Does the Military Ship Your Car for Free?
As an active duty service member in the United States military, one of the facts of life you must contend with is the possibility of getting relocated to a new duty station every few years. And with each relocation comes major logistical headaches of moving your household goods cross-country or overseas. One particularly burdensome task is transporting your personal vehicle. Fortunately, the government provides generous allowances and benefits to help subsidize the high costs of shipping a car during a military relocation.
Under permanent change of station (PCS) rules, all military branches will pay to ship one personal vehicle for a service member. Most military members are eligible for this allowance provided you meet a minimum time-in-service requirement at your current duty station (usually 12 months) before receiving PCS orders. The type of shipment service depends on whether you are moving within the continental United States (CONUS) or heading overseas (OCONUS).
For domestic relocations in the CONUS, the government fully pays for vehicle shipping up to the cost limit dictated per rank and dependency status. Shipping arrangements must be made through an approved government contractor and comply with specific documentation guidelines for weight tickets, inspection reports, etc.
International relocations are also fully subsidized but utilize different shipping mechanisms depending on costs and restrictions in the host country. Common options include shipping by sea (a 6-8 week transit time) roll-on/roll-off vessel, or air transport for a faster 1-2 week delivery. Just as within the U.S., all arrangements must go through approved channels to take advantage of military-discounted rates.
One thing to watch out for is excess costs you may be liable for if your vehicle exceeds size or weight restrictions for a standard domestic trailer or shipping container. This most commonly occurs with large SUVs, trucks, or luxury vehicles. Your best resource to understand car shipping allowances and limitations for an upcoming PCS move is your installation transportation office. They can clarify what out-of-pocket expenses you might incur based on your vehicle's specifications versus standard allowance capacities.
How Military Car Shipping Works
Shipping a car when you're in the military often comes with unique challenges and requirements. Fortunately, specialized military vehicle shipping services exist to smoothly handle moves for service members across the country or overseas.
How Military Shipping Differs from Standard Auto Transport
Veterans, active duty personnel, reservists, retired service members, and their families have access to exclusive discounts and flexible terms with brokers and carriers familiar with military moves. These companies understand unique dates, destination changes, and documentation requirements.
Key Differences
- Better pricing options and rebates just for military customers, limiting out-of-pocket costs
- Extended pickup and delivery windows essential for uncertain military timelines
- Familiarity with shipping to/from bases and overseas APO/FPO addresses
- Acceptance of Power of Attorney forms for third-party vehicle handoffs
Steps for Shipping Your Car During PCS Orders
- Research specialized military vehicle transport companies and get free quotes. Compare costs, services, reputations.
- Schedule shipping dates wide enough to accommodate any last-minute deployment changes.
- Prepare the car for pickup — remove personal items, get a mechanical inspection, and photograph condition.
- Sign contracts, auto transport forms like Power of Attorney, and invoice payment.
- At delivery, inspect the car thoroughly and note any new damages before accepting.
Military members relocate frequently, making flexible, affordable vehicle shipping essential. Following this guide ensures your treasured car or truck arrives securely at your new duty station without hassles. Reputable military-focused brokers efficiently coordinate trusted transport carriers to make each relocation smooth sailing.
Choose Between Open and Enclosed Auto Shipping
Choosing between
open and enclosed car shipping boils down to balancing cost, protection, and the specific needs of your vehicle.
Open transport is the most common and cost-effective method for POV shipping. Your vehicle will be transported on an open-air trailer. This option is suitable for most standard, daily-use vehicles and is often the preferred choice for service members due to its affordability and wider availability.
However, if you own a high-value, classic, or luxury vehicle, such as a vintage car or a collectible,
enclosed auto transport is highly recommended. This premium service provides an extra layer of protection by shielding your vehicle from weather, dust, and debris within a fully covered trailer. While enclosed shipping comes at a higher cost, it ensures that your vehicle arrives at your new duty station in pristine condition.
When deciding between open and enclosed military PCS vehicle shipping, consider factors such as your car's value, your budget, the distance of your military relocation, and whether the added protection of enclosed shipping justifies its additional cost for your specific situation.