Moving Your Car for Military Deployment or PCS: A Guide to Shipping
Shipping car for military deployment or a PCS move can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already dealing with dozens of other tasks. It might seem like just another thing to stress about, but the good news is that it’s not as hard as it seems if you know what to expect. Whether you’re moving across the country or overseas, there are options to make the process smooth and less stressful.
If you’re eligible for military vehicle transport, the government usually covers the cost of shipping one privately owned vehicle. This is especially true if you're heading to an OCONUS (Outside the Continental U.S.) location. However, there are a few rules you’ll need to follow. Your vehicle has to be clean, it should only contain essential items, and it must be in working condition. These are pretty standard requirements, but it’s always best to double-check the most up-to-date guidelines with your base's transportation or personal property office.
Choosing the Right Shipping Company for Military Moves
If you're arranging shipping on your own, it's important to find a reliable company—ideally one that specializes in military moves. Not every military car shipping companies understands the timing and paperwork involved in military relocations. I know someone who tried to save money by choosing a cheaper service, and their car ended up sitting in port for weeks. That’s the kind of stress you don’t want right before deployment.
When I received my deployment orders, I didn’t know what to do with my car at first. After doing some research, I found a comparison chart of military car shipping services that really helped. I realized the military covers one vehicle shipment for overseas moves, but for stateside relocations, you're usually responsible for it. I picked a company with good reviews from other service members and made sure they handled storage in case of delays. A buddy of mine went with the cheapest option and ended up dealing with weeks of problems. Take the time to choose a company that understands military needs—it makes a big difference.
Options for Transporting Your Vehicle in the Military
There are several ways military members move their vehicles between duty stations. For shorter distances, some people drive themselves or ask a friend or family member for help. It’s simple and gives you more control, especially if your schedule allows.
If you're relocating further or overseas, the military may offer vehicle shipping through contracted military car shipping companies. These arrangements are made through your base’s transportation office, and it’s often part of your PCS process. In some cases, the military also offers government-sponsored shipping, especially for overseas assignments. They cover the cost of transporting one vehicle, but you’ll need to meet certain conditions and follow guidelines to qualify.
You can also choose to use a private shipping company, but keep in mind the cost is usually your responsibility unless covered by special orders. This gives you more flexibility, but you need to be cautious and choose a trustworthy provider.
Don’t Skip the Transportation Office – They’re There to Help
No matter how you’re shipping your vehicle, always talk to your base’s transportation or personal property office first. They know the system and can give you up-to-date information on what’s covered, what’s required, and how to avoid common problems. Every branch and base might handle things a little differently, so don’t rely on guesswork or secondhand info.
The paperwork, timelines, and requirements can get confusing, especially if you’re moving for the first time or heading overseas. The transportation office has helped hundreds of other service members do exactly what you’re trying to do. Use that experience to your advantage—they can save you time, money, and headaches.
Conclusion:
Military life can be unpredictable, but moving your vehicle doesn’t have to be a major stressor. Whether the government is covering your shipment or you're handling it yourself, the key is to prepare early, choose a reliable company, and follow the correct process. Make sure your vehicle is clean, in working condition, and ready to go when it’s time.
Take advantage of the help offered by your base. The transportation office can guide you through the steps and make sure you’re not missing anything. If you're going with a private military car shipping company, look for one that truly understands military timelines and paperwork—not just one that offers a discount.
In the end, the smoother your vehicle shipping process goes, the easier your transition will be. When you're juggling so many things during deployment or a PCS move, getting this part right means one less thing to worry about.
