PPM Calculator

Plan Your PCS Move with the PPM Calculator

Planning a PCS (Permanent Change of Station) move and considering a Personally Procured Move (PPM)? Our PPM Calculator helps you estimate your total reimbursement, including MALT, Per Diem, Dislocation Allowance (DLA), and Household Goods (HHG) reimbursement, using 2025 DoD rates. Take control of your move and maximize your reimbursement without the guesswork.

What is a PPM and Why Choose It?

A Personally Procured Move (PPM), also known as a DITY (Do-It-Yourself) move, allows military members to move their household goods themselves instead of using a government-arranged transporter. According to the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR), you’re reimbursed based on the government’s cost to move your HHG (at $208.51 per hundredweight in 2025), plus additional allowances like MALT and Per Diem. A PPM can save money or even generate profit if your expenses are less than the reimbursement, though profits are taxed at 22%.

How to Use the PPM Calculator for Your PCS Move

Our PPM Calculator simplifies estimating your reimbursement. Follow these steps:

1. Select your rank (e.g., E-1) and dependency status (with or without dependents).

2. Enter the distance in miles, using official miles from the Defense Table of Official Distances for accuracy.

3. Specify the number of POVs (Personal Vehicles) and your HHG weight in pounds (use our Weight Estimator if needed).

4. Review your estimated reimbursement, including MALT, Per Diem, DLA, and HHG costs, along with travel day calculations.

Breakdown of PPM Reimbursement Components

Your PPM reimbursement includes several components, as shown in the calculator:

• MALT (Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation): Covers mileage for POV travel at $0.21/mile per vehicle (2025 rate). For example, 1,500 miles with 2 POVs yields $630.00.

• Per Diem: Compensates for travel days at $178/day for the member in CONUS (2025 rate). Travel days are calculated per JTR: 1 day per 350 miles after the first 400 miles, with an additional day if the remainder is ≥ 51 miles.

• Dislocation Allowance (DLA): Helps offset miscellaneous moving costs, varying by rank and dependency status (e.g., $3,418.13 for an E-1 with dependents).

• HHG Reimbursement: Based on your authorized weight at $208.51 per hundredweight (CWT). For 8,000 lbs, this is $16,680.80, capped at your weight allowance per JTR Table 5-37.

Tips for a Successful PPM Move

Maximize your reimbursement and streamline your PPM with these tips:

• Track Expenses: Keep receipts for expenses like truck rentals and fuel to reduce taxable profit, as advised by DFAS.

• Weigh Your Shipment: Get an official weight ticket for your HHG to ensure accurate reimbursement, as weights are capped at your authorized allowance.

• Submit a Voucher: After your move, submit a travel voucher (DD Form 1351-2) via the Defense Travel System (DTS) to claim your reimbursement.