If you’re looking for an auto transport military discount, you’re in the right place. Shipping a car is already one more thing on a list that never gets shorter — especially when you’re dealing with a PCS move, a deployment, or a transition out of service.The good news is that many auto transport companies, including Mile Auto Transport, offer military discounts as a way of acknowledging that service members and veterans deserve a better deal.
In this guide, we’ll break down who qualifies for an auto transport military discount, how much you can typically save, and exactly how to make sure you’re getting the best rate on your next car shipment.
Who Qualifies for a Military Car Shipping Discount?
Military discounts in the auto transport industry aren’t always clearly advertised, but they’re more widely available than most people realize. Eligibility typically includes:
- Active duty service members — Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Force
- National Guard and Reserve members — including those on active orders
- Veterans — honorably discharged, regardless of branch or years of service
- Military spouses and dependents — many carriers extend discounts to immediate family members of active duty personnel
- DoD civilians — some carriers include Department of Defense civilian employees, particularly those on overseas assignments
The key is to ask directly when requesting a quote. Not every carrier volunteers the discount upfront — but most will apply it when asked and verification is provided.
How Much Can You Save?
Military discounts in the auto transport industry typically range from $25 to $75 off the base shipping rate, depending on the carrier and the route. That may not sound like much on a $1,200 shipment, but combined with other savings strategies — booking early, being flexible on dates, choosing open transport — the total savings can be meaningful.
Some carriers offer percentage-based discounts rather than flat rates, typically in the 3–7% range. On longer cross-country routes where base prices are higher, a percentage discount delivers more value than a flat reduction.
It’s also worth noting that military discount pricing is often not publicly listed. The rate is applied at the carrier level, which is why working with a broker or transport company that has established carrier relationships — and knows which carriers offer military pricing — can make a real difference.
What Does Military Car Shipping Actually Cost? (2026 Estimates)
To give you a realistic picture, here are estimated costs for some of the most common military relocation routes in the continental US — including what a typical military discount looks like in practice:
| Route | Base Cost (Open Transport) | With Military Discount | Estimated Savings |
| Virginia → Texas | $650 – $900 | $600 – $850 | $50 – $75 |
| California → North Carolina | $950 – $1,300 | $900 – $1,250 | $50 – $75 |
| Florida → Georgia | $350 – $550 | $300 – $500 | $50 |
| Washington → California | $700 – $950 | $650 – $900 | $50 – $75 |
| Texas → Virginia | $650 – $900 | $600 – $850 | $50 – $75 |
| Illinois → Florida | $750 – $1,050 | $700 – $1,000 | $50 – $75 |
These are estimates for standard vehicles on open transport. Larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs typically run $100–$200 more per route. For a full breakdown of what drives these numbers beyond the military discount, our guide on what affects car shipping cost covers every factor in detail.
It’s also worth comparing quotes from multiple carriers before booking. Base rates vary between companies, and a carrier with a lower base price plus a military discount will almost always beat a higher-priced carrier with the same discount applied.
PCS Moves: What the Military Covers and What It Doesn’t
This is where a lot of service members get surprised. The military covers the shipment of one privately owned vehicle (POV) for OCONUS (overseas) PCS moves through the Defense Personal Property Program. For full eligibility details and to initiate an OCONUS shipment, visit the official PCS My POV website, operated by USTRANSCOM. However, for CONUS (continental US) moves, POV shipping is generally not covered — meaning you’re paying out of pocket.
That’s exactly where the military discount becomes most relevant. A CONUS PCS move from Virginia to Texas, or from California to North Carolina, is a common scenario where service members need to arrange and pay for their own vehicle transport. Getting a military discount on that shipment is a straightforward way to reduce one line item in an already expensive move.
For a complete guide to the PCS car shipping process — including timelines, documentation, and what to expect — see our dedicated guide on military PCS car shipping.
How to Make Sure You’re Getting the Military Discount
A few practical steps to ensure you’re not leaving money on the table:
Ask explicitly when requesting a quote. Don’t assume the discount will be applied automatically. When you contact a carrier or transport broker, state clearly that you’re active duty or a veteran and ask whether a military discount is available.
Have your documentation ready. Most carriers will ask for basic verification — a military ID, DD-214 for veterans, or deployment orders for active duty members. Having these on hand speeds up the process.
Compare total cost, not just the discount. A carrier offering a $50 military discount on an overpriced quote may still be more expensive than a carrier with competitive base pricing and no discount. Always compare the final number.
Book early. This applies to all car shipping but is especially relevant for PCS moves, which often have fixed report dates. Booking 2–3 weeks in advance gives you access to better carrier availability and more competitive pricing — which compounds the value of any discount applied. For more money-saving strategies, see our car shipping tips guide.
What Else Should Military Members Know Before Shipping?
Beyond the discount itself, there are a few things worth keeping in mind when arranging military car shipping.
Timing matters. PCS season — typically May through August — is also peak season for auto transport industry-wide. Higher demand means less carrier availability and higher base prices. If your orders allow any flexibility in timing, shipping outside peak season can save as much or more than the military discount itself.
Door-to-door service simplifies everything. When you’re coordinating a military move, the last thing you need is to arrange terminal drop-off and pickup on top of everything else. Door-to-door car shipping handles the logistics from your current address to your new duty station — one less thing to coordinate.
Your vehicle is insured during transport. Every shipment with Mile Auto Transport is fully insured from pickup to delivery. Before your car is loaded, the driver will complete a vehicle inspection and both parties sign a Bill of Lading documenting its condition. Keep a copy for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all car shipping companies offer military discounts? Not all, but many do. The discount is more commonly available than publicly advertised — ask directly when requesting a quote and have your military ID or DD-214 ready.
How much is the typical military car shipping discount? Most discounts range from $25 to $75 flat, or 3–7% off the base rate depending on the carrier. The exact amount varies by company and route.
Does the military pay for car shipping during a CONUS PCS move? Generally no. The Defense Personal Property Program covers POV shipment for OCONUS moves but not for continental US PCS moves. Service members arranging CONUS vehicle transport typically pay out of pocket.
Can veterans get a car shipping discount? Yes. Most carriers that offer military discounts extend them to honorably discharged veterans, not just active duty personnel. Have your DD-214 available when requesting a quote.
When should I book car shipping for a PCS move? As early as possible — ideally 2–3 weeks before your desired pickup date. PCS season (May–August) is peak season for auto transport, so early booking is especially important during those months.
Is enclosed transport available for military shipments? Yes. Enclosed transport is available for any shipment, including military moves. It costs more than open transport but provides full protection for high-value vehicles.
Active duty, veteran, or military family member planning a car shipment? Mile Auto Transport offers military discounts on all routes across the continental US — door-to-door, fully insured, transparent pricing. Get your free quote today.