Military Car Shipping and PCS Moves
A PCS move is a project with a deadline, and the vehicles are one of its moving parts. Here is what the government typically handles, what usually lands on you, and how to make the car the easy part of the move.
What the government covers, roughly
For overseas moves, OCONUS, the government generally ships one privately owned vehicle through its own program and ports. For moves within the continental US, driving yourself is the default the entitlement is built around, and shipping a POV is usually your own arrangement unless your orders say otherwise. Every situation runs on its own orders, so confirm your entitlements with your transportation office, we move the cars, we do not interpret orders.
The second-vehicle problem
The classic PCS gap: the government program covers one vehicle, and the family owns two. One spouse drives, the second car ships commercially, that is the move we handle constantly. Both cars going commercial together works too, the calculator prices multiple vehicles in one booking with the multi-car pricing applied automatically.
Timelines and short notice
Book one to two weeks ahead when the report date allows, and know that summer is peak PCS season industry-wide, trucks fill fast from May through August, timing details in our best time to ship guide. Orders dropped on short notice still work, tight-window moves cost a bit more but they run every week.
Base delivery and being deployed
Carriers deliver to or near installations routinely, the practical limit is the gate: the person receiving the car needs access to meet the driver, often just outside it. And you do not have to be the one standing there, a spouse or any adult you designate can release or receive the vehicle, just name them at booking. If you are deployed and the car needs to move without you, that designation makes it happen.
Prep is the same mission
Quarter tank, photos of every panel, empty of personal items, alarm off, one key with the car, the full checklist is in our preparation guide. The instant calculator gives your lane price with no phone number, which matters when you are fielding enough calls already.
Military and PCS questions
Will the military ship my car for PCS?
For OCONUS moves the government generally ships one POV through its own program. For CONUS moves, shipping is usually your own arrangement, so confirm your specific entitlements with your transportation office.
Does the government pay for car shipping on PCS orders?
Typically one vehicle on overseas orders, and typically not for stateside moves where driving is the assumed default. Your orders and transportation office are the final word.
How much does it cost to ship a car for a PCS move?
The same market factors as any shipment: distance, vehicle size, season. Run your lane through the instant calculator, no phone number needed, and the real price is on screen in seconds.
Can I ship a second car on PCS orders?
The government program generally covers one vehicle, so second cars ship commercially, it is one of our most common military moves. The calculator prices a second vehicle in the same booking automatically.
How do I ship my car for an OCONUS PCS?
The government-shipped POV goes through the official program and its ports. If you are shipping an additional vehicle overseas yourself, our FMC licensed sister company handles the ocean leg, and we truck it to the port.
Do car shipping companies offer military discounts?
Many advertise one, often after inflating the base price. Our approach is a lean, real market rate for everyone with the price shown instantly, no games to discount your way out of.
How fast can I ship a car with short-notice orders?
Tight-window moves run every week, expect a modest premium for the rush. Call or run the calculator the day you get orders and pickup can usually be arranged within days on major lanes.
Can my spouse handle the car pickup while I am deployed?
Yes, any adult you designate can release or receive the vehicle and sign the inspection. Just name them at booking so the driver knows who meets them.
Can I ship my POV to a base address?
Carriers deliver to or near installations all the time, with the handoff often just outside the gate since drivers may lack base access. Your receiving person just needs to be reachable when the driver is close.
Is it cheaper to ship or drive for a PCS move?
Count fuel, hotels, meals, leave days, and the miles on the car, shipping is often competitive and buys back your time. For two-car families, shipping the second car while one drives is the classic answer.
What paperwork do I need to ship a car on base?
For the commercial shipment itself, just the normal booking and bill of lading. Base access rules for the handoff are the gate's call, which is why deliveries often meet just outside it.