If you’ve just received PCS orders, you already know the feeling — there’s a lot to coordinate, and figuring out what to do with your car is often one of the most stressful parts of the process.
The good news is that military PCS car shipping is more straightforward than most service members expect. However, the key is knowing exactly what the military covers, what it doesn’t, and how to book transport so that your vehicle arrives safely — without adding to your already full plate.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from DoD reimbursement rules to the exact documents you’ll need on pickup day.
What Is Military PCS Car Shipping?
A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move means you’re being reassigned to a new duty station — often hundreds or even thousands of miles away. As a result, most service members need to transport at least one personal vehicle to their new location.
Military PCS car shipping refers to the process of using a professional auto transport company to move your privately owned vehicle (POV) during a PCS move. Unlike civilian relocations, PCS moves come with specific timelines, documentation requirements, and in some cases, government reimbursement options that make the process unique.
It’s worth noting that PCS car shipping is not the same as shipping a vehicle through the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) — which covers household goods. Instead, this guide focuses specifically on using a private auto transport carrier to move your POV efficiently and affordably.
Does the Military Pay for PCS Car Shipping?
This is, without a doubt, the most common question service members ask. The short answer is: it depends on your orders and destination.
Domestic PCS Moves (Within the U.S.)
For moves within the United States, the military generally does not pay directly for POV shipping. However, you may be eligible for reimbursement as part of your overall PCS travel allowance (MALT — Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation). Specifically, this covers mileage for driving your vehicle to your new duty station, not shipping costs.
That said, many service members choose to ship their car anyway and use part of their MALT reimbursement to offset the cost. In many cases, this is still more cost-effective and less stressful than driving cross-country.
The Bottom Line
Before booking, always check your official PCS orders and consult your Transportation Office (TO) for the most accurate guidance. As a result, you’ll avoid any surprises when it comes to reimbursement.
Step-by-Step: How to Ship Your Car During a PCS Move
Once you’ve confirmed your orders and budget, the process of shipping your car is straightforward. Here’s exactly how it works.
Step 1: Get Your PCS Orders
First and foremost, confirm your official PCS orders. You’ll need these documents for everything — from booking your carrier to filing for reimbursement. Without confirmed orders, you shouldn’t book transport, since dates and destinations can change.
Step 2: Request Quotes Early
As soon as your orders are confirmed, start requesting quotes from reputable auto transport companies. Military PCS seasons — particularly summer — are extremely busy for carriers. Therefore, the earlier you book, the better your pricing and availability will be.
Step 3: Choose Your Transport Type
Decide between open car transport and enclosed transport based on your vehicle’s value and your budget. For most service members shipping a daily driver, open transport is the practical and cost-effective choice.
Step 4: Schedule Pickup
Coordinate your pickup date carefully around your reporting date at the new duty station. Keep in mind that transit times vary by distance, so always build in a buffer of at least a few days.
Step 5: Prepare Your Vehicle
Before the carrier arrives, prepare your POV properly. Remove all personal belongings, photograph the car from all angles, note the current mileage, and keep fuel under ¼ tank.
Step 6: Vehicle Inspection & Pickup
On pickup day, the carrier will complete a Bill of Lading — a condition report documenting any existing scratches, dents, or damage. Walk through this inspection carefully and make sure everything is accurately noted before signing.
Step 7: Track & Take Delivery
Reputable carriers provide updates throughout transit. Upon delivery, inspect your vehicle thoroughly against the original Bill of Lading before signing off. If there’s any new damage, document it immediately.
How Far in Advance Should You Book PCS Car Shipping?
This is where many service members run into trouble. Because PCS season peaks between May and August, carriers fill up quickly — and prices rise accordingly.
As a general rule:
- Standard PCS move: Book at least 2–3 weeks in advance
- Summer PCS (May–August): Book 4–6 weeks in advance whenever possible
- Long-distance PCS move: Book 4–8 weeks in advance to secure the best rate
Furthermore, flexibility with your pickup window — even just 2–3 days — can result in meaningfully lower quotes. Carriers prefer flexible schedules, and they often reward that flexibility with better pricing.
If your orders came in late and you’re working with a tight timeline, don’t panic. Contact carriers directly and explain your situation. In many cases, last-minute PCS shipments can still be arranged, though typically at a higher cost.
Documents You Need for Military Car Shipping
Being prepared with the right paperwork makes the entire process significantly smoother. Before pickup, make sure you have the following ready.
