"Certified weight tickets, base clearance, and high-value items logged. Smoothest PCS yet."
SSgt. Harris - Army
Military PCS
DoD-certified movers handling PCS shipments and government freight to Puerto Rico.
Letts Moving is trained on HHG, UB, NTS and special-item workflows. We provide scale tickets, inventories, counseling coordination and bilingual delivery support across the island.
From Fort Hood and Norfolk to Ramey and Fort Buchanan, our crews know the paperwork and the neighborhoods.
- Background-checked crews familiar with base access and escorts.
- Certified weight tickets, inventories and signature-ready forms.
- Secure storage-in-transit on the mainland and in Puerto Rico.
- Vehicle shipping, motorcycle crating and POV handling.
Pickup lead time
5 days
CONUS bases
Weight tickets
Certified
Inbound/outbound
Transit
9-12 days
Door to door
Recent reviews
Military PCS crews you can rely on
Weight tickets, base access, and customs cleared by DoD-experienced teams.
"Navy HHGs plus a motorcycle arrived sealed and documented. They hit our command deadlines."
Lt. Commander P. - Navy
"They knew HHG regs cold, staged our POV, and had a bilingual crew at destination. Zero discrepancies."
Capt. Morales - USMC
"Coordinated origin inspection, crated our safe, and kept chain of custody through customs."
TSgt. Kim - Air Force
Understanding DoD Weight Allowances and Weight Ticket Requirements for Puerto Rico PCS Moves
Weight Allowances by Rank
Military PCS moves to Puerto Rico operate under strict DoD regulations that determine reimbursement and entitlements. Service members receive weight allowances based on rank and dependency status:
| Rank | Without Dependents | With Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 to E-5 | 7,000 lbs | 9,000 lbs |
| E-6 to E-9 | 11,000 lbs | 13,000 lbs |
| O-1 to O-3 | 10,500 lbs | 12,500 lbs |
| O-4 to O-6 | 12,500 lbs | 14,000 lbs |
Unlike civilian moves, exceeding weight allowances means paying overages out of pocket. Professional military movers provide pre-move surveys to help families stay within entitlements.
Certified Weight Ticket Requirements
DoD requires specific documentation that amateur movers often miss:
- Empty truck weight from DoD-approved scales
- Loaded truck weight with proper certification
- Net weight calculations matching DPS requirements
- Proper formatting and timing for TMO acceptance
- Digital uploads to Defense Personal Property System
Puerto Rico: Overseas vs. Domestic Status
Though Puerto Rico is U.S. territory, moves qualify as "overseas" under certain regulations:
- Vehicle shipping: Often limited to one POV instead of two
- Unaccompanied baggage: Different weight limits apply
- Temporary lodging: TLA instead of TLE in some cases
- Cost implications: Second vehicle shipping can cost $2,000+ out of pocket
Base Access and Security Clearance
Fort Buchanan and other installations require strict protocols. DoD-certified movers ensure:
- Background-checked crews with valid credentials
- Advance crew lists submitted to security offices
- Proper insurance and documentation at gates
- Coordination with installation transportation offices
High-Value Inventory Standards
Military moves require detailed documentation for claims protection. Professional movers provide:
- Photographic evidence of high-value items ($100+ per pound)
- Condition annotations for pre-existing damage
- Serialized barcoded tracking throughout journey
- Timestamped reports at each transfer point
- Claim-ready documentation for MCO filing
PCS workflow
Compliance-first process from pre-move survey to Puerto Rico delivery
We inspect quarters, confirm entitlements, schedule pack/linehaul days, capture empty and full weights, and sync your counselor on portal updates. Our port captains pre-file customs and agriculture documents before containers hit San Juan.
On-island crews deliver, unpack, remove debris and assist with temporary lodging deliveries if housing isn't ready.
Pre-move surveys
Virtual or in-person surveys capture weights, special items and crate counts.
Packing & crating
DoD-compliant materials, barcoded cartons and digital inventory uploads.
Weight tickets & SIT
Certified scales and storage-in-transit when reporting dates change.
Island delivery
Fort Buchanan, San Juan metro, Ramey, Ceiba and custom routes with bilingual crews.
Business offer
Call the PCS desk
We'll review your orders, entitlements and reporting dates, then assign a single-point coordinator.
- Orders review
- Same day
- Counselor updates
- Automatic
- SIT options
- Mainland + PR
- Vehicle slots
- Available
Storage-in-Transit Solutions and Puerto Rico Base Housing Waitlist Strategies
Understanding Storage-in-Transit (SIT) Entitlements
DoD authorizes up to 90 days of temporary storage when housing isn't ready. Here's how SIT works:
Origin SIT
Storage at mainland facility before ocean shipment when timing doesn't align
Destination SIT
Storage in Puerto Rico after arrival while awaiting base housing or rental availability
Professional military movers coordinate SIT authorization with TMO counselors and plan partial deliveries—essentials ship immediately while bulk goods stay stored.
Fort Buchanan Housing Wait Times
Base housing demand exceeds supply during peak PCS season. Common scenarios include:
- 2-4 week wait for temporary lodging facilities
- 1-3 month waitlist for on-base family housing
- Limited TLF space for household goods storage
- Need for commercial storage after 90-day SIT expires
SIT vs. NTS: Key Differences
| Feature | Storage-in-Transit (SIT) | Non-Temporary Storage (NTS) |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Up to 90 days | Years (with authorization) |
| Authorization | Standard with PCS orders | Requires TMO approval |
| Best for | Short housing delays | Extended waitlists, follow-on orders |
| Cost | Government-covered | Government-covered with approval |
Strategic Split Shipment Options
Smart families use three-tier delivery to balance costs and access to essentials:
1
Express Unaccompanied Baggage (UB)
500-1,000 lbs via air freight: clothing, kitchen basics, children's items. Arrives in 3-7 days.
