Permanent Change of Station orders can move fast. Between housing, travel dates, family logistics, and command requirements, figuring out what to do with your vehicle can become one of the most stressful parts of the move. Military car shipping helps service members and military families move a personally owned vehicle without adding a long drive to an already packed PCS schedule.
This guide explains how PCS vehicle transport works, what the military may or may not cover, which documents you may need, how to plan your timeline, and when it makes sense to request a private vehicle transport quote.
Need to price a PCS vehicle shipment? Request a Road Runner Vehicle Transports quote for open, enclosed, door-to-door, or expedited vehicle shipping.
Key Takeaways
- Coverage depends on your orders. The government may cover one privately owned vehicle for some overseas moves, while CONUS moves are usually handled out of pocket.
- PCS timing matters. Book early when possible, especially during summer moving season, but choose a transport partner that can work with changing orders.
- Documents prevent delays. Keep PCS orders, registration, ID, proof of ownership, and any required power of attorney paperwork ready before pickup.
- Open transport is the standard choice. Enclosed transport may be worth it for classic, luxury, specialty, or high-value vehicles.
- Get a written quote before booking. A clear quote helps you understand transport type, route, timing, carrier assignment, and payment expectations.
What Is Military Car Shipping?
Military car shipping is vehicle transport planned around a service member’s relocation needs. It is often used during a PCS move, deployment, separation, retirement move, or family relocation connected to a new duty station.
Road Runner Vehicle Transports works as a vehicle transport broker, connecting customers with vetted carriers for nationwide transport. That broker model is useful for PCS moves because timing, route availability, vehicle type, and pickup access can vary. A coordinated carrier match can help service members avoid unnecessary driving time and keep the move focused on the new duty station.
How PCS Vehicle Shipping Differs From Standard Auto Transport
Standard auto transport is usually built around a simple pickup and delivery window. PCS vehicle shipping often requires more flexibility. Orders can change, housing dates can shift, and the customer may not be available in person at both pickup and delivery.
For military families, the right transport plan should consider:
- PCS order timing and report dates
- Pickup access at or near a base
- Whether another adult can release or receive the vehicle
- Open versus enclosed transport
- Budget, reimbursement, and out-of-pocket costs
- Communication during transit
CONUS vs OCONUS Vehicle Shipping
CONUS refers to moves within the continental United States. OCONUS refers to overseas moves or assignments outside the continental United States. This distinction matters because the military’s vehicle shipping support is different for each type of move.
For many OCONUS moves, the government may authorize shipment of one privately owned vehicle. For most CONUS moves, service members usually arrange vehicle movement themselves. If you are unsure what your orders allow, confirm with your transportation office before booking private transport.
Will the Military Pay to Ship Your Car?
The answer depends on your orders, destination, branch guidance, and current entitlement rules. Always verify with your transportation office, but the general difference is straightforward: overseas moves may include government-arranged shipment of one vehicle, while domestic moves usually do not include direct private carrier payment.
When the Government May Cover One POV
For qualifying OCONUS orders, the government may cover shipment of one privately owned vehicle. This is often handled through an approved vehicle processing center or official shipment process. The rules can include vehicle eligibility, ownership requirements, document requirements, and location restrictions.
What Usually Comes Out of Pocket
For CONUS PCS moves, many military families pay out of pocket if they choose to ship a vehicle instead of driving it. That private shipment can still be worth considering when a long drive would create extra lodging costs, missed work, school disruption, vehicle wear, or safety concerns.
If you have more than one vehicle, you may decide to drive one and ship the other. This can be especially useful for families moving across the country, single service members with tight reporting timelines, or households coordinating a move around children and pets.
How MALT Can Offset a Domestic Move
Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation, often called MALT, may reimburse mileage for authorized travel by privately owned vehicle. MALT is not the same as direct payment to a car shipping company, but it can help offset the overall cost of a domestic move. Check your current PCS guidance and reimbursement eligibility before deciding whether to drive, ship, or combine both options.
Documents You May Need Before Shipping
Having documents ready before pickup helps prevent avoidable delays. Requirements can vary by route, carrier, destination, and whether someone else is acting on your behalf.
PCS Orders
Keep a copy of your PCS orders available when planning the move. The transport company may not always need to collect them for a standard domestic private shipment, but your orders help you coordinate timing and confirm what support or reimbursement may apply.
Vehicle Registration, ID, and Proof of Ownership
Have your government ID, vehicle registration, and proof of ownership or lienholder documentation available. If the vehicle has a lien, lease, or special restriction, confirm whether additional authorization is needed before shipment.
Power of Attorney for Overseas or Third-Party Drop-Offs
If you cannot be present at pickup or delivery, you may need a power of attorney that lets another trusted adult release or receive the vehicle. This is common during PCS moves when one family member travels ahead or when overseas processing requires a designated representative.
How Military Car Shipping Works Step by Step
Request a Quote
Start with a quote that includes your pickup location, delivery location, vehicle year, make, model, condition, preferred transport type, and requested timeframe. You can begin with Road Runner’s vehicle shipping quote page.
