Household goods shipments for the U.S. Army in Hawaii are managed by the Defense Personal Property Program (DPPM), which uses the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC) and the Transportation Operational Personal Property System (TOPS). If you are PCSing to or from Hawaii, your household goods are moved by commercial movers under a government contract, and you must schedule your shipment through the Move.mil portal or your local Transportation Office (TMO).
How Army Household Goods Shipments Work in Hawaii
When you receive PCS orders to or from Hawaii, your first step is to create a profile in Move.mil and request a counseling appointment with your local TMO. The TMO will explain your entitlements, help you choose a moving company, and book your shipment dates. For Hawaii, the process is unique because of the ocean transit time—typically 2 to 4 weeks from the West Coast—and the need to coordinate with a receiving agent on the island.
The Army uses a “personally procured move” (PPM) option, formerly called a DITY move, where you move your own goods and get reimbursed. However, for most soldiers, the government will arrange a full-service move: a moving company packs, crates, and loads your items into a container, which is then trucked to a port, loaded onto a ship, and delivered to your new Hawaii address. You will receive a “TSP” (Transportation Service Provider) assignment, and you can track your shipment status in Move.mil.
Weight Allowances and What the Army Pays For
Your weight allowance depends on your rank and whether you have dependents. For example, an E-5 with dependents is allowed 9,000 pounds, while an O-4 with dependents is allowed 14,000 pounds. These limits are set by the Joint Federal Travel Regulations (JFTR). The Army pays for the shipment up to your allowance; if you exceed it, you pay the excess charges at a per-hundredweight rate.
In addition to the main shipment, you are entitled to a “non-temporary storage” (NTS) period of up to 90 days if you cannot move directly into your Hawaii home. You also get a “temporary storage” allowance for up to 90 days while waiting for housing. For Hawaii, many soldiers use NTS because they arrive before their household goods or need to secure a rental first.
Shipping a Car or POV to Hawaii
The Army will ship one privately owned vehicle (POV) to or from Hawaii at government expense, but it is not part of your household goods weight allowance. You must deliver your car to a designated vehicle processing center (VPC) on the mainland, and it will be shipped by ocean carrier. The process takes about 3 to 4 weeks, and you will receive a claim check to pick it up in Hawaii.
Be aware that Hawaii has strict agricultural inspection requirements. Your car must be clean—no soil, plant material, or insects—or it may be delayed or rejected. The VPC will inspect and, if necessary, clean the vehicle before it is loaded. You should also carry a copy of your PCS orders and the vehicle’s title or registration.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
The most frequent issue with Hawaii shipments is delay. Ocean transit is weather-dependent, and port congestion in Honolulu can add days. Another common problem is damage from moisture or salt air, especially for items stored in a container for weeks. To reduce risk:
- Use the government-provided “high-value” inventory list and photograph expensive items before pickup.
- Do not pack liquids, aerosols, or flammable items—they are prohibited and will be removed.
- Make sure your TMO knows if you have a piano, safe, or other heavy item that needs special crating.
- Keep all documents from the moving company, including the inventory sheet, and note any damage at delivery.
If your shipment is delayed, contact your TSP first, then your local TMO. The Army has a “quality assurance” program, and you can file a claim for loss or damage through the moving company or the government’s claims portal, usually within 9 months of delivery.
Costs You Might Pay Out of Pocket
While the Army covers the base move, you may face out-of-pocket costs. These include:
- Excess weight charges if you go over your allowance.
- Shipping a second POV, which is not covered.
- Storage beyond your 90-day NTS entitlement.
- Packing materials if you do a partial PPM (you pack some boxes yourself).
- Destination charges like elevator fees or long-carry fees if the moving company has to walk more than 75 feet from the truck to your door—though these are often reimbursable if you get prior approval.
For a PPM, you are reimbursed at a rate per pound (currently around $1.00 to $1.50 per pound, depending on the rate set by the military), but you must pay for the moving truck, fuel, and any packing supplies upfront. You also get a “personal travel” allowance for mileage and lodging during the drive, but that is separate from the household goods shipment.
Choosing a Moving Company (TSP)
You do not choose the moving company directly; the Defense Personal Property System assigns one based on your requested pickup and delivery dates. However, you can influence the choice by entering your preferred dates early and by selecting “door-to-door” service if you want the TSP to handle everything. Some soldiers prefer to use a “port-to-port” option, where they deliver goods to the port themselves, but that is rare for Hawaii.
You can also request a “full replacement value” protection, which is automatically included for all shipments. This means the TSP is liable for the full replacement cost of any lost or damaged item, not just a depreciated value. You should still document your items with photos and keep receipts for expensive purchases.
Alternatives: PPM (DITY) and Partial PPM
A Personally Procured Move (PPM) is a real alternative for Hawaii, but it is more complex than a mainland move because you must get your goods to a port and arrange ocean freight yourself. You can either drive a rental truck to the port and load it into a shipping container, or you can hire a commercial mover to pack and load, then you pay for the ocean freight and file for reimbursement. The reimbursement is based on the weight you move, and you keep the difference between the government’s cost and your actual cost—this can be profitable if you move light.
Many soldiers choose a partial PPM: they ship the bulk of their goods with the government TSP, but move high-value or essential items themselves (like electronics or documents) in their car or by air freight. This avoids the risk of loss and gives you immediate access to your necessities upon arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to ship household goods from the mainland to Hawaii?
Typically 2 to 4 weeks from the port of loading to Honolulu, plus 1 to 2 weeks for pickup and delivery on each end. The total door-to-door time is usually 4 to 6 weeks. You should plan to live without your household goods for at least a month.
Can I ship my household goods to Hawaii myself and get reimbursed?
Yes, that is a PPM. You must weigh your shipment, keep all receipts, and file a claim through Move.mil. You will be reimbursed up to the government’s constructive cost for that weight, but you are responsible for arranging the ocean freight, which can cost $1,500 to $3,000 for a container.
What items are prohibited in an Army household goods shipment to Hawaii?
Prohibited items include flammable liquids, ammunition, explosives, perishable food, plants, soil, and any item that could attract pests. Hawaii’s agricultural laws are strict, so the moving company will inspect and may reject any item that looks like it contains organic material.
What happens if my shipment arrives damaged in Hawaii?
You must note the damage on the delivery receipt and file a claim with the TSP within 9 months. The government’s full replacement value protection covers the cost to repair or replace the item. Take photos of the damage and keep the original packing materials if possible.
Can I store my household goods in Hawaii while I wait for housing?
Yes, you are entitled to 90 days of non-temporary storage (NTS) at government expense. If you need more time, you can pay for additional storage out of pocket. Many soldiers use NTS while they look for a rental or wait for on-base housing.
Do I need to be present when the movers pack and load my goods?
Yes, you or your designated representative must be present for the inventory and loading. You will sign the inventory sheet, and you should walk through the house with the movers to ensure they pack everything you intended. You are not required to be present at delivery, but it is strongly recommended to inspect for damage.
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