Since Flashback Friday was so successful in 2011, we’re bringing it with us into 2012!  Today’s post: Military Moving.  If you’ve ever had questions about doing a Personally Procured Move, keep reading—we’ve got answers! Happy Friday!

If you have Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders and have determined that a PPM Move (formally DITY Move) is your best money-saving solution, there are a few things you'll need to know:

First, we recommend taking full advantage of the Relocation Readiness Program at the base you're relocating to. You'll find this a huge help in acclimating you and your family to your new home.  Through the Relocation Readiness Program, you'll find ways to make military relocation easier, like newcomer orientation, welcome packets, and general information about the area.  

Second, if you're planning a military move in the form of a Personally Procured Move, it's important to follow the proper guidelines to ensure government reimbursement (the military offers monetary incentive to eligible service members for completing a “do it yourself” move; if the cost to move is less than your allowance, you get to pocket the rest).
 
Here are tips for making sure your military move goes smoothly:

• Get prior approval. It’s a requirement, so make an appointment with the Transportation Office ahead of time. Without prior approval, you risk not being reimbursed.
• Supply the Transportation Office with proper paperwork. You will need four copies of your PCS orders, and complete DD Form 2278 (application for DITY Move).
• Begin getting moving quotes. Get moving quotes from companies that specialize in military moving—verify that they can guarantee full and empty weight tickets, and make sure to ask about a military moving discount. 
• Reserve your military move. Double check your Bill of Lading or contract to make certain full and empty weight tickets are included. 
• Visit the dispersing office. Pick up your advance operating allowance.
• Submit a settlement claim. Once you take delivery of your shipment at destination, your claim should be submitted to the inbound Transportation Office within 45 days of your move. Necessary documents include:
  Copy of PCS orders
  Original DD Form 2278
  All receipts for moving expenses (attach to DITY move certification)
  Statement of expenses actually incurred
  Voucher for advance operating allowance
  U-Pack Bill of Lading
  Certified empty & loaded weight tickets
  Original DD Form 1351-D (travel voucher) with address, dates and service member's signature
• Receive Reimbursement. Your military moving payment should be received within 30 days of submitting paperwork to the TMO. Incentive is equal to 95% of what it would have cost the government to move the property, and final reimbursement is based on the actual weight moved (which is why weight tickets are a requirement).
• Keep everything. Make sure to keep all receipts and copies of all documents for tax purposes.
  

If you have questions about specific military moving requirements and reimbursement procedures, the best resource is the Transportation Office at your outbound base.  For questions about U-Pack's military moving services, please call 800-413-4799. Make sure to mention that it's a military move and we'll add weight tickets along with your military moving discount.