A PCS to Joint Base San Antonio runs smoothest when you start the HHG and TMO process 90 to 120 days before your report date. JBSA handles roughly 4,500 household goods shipments during peak season alone, with May through August creating the tightest bottlenecks. Book your TMO counseling early in that window or expect pickup dates to slip by weeks.
Before You PCS to JBSA
- Orders first: You need amended orders showing your JBSA assignment (Fort Sam Houston, Lackland, or Randolph) before booking HHG pickup or scheduling TMO counseling.
- TMO counseling window: Schedule your Transportation Management Office counseling at least 90 days before your report date to secure a household goods pickup slot during peak season.
- Peak season bottleneck: May through August is peak PCS season at JBSA, with roughly 4,500 shipments competing for carriers. Book HHG pickup at least eight weeks out.
- Worth knowing: JBSA consolidates Fort Sam Houston, Lackland, and Randolph under one installation. Your TMO office and weight allowance depend on rank and which base your orders specify.
What You Need to Schedule Your HHG Shipment
- Required documents: Signed PCS orders, a completed DD Form 1299 (application for shipment), and a TMO counseling appointment. Schedule counseling through your gaining installation’s transportation office as soon as orders drop.
- Book early: Request your HHG pickup at least 8 weeks before your JBSA report date. Peak season (May through August) averages 4,500 shipments across the installation, and slots fill fast.
- Photo inventory: Photograph and list serial numbers for electronics, furniture, and high-value items before packers arrive. This documentation is critical if you need to file a damage claim through DPS.
- Bottom line: Service members who start TMO paperwork 90+ days before their report date see far fewer delays. Late filers during JBSA peak season wait an extra 2 to 4 weeks for pickup.
JBSA PCS Move Timeline
- Pre-move setup: Schedule TMO counseling within two weeks of receiving orders, then book a pre-move survey so packers can estimate your shipment weight.
- HHG pickup and transit: Packers load your household goods over one to three days. Transit to San Antonio from CONUS origins typically takes two to six weeks.
- Arrival and claims: Inspect every item at delivery and document damage on the inventory sheet. You have 75 days from delivery to file a loss or damage claim.
- Worth noting: JBSA processes roughly 4,500 HHG shipments during peak season (May through August). Booking your pickup window before April cuts average wait times nearly in half.
What a JBSA PCS Move Costs
- HHG weight overages: If your shipment exceeds your rank-based weight allowance, you pay roughly $4 to $9 per pound out of pocket for every pound over the limit.
- Out-of-pocket in transit: Temporary lodging, meals, and fuel between duty stations typically run $1,500 to $3,000 depending on distance and family size.
- Cutting excess weight: Decluttering before your pre-move survey drops shipped weight. Every 500 pounds removed can save $2,000 or more in overage fees.
- Break-even on PPM: A Personally Procured Move reimburses 100% of the government’s estimated HHG cost. For an E-6 with dependents moving cross-country to San Antonio, that payment typically falls between $8,000 and $12,000.
When should you schedule movers for a PCS?
Book your HHG shipment at least 90 days before your report date to JBSA. Peak season runs May through August, when the base handles roughly 4,500 shipments, so earlier booking gives you better pickup date options. Contact your local Transportation Office as soon as you receive orders.
How long does it take military movers to deliver?
HHG shipments through TMO typically take 8 to 12 weeks for delivery, though peak season (May through August) often pushes timelines longer. JBSA averages roughly 4,500 customer shipments during peak months, so filing your move request 90 to 120 days before your report date helps avoid delays.
Do military movers come on weekends?
TMO-contracted carriers occasionally schedule Saturday pickups and deliveries, but weekend slots fill fast, especially during JBSA’s peak season from May through August when the base handles roughly 4,500 shipments. Request weekend dates early in your scheduling window and confirm directly with your assigned carrier.
The Bottom Line Up Front
Start your JBSA PCS timeline 90 to 120 days before your report date, or risk losing your preferred HHG pickup window. Joint Base San Antonio processes roughly 4,500 household goods shipments during peak season (May through August), and TMO slots fill weeks in advance. Late starters often face compressed schedules, storage delays, and out-of-pocket costs that eat into your dislocation allowance.