Required Documents
- PCS Orders — Your official orders confirming your move, new duty station, and reporting date
- Government-issued ID — Military ID or driver’s license
- Vehicle title or registration — Proof that the vehicle belongs to you
- Proof of insurance — Current auto insurance documentation
- Bill of Lading — Provided by the carrier at pickup; review it carefully before signing
Recommended Preparation
In addition to the documents above, we strongly recommend taking the following steps before your car is picked up:
- Photograph your vehicle from all angles, including any existing scratches or dents
- Remove all personal belongings from the interior
- Disable any toll tags or parking passes to avoid accidental charges
- Keep fuel under ¼ tank
- Note your current odometer reading
Taking these steps beforehand protects you completely in the unlikely event of a dispute.
Open vs. Enclosed Transport for PCS Moves
Choosing the right transport type is an important decision, particularly given the context of a military move.
Open Transport for PCS Moves
Open car transport is the most common choice for military PCS car shipping, and for good reason.
- More affordable — typically $200–$400 less than enclosed
- Widely available, especially during peak PCS season
- Perfectly safe for standard vehicles, trucks, and SUVs
- Faster scheduling due to higher carrier availability
For most service members shipping a daily driver or family vehicle, open transport is the right choice.
Enclosed Transport for PCS Moves
Enclosed transport makes sense in specific situations. If you’re shipping a high-value vehicle — a luxury car, a classic, or a sports car — the added protection is worth the premium.
- Full protection from weather, road debris, and dust
- Ideal for vehicles worth $50,000+
- Recommended for classic or collector cars
The bottom line: unless your vehicle is particularly valuable, open transport is the practical and cost-effective solution for a PCS move.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is military PCS car shipping?
Military PCS car shipping is the process of using a professional auto transport company to move your privately owned vehicle during a Permanent Change of Station move. It’s commonly used when driving to the new duty station isn’t practical due to distance, time constraints, or family logistics.
Does the military pay for PCS car shipping within the U.S.?
For domestic PCS moves, the military typically does not pay directly for POV shipping. However, service members may use part of their MALT travel reimbursement to offset shipping costs.
How much does military PCS car shipping cost?
Costs vary based on distance, vehicle type, and season. On average, domestic PCS shipments range from $600 to $1,500. Summer moves during peak PCS season tend to cost more due to high demand, so booking early is strongly recommended.
How far in advance should I book PCS auto transport?
For standard moves, book 2–3 weeks in advance. During peak PCS season (May–August), book 4–6 weeks ahead whenever possible to secure better rates and availability.
What documents do I need for military car shipping?
You’ll need your official PCS orders, a government-issued ID, vehicle registration or title, proof of insurance, and the Bill of Lading provided by the carrier at pickup. Taking photos of your vehicle beforehand is also strongly recommended.
Is open or enclosed transport better for a PCS move?
For most service members shipping a standard vehicle, open transport is the better choice — it’s more affordable, widely available, and completely reliable. Enclosed transport is recommended only for high-value, luxury, or classic vehicles.
Why Choose Mile Auto Transport for Military PCS?
At Mile Auto Transport, we understand that a PCS move is stressful enough without having to worry about your vehicle. That’s why we’ve built our military car shipping service around the specific needs of military families — reliable scheduling, transparent pricing, and clear communication from booking to delivery.
Here’s what you can expect when you ship with us:
✔️ Experience with military PCS timelines and documentation ✔️ Door-to-door car shipping — no terminal visits required ✔️ Service to and from all major duty stations ✔️ Licensed & fully insured carriers ✔️ No hidden fees ✔️ Real-time shipment updates throughout transit ✔️ Auto transport military discount available for active-duty members, veterans, and their families
We also work with the best military car shipping companies network to ensure your vehicle is always in trusted hands, regardless of your origin or destination.
Whether you’re moving from base to base across the country or shipping your vehicle ahead of your next assignment, Mile Auto Transport is here to make the process as smooth as possible.
Final Thoughts
In summary, military PCS car shipping doesn’t have to add to the stress of your move. Once you understand what the military covers, how the booking process works, and what documents you need — the rest falls into place naturally.
The most important thing you can do right now is book early, especially if you’re moving during peak PCS season. The earlier you act, the better your rate and the smoother your experience will be.
🚗 Ready to Ship Your Car During Your PCS Move?
Get your free military PCS auto transport quote today. We understand your timeline, and we’re here to make this one less thing to worry about.
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