The Moving Industry Just Had Its Biggest Conversation of the Year. Here’s What That Means for PCS Moves.

Military Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves are in the middle of the biggest structural change they’ve seen in decades. 

After performance issues and roughly 1,000 documented servicemember complaints, the Pentagon terminated the single-contractor Global Household Goods (GHC) contract in early 2026. The military resumed its Defense Personal Property Program (DP3) legacy program. A new, permanent oversight agency reporting directly to the Secretary of Defense stands up May 1, 2026.

And once again, military personnel will be served by the tried-and-true installation-based system of vetted commercial carriers. However, these changes are coming into play right as peak PCS season is about to begin.

What does all this mean for upcoming PCS moves, and how is the moving industry preparing?

Appleton Moving Company (the parent brand of Scobey Moving & Storage) had the honor of sitting on the expert panel at the 50th Annual Dispatchers Convention in Biloxi, MS. Here’s what the panel discussion at this milestone convention means for military families moving in 2026.

If you’ve got questions about your options for your upcoming PCS move, we’ve created this free, downloadable PDF to help

Leading the Conversation on Military Moving Solutions

This landmark convention brought together leaders in the moving industry. For half a century, Dispatchers Convention has been the moving industry’s most established operational gathering. This was a milestone event during a year with the biggest military moving shakeup in decades. 

And having Eric Barker, Scobey’s VP of Commercial Services, on the Convention’s Panel of Experts was a testament to Appleton Moving Company’s leadership and influence on the industry. We’re honored that Eric was on deck to provide clarity, field questions, and share solutions. 

Dispatchers, operations leaders, and senior managers from household goods and military carriers gathered to compare notes on what’s actually happening in the field to adapt to these changes. Appleton Moving Company was an official event sponsor.

The panel was moderated by Dan Bradley, VP of Government and Military Relations at the International Association of Movers (IAM). Bradley spent 20 years as an Air Force Transportation and Logistics Readiness Officer. He served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Personal Property at the Surface Deployment and Distribution Command. He’s the primary liaison between IAM’s 2,000-plus member companies and the U.S. Department of Defense. When Bradley leads a discussion on military moving, it’s because the industry needs to hear from the people who’ve run the system from inside.

And the perspective Eric brought to the table is the same, proven approach we’ve been bringing to military moves for decades.

What’s Ahead for the 2026 Peak Season

Peak PCS season begins in just a few weeks. As we move into what’s usually the busiest time of the year for moves, here’s a summary of where things currently stand:

1. A new permanent oversight agency, the Personal Property Activity, stands up May 1 at Scott Air Force Base. This organization will report directly to the Secretary of Defense.
2. Discretionary PCS moves are being cut by 50% by FY2030. All military branches have been directed to reduce discretionary move budgets by half over the next four years (operational, overseas, and training moves are not affected).
3. Reimbursement and allowance changes to Personally Procured Moves (PPM) are in effect. Reimbursement has returned to 100% of the Government Constructed Cost after a temporary 130% increase during the 2025 contractor crisis. Dislocation Allowance rates rose 3.8% for 2026.
4. Peak PCS season starts in May. The 2026 peak will be the first full season run under the restored legacy system with the new oversight agency standing up simultaneously.

Here at Scobey, we’ve handled household goods moves through change after change. Appleton Moving Company is a Core Member of IAM, which gives us a seat in industry policy conversations. That’s important because military moves must be aligned with industry decisions about the PCS system.

Scobey Moving and Storage’s Role

For families facing a PCS move this year, this context matters. 

The system is steadier than it was 12 months ago, but it’s still reassembling. That’s why working with a mover that stayed in the legacy program, kept its crews trained on military-specific requirements, and knows how to coordinate with Personal Property Offices is especially important.

An experienced mover will make the difference between a streamlined, organized move and a confusing, chaotic one.

Starting Your PCS Move On the Right Foot

Through all the changes in military moving policy, Scobey is ready to make your move streamlined, predictable, and low-stress. We’ve prepared for this peak season the way we’ve prepared for decades: With experienced crews, practiced coordination with installation Personal Property Offices, and over a century of experience. We believe that military families deserve a great move in the middle of a big life change. And we’re ready to help you start off this chapter on the right foot.

Do you have an upcoming PCS move? We’d love to make it smooth and efficient for you and your family. Contact Scobey Moving & Storage today, and let’s make your 2026 PCS move the best experience possible.