JBSA’s TMO office coordinates moves across three installations: Fort Sam Houston, Lackland, and Randolph. Book a counseling appointment within 30 days of receiving orders. HHG weight allowances depend on rank and dependency status (an E-5 with dependents gets 11,000 pounds; an O-4 with dependents gets 14,000). During peak season, request your pickup date at least six weeks out. If no carrier is available, TMO can authorize a Personally Procured Move (PPM), which pays you 100% of the government’s cost estimate.
- Book TMO counseling within 30 days of receiving PCS orders to lock in your HHG pickup window.
- Peak season (May through August) accounts for roughly 4,500 JBSA shipments, so request dates six weeks early.
- HHG weight limits are rank-based: 11,000 pounds for an E-5 with dependents, scaling up from there.
- A Personally Procured Move pays 100% of the government’s cost estimate when no carrier slot is available.
- JBSA TMO serves Fort Sam Houston, Lackland, and Randolph from a single transportation management office.
Planning Your PCS Move to Joint Base San Antonio
Start your PCS timeline 90 to 120 days before your report date at Joint Base San Antonio. JBSA consolidates three installations (Fort Sam Houston, Lackland AFB, and Randolph AFB), and your assigned base affects which neighborhoods make sense for housing. Peak season runs May through August, when JBSA handles roughly 4,500 household goods shipments, so early planning prevents the delays that leave families without furniture for weeks.
Your Transportation Management Office appointment should happen as soon as you receive orders. JBSA’s Personal Property Processing Office handles HHG scheduling, and slots during peak season fill fast. Service members who book HHG pickup 8 to 10 weeks before their pack-out date typically get their preferred window. Weight allowances depend on rank and dependency status (an E-5 with dependents gets 9,000 pounds), so inventory your belongings early to avoid overage charges. A Personally Procured Move (PPM, formerly DITY) is worth considering if TMO timelines don’t align with your report date.
- 120 days out: Notify your current installation’s housing office, request copies of orders, and begin researching San Antonio neighborhoods near your assigned base
- 90 days out: Schedule your TMO counseling appointment and book your HHG pickup date, especially critical if PCSing between May and August
- 60 days out: Connect with a JBSA-area real estate agent, get pre-approved for your VA Loan if buying, and start virtual home tours to narrow your search area
- 45 days out: Arrange temporary lodging at JBSA (IHG Army Hotels at Fort Sam Houston or Lackland Inn) in case your household goods arrive late
- 30 days out: Confirm your HHG pack-out date with TMO, set up mail forwarding, and transfer school records if you have children
- 14 days out: Complete your pre-move inspection, inventory high-value items separately,
A family PCSing to Randolph AFB in June 2026 with a July 15 report date should have HHG booked by mid-April at the latest. Missing that window during peak season can push delivery 2 to 4 weeks past your arrival, which means living out of suitcases while competing with thousands of other Military families for the same moving resources.
ases while competing with thousands of other Military families for the same moving resources.
What Does the TMO Office Handle for You?
The Transportation Management Office at JBSA coordinates your entire household goods shipment, from scheduling pickup to filing damage claims after delivery. TMO operates out of all three JBSA installations, but most PCS counseling funnels through the Joint Personal Property Shipping Office (JPPSO) at Lackland. Your first appointment there sets the weight allowance, pickup date, and movement type for everything you own.
TMO counselors walk you through the two primary move options: a government-arranged HHG shipment (where the Military hires a carrier) or a Personally Procured Move (PPM, formerly DITY) where you move yourself and get reimbursed at 100% of what the government would have paid. At JBSA, many families combine both, shipping bulk HHG through TMO while driving a trailer of essentials. Your counselor can split the weight allowance across move types, which is worth asking about if your report date is tight and HHG pickup slots are backed up.
- Schedule and coordinate HHG pickup, transit, and delivery dates with the contracted carrier
- Set your authorized weight allowance based on rank and dependent status (an E-7 with dependents gets 13,000 lbs, for example)
- Process PPM paperwork and ensure you get the correct reimbursement rate for self-moves
- Arrange temporary storage (SIT) for up to 90 days if your new housing is not ready at arrival
- Handle Non-Temporary Storage (NTS) for items you want stored long-term, common for members heading to unaccompanied tours before or after JBSA
- File and track damage claims through the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) when items arrive broken or missing
Book your TMO counseling appointment as early as possible. During peak PCS season (May through August), JBSA’s JPPSO regularly books out three to four weeks for initial counseling slots, and HHG pickup windows can push six weeks beyond that. If you wait until 30 days before your report date, you may end up in temporary storage on both ends of the move, which adds stress and limits what you can access while house hunting.
