Personal Procurement Moves: The Ultimate Overview
When it comes to moving, the first thing that springs into many of our minds is the concept of a dedicated crew loading boxes into a truck and hitting the road. You can visualize clipboards in the movers hand and hand dollies wheeling up and down regulation ramps. For those in the military, this can be even more of a cliché. Getting transferred to a new locales generally includes packing up and moving from base to base with the assistance of a longstanding and dedicated military moving services.
However, many may be unaware of the fact that personal procurement moves, a “Move it Yourself” program offered and encouraged by U.S. military branches, can be as much of an option as having your home moved by the government.
Understanding PPMs and Their Major Benefits
Personally Procured Moves, or “PPMs,” give enlisted individuals the option to independently move their own possessions while being reimbursed for the incurred expense. Opting for a PPM (if applicable) can be a highly effective way to finish out a move while potentially ending up with a bit of reimbursement profit for your troubles. This is one major benefit to gain if choosing to go the PPM route.
Besides the possible reimbursement, there are a couple other benefits to take advantage of if you decided to conduct a PPM. One of those benefits include receiving additional time to move your items to your new base or area. As you may know, the military typically authorizes a certain amount of travel time once you receive orders to move to another base or location. By choosing a PPM style move, you’re given extra time to transport your items, which may result in time to relax after you move. Of course, this can only happen if your move goes as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
Another major benefit is having total control over your move. This benefit is perfect for those who have had problems with previous government moves or would simply like the option to choose which services they truly need. In a way, you eliminate yourself from being the “middleman” and become the “ruler” of your move—again perfect for those who prefer a more private move and don’t like having their possessions handled by others. So, where do you get started when it comes to a Personally Procured Move?
1. Setting an Appointment
Even when opting to move yourself, you’ll still need to meet with the appropriate representative and get filled in on the needed forms and requirements. In this case, you can take steps in the right direction by contacting your PTO (Personal Property Transportation Office).
Your personally procured move has to be applied for and approved before moving forward; so, it’s very important to verify that you have all the correct forms and details filled out. You can plan ahead by reviewing the needed info at sites like Military.com.
2. Reserving your Equipment
Once your PPM plan has been confirmed and approved, you’ll want to begin researching and reserving any needed moving company, rental truck, etc. as soon as possible. You’ll be handling everything on your own for the most part, so be sure to factor things in, such as boxes and other packing supplies you may need. Smart movers usually ask around at local retail stores and the like in order to score free boxes in order to save on bottom-line costs.
3. Check Your Insurance Coverage
Now is the time to make sure your insurance policies, both auto and accidental, are up-to-date. With the possibility of an accident happening on the road, this is one vital step you do not need to miss. Also, in case of an incident, contact both your insurance company and the nearest military installation as soon as possible since liability laws vary state to state.
4. Weigh Your Vehicle
Once your vehicle is ready to go, you will need to calculate the total weight of what you are moving. In order to do this, you need to have your vehicle weighed, both before and after you the vehicle is loaded. Empty weight involved a full tank of gas with no driver, passengers, or luggage involved. The Fully Loaded weight is calculated with a full tank of gas with your property added— driver and passengers are not included. The formula for calculating your net weight total is fully loaded minus empty weight. All of these numbers are extremely important when it comes to how your PPM claim will be paid. With that in mind, you can be under or over the total weight amount the government is willing to cover. If your net weight total weighs more than the covered amount, you will be held responsible for the remaining costs. However, if the net weight total remains below the approved amount, you’re looking to make a profit once all items are paid for after the move. Keep this is mind and adjust your packing and loading amounts accordingly.
5. Keeping Records of Everything
Ideally, your PTO representative will go over this with you, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to be reminded of the importance of keeping track of your move from start to finish. Keep track of all your receipts, including everything from rented moving trucks and packing costs to gasoline costs during your trip.
The main perk of a PPM is that the military will reimburse you for any and all authorized expenses that qualify, but that can only happen if you can provide adequate proof of said expenses. It may help to set aside a folder or briefcase to keep with you during your move for storing all of your relevant receipts and documents—you’ll be very glad you did.
6. Submit PPM Settlement
Once you have moved to your new city and have gotten all of your items settled into your new home, you have up to 45 days to submit your PPM settlement for full payment of your allowance. There are several items you will need to submit in order to be reimbursed. Those items include DD1351-2, change of station orders, weight tickets, DD Form 2278, expense receipts, and operating allowance paperwork.