Military Car Shipping and PCS POV Transport

Military car shipping moves a service member's personal vehicle between duty stations during a PCS. For moves within the continental U.S., you book a licensed auto transport broker, provide your orders and vehicle details, and schedule pickup around your report date. Overseas moves usually go through a government vehicle processing center instead.

You just got your orders. Congratulations! Now comes the part nobody briefs you on: getting your car from here to there.

The good news is that moving your privately owned vehicle (POV) during a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is simpler than it looks. The rules depend on whether you're moving within the continental United States (CONUS) or outside it (OCONUS). Military car shipping fills the gap whenever driving doesn't fit your schedule or your destination.

This guide covers how military auto transport works, what it costs, how to time it around your orders, and how the PCS50 discount can lower your price. Request a free military car shipping quote from Safeeds Transport and lock in your price for 7 days, with no upfront payment.

Key Takeaways

• For an authorized OCONUS PCS move, the government generally ships one POV through a Vehicle Processing Center, scheduled through the official PCS My POV portal.

• For a CONUS PCS move, the military typically reimburses mileage when a service member drives their POV, but the cost of shipping the car is usually the service member's own.

• PCS vehicle shipping is easier to schedule when it is booked soon after orders arrive, especially during the DoD peak moving season of May 15 to September 30.

• A financed or leased vehicle shipped OCONUS typically needs a written authorization letter from the lienholder before a Vehicle Processing Center will accept it.

• Safeeds Transport offers the PCS50 military car shipping discount to active duty service members, veterans, and military families, along with a 7-day price lock and no upfront payment.

Shipping a POV During a PCS Move

A POV is any car, truck, or motorcycle you own or lease for personal use. When you PCS, you can drive it to your new installation or ship it with a licensed carrier.

You may have searched "PCS my POV" and found the government portal of the same name. That site handles government-funded overseas shipments, which we cover later. For most CONUS moves, the choice is simple: drive, or book military auto transport.

Should you drive? According to Military OneSource's PCS entitlements guide, the military reimburses mileage and some travel costs when you drive your POV to your next duty station. The tradeoff is that a 2,500-mile cross-country drive usually means five or more days on the road, plus hotels, meals, and new miles on your car.

Should you ship? Shipping is usually the better fit when:

• Your report date leaves little room for a multi-day drive

• You're moving with young kids or pets and would rather fly

• Your household has two cars but only one available driver

Here's how booking works with us:

1. Request a quote. Share your locations, vehicle details, and preferred dates.

2. Book with a $1 card hold. No upfront payment is required, and your price stays locked for 7 days.

3. Get matched with a carrier. We pair your shipment with a licensed, insured motor carrier on your route.

4. Inspect at pickup. The driver records your car's condition on the bill of lading.

5. Inspect at delivery. You check the car again and sign. The balance is due at pickup or delivery, depending on your booking.

Pro tip: As a licensed broker, we handle the planning and vet the carrier, while the carrier handles the transport. You get one point of contact from quote to delivery.

What Military Car Shipping Costs

Shipping costs depend on the same factors as any auto transport, with one twist: huge numbers of service members move in the same summer months, and that demand shows up in pricing.

Here's what affects your quote:

• Distance and route. Longer routes cost more overall but often less per mile, and interstate routes fill faster than rural ones.

• Vehicle size. A full-size pickup takes more trailer space than a sedan. For especially large vehicles, see how oversized vehicle transport works.

• Transport type. Enclosed trailers cost more than open carriers.

• Season. PCS car shipping demand peaks in summer, when carrier space goes fast.

• Condition. A car that doesn't run needs a winch or a specialized trailer for non-runners, which adds to the price.

Shipping instead of driving on a CONUS move? Plan to cover that cost yourself. Your quote stays locked for 7 days, with no upfront payment and the balance due at pickup or delivery.

Open or Enclosed Transport: Which Makes Sense for a PCS?

