If you’re in the military or work for the government, you’ve probably heard the buzz about recent PCS move news. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth just shook things up in a big way, and it’s putting more money in your pocket if you handle your own move.

The changes came after years of frustration with the Global Household Goods Contract (GHC). Military families have dealt with damaged belongings, delayed shipments, and moving companies that simply didn’t show up. Now, there’s a silver lining that could make your next relocation much smoother—and more profitable.

The Big Change You Need to Know About

Starting May 15, 2025, through September 30, 2025, the government increased military PPM reimbursements from 100% to 130% of current GHC rates. That’s a 30% boost in what you’ll get back when you arrange your own move. This isn’t just pocket change—for a typical military family moving across the country, we’re talking thousands of extra dollars.

Pete Hegseth made this decision after acknowledging what moving companies have been saying for years: the rates offered through HomeSafe Alliance were simply too low. Moving companies couldn’t make ends meet, which led to fewer companies willing to handle military moves. The result? A system that was failing the very people it was meant to serve.

You might wonder why this matters if you’re not planning a move right now. Here’s the thing—peak moving season runs from May through September, and if you’re getting orders soon, you’ll want to pay attention to these reimbursement news updates. The increased rate means you can actually come out ahead financially by managing your own relocation, something that wasn’t always the case before.

Why More Families Are Choosing PPM

The problems with the current system run deep. Through the first quarter of 2025, only about 25% of domestic moves were handled under the new GHC contract. Even worse, 1,600 of those moves had to be turned back to the old system because HomeSafe couldn’t find moving companies to handle them. The Army actually stopped booking new moves under the contract altogether, telling bases to revert to the legacy system “until further notice.”

When you choose a personally procured move, you’re taking control. You pick the moving company, you set the schedule, and now you get paid 130% of what the government would have spent anyway. It’s no wonder more service members are going this route—especially when the alternative might mean waiting weeks for a mover who may or may not show up.

The math is pretty straightforward. If the government would have paid $10,000 for your move through HomeSafe, you’ll now get $13,000 to handle it yourself. Find a quality mover for $9,000, and you’ve just pocketed $4,000. That extra money can cover temporary lodging, help with deposits at your new place, or simply cushion the financial stress that comes with any major relocation.

Finding the Right Mover Just Got Easier

This is where technology steps in to solve a real problem. While the increased reimbursement rate is great, finding a trustworthy moving company on your own can feel overwhelming. You’re scrolling through endless reviews, making dozens of phone calls, and still wondering if you’re making the right choice.

Agoyu changes that entire process. Instead of spending hours researching movers, you can use AI to scan your belongings and get instant quotes from pre-vetted moving companies in your area. Every mover on the platform has been personally verified, so you don’t have to worry about fly-by-night operations or companies that will hold your belongings hostage for extra fees.

The timing couldn’t be better. With more military families choosing PPM moves thanks to the increased reimbursement rates, having a tool that simplifies the process makes all the difference. You upload photos of what needs to be moved, and within minutes, you’re comparing quotes from legitimate companies. No more wondering if that suspiciously cheap quote is too good to be true.

What This Means for Your Next Move

Pete Hegseth’s memo didn’t just increase reimbursement rates. It acknowledged something military families have known for years—the system was broken. By offering market-rate compensation for personally procured moves, the Defense Department is essentially admitting that you might be better off handling things yourself.

The PCS move news also included other changes, like reviewing rates for the tender system and creating a new task force to address ongoing issues. These are positive steps, though they’ll take time to implement. In the meantime, that 130% reimbursement rate gives you an immediate option that puts you in control.

For families stationed overseas or moving to Hawaii, the situation is even more complex. International moves have always been trickier, and the current system hasn’t made them any easier. With the increased military PPM rates, you might find it worthwhile to coordinate with specialized international movers who understand the unique requirements of overseas military relocations.

Making Your PPM Work for You

Success with a personally procured move comes down to planning and finding the right partners. Start early—as soon as you get orders, begin researching your options. Document everything, from weight tickets to receipts, because you’ll need them for reimbursement. And most importantly, work with reputable movers who understand military relocations.

This is exactly why platforms like Agoyu exist. When you’re juggling work responsibilities, family needs, and an upcoming move, the last thing you want is to waste time vetting moving companies. Agoyu’s AI-powered system does that heavy lifting for you, connecting you with movers who have proven track records with military families. You get competitive quotes without the hassle, and you can focus on other aspects of your transition.

The reimbursement news represents a real opportunity, especially if you’re strategic about it. By choosing your own mover through a platform that ensures quality and competitive pricing, you can maximize that 130% reimbursement while minimizing stress. It’s a win-win that wasn’t possible under the old system.

Looking Ahead

These changes are temporary, running through September 30, 2025. What happens after that remains to be seen, though the pressure is clearly on the Defense Department to find a permanent solution. The fact that they’ve already replaced the senior official overseeing the program and created a special task force suggests more changes are coming.

For now, if you’re facing a PCS move in the coming months, you’ve got an unprecedented opportunity. The increased reimbursement rate, combined with tools like Agoyu that simplify finding quality movers, means you can take control of your relocation while actually coming out ahead financially. After years of struggling with a broken system, military families finally have options that work in their favor.

Your next move doesn’t have to be a nightmare of delays and damaged goods. With the right approach and the right tools, it can be smooth, profitable, and stress-free. That’s something every military family deserves.