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Create a PPM Shipment

Get an overview of the online moving process with pro tips from experienced customers and counselors.

Need more? Visit or call your local transportation office.

Tutorial

Create a PPM Shipment
  • 1 of 13
    Screen capture of ETA showing the login screen.

    Instructions

    A Personally Procured Move (PPM or DITY) allows you to get paid to pack and move your belongings yourself, instead of having the government do it for you.

    Scheduling your move online is called “Self Counseling” in DPS.
    First, log in to ETA.

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    Pro-Tip: Turn off your pop-up blocker, otherwise the DPS window won't be able to open.
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    A screen capture of the ETA dashboard, showing the DPS login link in the sidebar.

    Instructions

    On the ETA homepage choose DPS from your list of approved applications.
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    A screenshot of the DPS login screen, asking a visitor to "review their user profile."

    Instructions

    If you haven’t logged in in a while you’ll be prompted to review your profile. Take this opportunity to confirm that everything is up to date.

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    Pro-Tip: 

    • Save time by making sure you have a copy of your Orders. If you don’t, ask your command for a Letter in Lieu, which can be used until your official orders are cut. Make sure you send your Transportation Office a copy of your Orders so that they can update the system.
    • You’ll also be asked detailed information about special items you might ship, like the make and model of your Motorcycle, and even the caliber and serial number of each of your firearms. Get this information organized now to save time later.
    • You don’t have to have an exact address at your new location to start the move process. Don’t wait to schedule your move! The longer you wait, the more likely that your preferred move date will be unavailable, especially if it’s during Peak Season. Lines can also get long at your local Transportation Office.
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    A screen capture of the DPS homepage showing the "Add another shipment" button.

    Instructions

    Otherwise you’ll be brought to the DPS Homepage. Here you’ll find a snapshot of your current or past moves. To add a PPM move to your Orders, click “Add Another Shipment” under the current shipment.

    Take this time to confirm that your Profile and Orders information hasn’t changed.
  • 5 of 13
    A screen capture of the "PPM," or "personally procured move" link.

    Instructions

    Now that you’ve entered your Orders information, you must "Create New Shipment" specific for a PPM (DITY). Select the type of goods you want to move, like "HHG", and specify that it will be a Personally Procured Move (PPM).

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    Pro-Tip: You can create more than one type of shipment per Orders. For example, you can schedule an HHG shipment that the government will take care of for the majority of your belongings, and an additional PPM shipment for the household goods you’ll move yourself in your car.
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    A screen capture of DPS, showing helpful information about moving household goods (HHG)

    Instructions

    Then you’ll get some helpful information about moving Household Goods (HHG). Later on, there will be PPM specific information.

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    Pro-Tip: Print this information and keep it handy. You may not always have access to DPS throughout your move.
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    A screen capture of DPS asking a user to set their desired moving dates.

    Instructions

    Set your desired moving dates.

    Next, enter the pick-up and drop-off addresses. You can enter additional pickups near your old or new duty stations.

    Add a Releasing Agent from your list of Points of Contact, someone who can sign for your pick-up or delivery, if you’re unavailable.

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    Pro-Tip: At the bottom is the address where you want your reimbursement check mailed. Most service members will have direct deposit setup, but this is particularly important for Retirees.
  • 8 of 13
    Screen shot of the "shipment weight" form on DPS, and a link to the weight estimator tool.

    Instructions

    Next, define shipment weight. Use the Weight Estimator Tool on Move.mil to get an idea of what your belongings weigh.

    Make sure that you select that packing is required, because you will be doing the packing!

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    Pro-Tip: Your Pro Gear, up to 2,000 lbs, doesn’t count towards your estimated weight. Make sure you declare all your Pro Gear.
  • 9 of 13
    Screen capture of DPS, showing an estimated cost of a PPM shipment.

    Instructions

    Here’s an estimate of the cost of your PPM Shipment! Most service members can request a portion of this amount as an advance to help offset the cost of the move. Check out the PPM estimator for more information.

    It’s an indication of what you’ll be paid for this shipment, but is only an estimate based on the information provided.

    The final reimbursement amount is determined based on the final weight, and dates of travel.
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    Screen capture of the DPS system, showing PPM specific information.

    Instructions

    Here’s PPM-specific information. Check out the "Completing your Move" section.
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    Screen capture of DPS, showing a PPM shipment summary page.

    Instructions

    A summary of your shipment is then provided. You have to certify that you’ve read and agree that everything is accurate, so double check important items like your email address, and type of shipment.
  • 12 of 13
    Screen capture of DPS showing how to select a Personal Property Office (PPO) for counseling.

    Instructions

    Here you’ll choose a Personal Property Office for counseling. These folks will review and validate your application, and will be your main point of contact during your move. You’ll need to contact them after submitting your shipment on DPS. They’ll need the signed forms generated on the next page.

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    Pro-Tip: Use the Office Locator tool if you need help choosing a counseling office.
  • 13 of 13
    Screen capture of the DPS confirmation screen, showing the user how to hit "submit" on their PPM.

    Instructions

    After you hit submit, email the Transportation Office you selected for counseling and let them know that you’ve created a PPM shipment in DPS. They may need additional information from you before your shipment is approved.