Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves are stressful enough without worrying about how to get your vehicle across the country. This guide covers everything service members need to know about shipping a car during a PCS.
Can the Military Pay for Car Shipping?
The short answer: it depends on your orders and situation.
- • CONUS PCS moves: The military may reimburse Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) shipping costs in certain situations, particularly if driving is impractical due to distance or timing.
- • OCONUS moves: The military typically covers POV shipping for overseas assignments through the Vehicle Processing Center (VPC) system.
- • Check with your TMO/PPO: Your installation's Transportation Management Office (TMO) or Personal Property Office (PPO) has the current rules for your specific orders.
Even when not reimbursed, many service members choose to ship rather than drive because:
- • Report dates are tight and driving takes too much leave
- • Two vehicles need to move but only one driver is available
- • The family is flying and does not want a multi-day road trip
Timing Your Shipment
PCS timing is often the biggest challenge:
1. Book early: As soon as you have orders, contact us. Peak PCS season (May-August) has high demand. 2. Plan for the pickup window: Standard pickup is 3-7 days. Expedited (1-2 days) is available at a premium. 3. Coordinate with your report date: Tell us your must-arrive-by date so we can work backward. 4. Consider shipping before you leave: If possible, book transport a week before your departure so the vehicle arrives around the same time you do.
Popular Military Routes
- • Fort Liberty (NC) to Fort Hood (TX)
- • Joint Base Lewis-McChord (WA) to Fort Stewart (GA)
- • Camp Pendleton (CA) to Camp Lejeune (NC)
- • Naval Station Norfolk (VA) to Naval Base San Diego (CA)
- • Fort Carson (CO) to Fort Campbell (KY)
Military Discount
State Wide Auto Transport offers military pricing for:
- • Active duty (all branches)
- • Reserve and National Guard
- • Veterans
- • Military families
Mention your military status when requesting a quote.
What You Need to Book
- • PCS orders (for reference and potential reimbursement)
- • Vehicle year, make, model
- • Pickup and delivery addresses
- • Preferred dates
- • Your phone number and the best time to reach you
Tips for Military Moves
- • Keep documentation: Save your transport invoice, BOL, and receipt. You may need them for reimbursement or tax purposes.
- • Coordinate with your sponsor: If you are arriving at a new duty station, your sponsor can sign for delivery if you have not arrived yet.
- • Multiple vehicles: We offer multi-vehicle discounts. Many military families need to ship two cars.
- • Storage situations: If your new housing is not ready, we can coordinate delivery timing or deliver to a nearby staging area.
Ready to book? Call State Wide Auto Transport at (855) 469-8090 and mention your military status for special pricing.