Household Goods (HHG) and PPM

Start Here If You Are New to HHG

Household Goods are your possessions the Government ships during a PCS. The HHG entitlement is by pay grade and dependent status. Government move means a contracted carrier picks up, ships, and delivers your goods. PPM (Personally Procured Move, formerly DITY) means you do the move yourself and the Government reimburses 100 percent of the Government Constructed Cost (GCC). The Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO) at your installation handles all coordination. Storage options include temporary storage (up to 90 days) and non-temporary storage (extended). Special items like boats, firearms, and professional gear have specific frameworks.

This page walks you through HHG and PPM from your seat as a General Marine. By the end you will know.

• Weight allowances by pay grade and dependent status
• Government move vs. PPM/DITY decision framework
• The 100 percent GCC reimbursement for PPM
• Temporary and non-temporary storage
• Special items handling (boats, firearms, professional gear)
• The Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO) role
• DD Form 1299DD Form 1299 and DD Form 1797DD Form 1797 documentation

Every fact on this page comes from JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 0570, DTR 4500.9-R Volume 4, MCO 4050.6MCO 4050.6, and the DD Form 1299DD Form 1299/1797 framework.

Weight Allowances by Pay Grade

Per JTR Chapter 5, the weight allowance is the maximum HHG weight authorized for shipment and storage. Indicative ranges (verify current JTR table).

Without Dependents

• E-1 to E-5. 5,000 to 7,000 pounds.
• E-6 to E-9. 8,000 to 13,000 pounds.
• O-1 to O-3. 7,000 to 13,000 pounds.
• O-4 to O-6. 14,000 to 18,000 pounds.

With Dependents

• E-1 to E-5. 8,000 to 9,000 pounds.
• E-6 to E-9. 11,000 to 14,500 pounds.
• O-1 to O-3. 12,500 to 14,500 pounds.
• O-4 to O-6. 17,000 to 18,000 pounds.

The current JTR Chapter 5 weight table publishes the precise allowances. Verify before planning the move.

Government Move vs. PPM Decision

Government Move (Contract Carrier)

The PPSO contracts a carrier to handle the move.

• The carrier packs, loads, ships, and delivers your goods.
• You schedule pickup and delivery dates.
• The carrier provides packing materials.
• You inspect the goods at delivery and document any damage.
• Claims for damage processed through the carrier or AAFES Travel Claims.

PPM/DITY (Do-It-Yourself)

You handle the move yourself.

• You rent a truck, pack, drive, and unload.
• The Government reimburses 100 percent of the Government Constructed Cost (GCC).
• Profit potential if your actual cost is less than GCC.
• Risk if your costs exceed GCC (you absorb the difference).
• Required documentation includes truck rental receipts, weight tickets (empty and loaded), and detailed expense records.

PPM Reimbursement Calculation

PPM reimbursement equals 100 percent of GCC. The PPSO calculates GCC based on.

• Distance.
• Weight (verified by weight tickets).
• HHG weight allowance for your grade.

If your actual moving cost is less than GCC, you keep the difference (taxable income). If your actual cost exceeds GCC, you absorb the difference.

PPM Tax Treatment

The reimbursement is taxable income for the portion exceeding actual moving expenses. Receipts and weight tickets establish the actual expense. The Marine receives a W-2 amount for the PPM income.

Storage Options

Temporary Storage (90 Days)

Per JTR Chapter 5, the Government provides up to 90 days of temporary storage during a PCS at no additional cost. Used when.

• HHG arrives at the new PDS before permanent housing is available.
• HHG is shipped before the Marine is ready to receive at the new PDS.

Non-Temporary Storage (Extended)

Per JTR Chapter 5, non-temporary storage applies for.

• Unaccompanied OCONUS tours (HHG stored in CONUS).
• Extended TDY where HHG storage is more economical than retention.
• Specific operational scenarios with Service Secretary approval.

Non-temporary storage may extend for years. The PPSO coordinates the storage arrangement.

Special Items

Boats

Boats are HHG-shippable subject to specific framework. Limits.

• Standard boats up to a specific weight or length count toward the standard HHG weight allowance.
• Larger boats (over 14 feet typically) require special carrier arrangements at additional cost.
• POVs include the trailer if attached.

Firearms

Per the JTR and federal firearms law.

• Firearms ship as HHG with proper documentation.
• The shipping carrier handles firearms per ATF and federal shipping regulations.
• Some firearms require specific declaration and may be restricted at certain destinations.

Professional Gear (Pro-Gear)

Pro-Gear is HHG specifically related to the Marine's professional duties. Examples.

• Reference books and technical manuals.
• Tools required for the MOS.
• Uniform and equipment for the role.

Pro-Gear is exempt from the standard HHG weight allowance per JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 0570. It is shipped without counting against the weight allowance.

Pro-Gear for Spouse

If the Marine's spouse is a working professional with similar professional gear (e.g., medical books, professional tools), the spouse's pro-gear is also typically exempt subject to documentation.

Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO)

The PPSO at your installation is the central coordinator for HHG moves. Functions.

• Counsels the Marine on Government move vs. PPM options.
• Processes DD Form 1299DD Form 1299 (Shipment Application).
• Coordinates with the contracted carrier.
• Schedules pickup and delivery.
• Calculates GCC for PPM.
• Processes claims for HHG damage or loss.

