Trailer rental for your PCS move
Doing a Personally Procured Move (PPM)? The government pays you based on the weight you move. Every dollar you don't spend on the move is yours to keep. Renting a trailer from a local owner near your base is often the cheapest way to haul your household goods.
Find a trailer near your baseHow a PPM works, in plain terms
- 1
Get your PCS orders first. Don't rent or buy anything for the move until you have them.
- 2
Talk to your transportation office. They'll confirm your weight allowance and your estimated incentive.
- 3
Weigh your vehicle and trailer empty, then full, at a certified scale. Keep both weight tickets.
- 4
Move your goods.
- 5
Submit your claim with your orders, weight tickets and rental receipts.
Your payment is based on the weight you move, not on what you spent. Trailer rental is an authorized operating expense, which can lower the taxable part of your payment. Ask your transportation office for the details that apply to you.
Which trailers work for a PPM
| Trailer type | Good for | PPM operating expense? |
|---|---|---|
| Enclosed cargo trailer | Furniture, boxes, anything that needs weather protection | Yes |
| Utility trailer | Appliances, yard equipment, bulky items | Yes |
| Dump trailer | Clearing out before you move | Only for household goods, check with your office |
| Car hauler | Moving a vehicle | No. Auto transport is not an eligible expense |
Why rent from a neighbor
Pick up near base. Owners list trailers in towns around most major installations.
Often cheaper than the big chains. Owners set their own prices, so you can compare.
Pick the exact size you need. From small utility trailers to large enclosed cargo trailers.
Book online. Reserve, pay and message the owner in one place.
What to keep for your claim
- Your PCS orders
- Empty and full weight tickets (note "vehicle with trailer" on each)
- Your Neighbors Trailer booking receipt (in your account under Bookings)
- Receipts for boxes, tape, fuel and other moving supplies
Before you book
- You need a tow vehicle with the right hitch and enough towing capacity. Each listing shows the hitch and weight.
- Renters must be 21 or older and pass ID verification.
- Protection fees aren't a PPM expense. Insurance and protection costs are not eligible, so keep that receipt separate.
Common questions
Does the military pay for my trailer rental?
Not directly. You get an incentive based on the weight you move. Trailer rental is an authorized expense that can reduce the taxable part of that payment.
Can I rent a car hauler for my PPM?
You can rent one, but moving a vehicle isn't an eligible PPM expense.
Do I need weight tickets for a rented trailer?
Yes. Get certified empty and full tickets with the trailer hitched, and note it on each ticket.
Can I get money up front?
Many service members can request an advance on their incentive. Ask your transportation office if you qualify.
Questions about a booking?
Email service@neighborstrailer.com.