When Should You Schedule Your HHG Pickup?
Schedule your HHG pickup through TMO as soon as you have orders in hand, ideally 8 to 10 weeks before your report date at JBSA. Peak PCS season (May through August) backs up TMO offices across every branch, and waiting even two weeks past receiving orders can push your pickup window into a range that forces you into temporary storage or a split shipment.
Your losing installation’s TMO handles the initial counseling appointment, which you need before anything moves. During that session, the counselor enters your shipment into the Defense Personal Property System (DPS), now transitioning to MilMove at most installations. Once your shipment is in the system, the Transportation Service Provider (TSP) assigned to your move contacts you with a pickup date. That date is not always negotiable, especially during summer. If you have a firm report date and a house closing lined up in San Antonio, getting into the queue early gives you the best shot at aligning everything.
| Timeline Before Report Date | Action | What Happens If You Miss It |
|---|---|---|
| T-90 to T-60 days | Receive orders, book TMO counseling appointment | Counseling slots fill up; you lose weeks waiting for an opening |
| T-60 to T-45 days | Complete counseling, shipment entered into DPS/MilMove | TSP assignment delayed, pickup date pushed later |
| T-45 to T-30 days | TSP contacts you with pickup date and pre-move survey | You may get a date that conflicts with your lease end or closing |
| T-30 to T-14 days | Confirm pickup date, begin packing high-value inventory | Last-minute changes risk your shipment going into NTS (storage) |
| T-14 to T-7 days | Pack-out and pickup | Missed pickup means rebooking, often 2+ week delay in summer |
Service members PCSing to JBSA during summer 2026 should treat T-60 as the hard deadline for completing TMO counseling, not the ideal target. If your losing base TMO is backed up (common at large installations like Fort Liberty or Joint Base Lewis-McChord), calling at T-90 is not too early. A two-week delay at the front end cascades into a compressed pack-out window that puts your household goods and your closing timeline at risk.
Typical Delivery Windows for Household Goods Shipments
Most CONUS household goods shipments to JBSA arrive within 14 business days for moves under 1,000 miles. Cross-country moves during peak PCS season (May through August) regularly stretch to 6 to 8 weeks. Your carrier assigns a Required Delivery Date (RDD) at pickup, and TMO uses that date to flag delays and escalate with the transportation service provider on your behalf.
Distance is the biggest factor, but shipment weight and peak-season volume also affect transit time. JBSA processes roughly 4,500 customer shipments during peak months, which means carriers serving the San Antonio corridor run near capacity from late May through July. If your pickup falls in that window, expect delivery closer to the upper end of the range. Off-peak moves (September through April) typically see faster transit and more flexible scheduling. The Military’s Global Household Goods Contract consolidated carriers under a single system in 2025, but delivery windows remain similar to previous years.
- Local and short-distance moves (under 500 miles): 5 to 7 business days from pickup to delivery
- Mid-range CONUS moves (500 to 1,500 miles): 10 to 14 business days, though peak season can push this to 3 weeks
- Cross-country CONUS moves (over 1,500 miles): 14 to 21 business days off-peak, 4 to 8 weeks during summer
- OCONUS shipments (Europe, Pacific, Alaska, Hawaii): 8 to 12 weeks door to door, with 4 to 6 weeks of ocean transit
- Unaccompanied baggage (UAB): 2 to 6 weeks, designed to arrive before your main HHG shipment with essentials you need immediately
If your shipment misses the RDD, contact TMO immediately to file an inconvenience claim. The Military reimburses reasonable costs for essential items (bedding, cookware, uniforms) purchased while you wait. Many families shipping from the East Coast or Pacific Northwest to JBSA see a 3 to 4 week gap between arrival and HHG delivery during summer. Ship unaccompanied baggage with two weeks of essentials to bridge that window.
Can Military Movers Pick Up on Weekends?
Most government-contracted moving companies operate Monday through Friday only, with pickup windows between 0800 and 1700. Saturday pickups are technically possible but depend on your carrier, the season, and whether TMO can negotiate a weekend slot. During peak PCS season at JBSA (May through August), weekend availability drops to near zero because crews are already running six- and seven-day weeks to clear the backlog.
