Military Vehicle Shipping Services for PCS Moves
PCS (Permanent Change of Station) moves can be stressful for military families, especially when it comes to relocating vehicles. Whether you're moving across the country or overseas, transporting your privately owned vehicle (POV) doesn’t have to be complicated. At Transportvibe, we’ve helped thousands of service members understand their military car shipping options. In this guide, you’ll learn about military auto transport services, how POV shipping works, what it costs, and how to choose the best car shipping company for your PCS move in 2025.
Table of Contents
- What Is Military Vehicle Shipping?
- When Do Military Members Need Auto Transport?
- Can the Military Ship My Car for Free?
- Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) Eligibility
- How Much Does Military Car Shipping Cost?
- Timeline for PCS Vehicle Transport
- Best Shipping Methods for Military Moves
- How to Choose a Military Auto Transport Company
- Required Documents for PCS Auto Transport
- Tips to Save on Military Car Shipping
- FAQs About Military Vehicle Shipping
- Final Thoughts
What Is Military Vehicle Shipping?
Military vehicle shipping refers to the process of relocating a service member’s personal vehicle during a PCS (Permanent Change of Station) move. This can be handled either by the government (under certain conditions) or through out-of-pocket arrangements with a licensed auto transport company. Military members often require auto transport when:
- Deploying to another state or country
- Moving between bases (CONUS or OCONUS)
- Transferring duty stations with dependents
- Needing to ship more than one vehicle
When Do Military Members Need Auto Transport?
You’ll likely need to ship your car if:
- You’re receiving PCS orders to a location too far to drive
- You’re flying to your new base and can’t take your POV
- You own more than one vehicle and the government only ships one
- You’re stationed overseas and need your vehicle transported to a port
Can the Military Ship My Car for Free?
Yes, under certain conditions. If you’re ordered to an OCONUS (Outside Continental U.S.) duty station such as Hawaii, Alaska, Germany, or Japan, the Department of Defense may cover the cost of shipping one POV per service member. You’ll need to:
- Be active duty or a full-time National Guard/Reserves member
- Have a valid set of PCS orders
- Ship a vehicle that meets weight and dimension restrictions
Transportvibe Tip: Always check the official DoD guidelines or contact your transportation office (TO) for eligibility.
Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) Eligibility
Your car must meet these basic criteria:
- Owned or leased by the service member or dependents
- Operable and safe to drive
- Under size and weight limits (typically < 20 feet long and < 7 feet high)
- Not classified as commercial or oversized
Common POVs include:
- Sedans
- SUVs
- Pickups under 7,000 lbs
- Motorcycles (with special handling)
How Much Does Military Car Shipping Cost?
If you’re paying out of pocket for CONUS (continental U.S.) shipping:
| Distance | Avg. Cost (Open Carrier) | Avg. Cost (Enclosed Carrier) |
|---|---|---|
| 500 miles | $500 – $750 | $900 – $1,200 |
| 1,000 miles | $800 – $1,100 | $1,300 – $1,700 |
| 2,000+ miles | $1,100 – $1,500 | $1,600 – $2,200 |
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Timeline for PCS Vehicle Transport
Military car shipping usually takes 5 to 10 days, depending on the route and availability.
Timeline Tips:
- Book at least 3–4 weeks in advance
- Be flexible with pickup and delivery dates
- Choose door-to-door or terminal delivery based on convenience
If you're moving overseas, allow 4–8 weeks for international shipping.
Best Shipping Methods for Military Moves
1. Open Carrier Shipping
Most affordable. Suitable for everyday vehicles.
2. Enclosed Carrier Shipping
Recommended for luxury or classic cars.
3. Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping
Cheapest option, but requires drop-off and pickup at terminals.
4. Door-to-Door Shipping
Most convenient. The driver comes to your base or residence.
How to Choose a Military Auto Transport Company
Look for companies that specialize in military PCS car transport, are FMCSA licensed, and offer:
- Military discounts
- Flexible pickup windows
- Full insurance coverage
- Real customer reviews
Use platforms like Transportvibe to compare providers and check ratings.
Required Documents for PCS Auto Transport
- Copy of military PCS orders
- Valid government-issued ID
- Vehicle registration and title (or lease)
- Insurance proof
- Power of attorney (if someone else is handling shipment)
Tips to Save on Military Car Shipping
- Ask for Military Discounts – Many companies offer 5–15% off.
- Use Open Transport – It's cheaper and safe for most POVs.
- Book Round-Trip if Returning – Some carriers offer bundled deals.
- Ship from Terminal – Reduces door-to-door fees.
- Compare Quotes on Transportvibe – See reviews and rates instantly.
Everything You Need to Know: Military Car Shipping
Q1: Will the military pay to ship both of my cars? A: No. The DoD usually only pays to ship one POV. Additional vehicles must be shipped at your own expense. Q2: Can I ship personal items in my car? A: Most carriers prohibit this. Some allow <100 lbs, but it's not insured. Always confirm with the company. Q3: What happens if my car is damaged during transport? A: Reputable carriers carry cargo insurance. You must inspect your vehicle on delivery and file a claim immediately if needed. Q4: Is door-to-door shipping available for military bases? A: Yes, most carriers can access bases or arrange close pickup/drop-off if base access is restricted. Q5: How long does PCS car shipping take? A: Within the U.S., most shipments take 5–10 days. International moves may take 4–8 weeks depending on port clearance. Q6: Is enclosed transport better for military POVs? A: Only if you’re shipping a high-value vehicle. Most military POVs are safely shipped via open carriers.
Final Thoughts
Military car shipping doesn’t have to be stressful. By understanding your entitlements, choosing the right auto transport company, and planning early, you can ship your vehicle with confidence during your PCS move. At Transportvibe, we specialize in military vehicle shipping services and help service members across the country find safe, affordable transport options. Get a Free Military Car Shipping Quote and make your PCS relocation smoother.
