Army PPM Calculator
Calculate your Personally Procured Move (PPM) entitlements.
How it Works
The Personally Procured Move (PPM), formerly known as a DITY move, allows service members to pack, load, transport, and unload their own household goods and personal property during a Permanent Change of Station (PCS).
The Army reimburses service members for a PPM based on the weight of the property moved and the distance transported. The calculation aims to reimburse you as if the government had contracted professional movers.
Key Factors:
- Weight: The total pounds of your belongings being moved.
- Distance: The number of miles between your origin and destination.
- Government Rate: A standardized rate used by the military to calculate transportation costs, often expressed in dollars per pound per mile. This calculator estimates this rate based on provided carrier cost or uses a typical government allowance.
- Storage-in-Transit (SIT): If you utilized temporary storage, there are allowances for weight and days. This calculator considers an estimated SIT weight allowance.
The calculator provides an estimate of your potential reimbursement. Actual entitlements may vary based on specific Service regulations, found in the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) and local financial management office guidance.
Understanding Your Army PPM Entitlement
The Personally Procured Move (PPM) is a valuable option for U.S. Army service members undergoing a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). It empowers you to manage your own move, offering flexibility and the potential for financial gain if managed efficiently. This calculator provides an estimate of your entitlement.
The PPM Calculation Formula (Simplified)
The core of the PPM reimbursement is based on the weight of your belongings and the distance they are moved. The general concept is to calculate what the government would have paid a commercial mover and reimburse you a portion of that amount.
The formula can be simplified as:
Estimated Reimbursement = (Total Weight Moved - SIT Allowable Weight) * Distance * Government Rate per Pound per Mile
Breakdown of Components:
- Total Weight Moved (lbs): This is the total gross weight of all your packed and transported belongings. You'll typically get this information from your weigh tickets.
- SIT Allowable Weight (lbs): If you used Storage-In-Transit (SIT), the weight of items stored is sometimes calculated differently or may have a specific allowance. A common allowance is 500 lbs for non-temporary storage, though this can vary. This calculator subtracts a portion of the weight to account for SIT limitations.
- Distance (miles): The official mileage between your old and new duty stations, usually determined by standard route calculators like the Defense Driving Distance Matrix (DDDM).
- Government Rate per Pound per Mile: This is a crucial but often abstract figure. It represents the government's cost for moving one pound of goods one mile. This rate is derived from average commercial moving costs and can fluctuate. If you know the estimated cost per pound for a professional mover for your shipment, you can input that as a proxy to estimate your reimbursement rate. If not provided, the calculator may use a default or derive it.
Example Calculation
Let's consider a realistic scenario:
- A Soldier is moving and transports 10,000 lbs of personal property.
- The distance to their new duty station is 1,200 miles.
- They utilized Storage-In-Transit (SIT) for some items, and the allowable weight deduction for SIT is estimated at 500 lbs.
- The estimated cost per pound for commercial movers in their area is $0.75. This will be used as the basis for the government rate.
Using the formula:
Reimbursement = (10,000 lbs - 500 lbs) * 1200 miles * $0.75/lb/mile
Reimbursement = 9,500 lbs * 1200 miles * $0.75/lb/mile
Reimbursement = $8,550,000 (pound-miles) * $0.75/lb/mile
Reimbursement = $7,185,000 (This is the estimated government cost if they hired movers)
The actual reimbursement is a percentage of this, often calculated based on the Service's specific allowance rates. For simplicity in this calculator, if a cost per pound is provided, we'll use it directly as the basis for reimbursement, assuming it reflects the government's contracted rate.
Estimated PPM Entitlement = (Weight – SIT Weight) * Distance * Cost Per Pound
Estimated PPM Entitlement = (10,000 lbs - 500 lbs) * 1200 miles * $0.75/lb
Estimated PPM Entitlement = 9,500 lbs * 1200 miles * $0.75/lb
Estimated PPM Entitlement = $8,550,000 * $0.75/lb
Estimated PPM Entitlement = $6,412.50 (This calculation uses Cost Per Pound directly as the reimbursement factor per pound moved)
Note: The actual government reimbursement rate is complex and often determined by tables in the JTR. This calculator simplifies it by using the provided "Cost Per Pound" as a direct multiplier for the weight moved (after SIT deduction) and distance. A more precise calculation involves specific tables for weight increments and distance bands.
Tips for a Successful PPM
- Get Pre-Approval: Always consult with your local transportation office (TMO/S-4) before initiating a PPM.
- Weigh Your Belongings: Obtain official weigh tickets (empty and full) at certified weigh stations. You'll need these for reimbursement.
- Keep All Receipts: Document all expenses related to your move (packing supplies, truck rental, fuel, etc.).
- Understand SIT Rules: Be aware of the duration and weight limits for Storage-In-Transit to avoid penalties.
- Plan Your Route: Use official resources to determine the authorized distance.
- Pack Safely: Ensure your belongings are packed securely to prevent damage during transit.
By understanding the calculation and planning carefully, service members can maximize their PPM entitlement and make their PCS smoother.