What is the weight limit for a PCS move?

WEIGHT ALLOWANCES

1. The JTR prescribes the maximum Permanent Change of Station (PCS) and Non-Temporary Storage (NTS) weight allowances that you can ship and/or store at Government expense based on the member’s rank and dependency status. The JTR also prescribes Temporary Duty (TDY) weight allowance based on the member’s rank. Weight allowances do not include Professional Books, Papers and Equipment (PBP&E/PRO-Gear) or required medical equipment.

NOTE: The Secretary concerned may authorize a higher weight allowance (not to exceed [NTE] 18,000 pounds) of a member below pay grade O-6, but only on a case-by-case basis. The Secretary may increase the member's PCS weight allowance if the Secretary determines that failure to increase the member's weight allowance would create a significant hardship to the member or the member's dependents

NOTE 1: Includes a Uniformed Service regular and Reserve Component member, and an officer holding a temporary commission in the U.S. Army/Air Force.NOTE 2: For this table, a member “with dependents” is a member who has a dependent eligible to travel at Government expense incident to the member’s PCS. Actual dependent travel has no bearing. Incident to a member’s first PCS after:1. The death(s) of all of the member's dependent(s), or2. A divorce that leaves the member with no dependent(s) eligible to travel at Government expense, the member has the weight allowance of a member “with dependents”.NOTE 3: A member appointed from an:1. Enlisted/warrant officer grade to a commissioned officer grade, or2. Enlisted grade to a warrant officer grade or rating is authorized the grade’s weight allowance:a. Held on the member's PCS authorization/order effective date used for HHG transportation, orb. From which an appointment was accepted, whichever is greater.3. Upon reversion, the member is authorized the weight allowance of the grade held:a. On the member's PCS authorization/order effective date then being used for HHG transportation, orb. Before reversion, whichever is greater.NOTE 4: A member selected as Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Sergeant Major of the Army, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, or Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard is authorized a weight allowance of:1. 17,000 pounds with dependents or,

2. 14,000 pounds without dependents.

for a PCS authorization/order issued on or after receiving notice of selection to that position and for the remainder of the military career.

NOTE 1: Includes a Regular member, a member of a Uniformed Service Reserve Component, and an officer holding a temporary commission in the Army/Air Force of the United States.NOTE 2: The Secretarial process may authorize additional weight up to 2,000 pounds (up to 4,000 pounds total) for the Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army, the Chief of Naval Operations, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and the Commandant of the Coast Guard.

NOTE 3: A member selected as Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Sergeant Major of the Army, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, or Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, who requires a TDY weight allowance of HHG, is authorized a weight allowance of 800 pounds for a TDY authorization/order issued on or after receiving notice of selection to that position and for the remainder of the military career.

2. You, not your TO or TSP, are responsible for staying within your authorized weight allowance. If the weight of items packed, shipped, or stored exceeds your weight allowance, you are financially responsible for the payment of all charges connected with excess weight in accordance with (IAW) your Service guidance/regulations.

3. For this reason, estimating the weight of your HHG is very important. Estimates should start early, even before you visit your TO or before you prepare your application to ship and or store personal property in DPS. The counselor at your TO requires an estimated weight for each shipment you intend to make.

4. An easy and usually dependable method for making this estimate is to figure 1,000 pounds per room (not including storage rooms or bathrooms), then add the estimated weight of large appliances and items in the garage, storage rooms, basement, etc. An optional method is to use the “Weight Estimator”

5. Weight Estimates Not Official:

a. Weight estimates are not official; they are planning tools only. You can never use weight estimates to refute excess weight charges.

6. Excess Weight Can Cost Big Money:

a. Exceeding your authorized weight allowance on a move can cost you a lot of money. Charges for excess weight can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars.
b. Notification of overweight charges can take many months after your move is completed. For a member who is separating from the Service and no longer remains in an active pay status, excess costs should be paid prior to the movement of HHG. Excess costs are collected IAW Service regulations. Contact your local TO for additional information regarding excess costs.

