PPM Move Calculator 2026
Estimate your Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY) profit based on your rank, weight allowance, distance, and actual moving costs. Everything runs in your browser — no data is stored or sent to any server.
How the PPM Move Calculator Works
A Personally Procured Move (PPM), formerly known as a DITY (Do-It-Yourself) move, allows military service members to move their own household goods during a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). The military pays you 95% of what it would have cost the government to hire a moving company, and you keep whatever you save by doing it yourself. This calculator estimates your potential profit by comparing the government cost estimate to your actual moving expenses.
The government cost estimate is based on the weight of your household goods and the distance of your move. Weight allowances vary by pay grade and dependent status. The calculator uses simplified per-pound-per-thousand-miles cost rates to estimate what the government would pay a commercial mover, then calculates your 95% incentive payment.
Weight Allowances by Rank
Each pay grade has a maximum weight allowance for household goods. Junior enlisted members (E-1 through E-4) receive 8,000 pounds, increasing with rank up to 18,000 pounds for senior officers. Having dependents adds 1,000-2,000 additional pounds to your allowance. You are only reimbursed for weight up to your authorized limit — any excess weight is your responsibility.
To maximize your PPM profit, weigh your shipment carefully. Get certified weight tickets at a Certified Automated Vehicle (CAV) scale before and after loading. The difference between your loaded and empty vehicle weight determines your shipment weight for reimbursement purposes.
Maximizing Your PPM Profit
- Rent the right size truck — larger trucks cost more but carry more weight, potentially increasing your reimbursement.
- Get multiple quotes from truck rental companies and compare total costs including fuel.
- Use free packing materials from the Transportation Office or collect free boxes from stores.
- Recruit friends to help instead of hiring labor — pizza is cheaper than professional movers.
- Keep all receipts — truck rental, fuel, tolls, packing materials, and lodging are all deductible expenses.
- Combine with a partial government move — have the military move heavy items while you PPM lighter belongings.
Tax Implications of PPM Moves
The profit from a PPM move is considered taxable income. However, you can offset this by deducting legitimate moving expenses such as truck rental, fuel, tolls, packing materials, and temporary storage. The Withholding Tax Allowance (WTA) and Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA) may help offset the tax burden. Keep detailed records and all receipts for tax purposes. Consult a tax professional or your installation tax center for personalized advice.