Your best option for a weekend pickup is requesting it early in the scheduling process. When you visit TMO with your orders, specifically ask whether the assigned carrier offers Saturday service. Some carriers will accommodate a Saturday load-out for an additional scheduling window, but this is carrier-dependent and not guaranteed by the Military’s contract terms. If you are doing a Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY), you control your own timeline and can load any day you choose, including weekends.
| Move Type | Weekend Pickup Available? | How to Request | Likelihood During Peak Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full HHG (Government-Arranged) | Rare, carrier-dependent | Request through TMO at scheduling | Very low (May–Aug) |
| Partial/Unaccompanied Baggage | Uncommon | Request through TMO at scheduling | Low |
| PPM/DITY Move | Yes, you set the date | Book truck rental directly | High (reserve truck early) |
| NTS (Non-Temporary Storage) | No, facility hours only | N/A | N/A |
| POV Shipment | Drop-off only at some VPCs | Check VPC hours directly | Moderate |
If a weekday pickup creates a conflict with your report date or leave schedule, talk to your sponsor or gaining unit about adjusting your sign-in window by a day or two. Many JBSA units will flex on exact arrival timing when you can show a confirmed HHG pickup date. For PCS moves originating from JBSA, the Lackland and Fort Sam Houston TMO offices both close on weekends, so handle all paperwork during the duty week regardless of your carrier’s schedule.
Week-by-Week PCS Timeline for JBSA Moves
A typical JBSA PCS move breaks into four phases spread across a 12-week window. Once orders are in hand, each week carries specific tasks that keep your HHG shipment, housing search, and family logistics moving forward without gaps. Missing even one scheduling window during peak season can push your delivery date back two to three weeks and extend your temporary lodging stay well beyond what TLE covers.
This timeline assumes a CONUS-to-CONUS move to one of JBSA’s three installations. OCONUS moves add passport, visa, and vehicle shipping steps that stretch the planning window to 16 weeks or longer. Adjust your start date if you’re relocating from overseas, but the JBSA-side actions (housing, school enrollment, in-processing) stay the same regardless of where you’re coming from. The weeks below track the critical path. Each phase builds on the one before it, so falling behind early creates a compression effect that stacks up right when you need flexibility most.
- Weeks 12 to 10 (orders received): Complete your TMO counseling appointment, request your HHG pickup date, and start your San Antonio housing search. Contact JBSA Housing Services to compare on-post availability against off-post rentals in areas like Schertz, Converse, or Live Oak.
- Weeks 9 to 7: Confirm your pickup date with the assigned moving company. Schedule a pre-move survey if your shipment exceeds 5,000 pounds. Begin transferring medical and dental records and request school transcripts for children.
- Weeks 6 to 4: Finalize your pre-move inventory. Separate professional gear and personally procured items from your main HHG shipment. Set up utility disconnects at your current location and schedule connections at your San Antonio address.
- Weeks 3 to 2: Confirm your travel itinerary and TLE reservations near JBSA. Pack an essentials kit with documents, medications, uniforms, and 7 to 10 days of clothing per family member.
- Week 1 (move week): Be present for the entire HHG pickup. Verify every item on the inventory sheet before signing. Drive or fly to San Antonio and check into installation lodging or your TLE hotel.
- Arrival week: In-process at your gaining unit, register vehicles on base, enroll children in their new school district, and file your travel voucher within 5 business days to avoid DLA payment delays.
Print this timeline the day your orders drop. Tape it to the fridge. Families who follow a structured week-by-week checklist file fewer damage claims and spend less on temporary lodging, because nothing slips through the cracks when every task has a hard deadline attached to it. If you’re PCSing during peak season (May through August), add one buffer week between phases to absorb the scheduling delays that hit nearly every JBSA move.
The Bottom Line
A smooth PCS move to Joint Base San Antonio comes down to timing. Start your timeline 90 to 120 days out, contact TMO as soon as you have orders in hand, and schedule your HHG pickup 8 to 10 weeks before your report date. Peak season (May through August) backs up every TMO office in the system, so earlier is always better. CONUS shipments under 1,000 miles typically arrive within 14 business days, but cross-country moves during summer regularly stretch to 6 to 8 weeks.