7. Verify Accuracy of Excess Cost:

a. The way to avoid excess weight charges is to stay within your authorized weight allowance by estimating early and disposing of unnecessary possessions. When you receive a notification for exceeding your weight allowance, check it carefully. Often you may not have received credit for PBP&E/PRO-Gear. The estimated weight of PBP&E/PRO-Gear must be declared in MilMove or DPS.
b. If you have any questions concerning your excess weight, contact your local TO.

8. Request for Reweigh:

a. The TO at origin or destination can authorize a reweigh of your personal property shipment at your request at no cost to you. This ensures a reweigh of your personal property is completed or scheduled prior to accepting delivery. If you are available when your shipment is reweighed, you have the right to witness the reweigh and/or request to see the reweigh tickets for verification.

9. Overseas Weight Limitations:

a. Some overseas areas impose administrative weight restrictions. If the area to which you are assigned provides Government furniture, for example, the Government may impose an administrative weight restriction, which would prevent you from shipping your full JTR weight allowance overseas. In these cases, a member is limited to HHG transportation of 2,500 pounds (net) or, 25 percent (net) of the member’s authorized weight allowance whichever is greater, plus UB transportation. If both spouses are members and are assigned to the same Outside Continental United States (OCONUS) area where they jointly occupy quarters, they are limited to one administrative weight allowance, based on the higher ranking member’s weight allowance; however, each is authorized individually to UB transportation, PBP&E/PRO-Gear, and required medical equipment. The counselor at your TO can provide information on weight-restricted areas.
b. If you are administratively weight restricted, you have the option of storing the remainder of your HHG in long-term storage called NTS, or you may ship your HHG to a designated location within the Continental United States (CONUS) for the duration of your overseas tour. UB is included in your JTR weight allowance and is considered a part of your administrative HHG weight allowance. Authorized PBP&E/PRO-Gear are not counted against the full JTR weight allowance or an administrative weight allowance. If declaring PBP&E/PRO-Gear, you must declare the items in MilMove or DPS.

Air National Guard: Retired

There are numerous steps in the Permanent Change of Station (PCS) process. Through various agencies the Department of the Air Force provides guidance and counseling to assist Service members and their Families in making the best choices.

Retired Air National Guard Service members may be eligible for a government funded move. If the Service members last assignment was on AGR status.

Permissive TDY - For separation or retirement relocation activities such as job search or residence search and is eligible under DAFI 36-3009, Military and Family Readiness Centers. Losing commander may approve up to 20 days for CONUS based members unless to do so would interfere with the military mission. A member can request excess leave in lieu of PTDY, but not both. Submit an AF Form 988 to request PTDY.

Moving Services and Transportation - Moving services cannot be arranged using the Defense Personal Property System (DPS). They must be arranged in person at your local Traffic Management Office (TMO). MilitaryOnesource is also available to help service members, their families, and anyone moving with the military to get organized for your move.

Provide the following at time of counseling:

• Complete set of orders/authorization including amendments/for each type of shipment planned (e.g., Household Goods (HHG), Non-Temporary Storage (NTS), Unaccompanied Baggage (UB))

• An idea of when you want to move and an estimated weight. Be as flexible as possible when selecting HHG pack and pickup dates. Your preferred dates may not be available during some periods such as summer or days near official holidays. Avoid scheduling lease termination or house sale closing on the same date your HHG are to be packed, picked up, or delivered. Leave some time in your schedule for the unforeseen. You or your designated representative must be available between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. local time on pack, pickup, and delivery dates.

• The date you plan to arrive at your new location. Your arrival date assists your Transportation Service Provider (TSP) and/or local TMO with scheduling delivery of your shipment(s), which may reduce storage costs paid by the Government.

• What type of shipment you want to make (HHG, UB and or NTS) and the estimated weight. Do not forget to declare Professional Books, Papers, and Equipment / Professional Gear (PBP&E/Pro-Gear)

• Information on excess cost. The minimum excess cost is approximately $100.00 per hundred pounds over the maximum weight allowance.

