Shipping a portion of your goods through a small package carrier — USPS, FedEx, or UPS — is an official PPM option, though it's a narrow one. It's not a way to move a household; it's a way to move a handful of boxes without renting anything or asking a mover to handle them.
Where this actually makes sense: a few boxes of books, electronics, or documents you'd rather not trust to a shared truck or trailer; a small last-minute overflow that didn't fit your primary move option; or items you want tracked and insured individually rather than lumped in with everything else.
Check it yourself
Small-package PPM rules are set by your TO and service. Rules, prices, and instructions change and differ by service, installation, and provider — open the sources below, confirm the current details for yourself, and get your move's specifics from your transportation office in writing.
Helpful Hints
- Pack dense and pack light. Carriers price by weight and dimensions, so this option gets expensive fast for bulky, low-value items — it works best for small, heavy, or fragile things (books, tools, electronics) rather than bulky ones (linens, pillows).
- Use real packing materials, not just what's in the garage. A box that survives being hand-carried to a truck doesn't necessarily survive a carrier's automated sorting belts. Double-box anything fragile and use plenty of cushioning.
- Buy tracking and insurance on anything that matters. Unlike goods in your own truck or trailer, once a package leaves your hands it's out of your control until it's delivered.
- Talk to your TO before you ship anything if you intend to seek payment for it. Military OneSource says you must first visit your TO for a cost estimate and complete an application; to be reimbursed you'll need receipts and customs forms for each package showing the mailing date, origin, destination, contents, weight, and total shipping charges.
Other PPM/DITY options: