
- • Owns trucks, employs drivers
- • Provides weight-based binding estimate
- • FMCSA shows "Carrier" authority
- • Confirms DBIDS-cleared drivers
Don't Forget Your Pro-Gear
Pro-Gear is professional equipment required for your job that doesn't count against your personal weight allowance. This is free money most service members leave on the table.
Member Pro-Gear (Up to 2,000 lbs)
- Uniforms and dress clothing
- Professional reference books and manuals
- Tools of the trade (mechanics, medics)
- Field gear and tactical equipment
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Spouse Pro-Gear (Up to 500 lbs)
- Teaching materials (if licensed teacher)
- Medical/nursing equipment
- Professional tools and instruments
- Reference library for licensed profession
Important: Pro-Gear must be weighed separately and clearly documented. Ask your TMO counselor for the Pro-Gear checklist.
Your PCS Battle Rhythm
A successful PCS requires executing tasks in the right order. Here's your timeline from orders in hand to mission complete.
Orders Received
- • Schedule TMO/PPO counseling appointment
- • Decide: Full TSP, Full PPM, or Partial PPM
- • Begin researching housing at gaining installation
TMO Counseling Complete
- • Sign DD Form 2278 (PPM authorization) if doing PPM
- • Receive weight allowance confirmation
- • Begin purging unnecessary household items
Book Your Movers
- • If PPM: Book carrier (verify DBIDS, get binding estimate)
- • Reserve rental truck (if self-moving)
- • Identify CAT Scale locations for weight tickets
Prep & Confirm
- • Confirm move dates with carrier/TSP (get it in writing)
- • Notify housing office of vacate date
- • Separate and tag Pro-Gear for separate weighing
Execute Move
- • Hand-carry critical documents (orders, IDs, medical)
- • Verify driver ID against Bill of Lading
- • Photo-document inventory before truck is sealed
- • Obtain certified weight tickets (PPM)
Real Stories from Service Members
SSG Michael Reyes
Fort Campbell → Fort Bliss | E-6 with Dependents
"I booked with what I thought was a reputable company—4.8 stars on Google. Turns out they were a broker. On pack-out day, no truck showed up. By the time I found a backup, we missed our RDD by four days. Cost us $1,800 in unreimbursed TLE and a counseling statement. I wish I'd known to check their FMCSA authority type."
Lesson: Always verify "Carrier" authority on FMCSA SAFER—not just "Broker."
SGT Jennifer Torres
JBLM → Fort Drum | E-5 with Dependents
"I did a partial PPM—let the government move our heavy furniture, and I rented a U-Haul for clothes and light boxes. Netted $3,200 in profit after fuel and hotels. The key was maxing out my Pro-Gear. My husband is a teacher, so we claimed 500 lbs of his books separately."
Profit: $3,200 tax-free
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PPM/DITY move?
A Personally Procured Move (PPM), formerly called Do-It-Yourself (DITY), allows service members to move their own household goods and receive reimbursement based on the government's cost to hire a Transportation Service Provider. You can profit by spending less than the reimbursement amount.
How much weight can I move during a PCS?
Weight allowances vary by pay grade and dependency status. For example, an E-5 with dependents can move up to 9,000 lbs of household goods, plus 2,000 lbs of Pro-Gear. Officers have higher allowances, with O-6 and above allowed 18,000 lbs. Use our Weight Allowance Checker for your specific entitlement.
What is DBIDS and why does it matter?
DBIDS (Defense Biometric Identification System) is the security credential required for base access. If your mover's driver doesn't have DBIDS clearance, they cannot enter the installation to deliver your goods, causing major delays and potential storage fees. Always confirm your carrier has DBIDS-cleared drivers before booking.
What's the difference between a broker and a carrier?
A broker is a middleman who doesn't own trucks—they auction your move to third-party carriers. An asset-based carrier owns their fleet and employs their drivers. For military moves, carriers are strongly preferred because they offer better accountability, confirmed DBIDS access, and significantly lower missed delivery rates (4% vs. 18%).
Can I do a partial PPM?
Yes! A partial PPM is often the smartest strategy. Let the government TSP handle heavy items like furniture and appliances, then do a PPM for lighter, high-value items like electronics and clothing. You get the convenience of professional movers AND pocket the PPM reimbursement for what you move yourself.
Ready to Execute Your PCS?
Get a transparent quote from DBIDS-verified carriers. No brokers. No hidden fees. Just a smooth transition to your next duty station.
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Read GuideDisclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute official DoD guidance. Weight allowances and reimbursement rates are based on 2026 JTR estimates and may vary. Always consult your local Transportation Management Office (TMO) or Personal Property Office (PPO) for official entitlements and procedures. MoveSmart is not affiliated with the Department of Defense.