🚚 PCS / PPM Move · 2026 Rates · Calculator
DITY (PPM) Move
Calculator Guide 2026
Everything you need to calculate your DITY/PPM move reimbursement. Weight allowances by rank, step-by-step payout estimates, and tips to maximize your profit.
Updated April 2026 · 10 min read · Includes weight tables and calculator
What is a DITY / PPM Move?
A DITY move (Do It Yourself) -- now officially called a PPM (Personally Procured Move) -- is when you move your household goods yourself instead of using a government-contracted moving company. The military pays you up to 100% of what it would have cost the government to hire a moving company for you.
Prior to 2018, you received 95% of the government's estimated cost. Under current JTR (Joint Travel Regulations) rules, you can now receive up to 100% of the Best Value cost. The key change: the government determines what it would cost using the Global Household Goods Contract (GHC) rates, and you get paid that amount (or less, if your actual weight is under your entitlement).
Why do a PPM?
- Profit potential: If you can move your stuff for less than what the government would pay, you keep the difference. Many service members pocket $2,000-$8,000+ on a single PPM move.
- Control: You decide when to pack, when to move, and how to handle your belongings. No waiting for packers who do not show up.
- Speed: Government moves can take weeks with delays. A PPM move happens on your schedule.
- Tax deduction: Moving expenses related to active duty PCS are still tax-deductible for military members (unlike civilians, who lost this deduction in 2018).
Important Change
The military switched from "DITY" to "PPM" in official terminology, but everyone still calls it a DITY move. The rules and entitlements are the same regardless of which term you use. Your transportation office will know what you mean either way.
Weight Allowance by Rank (2026)
Your maximum reimbursement is based on your authorized weight allowance, which depends on your rank and whether you have dependents. You only get paid for the weight you actually move, up to your allowance.
| Rank |
Without Dependents |
With Dependents |
| E-1 | 5,000 lbs | 8,000 lbs |
| E-2 | 5,000 lbs | 8,000 lbs |
| E-3 | 5,000 lbs | 8,000 lbs |
| E-4 (under 2 yrs) | 7,000 lbs | 8,000 lbs |
| E-4 (2+ yrs) | 8,000 lbs | 8,000 lbs |
| E-5 | 7,000 lbs | 9,000 lbs |
| E-6 | 8,000 lbs | 11,000 lbs |
| E-7 | 11,000 lbs | 13,000 lbs |
| E-8 | 12,000 lbs | 14,000 lbs |
| E-9 | 13,000 lbs | 15,500 lbs |
| Warrant Officers |
| W-1 | 7,000 lbs | 8,000 lbs |
| W-2 | 7,000 lbs | 9,000 lbs |
| W-3 | 8,000 lbs | 11,000 lbs |
| W-4 | 8,000 lbs | 13,000 lbs |
| W-5 | 8,000 lbs | 14,000 lbs |
| Commissioned Officers |
| O-1 / O-2 | 10,000 lbs | 12,000 lbs |
| O-3 | 13,000 lbs | 14,500 lbs |
| O-4 | 14,000 lbs | 17,000 lbs |
| O-5 | 16,000 lbs | 17,500 lbs |
| O-6 | 18,000 lbs | 18,000 lbs |
| O-7 | 18,000 lbs | 18,000 lbs |
| O-8 through O-10 | 18,000 lbs | 18,000 lbs |
Professional Gear Allowance
In addition to your household goods allowance, you get a separate pro-gear allowance: 2,000 lbs for service members and 500 lbs for spouses. Pro-gear includes professional books, papers, equipment, and tools needed for your job. This does NOT count against your household goods limit.
How the Reimbursement is Calculated
The government calculates what it would have cost to hire a contractor through the GHC (Global Household Goods Contract). Your PPM incentive payment is based on this calculation:
- Government calculates the Best Value cost to move your authorized weight from origin to destination using GHC rates.
- You move your goods yourself (rent a truck, hire local movers, tow a trailer, etc.).
- You weigh your shipment at a certified scale -- once empty, once loaded. The difference is your net weight.
- You get paid up to 100% of the government's calculated cost for your actual weight moved (up to your authorized allowance).
The key insight: if you can move your stuff for less than the government rate, you keep the profit. The government does not care how much you actually spent -- they pay based on their calculated rate for your weight and distance.
Step-by-Step: Estimate Your Payout
Step 1: Determine Your Weight
Estimate the weight of everything you plan to move. A fully furnished 2-bedroom home typically weighs 5,000-7,000 lbs. A 3-bedroom home is usually 8,000-12,000 lbs. Use your last move's weight ticket as a starting point if available.