2
Priority Ocean Freight
Small furniture, electronics, beds for temporary lodging. Arrives in 2-3 weeks.
3
Bulk Household Goods in SIT
Large furniture, seasonal items, non-essentials stay in mainland storage until housing ready.
DITY/PPM: Puerto Rico Considerations
Personally Procured Moves work differently for island assignments:
- Challenge: Can't "drive it yourself" due to ocean freight requirement
- Potential savings: 10-30% if you pack and coordinate freight yourself
- Risk factors: Claims complexity, customs documentation, port delays
- Hybrid option: Self-pack + professional ocean freight reduces cost and risk
Filing Claims for Loss or Damage
Military moves use Military Claims Office (MCO) process, not standard insurance:
- File DD Form 1840/1840R within 9 months of delivery
- Requires detailed inventory and photographic evidence
- Higher claim rates for multi-leg ocean shipments
- Professional movers provide claim-ready documentation automatically
Trust & recognition
Certified crews, accredited service
Verified partners backing our mainland-to-Puerto Rico moves.
Slot
Slot
Slot
Slot
What we deliver
Military & government services
HHG & UB packing
Skid packs, tri-wall cartons, export wrapping and crate fabrication.
Weight tickets & paperwork
Certified scales, DD forms, inventories and counselor uploads.
Storage-in-transit
Mainland and island storage with barcode tracking and quick release.
POV/boat handling
Vehicle storage yards, motorcycle crates and boat transport coordination.
Temporary lodging support
Partial deliveries, loaner kits and redelivery when quarters open.
Family services
Kid/ pet-friendly crews, evening calls with spouses and WhatsApp updates.
Military Family Support: Spouse Employment, Schools, and Relocation Logistics
Spouse Employment Resources
Puerto Rico's job market differs significantly from stateside assignments. Key considerations:
- Bilingual requirement: Most professional positions require Spanish fluency
- Remote work challenges: Mainland employers may have tax concerns about PR territory status
- Licensing: Professional licenses from 50 states often don't include Puerto Rico reciprocity
Best Opportunities for Military Spouses
Federal GS Positions
Jobs at Fort Buchanan or federal agencies
DoDEA Schools
Teaching and administrative roles
Remote Mainland Work
Companies with existing PR employees
School Options for Military Children
Education planning is critical before arrival. Compare your options:
| Option | Language | Cost | Waitlist |
|---|---|---|---|
| DoDEA Schools | English | Free | Possible for some grades |
| PR Public Schools | Spanish | Free | Open enrollment |
| Private Bilingual | English/Spanish | $5,000-$12,000/year | Varies by school |
| Homeschool | English | Curriculum costs | None |
TLA vs. TLE: Which Allowance Applies?
Puerto Rico's territory status creates allowance confusion:
TLE (Temporary Lodging Expense)
Domestic assignments
- • Up to 10 days typical
- • Lower reimbursement rates
- • Fewer receipt requirements
TLA (Temporary Lodging Allowance)
Overseas assignments
- • Up to 60 days possible
- • Higher reimbursement rates
- • Strict receipt requirements
Check your PCS orders carefully—Puerto Rico can fall under either category depending on assignment type.
Vehicle and POV Shipping Coordination
Military families often need to ship multiple vehicles with different authorization levels:
- Government-authorized POV: Usually one vehicle (sometimes two)
- Privately shipped vehicles: Motorcycles, second cars ($1,500-$2,500 each)
- Leased vehicles: Requires dealer coordination and special arrangements
- Specialty vehicles: Lifted trucks, modified cars may need custom crating
- PR registration: Mainland modifications may not meet island inspection standards
Pet Relocation Requirements
Puerto Rico has specific veterinary documentation requirements for pets:
✓
Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
✓
Current rabies vaccination (dogs, cats, ferrets)
✓
Import permit from PR Department of Agriculture
✓
Airline-approved crate for cargo shipment
Short Tour Planning (2-3 Years)
Puerto Rico assignments are often shorter than typical 4-year tours. Strategic families:
Ship to Puerto Rico
- ✓ Essential furniture and electronics
- ✓ Children's belongings and toys
- ✓ Kitchen and everyday items
- ✓ Items you'll need for 2-3 years
Store Stateside (NTS)
- ✓ Bulky furniture for future larger home
- ✓ Seasonal items (winter clothes, ski gear)
- ✓ Collectibles and fragile valuables
- ✓ Items not worth ocean freight risk
Why service members trust Letts
We respect your orders, timelines and families
PCS moves are stressful enough. We keep communication tight and documentation flawless so reimbursements and claims stay on track.
- Dedicated PCS coordinator available by text, phone and email.
- Portal with weight tickets, inventories and milestone timelines.
- Flexible pack/ship dates when orders change last minute.
- Arrival coordination with housing, TMO and unit leadership.
Upcoming deliveries
- Fort Buchanan quartersTue
- Ramey AFB housingWed
- San Juan temporary lodgingThu
Share your gaining unit and reporting date; we'll align crews and delivery windows.
FAQ
Military moving questions
Do you work through DPS?
Yes. We coordinate with your TSP/TMO, upload paperwork to DPS, and share access if you self-procure (PPM).
Can you support PPM or DITY moves?
Absolutely. We provide invoices, weight tickets and documentation required for reimbursement.
What if reports dates change?
Storage-in-transit on the mainland or in Puerto Rico keeps your shipment secure until quarters open.
Do you help spouses while members are deployed?
Yes. We coordinate directly with spouses, share crew photos, and provide digital signatures when the service member is remote.