• A list of large or unusual items (e.g., large screen TV [i.e., plasma, LCD, DLP], piano, pool table, china cabinet, wall unit, satellite dish, hot tub, boat, motorcycle, recreational vehicle)

• A letter of authorization signed by you or a Power of Attorney; required if you are unable to visit the TO. You may appoint your spouse or an agent to act on your behalf. Be sure the person you choose knows what you want and has the information to make the right arrangements. Remember, this person is acting for you, and you are responsible for that person’s decisions.

Personally Procured Move (PPM), formerly called Do It Yourself (DITY)

The PPM program is an alternate means of moving your personal property. You must make the arrangements at origin just as you would for a Government arranged move and complete certain other requirements to include obtaining weight tickets.

The PPM program allows you to personally move HHG and either be reimbursed up to the Government’s cost or to collect an incentive payment from the Government.

The TMO must provide counseling and prior approval for a PPM move. Failing to comply with Service requirements of the program may limit payment or result in complete denial of your claim.

Weight estimator
U.S. Transcom provides an “It’s Your Move” Guide to assist Service members in understanding allowances and responsibilities during the packing, shipping and storage of household goods.

Short Distance Moves

If you were living on base and your housing agreement requires you to move out of government quarters before you can determine your home of selection , you are authorized a short distance HHG move from the government quarters to a local temporary residence in the vicinity of the vacated quarters. The usual rank-based weight limits do not apply to this "local move" out of government quarters. This local move does not count as your retirement move, but you will need a memo from the garrison housing office providing the funding citation to be used for the move. If you have any questions, your local personal property office can help you figure out the right steps.

Weight Allowance
Moving allowance is based on the Service members rank and dependency status at the time of retirement. Overages are the Service members financial responsibility. For up to date information regarding household goods weight allowance see the DoD Joint Travel Regulations

To estimate weight of your personal belongings use a weight estimator calculator.

Professional Books, Papers, and Equipment / Professional Gear (PBP&E) Allowance

PBP&E allowances limit PBP&E/Pro-Gear to 2,000 pounds net weight and no longer include personal computers and accompanying equipment, and/or awards presented for significant contributions while performing official duties.

PBP&E/Pro-Gear is defined as:

• HHG in a member’s possession needed for the performance of official duties at the next or a later destination

• If you have PBP&E/Pro-Gear to declare, you must do so in or DPS

• If your estimated and declared PBP&E/Pro-Gear weighs 1,000 pounds or less, there will be no additional approval or review of your declared Pro-Gear and it may be included and packed with the rest of your HHG

• If your estimated and declared PBP&E/Pro-Gear weighs more than 1,000 pounds, your Service may review your declaration and items at their discretion outside of or DPS

• When PBP&E/Pro-Gear is properly declared in or DPS, the weight of PBP&E/Pro-Gear does not count against the total weight of your shipment(s). Before signing your inventory prepared by the TSP(s), be sure these items are declared as “PBP&E/Pro-Gear”. The proper designation of these items and the exclusion of the weight can be very important.

• The following items are considered PBP&E/Pro-Gear:

  • Reference material not ordinarily available at the next Permanent Duty Station (PDS)

  • Instruments, tools, and equipment peculiar to technicians, mechanics, and members of the professions

  • Specialized clothing such as diving suits, astronaut’s suits, flying suits and helmets, band uniforms, chaplain’s vestments, and other specialized apparel not normal or usual uniform or clothing

  • Communications equipment used by a member in association with the Military Affiliated Radio System

  • Individually owned or specially issued field clothing and equipment

  • Government- or uniformed service-owned accountable organizational clothing and individual clothing property issued to the employee or member by the Service/DoD component for official use.

Excluded from PBP&E/Pro-Gear are:

• Commercial products for sale/resale used in conducting business

• Sports equipment

• Office furniture

• Household furniture

• Shop fixtures

• Furniture of any kind even though used in connection with PBP&E/Pro-Gear (e.g., bookcases, study/computer desks, file cabinets, and racks)

• Personal computer equipment and peripheral devices

• Memorabilia, including awards, plaques, or other objects presented for past performance (includes any type of going-away gifts, office decorations, pictures, etc.)

