A message to DOD Personnel and their Families:

 Like many sectors, labor challenges in the moving and storage industry are driving tighter-than-normal capacity in the Defense Personal Property Program.  These challenges are compounded by competition with non-DOD clients (like corporate and residential customers) vying for the same services.   In many locations, DOD personnel must wait upwards of four to six weeks for available moving crews.  Demand is similarly high for rental trucks and storage containers used by customers interested in a Personally Procured Move.  Senior leaders across the DOD’s Personnel and Logistics communities are aware of the issues and are exploring options to solve relocation-related problems for military families. 

Steps you can take: 

  • Visit your Transportation Office as soon as you receive orders.  Don’t wait!
  • Whether this is your first move or your 15th, take advantage of counseling.  Your local transportation office is your best resource to understand the specific challenges and delays in your community.
  • If movers cannot be arranged to support your timeline, talk with your chain of command immediately to explore options—which may include changes to reporting timelines.
  • Be patient with your transportation office personnel!  They want to solve problems for you.  Contact your local transportation office if your moving plans change or if you have questions regarding your move once scheduled. 

In no case should a customer feel compelled to conduct a Personally Procured Move.  Similarly, no customer should feel compelled to leave family members behind to handle a household goods move on their own. 

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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 17
    Creating a PPM

    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.

     

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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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    Scenario

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    Shipment Info

    Instructions

    Next you’ll receive information on the type of shipment you are requesting. This is part of your online counseling  and it is very important that you read the information as it contains information no your entitlements and  responsibilities. When you are done reading through the information, select to acknowledge you have read and  understand the information then click “Next”
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    Pickup and Delivery

    Instructions

    At the Pickup and Delivery page, you will enter the information for your planned move start date, your pickup and  delivery address, your In-Transit/Emergency Contact address, indicate any additional locations and name your  Releasing and Receiving Agent(s).
     

    Say “no” to the local move question
     

    Using the Calendar Icon, select the date you will begin your move.
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    P and D addresses

    Instructions

    Next you will provide your authorized pickup and delivery addresses as well as your requested pickup and delivery  address.
     

    You will need to add each address using the rolodex icon next to the item field. In the popup window, click the  “Add Address” button.

     

     

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    Pro-Tip: A member is authorized pickup and delivery from an address in the same area as your current and new duty station. Members can request pickup and delivery from/to any area; however, you are only authorized payment from the old PDS to the new PDS.  The Government will not pay more than you are authorized. Inquire with your transportation office regarding alternate pick up/delivery points.
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    P and D info

    Instructions

    When you have entered all of your Pickup  and Delivery Information, click "Next"

     

    NOTE: It is NOT REQUIRED to provide a Check Mailing address.

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    Basic Shipment Info

    Instructions

    On the PPM Basic page, the first question is pre-populated – do not change to NO.
     

    Indicate whether an advance will be requested. The responsible  origin counseling office will confirm whether or not you are qualified to receive the advance operating allowance.
     

    Provide an estimate of the weight you will be moving. (tip: rule of thumb is 1,000 lbs per room.) Use the drop down  menu and select your State of Legal Residence. Answer the remaining two questions and click Next.
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    PPM Costing

    Instructions

    The PPM Costing Page provides you with a cost computation. This is based on your move date, the estimated weight of the property you are moving and the mileage between your origin and destination locations.

     

    The Government Constructive Cost (GCC) is the amount the Government would pay to move the same like weight from/to authorized location.  The Estimated Goss Incentive (EGI) is 95% of the GCC and the total amount the member receives when electing to move their own property.

     

    The Advance Operating Allowance (AOA) is the amount you will receive if you request (and are approved for) an advance. This amount is 60% of the EGI.

     

    THIS IS ONLY AN ESTIMATE. You should be aware that the amounts you see on the costing page are based on the estimated weight you entered in your application. These amounts can change upon final review of your PPM claim.
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    Instructions

    Instructions

    Members are provided with instructions on how to submit their paperwork for reimbursement. It is  recommended that you print these instructions for your records and contact your counseling office if you have questions on how to submit.
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    Summary

    Instructions

    Review the Shipment Summary.  If you need to make any changes use the menu on the left.

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    Counseling office

    Instructions

    On the Counseling Office page, click to acknowledge you have read the disclaimer.
     

    Use the drop down menu to select your local counseling office. You will need to make note of the contact  information that populates on the page. This is the office that you will provide your documents to process your application.
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    Uploading Documents

    Instructions

    Once you have printed and signed your documents, scan and upload your documents to DPS.

     

    Click the “Upload Documents” button

     
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    uploading Doc

    Instructions

    1. Use the  Drop-down  menu to  select the  type of  document


    2. Click browse, locate the document in your files, and  select open
     

    3. Click upload
     

    4. You will receive a  message stating your  document has been  successfully  uploaded. Make sure you  uploaded your, DD forms 1351-2,  2278 and sign those documents


     

     
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    Viewing Docs

    Instructions

    You can check to make sure your documents have been uploaded by clicking the “View Documents”  button.
     

    When the Document Management window opens, you will see ALL of the documents you have  uploaded. If you need a copy of the document, select the file name and click “Get File”
     

    When you are done viewing your documents, close the Document Management window
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    Submit Shipment

    Instructions

    Click the “Submit” button to submit your application.
     

    NOTE: Your application will not be processed until you provide supporting  documents to the responsible origin counseling office. Once supporting  documents have been received, the origin counseling office will contact you to  pick up your PPM documents.
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    Email Conformation

    Instructions

    Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email from the DPS system that  confirms submittal and reminds you to submit your supporting documents. THIS IS NOT CONFIRMATION OF  YOUR MOVE!

     

    Supporting documents for a PPM shipment include a copy of your orders (including any amendments &  modifications). If anyone other than the member signs these forms make sure to also provide a copy of your  Power of Attorney. If you are requesting a pickup from your Home of Record (HOR) and the location is not listed on your order, also include a copy of your  Enlistment Contract or Officer Commissioning letter that shows your HOR. If you are requesting pickup for  dependents, please include a copy of your page 2. If you are separating/retiring, you may be asked for a copy of your DD214. Your counseling office will contact you if any additional documents are required.
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    Contacts