What is a PPM, and how do I get paid for moving myself?

A personally procured move (PPM) is when you move your own things — your car, a rental truck, or a company you hire — and the government pays you. You need valid orders and authorization from your origin shipping office first; anything spent before your orders isn't reimbursed.

The incentive is 100% of what it would have cost the government to move the same weight (the Government Constructed Cost), up to your weight allowance. You can ask for an advance based on your estimated weight — overestimate and you may owe some back.

Weight tickets are everything: a certified empty and full weight ticket for every vehicle. Estimates, manufacturer weights and online figures don't count. Without tickets you lose the incentive and get only your actual costs back.

Keep every receipt. Submit to your destination shipping office (separating or retiring: your origin office). The Packed Rabbit's Count for the movers and receipts help you check the weight before you're at the scale.

Source: Personal Property Activity (af.mil/ppa), PPM guidance · Checked October 2026

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