Most PCS moves use open transport, the standard option for everyday vehicles. Enclosed transport is worth the extra cost for classic, luxury, or low-clearance cars. If you go that route, look for these signs of a reliable enclosed auto transport service.

Timing Your Shipment Around Orders

Your car needs to leave after you're done using it and arrive close to when you need it, all on a schedule your orders set.

Think window, not appointment. Carriers plan routes with several stops, so most bookings use a flexible pickup window of a few days. The more flexible you are, the faster you're matched with a carrier.

Summer is crunch time. U.S. Transportation Command sets DoD peak moving season from May 15 through September 30. PCS car shipping requests climb in those months, and carrier space on popular routes fills faster. 

Sync pickup with your household goods move:

• Schedule pickup after pack-out day, so you still have a car for errands and clearing the installation.

• Leave two or three days between pickup and your departure.

• Line up a rental car at your new duty station until delivery.

• Share your temporary lodging address or a trusted local contact for delivery.

Pro tip: If a deployment or long training course follows soon after your report date, decide before booking whether the car should be delivered right away or held until you're back.

Documents You Will Need

Military vehicle shipping paperwork depends on the shipment type. A private CONUS move needs just a few items, while a government OCONUS shipment through a VPC has stricter rules.

Here's why each item matters for a private shipment with us:

• PCS orders confirm your timing and support your discount.

• A military ID or DD-214 proves PCS50 eligibility.

• Registration and proof of insurance show the car is legally registered and insured.

• A full set of keys lets the driver load and unload the car.

• The bill of lading records your car's condition at pickup and delivery and supports any damage claim. Here's what to check on your bill of lading before you sign.

Pro tip: Before pickup, photograph all four sides, the roof, the interior, and the odometer. Date-stamped photos back up the bill of lading.

For government shipments, the PCS My POV portal lists what each VPC requires.

What Extra Paperwork Applies to Leased or Financed Vehicles?

For a CONUS move, a loan or lease rarely affects shipping. For an OCONUS shipment, VPCs typically require a written authorization letter from your lienholder, and some leasing companies limit which countries a car can go to. Approval can take several business days, so request the letter the day your orders arrive.

Shipping to and From OCONUS Installations

For an authorized OCONUS move, the government arranges military vehicle shipping through contracted Vehicle Processing Centers (VPCs) instead of a commercial quote.

How Does Government-Sponsored POV Shipping Work Overseas?

Your orders confirm whether you're authorized to ship a POV. If you are, schedule a turn-in appointment through the official PCS My POV portal, where you can also find VPCs and track your vehicle.

Key rules from Military OneSource:

• One POV is shipped, up to 20 MT, a shipping measure based on vehicle size.

• VPCs work by appointment only.

• The fuel tank must be one-quarter full or less at turn-in.

• The exterior must be washed, and the interior vacuumed.

• You have 21 days to pick up your vehicle once it's ready at the destination.

Host countries set their own import rules, and a few don't accept POVs at all. When shipment isn't allowed, your entitlement may cover storage instead, so check with your transportation office.

What Is Different About Alaska and Hawaii Moves?

Alaska and Hawaii both count as OCONUS, so an authorized move generally includes a government-funded POV shipment.

Alaska is the one OCONUS destination many families drive to. The route through Canada covers more than 2,000 miles from the lower 48 states and requires a passport for everyone in the car.

Hawaii has no road option. The government-funded POV ships through a West Coast VPC, and a second car needs a private ocean shipment, which we can arrange. Our guide to preparing your car for ocean transport to Hawaii covers the prep.

Where we come in. If your VPC is far from your installation, a carrier can bring the car to a meeting point nearby, where you or an authorized agent complete the turn-in. When you return stateside, a carrier can take it from the VPC area to your new CONUS installation.