TMO handles scheduling, coordination, and damage claims across all three JBSA installations (Fort Sam Houston, Lackland AFB, and Randolph AFB). Government-contracted movers operate Monday through Friday with pickup windows between 0800 and 1700. Saturday pickups exist on paper but depend on your carrier and the season. Build your plan around weekday availability and pad your delivery expectations during peak months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for a government-funded HHG move to JBSA?
Active duty service members with PCS orders to Fort Sam Houston, Lackland AFB, or Randolph AFB qualify for government-funded HHG shipping. Dependents listed on your orders are covered under the same entitlement. Guard and Reserve members on active duty orders exceeding 180 days also qualify. DOD civilians with PCS authorization receive similar benefits under the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR). Retirees get one final HHG move within one year of their retirement date, with extensions to two years available by request. Weight allowances range from 5,000 pounds for junior enlisted (E-1 to E-4) to 18,000 pounds for senior officers (O-7 and above).
How does the HHG shipping process work for a PCS to JBSA?
You start with TMO counseling at your current installation and complete DD Form 1299 (Application for Shipment and/or Storage of Personal Property). TMO assigns a Transportation Service Provider (TSP) who handles packing, loading, and transit. The TSP contacts you to schedule a pre-move survey, then sets pack and pickup dates. Track your shipment through DPS (Defense Personal Property System) at move.mil. For JBSA moves during peak season (May through August), the base processes roughly 4,500 shipments, so book early. Your gaining installation’s Personal Property Office coordinates delivery scheduling once your goods arrive in the San Antonio area.
What is the difference between an HHG move and a PPM move to San Antonio?
With an HHG (Household Goods) move, the government hires a TSP to pack, ship, and deliver your belongings at no cost to you. With a PPM (Personally Procured Move, formerly DITY), you move yourself and the government reimburses you based on what the government-arranged move would have cost. PPM payments are calculated at 100% of the government’s constructed cost and deposited after you submit weight tickets and receipts. Many service members PCSing to JBSA choose a PPM for smaller shipments because the reimbursement often exceeds actual moving costs, putting extra money in your pocket.
What are the HHG weight limits for a PCS to JBSA?
Weight allowances are set by rank and dependency status under the JTR. An E-1 without dependents gets 5,000 pounds. An E-5 with dependents gets 11,000 pounds. An O-5 with dependents gets 17,500 pounds. O-7 and above max out at 18,000 pounds. If you exceed your allowance, you pay the overage out of pocket at roughly $4 to $9 per pound depending on distance. Pro-gear (professional books, papers, and equipment) ships separately and does not count against your household goods limit. Weigh carefully and consider downsizing before the packers arrive.
Can you split your move between HHG and PPM for a JBSA PCS?
Yes. The JTR allows a combination move where part of your shipment goes HHG (government-arranged) and part goes PPM (self-move). This works well if you want to bring essentials in your vehicle or a rental truck while shipping the bulk through TMO. Your combined weight cannot exceed your authorized allowance. Request the split during your TMO counseling session and specify which portion goes each way. The PPM reimbursement is calculated on the weight you move yourself. Keep all weight tickets, fuel receipts, and toll receipts for the PPM portion to maximize your reimbursement.
What mistakes should you avoid with HHG shipments during a JBSA PCS?
The most common error is waiting too long to schedule TMO counseling, especially during peak season when JBSA handles around 4,500 shipments between May and August. Other frequent problems: not listing high-value items (over $100 per pound) on your inventory before packers arrive, exceeding your weight allowance (overages cost $4 to $9 per pound out of pocket), and missing the 75-day window to file damage claims through DPS. Photograph everything before the movers pack it. Double-check that your TSP has the correct delivery address, particularly if you plan to use temporary storage in transit (SIT).
How do you file a claim for damaged or missing household goods after a JBSA PCS?
File your claim through DPS (Defense Personal Property System) at move.mil within 75 days of delivery for full replacement value. Claims filed between 75 days and two years are still accepted but paid at depreciated value. At delivery, inspect every item and note all damage on DD Form 1840 (Joint Statement of Loss or Damage at Delivery) before the driver leaves. Take photos of damaged items next to the inventory sticker. The Military Claims Office at JBSA can assist with filing. For high-value items, having your pre-move photos and the high-value inventory form strengthens your claim significantly.
