PCS-Move.com

PCS Tool · PPM (DITY)

PPM / DITY move — should you do it, and can you keep the paperwork straight?

Two surfaces in one tool: a profit calculatorfor the decision (what's the realistic net after operating expenses + tax?) and a receipt + document tracker for the operational pain (every receipt, weight ticket, and form that has to be zero-balance and attached or you don't get paid).

Rather not haul it yourself? The government-arranged HHG move runs through DPS — we have a prep playbook.

HHG / DPS move prep →
Will the PPM be profitable?

Weight allowance: 9,000 lbs (JTR Table 5-37; with dependents)

lbs

Your gear, weighed. Roughly 1,000 lbs per room is the rule of thumb.

$

From the DPS Cost Estimator on move.mil. This is what the Govt would pay a TSP — you get 100% of it.

Your operating expenses — what you'll pay out-of-pocket to do the move yourself

$

U-Haul, Penske, Budget — itemized rental + mileage charges

$

Large trucks get 8-10 mpg; budget honestly

$

Boxes, tape, paper, shrink wrap, mattress bags

$

Hotels while you load + drive. Don't double-count with TLE.

$

Hand trucks, dollies, weight ticket fees, anything else

%

PPM profit is TAXABLE income. 22% federal-only is a sensible default; high earners or high-tax states are 25-30%.

Step 2

Receipt & document tracker

Saves in your browser — sign in and it follows you across devices. Track every receipt (zero-balance required for payment), both weight tickets (empty + full), and the three forms you'll submit. Export CSV any time as a backup or to hand off to your CPPA.

Ready to file? Fill your DD 2278 — the official PPM application, auto-filled from your move and ready to sign.

Claim package checklist
0/11 ready

The documents a complete PPM claim package includes, per the official PPM Checklist & Expense Certification. Check off each as you gather it. Items are “if applicable” — skip any that don't apply to your move.

Weight tickets

You get paid on the net weight shipped (full − empty). Both tickets are required for payment. Use a certified scale (truck stops, public weigh stations).

Empty (before loading)
lbs
Full (after loading)
lbs
Receipts

No receipts yet. Tap + Add receipt to start tracking — truck rental, gas, packing supplies, lodging, anything you spent on the move.

Saves locally: all data in this tracker is stored in your browser only (localStorage). Clearing browser data or switching devices will lose it. Export CSV regularly as a backup.

Get it right the first time

Illegible or incomplete submissions get returned for corrective action. From the official PPM Checklist & Expense Certification.

Every receipt must show

  • Customer last name + EMPLID/SSN (last 4)
  • Item description, unit price, quantity
  • Date + name & address of store
  • Paid in full (zero-balance) — invoices don't count
  • Fuel receipts must be itemized — a pre-paid dollar amount alone does NOT qualify

NOT eligible — don't claim these

  • Auto tow dollies, tow bars/hitches, auto transports
  • Any type of insurance
  • Sales tax
  • General repairs & maintenance
  • Meals and lodging (covered by TLE / per diem, not PPM)
  • POV gas/tolls already reimbursed as travel mileage (MALT/PCS)
Tax + records: the PPM incentive is taxable income; federal withholding is 25% of the profit (entitlement minus eligible operating expenses). Keep a complete copy of your submitted packet — the IRS can audit tax records up to 6 years. Willfully filing a false claim carries a maximum $10,000 fine and up to 5 years (18 U.S.C. § 287).

Keep your DITY paperwork — save your move

Create a free account so your tracker, receipts, and weight tickets follow you to any device, and your forms auto-fill from your details. Free, no spam — we connect you with vetted partners who can help, and never sell your info to advertisers or data brokers.