• Table service, including flatware (including serving pieces), dishes (including serving pieces, salvers, and their heating units), other utensils, and glassware

• Other items of a professional nature that are not necessary at the next/subsequent PDS, such as textbooks from previous schools unrelated to future duties; personal books, even if used as part of a past professional reading program or course of instruction; and reference material that ordinarily would be available at the next/subsequent PDS either in hard copy or available on the Internet.

Storage

Unlike some PCS moves, you are only allowed ONE of the following options:

• Long term storage at origin (the location where you were last stationed) for up to 180 days for separating members, and one year for retirees. If you have not scheduled your final delivery before your entitlement expires, you will be personally responsible for any additional storage costs.

OR

• Short term storage at your destination up to 90 days. This applies to separating and retiring Service members. If your household goods are not delivered before the 90 days expires, you will be responsible for excess storage costs. You may also lose the ability to file any loss or damage claims with your branch of Service's Military Claims Office.

What to expect from your Transportation Service Provider (TSP)

TSP’s Responsibilities (at Origin):

• Conduct Pre-Move Survey (physical or telephonic) depending on the type of shipment and estimated weight. It should be conducted prior to the first day of packing

• Begin packing/pickup between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

• Protect appliances against damage while in transit. The TSP secures moving parts that, if allowed to move in transit, could damage the appliance

• Use new, clean packing materials for linen, clothing, and bedding

• Use new or like-new packing materials for all other items. Excelsior or newspaper is not allowed. Items packed in boxes should be padded and insulated from carton walls

• Pack mirrors, pictures, and glass tabletops in specially designed cartons

• Wrap and protect all finished surfaces from marring or scratching; use furniture pads

• Properly roll and protect rug and rug pads at residence. Only small throw rugs may be folded

• Pack all designated PBP&E/Pro-Gear in separate boxes. These cartons must be marked “PBP&E/Pro Gear”, weighed separately, and listed on the inventory form

• Put all nuts, bolts, and screws from a disassembled item in a bag and attach securely to the item

• Mark each carton to show general contents

• Prepare an accurate and legible inventory

• Obtain approval from the TMO prior to loading on the tailgate of the moving van

• Remove all excess packing material from your residence.

TSP’s Responsibilities (at Destination):

• Begin delivery between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

• Perform a one-time placement of rugs prior to placement of your HHG

• Unpack and unwrap all cartons, boxes, and crates

• Place each item or carton in the room you indicate. This one-time placement includes placing unpacked articles in cabinets, cupboards, or on kitchen shelves when convenient, safe, and it is your desired location. Have placement planned out before the TSP arrives. TSPs are required to place each item only once.

• Assemble all furniture and equipment if disassembled at origin

• Remove packing and blocking from appliances. The TSP is not required to connect appliances to electric, gas, or water outlets

• Provide a “Joint” written record of any loss and or damage at delivery on DD Form 1842 or on the “Defense Personal Property Program Notification of Loss or Damage AT Delivery” Form. You and or your designated representative along with the delivery TSP sign this form. The TSP’s representative must provide a copy of this form.

• TSPs are not required to go into an attic, crawl space, or similar storage area for the purpose of delivering and placing personal property

• Once the shipment has been delivered, the TSP is not required to deliver property to a self-storage facility.

NOTE: It is not advisable to waive unpacking at any time during the delivery. However, if unpacking is waived, the TSP is not required to return later to unpack or remove debris

Claims - Unfortunately, you may suffer loss or damage to your personal property during movement. If your property is lost or damaged, you have the right to file a claim directly with the TSP.

First you must give written notice to the TSP that you intend to file a claim you can do this ether at delivery or afterwards.

• At delivery- Review and sign the Notification for Loss and Damage at Delivery Form given to you by the delivery crew.

• After delivery- Using the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) submit the Notification of Loss and Damage After Delivery. The form can be found under "Start My Loss & Damage Report".