The Marine schedules the initial PPSO counseling 90 days before the PCS report date.

DD Form 1299 (Application for Shipment / Storage)

DD Form 1299DD Form 1299 initiates the HHG shipment process. The form captures.

• Origin and destination.
• Pickup and delivery preferences.
• Estimated weight.
• Special items.
• Storage requirements.
• Insurance preferences.

DD Form 1797 (PPM Counseling)

DD Form 1797DD Form 1797 documents PPM counseling and the GCC estimate. The Marine reviews.

• The estimated GCC.
• The reimbursement framework.
• The required documentation (weight tickets, receipts).
• The expected reimbursement timeline.

The Marine signs the form acknowledging the PPM framework before executing the move.

Marine Corps Specific HHG Considerations

Per MCO 4050.6MCO 4050.6 (Marine Corps Personal Property Movement Manual).

Move.mil

The Marine Corps and DoD use Move.mil (https://www.move.mil) as the central HHG management portal. The Marine.

• Creates an account on Move.mil.
• Submits the move request (replaces traditional DD Form 1299DD Form 1299 in many scenarios).
• Tracks the move status.
• Files claims for damage.
• Coordinates with the PPSO.

MoveSecurity Risk

The Marine watches for fraudulent carriers, unauthorized contractors, and scams targeting service members during PCS. Use only the PPSO-coordinated carriers.

Verifying HHG Authorization

The PCS orders authorize HHG shipment. The Marine verifies.

Step 1. Confirm Weight Allowance

The Marine's pay grade and dependent status determine the weight allowance. Verify on the orders.

Step 2. Counsel with PPSO

Schedule the initial PPSO counseling 90 days before the report date.

Step 3. Decide Government Move vs. PPM

The PPSO presents both options. The Marine elects based on personal circumstances.

Step 4. Submit Required Forms

DD Form 1299DD Form 1299 for the shipment application. DD Form 1797DD Form 1797 for PPM counseling (if PPM).

Step 5. Schedule and Execute

The PPSO coordinates the carrier (Government move) or provides the GCC estimate (PPM). The Marine executes the move.

Step 6. Submit Claims if Needed

Damage or loss claims process through the carrier (Government move) or the PPSO (PPM).

Common Questions Marines Ask

I am an E-5 with dependents PCSing CONUS to CONUS. What is my weight allowance?

Verify the current JTR Chapter 5 weight allowance table. Approximate range for E-5 with dependents is 9,000 pounds. The table publishes the specific number.

Should I do PPM or Government move?

Government move is easier (carrier handles everything). PPM offers profit potential if you can move for less than GCC. The Marine Corps recommends Government move for first-time PCS Marines and PPM for experienced movers with the equipment and time.

How does PPM reimbursement work?

The Government pays 100 percent of GCC (Government Constructed Cost) regardless of your actual expenses. If your actual expense is less, you keep the difference (taxable). If your actual expense is more, you absorb the difference.

What is pro-gear?

Professional gear directly related to your military duties (reference books, tools, uniform items, MOS-specific equipment). Pro-gear is exempt from the standard HHG weight allowance.

Can my spouse's professional gear ship as pro-gear?

Yes if the spouse has documented professional gear (e.g., medical books, professional tools). Coordinate with the PPSO for documentation.

How long can I store my HHG?

Temporary storage is up to 90 days at no additional cost. Non-temporary storage extends for years for specific scenarios (unaccompanied OCONUS, extended TDY).

What if my HHG is damaged or lost?

File a claim through the carrier (Government move) or the PPSO. Document damage at delivery with photos. The framework processes claims for replacement or repair.

What is Move.mil?

The DoD central portal for HHG move management. Create an account, submit the move request, track status, and file claims through Move.mil.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• HHG move counseling. The Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO) at your installation.
• Move.mil portal. https://www.move.mil/.
• Weight allowance verification. The current JTR Chapter 5 weight table.
• PPM GCC estimate. The PPSO during DD Form 1797DD Form 1797 counseling.
• Damage or loss claims. The carrier (Government move) or the PPSO (PPM).
• Marine Corps Personal Property guidance. MCO 4050.6MCO 4050.6.
• DFAS Marine Corps Pay direct contact. Phone 1-888-332-7411 (DSN 312-571-9450 from overseas).

Where to Go Next on This Site

• PCS landing page lists all the PCS topics.
• PCS Orders and Overview covers the foundational PCS framework.
• POV Shipment and Mileage covers POV transportation (separate from HHG).
• Dislocation Allowance covers DLA.
• Temporary Lodging Expense covers TLE during the move.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Marines on the PPM vs. Government move decision and the 90-day pre-PCS planning timeline.
• Admin at S-1 supports DD Form 1299DD Form 1299 and DD Form 1797DD Form 1797 documentation.
• Commanders endorse PCS orders that authorize HHG shipment.

HHG covers your personal property during a PCS. Government move is contracted carrier. PPM (formerly DITY) is the DIY option with 100 percent GCC reimbursement. Weight allowances by pay grade. Pro-gear exempt from the allowance. PPSO is the central coordinator. Move.mil is the portal. 90-day temporary storage. Non-temporary storage for OCONUS unaccompanied tours.