Choose Open or Enclosed Transport
Open transport is the most common and cost-effective option for standard vehicles. Enclosed transport provides added protection from weather and road debris, which may be a better fit for classic cars, luxury vehicles, collector vehicles, or specialty builds.
Schedule Pickup Around PCS Orders
Schedule pickup with your report date, housing availability, travel plans, and family timeline in mind. If your orders may change, ask about flexibility before booking.
Complete Inspection and Bill of Lading
At pickup, the driver documents the vehicle’s condition on the Bill of Lading. Wash the vehicle beforehand, remove personal items, take your own photos, and review the inspection before signing.
Track Transit and Inspect at Delivery
During transit, stay available for updates and delivery coordination. At delivery, compare the vehicle to the pickup inspection, note any new damage before signing, and keep copies of your paperwork.
How Much Does Military Car Shipping Cost?
Military car shipping cost depends on route, distance, vehicle size, vehicle condition, transport type, timing, carrier availability, and pickup or delivery accessibility. A compact car moving along a busy route usually costs less than a large truck moving on a less common route. Enclosed transport and expedited pickup usually cost more than standard open transport.
Main Price Factors
- Distance and route: Longer moves cost more overall, while popular routes may have better carrier availability.
- Vehicle size and condition: Larger, heavier, modified, or inoperable vehicles may require special handling.
- Transport type: Open transport is usually the economical option; enclosed transport is premium.
- Timing: Tight pickup windows, peak PCS season, and expedited service can increase pricing.
- Access: Door-to-door service depends on whether the carrier can safely reach the pickup and delivery locations.
Ways to Save on a PCS Vehicle Shipment
Ask whether military savings are available, book early when possible, stay flexible on pickup and delivery windows, choose open transport for standard vehicles, and make sure your quote details are accurate. Incorrect vehicle size, operability, or location details can change the final cost.
Open vs Enclosed Transport for Military Moves
Open transport is the right fit for many PCS moves because it is widely available and generally more budget-friendly. Your vehicle is transported on an open trailer, similar to the carriers commonly seen on highways.
Enclosed transport costs more, but it adds protection from weather and road debris. Consider enclosed transport if your PCS involves a high-value vehicle, antique, classic, exotic, or specialty car. Road Runner Vehicle Transports offers multiple vehicle transport service options so customers can match the shipment to the vehicle and budget.
Military Car Shipping Timeline
When to Book
Book as soon as your PCS timeline is reasonably clear. Two to four weeks of lead time is helpful for many domestic shipments, and more time can help during summer PCS season. If your move is urgent, ask about expedited options and carrier availability.
What to Do if Orders Change
PCS orders can shift. If your pickup date, delivery date, or destination changes, contact your transport coordinator as soon as possible. The sooner the carrier network has updated information, the easier it is to adjust the plan.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting until the last minute: Short notice can reduce carrier options and increase cost.
- Leaving personal items in the vehicle: Personal belongings are typically not covered as vehicle cargo.
- Skipping photos: Pre-shipment photos protect you during the delivery inspection.
- Assuming the military pays for every move: Confirm your entitlement before budgeting.
- Using an unclear quote: Make sure pickup, delivery, vehicle condition, transport type, and payment terms are documented.
Why Choose Road Runner Vehicle Transports for Your PCS Move
Road Runner Vehicle Transports helps customers move vehicles nationwide with transport options that include open transport, enclosed transport, door-to-door delivery, and expedited shipping. The company focuses on reliable vehicle shipping, tailored solutions, and customer support throughout the transport process.
For PCS moves, that means you can request a quote based on your route, timing, vehicle type, and service preference. You can also review the company’s shipping process, customer-focused advantages, and frequently asked questions before booking.
Request a Military Car Shipping Quote
If you are planning a PCS move and need to ship a car, start with a clear quote. Road Runner Vehicle Transports can help you compare service options and plan around your pickup and delivery timeline.
Request your military car shipping quote or contact Road Runner Vehicle Transports with questions about your route, timing, and vehicle type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the military ship your car for free?
Sometimes. For qualifying overseas PCS moves, the government may pay to ship one privately owned vehicle. For most domestic CONUS moves, service members usually arrange and pay for private vehicle shipping themselves.
Will the military ship my car stateside?
In most CONUS moves, the military does not directly ship your car stateside through a private auto transport company. You may be expected to drive, but mileage reimbursement may help offset travel costs if you are eligible.
Can I ship more than one vehicle during a PCS?
Yes, you can arrange private shipment for more than one vehicle, but government coverage may be limited. Many families drive one vehicle and ship another to reduce travel stress.
What documents do I need to ship a car for a military move?
You may need PCS orders, government ID, vehicle registration, proof of ownership, lienholder authorization if applicable, and power of attorney if someone else will release or receive the vehicle.
How early should I book military car shipping?
Book as soon as your PCS timing is clear. Two to four weeks is a useful planning window for many shipments, while peak season or expedited moves may require earlier coordination or flexible dates.
Should I use open or enclosed transport for a PCS vehicle shipment?
Open transport is usually the best value for standard vehicles. Enclosed transport may be better for classic, luxury, high-value, or specialty vehicles that need added protection during transit.
