PCS weight allowance by rank (2026 HHG weight limits)
Quick answer: your household goods (HHG) weight allowance for a PCS depends on your pay grade and whether you have dependents. It ranges from 5,000 lb (E-1 to E-3 without dependents) to 18,000 lb (O-6 and above). The table below matches the Navy's official household goods office (NAVSUP), which publishes the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) allowances. Pro-gear is extra: up to 2,000 lb for you and 500 lb for your spouse.
Weight allowance lookup
Prior-enlisted officers (O-1E to O-3E), cadets and civilians: confirm your allowance with your transportation office; special rules can apply. Your orders and your transportation office have the final word.
PCS weight allowance table (pounds)
| Pay grade | With dependents | Without dependents | TDY weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| O-6 to O-10 | 18,000 | 18,000 | 800–1,000 |
| O-5 / W-5 | 17,500 | 16,000 | 800 |
| O-4 / W-4 | 17,000 | 14,000 | 800 |
| O-3 / W-3 | 14,500 | 13,000 | 600 |
| O-2 / W-2 | 13,500 | 12,500 | 600 |
| O-1 / W-1 | 12,000 | 10,000 | 600 |
| E-9 | 15,000 | 13,000 | 600 |
| E-8 | 14,000 | 12,000 | 500 |
| E-7 | 13,000 | 11,000 | 400 |
| E-6 | 11,000 | 8,000 | 400 |
| E-5 | 9,000 | 7,000 | 400 |
| E-4 | 8,000 | 7,000 | 400 |
| E-1 to E-3 | 8,000 | 5,000 | 250 |
| Aviation cadet | 8,000 | 7,000 | — |
Source: NAVSUP Household Goods, "Authorized Weight Allowance," which cites the JTR. Service academy cadets and midshipmen: 350 lb. The TDY column is NAVSUP's listed TDY weight allowance.
Rules that trip people up
- No orders, no move. NAVSUP warns that if you move before orders are issued, you won't be reimbursed (JTR par. 010206).
- Over your weight = you pay. Military OneSource says any cost to move weight above your allowance is charged to you after delivery.
- Your rank on the orders counts. Military OneSource says the rank specified on your orders sets your allowance.
- Pro-gear is extra but must be declared. Military OneSource: up to 2,000 lb of professional books, papers and equipment for the member and up to 500 lb for a spouse (now including homeschooling materials). Declare it so it's weighed separately.
- Vehicles and toys count. Motorcycles, utility trailers, spare POV parts and ATVs shipped as HHG count against your allowance (Military OneSource).
- Need an estimate? Military OneSource and NAVSUP both link a weight estimator tool.
Doing it yourself?
For a PPM (formerly DITY), your payment is based on your actual weight, but only up to this allowance. See the PPM (DITY) move calculator.
Related: 2026 military pay chart and calculator · BAS 2026 rates · 2026 BAH calculator · Sell-back leave calculator · PPM (DITY) move calculator · PCS weight allowance by rank · How to read your LES · Separation pay calculator · Military pay dates 2026/2027 · Terminal leave calculator · Leave accrual and the 60-day cap · Per diem rates FY 2027
- NAVSUP Household Goods: Authorized Weight Allowance
- DTMO: Joint Travel Regulations (JTR), Chapter 5
- Military OneSource: Understand your military PCS entitlements
- Military Personal Property Program (PPA): Personally Procured Moves
Last checked Oct 15, 2026. Rates and rules change; the official source wins. Estimates only, not financial or tax advice. Move questions: your installation transportation (personal property) office, or the DoW PPA call center at 833-645-6683. In crisis? Dial 988, then press 1.