PPM (DITY) Moves: How to Make Money on a Military Move
When you PCS, the government will move you — or pay you to do it yourself. A Personally Procured Move (PPM, formerly DITY) reimburses you 95% of what the government would have paid a contractor. Move efficiently and the leftover is profit — often thousands of dollars.
How the money works
- The military calculates the Government Constructive Cost (GCC) — what a contracted move of your authorized weight would cost.
- You're paid 95% of the GCC as your PPM incentive, regardless of what you actually spend.
- Your profit = 95% of GCC − your real costs (truck rental, fuel, boxes, labor, tolls).
A realistic example
Say your GCC for a mid-distance move of 8,000 lbs is $6,000. Your PPM incentive is $5,700. Rent a truck and do it yourself for $2,200 and you keep about $3,500 — though part of the incentive is taxable income (the portion above your documented expenses). Keep every receipt.
Don't leave these on the table
- Advance Operating Allowance: request up to 60% of your estimated incentive upfront to cover truck and supplies.
- Weight tickets: empty and full certified weigh tickets are mandatory — no tickets, no payment.
- Pro-gear: professional gear and a spouse's pro-gear don't count against your weight allowance.
- Partial PPM: let the government move the heavy stuff and PPM the rest — you still profit on your portion.
How it fits your PCS money
PPM profit stacks with your tax-free Dislocation Allowance, travel per diem, and mileage — a well-run PCS can net $5,000–$10,000+ in combined entitlements and PPM profit.
Heading to a new duty station? Look up your new BAH before you sign a lease.
Calculate my pay →Frequently asked questions
How much can you make on a PPM/DITY move?
You're paid 95% of what the government would pay a contractor; profit is that amount minus your real costs (truck, fuel, supplies) — commonly a few thousand dollars on a typical move.
Is PPM money taxable?
The portion of your incentive above your documented moving expenses is taxable income — keep all receipts to minimize the taxable amount.
Do I need weight tickets for a PPM?
Yes — certified empty and full weigh tickets are mandatory; without them you won't be paid.