Military Movers

DPS, GHC, and weight allowances.

The Defense Personal Property System (DPS) routes most military moves. The Global Household Goods Contract (GHC) — operated by HomeSafe Alliance — has been replacing the legacy carrier model in stages. Your weight allowance is set by rank and dependents (the JTR has the table). Damage claims go through the carrier first, then the military. The system is improving but still trips women up — especially solo movers and dual-military couples on offset orders.

Personally Procured Move (PPM, formerly DITY).

You move yourself; the government reimburses up to ~95% of what they would have paid the contracted mover.
Often the better deal if you have weight you'd lose otherwise — or if you don't trust the carriers in your channel.
Requires empty/full weigh-tickets, receipts, and timely paperwork.
Final separation move PPM rules differ from PCS PPM — read the JTR (Chapter 5).
You can do a partial PPM (PCS the bulk through DPS, PPM the rest) — often the right call.

Filing damage claims.

Notify within 75 days. File a Notification of Loss/Damage with the carrier within 75 days of delivery (DPS workflow).
File the claim within 9 months. Itemized, with photos, receipts, and replacement values.
Carrier offer. Carrier sends a settlement offer. You can accept, negotiate, or transfer to the military claims office.
Military claims office. If carrier negotiation fails, transfer the claim. Different statute, different process.
Document everything before delivery. Photo your high-value items at origin. Keep manuals and receipts in a separate carry-on.

What changes for the final move.

Your final move (separation or retirement) is your last entitled move. After that, you're a civilian customer. The choice between letting DPS run it or doing a PPM matters more — because there's no second chance and the reimbursement is taxed differently. See our relocation companies page for what happens after.

Movers we recommend.

We keep a short list of military-experienced moving companies — including Veteran-owned and military-spouse-owned options. Email and we'll share. We don't take referral fees from carriers; this list is for the women.

Frequently asked

Common questions.

What's the difference between PCS and PPM (DITY)?

PCS through DPS = the government books a carrier, pays the carrier, and runs the claim if anything breaks. PPM = you move yourself (rented truck, container, or hired civilian movers) and the government reimburses you up to ~95% of what they'd have paid. PPM gives you control and often saves money — at the cost of more work and tighter paperwork.

How do I file a damage claim?

Notify the carrier within 75 days of delivery; file the full itemized claim within 9 months. If the carrier's offer is unsatisfactory, transfer to the military claims office. Document with photos and receipts before, during, and after.

What's GHC and how does it affect me?

The Global Household Goods Contract (GHC) consolidated military moves under HomeSafe Alliance. Rollout has been phased and uneven — you may see GHC, legacy DPS carriers, or a mix depending on your channel and date. Your transportation office has the current state for your origin/destination.

How much does the military pay for a move?

Depends on rank, dependents, weight allowance, distance, and whether you choose carrier or PPM. The JTR (Joint Travel Regulations) has the formulas. Your transportation office runs the actual numbers for your orders.

What's covered for a separation move?

One final move within a year of separation, to your home of record or place of selection (subject to weight allowance and distance limits). Retirees get up to one year by default with extensions possible.

Can my civilian household goods go too?

Anything within your weight allowance moves. Above the allowance, you pay the overage out of pocket. Plan the inventory before the packers show up.

Should I tip the packers?

Tipping is not required and not officially encouraged. Many people do anyway — cash, water, lunch. Optional.