What is a Partial PPM Move and How is it Calculated?

Partial PPM Move Calculator A Partial PPM Move, or Personally Procured Move, is a popular choice for military service members and their families undergoing a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). It's a hybrid approach where you move a portion of your household goods yourself (usually items you want immediate access to) and let the government's contracted movers handle the rest.

This method gives you more control over your move and can potentially result in a financial gain if your expenses are less than the government's reimbursement.

Our Partial PPM Move Calculator is designed to help you, the service member, quickly estimate your potential reimbursement. It's a simple tool that answers the common question: "What will I get paid for the items I move myself?"

How to Use the Partial PPM Move Calculator

The reimbursement you receive is directly tied to the weight of the items you move. The formula is straightforward, but the rates can be complex. Here’s how our calculator simplifies the process.

Use Case 1: Estimating Reimbursement Based on Weight

• Question: "I'm doing a partial PPM. I plan to move 2,000 lbs myself. How much money might I get back?"
• Solution:
  • Step 1: Enter the Weight of Goods Moved (in lbs). You can get this from certified weight tickets after weighing your vehicle empty and loaded.
  • Step 2: Enter the Reimbursement Rate ($/lb). This is a variable rate provided by your local Transportation Management Office (TMO) or Personal Property Office (PPO) and depends on your rank and the distance of your move.
  • Step 3: Click "Calculate."
• Outcome: The tool instantly gives you an estimated reimbursement, a key number for your budget and financial planning.

Pro Tips for a Successful Partial PPM

Understanding a few key details can significantly increase your reimbursement and reduce stress.

• Document Everything: Always obtain and save your certified empty and loaded weight tickets. Without them, your claim could be denied.
• Know Your Rate: The reimbursement rate is not universal. It varies by rank and the mileage of your move. Contact your TMO/PPO directly for the most accurate figure. Websites like Military OneSource also offer resources and calculators to help with these estimates.
• Track Expenses: While the calculator focuses on the weight-based reimbursement, remember to also track your other reimbursable expenses, such as moving truck rentals, packing supplies, gas, and tolls. These can often be factored into your final payment or used to reduce taxable income.

By using this calculator as a starting point and combining it with official information from your TMO, you can take control of your PCS move and make it a more financially rewarding experience.