Your PCS50 Discount

You serve, so you save. PCS50 is the military car shipping discount code we offer on private vehicle shipments. Just mention code PCS50 when you request your quote, and the savings are built into the price you lock for 7 days. 

Who qualifies? Active duty service members, veterans, and military families, including spouses. Learn more about military discount eligibility in our full guide.

How do you apply it? Mention PCS50 when you request your quote, and keep a military ID, DD-214, or PCS orders handy to verify eligibility.

What does it cover? PCS50 lowers the cost of a private shipment, like a CONUS move or a second vehicle on an OCONUS move. It's separate from government reimbursement, so using this military car shipping discount won't change any benefit your orders provide.

What Do Service Members Ask About Military Car Shipping?

Here are the questions service members and military spouses ask us most often.

How do I ship my POV during a PCS?

Request a free quote, pick a flexible pickup window that fits your pack-out, and book with a $1 card hold. We match you with a licensed carrier and keep you updated until delivery. Heading OCONUS? Book your government VPC appointment through the PCS My POV portal.

Does the military pay for POV shipping?

For authorized OCONUS moves, the government generally ships one POV. For CONUS moves, you usually get government reimbursement for mileage if you drive, but shipping costs are yours. That's where we help: PCS50 savings, a 7-day price lock, and no upfront payment make budgeting easier. Confirm your entitlements with your transportation office.

What documents do I need to ship a car during PCS?

A private shipment with us needs only a few items: your PCS orders, a military ID or DD-214, registration, proof of insurance, and a full set of keys. For a government OCONUS shipment, add your title and a lienholder letter if the car is financed.

How far ahead of my report date should I book?

Reach out as soon as your orders land. Two to four weeks before pickup works for most CONUS routes, and summer moves need more lead time. Since we lock your quote for 7 days with no upfront payment, there's no downside to getting your price early.

Can I change my pickup date if orders shift?

Orders shift. It's military life, and we plan for it. Tell your coordinator as soon as your dates change, and they'll work to adjust your pickup window or line up a different carrier. If a deployment pushes your move back, ask about rebooking under a new quote.

Is there a military discount?

Yes. We offer the PCS50 military car shipping discount to active duty service members, veterans, and military families. Just mention PCS50 when you request your quote and have your military ID, DD-214, or PCS orders handy. It's our way of saying thanks for your service.

Can my spouse handle the pickup or delivery?

Absolutely. Any adult you name on your booking can release the car at pickup and sign for it at delivery, which helps when the service member has already reported or is on deployment. For a government VPC turn-in, bring a power of attorney as well.

Can you deliver to an on-base address?

In many cases, yes. Base access rules vary by installation, and some gates restrict large car carriers or require a visitor pass. Share your gate rules when you book, and we'll coordinate with the carrier. If the truck can't enter, the driver meets you at a nearby lot instead.

How long does PCS vehicle shipping take?

It mostly comes down to distance. Routes under 500 miles often take 1 to 3 days, mid-length routes 3 to 7 days, and coast-to-coast moves about 7 to 10 days once loaded. Summer demand can stretch that, so book with us early to secure your spot.

Can I ship two vehicles during a PCS?

Yes. Book both vehicles with us on the same quote to keep scheduling in one place, and ask about multi-vehicle discounts. On an OCONUS move, the government usually covers only one POV, so a private shipment is the easy way to get your second car there.

Before You Hand Over Your Keys

Service members whose vehicle moves go smoothly treat the car as its own item in the PCS plan. They request a quote soon after orders arrive, schedule pickup after pack-out, and keep their orders, registration, insurance, and signed bill of lading in one folder.

Photos before pickup and a careful walk-around at delivery give you a clear record if anything ever needs to be sorted out. Telling your coordinator about date changes early matters just as much. For overseas moves, your transportation office handles the authorized POV. For everything else, private military auto transport fills the gap. When your dates start taking shape, request a quote from Safeeds Transport, mention PCS50, and lock in your price for 7 days with no upfront payment.