Military DITY moves can be a great option for service members, but they come with their own set of challenges. One crucial aspect of these moves is obtaining accurate weight tickets.
At Southbay Moving Systems, we’ve helped countless military families navigate the complexities of DITY moves. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of getting military DITY move weight tickets and share some tips to ensure a smooth relocation.
What Are Military DITY Moves?
The Basics of DITY Moves
Military DITY (Do-It-Yourself) moves, officially known as Personally Procured Moves (PPM), offer service members an alternative to government-contracted movers. This option puts you in charge of your relocation process. You pack, transport, and unpack your belongings. The government then reimburses you based on up to 100% of their estimated moving costs.
Financial Advantages of DITY Moves
DITY moves can provide a financial boost. If you move your belongings for less than the government’s estimate, you keep the difference. For instance, a government cost estimate of $5,000 and your actual moving expenses of $3,500 could result in $1,500 in your pocket (minus taxes).
The Importance of Weight Tickets
Weight tickets form the foundation of DITY moves. These official documents record the weight of your belongings and directly impact your reimbursement. Accurate weight tickets are non-negotiable; without them, you risk losing substantial compensation.
Planning Your DITY Move
Effective planning maximizes the benefits of a DITY move. Start with a weight estimate of your belongings. The Defense Personal Property System (DPS) provides a useful weight estimator tool. Next, explore your moving options. Will you rent a truck, use a moving container, or hire professional movers?
Weighing the Pros and Cons
While DITY moves offer potential benefits, they demand more effort from you. Consider your specific situation, timeline, and moving skills before deciding. If you’re uncertain, seek advice from experienced movers (like Southbay Moving Systems, if you’re in Central California).
As you plan your DITY move, obtaining accurate weight tickets becomes your next priority. Let’s explore how to secure these essential documents for your military relocation.
How to Secure Accurate Weight Tickets
Locating Certified Weight Stations
Your first task is to find certified weight stations. Military service members can use these resources to manage personal property during a PCS move: a weight estimator tool, moving guides, DPS and more. You can access this information on their website or through your local transportation office. Many truck stops, moving companies, and some recycling centers also offer certified weighing services.
Essential Information for Weight Tickets
Your weight tickets must include specific details to be valid for reimbursement. Each ticket should clearly state:
Timing Your Weigh-Ins
Timing plays a key role when you obtain weight tickets. You’ll need two separate weighings:
- Empty vehicle (tare weight): Weigh your vehicle before you load any household goods. Make sure your gas tank is full and include all the equipment you’ll use for moving (like dollies or moving blankets).
- Loaded vehicle (gross weight): After you load all your belongings, weigh your vehicle again. Try to maintain the same fuel level as during the empty weigh-in for consistency.
Military service members can learn about their PCS entitlements, including moving and weight allowances and guidelines on firearms, pets and more.
Multiple Vehicles and Trips
If you use multiple vehicles or make several trips, you’ll need separate weight tickets for each vehicle or trip. This detail is often overlooked but is essential for a comprehensive reimbursement.
Professional Assistance
For those who find the process daunting, professional moving companies (like Southbay Moving Systems for Central California residents) often provide certified weighing services. This can simplify the process and ensure accuracy.
The next step in your DITY move journey involves understanding common pitfalls to avoid. Let’s explore these potential issues to help you maximize your reimbursement potential.
Avoiding Weight Ticket Pitfalls
When it comes to DITY moves, there are several common mistakes that service members should be aware of. By understanding and avoiding these pitfalls, you can ensure a smoother process and maximize your reimbursement potential.
The Empty Vehicle Weigh-In
One of the most frequent mistakes in DITY moves is the failure to weigh your vehicle when it’s empty. This initial weigh-in provides the baseline for calculating the net weight of your belongings. Without it, you can’t prove the actual weight of your household goods, which may result in a reduced reimbursement.
Make the empty vehicle weigh-in your top priority. Complete this step before you load any items. Fill your gas tank and include any equipment you’ll use for moving (such as dollies or packing blankets). This approach ensures an accurate baseline for your calculations.
Preserving Original Documentation
Another critical error involves the loss of original weight tickets. The military requires original documents for reimbursement, not copies or digital versions. If you lose these tickets, you risk delayed or denied reimbursement.
Create a dedicated folder for all your DITY move paperwork (including weight tickets). Keep this folder with you throughout the move, not packed away with your belongings. You can take clear photos of the tickets as a backup, but these won’t replace the originals for official purposes.
Multiple Vehicles and Trips
If you use more than one vehicle or make multiple trips, you need separate weight tickets for each. Many first-time DITY movers overlook this requirement. The failure to obtain individual tickets can lead to an incomplete picture of your move’s total weight, potentially reducing your reimbursement.
Plan your move carefully. For multiple vehicles, weigh each one separately, both empty and full. For multiple trips, weigh your vehicle before and after each load. This process might seem time-consuming, but it’s essential for maximizing your reimbursement.
Inconsistent Fuel Levels
Inconsistent vehicle weighing can skew your results. To maximize accuracy, fill your vehicle’s fuel tank to the same level for both empty and full weighings. Take out all unnecessary items from your vehicle before weighing.
Try to maintain consistent fuel levels for both weigh-ins. If possible, fill up your tank before each weigh-in. This consistency ensures the most accurate weight calculation for your belongings.
Neglecting to Verify Scale Certification
Using an uncertified scale can invalidate your weight tickets. The military requires weights from certified scales for reimbursement purposes.
Always verify that the scale you’re using is certified. Most truck stops and professional moving companies use certified scales. If in doubt, ask to see the scale’s certification before weighing your vehicle. Military service members can use resources such as a weight estimator tool and moving guides to manage personal property during a PCS move.
Final Thoughts
Military DITY move weight tickets play a vital role in a successful and financially rewarding relocation. You must locate certified weight stations, gather necessary information, and time your weigh-ins strategically. Accurate documentation forms the foundation of a smooth reimbursement process, so keep your original weight tickets safe and weigh your vehicle when it’s empty.
Consistency in fuel levels and verifying scale certification will help you obtain reliable weight measurements. If you use multiple vehicles or make several trips, obtain separate weight tickets for each. Professional support can make your DITY move smoother and less stressful.
At Southbay Moving Systems, we specialize in military relocations and offer customized services for DITY moves. Our team can provide valuable assistance throughout your move (including weight ticket guidance). With proper planning and attention to detail, you’ll handle your military DITY move with confidence and potentially increase your reimbursement.