Next, within 9 months from the delivery date you must file a claim with DPS.  Log on to DPS and click on "Start my Loss and Damage Report". Have as much information as possible regarding each item listed in your claim to include: manufacturer, inventory item number, cost at purchase and year of purchase.  Also include a description of the damage and repair or replacement estimate. Once your claim is submitted the TSP must confirm receipt of your claim within 15 calendar days. The TSP is responsible for assessing the value of your property and may inspect the damaged property, repair items, or pick up any items damaged beyond repair.

If a claim is filed directly with the TSP within 9 months of delivery, then the TSP’s maximum liability on each domestic HHG is:

• $7,500 per shipment or

• $6.00 times the net weight of the HHG shipment, or gross weight of the UB shipment, in pounds, not to exceed $75,000, whichever is greater.

For direct claims settlement between member and TSP:

• Claims must be filed through DPS

• Claims must be filed with the TSP first to maintain Full Replacement Value (FRV) protection eligible.

A member has the option to transfer the claim to the military claims service after 30 days. In these instances, the military claims office pays the member depreciated value and then pursues the FRV claim with the TSP. After settlement with the TSP, if the FRV settlement exceeds the amount paid by the military claims service to the member, the member receives the difference.

Accepting a Claim Offer

The TSP will provide you with an itemized listing of their offer for each item. You can accept or make a counter offer for each item listed. You may be offered a cash payment or having an item replaced in lieu of cash. You will submit your final offer acceptances into DPS to complete the process.

Inconvenience Claims

An Inconvenience Claim is paid by the TSP when they fail to meet the required pickup and delivery dates for your PCS. You must meet the following conditions you may be eligible for an Inconvenience claim.

• The TSP fails to pick up a shipment upon the agreed date

• The TSP fails to deliver on or before the required delivery date, provided you are in possession of residence and are available to receive the delivery

• The TSP places your shipment into storage in transit, or SIT, without you being notified

• You have requested your shipment be released from SIT and the carrier is unable to deliver the shipment with in the following dates:    

  • Seven government business days from the date you first make requested delivery

  • Within two government business days, when your requested delivery date is more than seven business days out.

TSP should notify you within a few days of the delivery date if there is an expected delay with your shipment. Download the DP3 Shipment Inconvenience Claim Form and contact your Transportation Office is you believe you are owed an Inconvenience claim.  

For household good shipments picked up after May 15, 2020 instead of submitting receipts for the first 7 days of meals you have the option to receive 100% reimbursement of the local per diem for meals and incidental expenses. If your expenses were more than per diem, you can choose to submit receipts and be reimbursed 100% of your out of pocket costs.

Monetary Allowances and Subsidies

Travel Advances: Retirees can receive 80% of travel entitlement amount. Submit your requests at the Defense Military Pay Office (DMPO).

Travel Voucher 
For a detailed guide on how to complete the DD 1351-2 click here.

SmartVoucher can be used to make filling in your DD Form 1351-2 easier. Sending in vouchers that are legible, correct and include all the necessary information and documents is the first step in getting your travel claim paid promptly. After you have sent your voucher, check your claim status online at: //www.dfas.mil/militarymembers/travelpay/checkvoucherstatus/

Documents to include when claiming entitlements:

• DD Form 1351-2 voucher

• Complete set of orders and all amendments

• Receipts showing the following

  • Company name

  • Date item/service was provided

  • Cost of item/service

  • Taxes shown as a separate item on receipt

  • Proof of payment (marked “paid” or amount due $0.00)

Travel Settlement - Retirees have 1 year after retirement or 4 yearly written extension requests to transportation settlement.

Mail your Settlement Travel/PPM Vouchers for Separations and Retirements Travel Vouchers (DD Form 1351-2) to:

DFAS-ROME Attn: Travel Operations   325 Brooks Road Rome, NY 13441

Fax: 317-275-0277

Personally Procured Move (PPM) claims must be sent to the last Transportation Office for processing. The Transportation Office will submit the package to DFAS Rome for payment. Be sure to include all required documentation; DD1351-2, DD2278, a copy of orders, weight tickets and all receipts.

Privately-Owned Vehicles: When you separate or retire from military service, you drive or ship your vehicle(s) at your own expense, just like with many CONUS PCS moves. There are no mileage, per diem, or "inability to drive" allowances.