PCS Movers in Near Stearns Wharf, CA

1. Government Bill of Lading (GBL / HHG)

The government contracts a Transportation Service Provider (TSP) and pays them directly. You choose from a list of approved carriers through the Defense Personal Property System (DPS). The government covers the full cost up to your weight allowance.

Pros: No out-of-pocket cost. The TSP handles packing, loading, transport, and delivery. Full-service from start to finish.

Cons: Less control over timing. You cannot choose a specific mover outside the approved list. Damage claims go through the military claims process, which can be slow.

3. Partial PPM (Combination Move)

The government ships the bulk of your household goods via GBL, and you move some items yourself for PPM reimbursement. This is common when service members want to transport valuables, firearms, or time-sensitive items personally.

How it works: Your TMO/PPO sets up the GBL for the main shipment. You separately weigh and move items on your own, then submit weight tickets for PPM reimbursement on that portion. Both moves must be authorized on your orders.

The Weight Ticket Process

You need two certified scale tickets:

• Empty weight: Weigh your vehicle or rental truck before loading anything. Go to a certified CAT scale (truck stops have them).
• Full weight: Weigh the same vehicle after loading all your household goods.
• Net weight: Full weight minus empty weight = the weight the government reimburses you for.

What to Submit

• Certified weight tickets (empty and full)
• DD Form 2278 (Move-In Housing Allowance)
• Copies of your PCS orders
• Receipts for rental truck, fuel, tolls, packing materials
• Contract with any hired movers (if applicable)

Submit everything to your destination TMO/PPO. Reimbursement typically processes within 2 to 4 weeks.

The DPS Claims Process

• At delivery: Inspect every item. Note ALL damage on the delivery inventory sheet. Be specific | "scratched dresser top" not just "damaged."
• Within 75 days: File your claim in DPS. Upload photos of damage, the marked-up inventory, and repair/replacement estimates.
• TSP response (60 days): The TSP has 60 days to investigate and offer a settlement.
• If unsatisfied: You can transfer the claim to the military claims office for further review. They can negotiate or pay the claim from government funds and seek reimbursement from the TSP.

Not weighing the truck (PPM)

Without certified weight tickets, you cannot get reimbursed. Period. Weigh empty before loading. Weigh full after loading. Use a CAT scale at any truck stop. No weight tickets = no reimbursement.

Exceeding your weight allowance

If your shipment exceeds your authorized weight, you pay the overage at the carrier's rate. For a long-distance move, overages can cost $0.50 to $1.00+ per pound. An E-5 without dependents who ships 9,500 lbs instead of 8,000 pays for the extra 1,500 lbs out of pocket. Weigh carefully and purge before the move.

Not documenting damage at delivery

If you sign the delivery inventory without noting damage, your claim is significantly weakened. Inspect every item as it comes off the truck. Write specific damage descriptions on the inventory sheet. Do not let the driver rush you through the process.

Waiting too long to file claims

You have 75 days from delivery to file in DPS. After that, your claim is barred. Set a reminder. File early even if you're still discovering damage | you can amend the claim.

Not visiting TMO/PPO early enough

During peak PCS season (May to September), TSP availability is limited. If you wait too long to set up your move, you may not get your preferred dates. Start the process as soon as you receive orders | ideally 6 to 8 weeks before your desired move date.

Mixing PPM and GBL items

For a partial PPM, keep your PPM shipment completely separate from the GBL shipment. Do not load PPM items on the TSP's truck. The weight tickets for your PPM must reflect only what you personally moved.