Step 2: Get Your Government Cost Estimate
Visit your local Transportation Office (TMO/PPO) and request a PPM counseling session. They will provide an official estimate of what the government would pay to move your authorized weight. This is the maximum you can receive. You can also use our PCS Move Calculator for a quick estimate.
Step 3: Calculate Your Actual Moving Costs
Add up your expected expenses: truck rental, fuel, tolls, packing materials, hotel stays, meals, and any labor you hire. For a typical CONUS move of 1,000 miles:
- 26-ft truck rental: $1,200 - $2,500
- Fuel (truck gets 6-8 mpg): $400 - $700
- Packing materials: $150 - $400
- Insurance: $50 - $150
- Tolls: $50 - $200
- Total estimated cost: $1,850 - $3,950
Step 4: Your Estimated Profit
Subtract your actual costs from the government payment. For example, if the government rate for your move is $7,500 and you spend $3,000 on a truck and supplies, your profit is approximately $4,500.
Tax Note
Your PPM reimbursement is taxable income. The military will withhold approximately 22% in federal taxes when they pay you. However, you can deduct your actual moving expenses on your tax return to offset this. Keep ALL receipts.
Tips to Maximize Your DITY Move Profit
- Get weight tickets at every opportunity. Weigh your loaded vehicle at a certified CAT scale (truck stops have them) and save the tickets. Weigh empty on the same scale. Multiple tickets show consistency.
- Move your maximum weight allowance. The more weight you move, the higher your payout. If you are under your allowance, consider moving items from storage or helping a family member move things in the same trip.
- Use a trailer instead of a rental truck. If you own a truck or SUV that can tow, renting a trailer ($200-$800) is significantly cheaper than a moving truck ($1,200-$2,500).
- Compare rental truck companies. Get quotes from Penske, Budget, U-Haul, and local companies. Prices vary dramatically. Book early for the best rates -- summer PCS season drives prices up 30-50%.
- Do a partial PPM. You can do both a government-contracted move AND a PPM. Let the government move your big furniture while you drive a trailer with lighter items. You get PPM payment for the weight you move yourself.
- Recruit help intelligently. Instead of hiring professional movers ($800-$1,500), recruit friends or soldiers with pizza and cash. The savings go straight to your profit.
- Save every receipt. Fuel, tolls, packing tape, boxes, bubble wrap, moving blankets -- everything is potentially deductible. Even if it does not reduce your payment, it reduces your tax burden.
What Expenses Count (and What Does Not)
Reimbursable / Deductible Expenses
- Truck or trailer rental
- Fuel costs for the rental vehicle
- Packing materials (boxes, tape, bubble wrap, paper)
- Tolls on your moving route
- Hired labor to help load/unload
- Equipment rental (dollies, furniture pads, ramps)
- Vehicle towing (tow dolly or auto transport)
- Storage (up to 90 days with proper authorization)
- Insurance on rental vehicle/contents
- Weight tickets (CAT scale fees)
NOT Reimbursable
- Meals during travel (these are covered separately by per diem)
- Hotels during travel (covered by per diem / TLE)
- Cost of items you purchased for your new home
- Damage to personal property during the move
- Cleaning costs for old or new residence
- Pet transportation costs
Common Mistake
Do NOT combine your PPM weight with someone else's household goods. Each service member's shipment must be weighed and documented separately. Getting caught combining shipments can result in loss of PPM entitlement and potential UCMJ action.
Calculate Your PPM Payout Now
Use our free PCS Move Calculator to estimate your reimbursement based on your rank, distance, and weight. Get an instant estimate without visiting TMO.
Open PCS Calculator →
Common Mistakes That Cost You Money
- Not getting proper authorization first. You MUST get PPM counseling and approval from your Transportation Office BEFORE you move. Moving without authorization can mean no reimbursement at all.
- Missing the claims deadline. You have 45 days after your move to submit your PPM claim with weight tickets and receipts. Miss this window and you lose your entitlement.
- Not weighing properly. You need certified weight tickets showing both full and empty weights. Phone photos of truck stop scales may not be accepted. Use an official CAT scale and get a printed ticket.
- Forgetting pro-gear. Your professional gear (tools, books, work equipment) has a separate weight allowance. Weigh it separately and claim it separately for additional reimbursement.
- Not doing a partial PPM. Many families miss out by doing either all-government or all-PPM. A partial PPM lets the government handle the heavy stuff while you profit from moving lighter items yourself.
- Losing receipts. No receipts means no tax deductions. Keep a folder or envelope in your vehicle during the move and put every receipt in it immediately.
- Not planning for summer PCS season. Truck rental prices spike June through August. If you have flexibility, move in May or September to save 30-50% on rental costs.