How Military Car Shipping Works.
Our military car shipping service is for active duty members only, and works the same as any other auto transport job. The government can cover the charges for shipping one privately owned vehicle; however, you’d have to pay the charges yourself if there’s an additional vehicle to ship.
Does the Military Ship Your Car for Free?
Yes – if you’re in the military and receive PCS (Permanent Change of Station) orders, the government might reimburse you for shipping costs on one personally operated vehicle (POV). it’s important to note, though, that there are specific requirements involved, and it’s wise to check with the Department of Defense (DoD) to find out the details. Any additional vehicles that need to be shipped will probably be paid for by the service member.
How Military Shipping Differs from Standard Auto Transport
Military members have a couple of different options to choose from when it comes to shipping a vehicle after receiving PCS orders. A Government Managed Move is orchestrated by the DoD, with the government actually selecting the moving company and crew. There’s also a Personally Procured Move (PPM) or DITY (Do IT Yourself), with the options of either doing all the work yourself (PPM-self) or hiring someone outside to do the work (PPM-assisted).
Why Military Car Shipping Is Different from Civilian Auto Transport
It won’t come as a surprise to military members that the government will need several pieces of documentation, all of which can make the move less stressful once they’re all in place:
- Travel voucher (DD-1351-2)
- Application for DITY Move and Counseling Checklist (DD 2278)
- A copy of the PCS travel orders from superior officers
- 2 x certified weight tickets: one for gross (full) weight and one for empty (tare) weight
- A copy of the rental agreement
- A copy of vehicle registration(s) if you’re using POV/boat/trailer
- Common Operating Personal Expenses (OPE)
Military Car Shipping Coverage Map
Expert POV Relocation for Active Duty & Veterans
Over 10 Years of Reliable Military Car Shipping Services
Reliable Nationwide Car Shipping for Military Personnel
The Fastest & Easiest Way to Relocate Your POV
When it’s time to actually find out what you can expect to spend when it’s time to ship your car, we’ve made that as easy as possible. Just find the Quote Calculator feature on our website - it’s easy to use and will just need a few details from you. Answer a few questions about your car’s year/make/model, your car’s running condition, your pickup point and destination, your desired timeframe and your preferred method of transport. Enter this info using the dropboxes on the calculator, wait a few seconds and it will deliver an accurate quote for the shipping services you need. All quotes will also include verified carrier insurance rolled into the total to cover your vehicle in case of any accidental damage while en route, and all quotes are final with no tacked-on fees or surprise surcharges on the back end.
It’s important to remember the PPM option if you get relocation orders. While it means a lot more work, it also means that you have complete control over how your vehicle and your personal goods are handled. It’s a good way to minimize the risk of damage or loss of household and personal items and your vehicle, and if you can keep and produce the right paperwork and receipts, the government can reimburse you for moving expenses.
It’s a good idea to have the following items in place when shipping a vehicle (especially when it’s time to take possession of it again):
- A copy of the title document and current registration
- Proof of insurance
- Valid proof of ownership and ID
How long does military vehicle shipping take?
| Distance | Avg. transit time (calendar days) |
|---|---|
| 0 - 200 miles | 1 - 2 days |
| 200 - 600 miles | 2 - 4 days |
| 600 - 1000 miles | 3 - 5 days |
| 1000 - 1500 miles | 4 - 6 days |
| 1500 - 2000 miles | 5 - 7 days |
| 2000 - 2400 miles | 6 - 8 days |
| 2400+ miles | 7 - 9 days |
The Avg. Transit Times shown up above can be affected by weather conditions, road conditions, traffic, etc.
Choose Between Open and Enclosed Auto Shipping
What’s the difference between open and enclosed shipping?
What’s the difference between open and enclosed shipping?
Open Car Transport
Enclosed Car Transport
Tips for a Smooth Military Car Shipping Experience
Here are some great ways to ensure your car shipping experience is a smooth and glitch-free one:
Please give your car a thorough inspection for fluid leaks - coolant, motor oil, transmission, brake or power steering fluid. A transport driver has the option of refusing to haul a car with fluid leaks.
It’s standard practice to ship vehicles with less than a quarter tank of fuel, cutting down on curb weight and saving you shipping costs. For EVs, it’s advisable to ship the vehicle with a 45% to 65% charge in the battery packs.
If your vehicle can’t start, run, steer, drive and stop on its own, please let us know in advance. We can ship non-running vehicles, but it takes extra equipment and time on the part of the driver.
Please disable any alarms and remove any toll tags or parking tags.
Please remove any detachable external accessories like light bars, antennas, cargo boxes, rooftop carriers or bike racks.
It’s a good idea to give your car a good wash job before shipment. You and the driver will both perform inspections before and after transport, documenting its condition for the Bill of Lading, and it’s easier to spot any scrapes or defects on a clean car. You should also consider taking a few photos pre-trip.
Please ensure all four tires are fully inflated, all lights and taillights work, and the battery is fully charged.
Remember that the transport driver needs a copy of the car’s ignition key.
Frequently Asked questions About Military Car Shipping
Can personal items be shipped as part of your military car shipping service?
You can ship up to 100 lbs of personal items in the trunk or cargo area of the vehicle being shipped. you must secure the items in a single box or suitcase. However, if your vehicle is being shipped to/from Hawaii, you cannot ship personal items inside the vehicle. You also need to be aware that the military car shippers cargo insurance does not cover personal items.
How does the military car shipping program work?
Our military car shipping program works in much the same way as our other auto transport services. There are, however, a few basic differences. When you make your booking, inform the shipping advisor that you’re a military member so that we can apply your discount. When you ship a vehicle to and from a military base, you need to meet the military car shippers outside the base.
Useful resources for military POC
Your military POC will go much smoother if you have all the information available. Numerous resources are available. Here is a list of those you’ll find most useful.
- US government website: here you’ll find a wide range of resources such as government agencies, services, and job prospects.
- Military base guide: here you’ll find details of all US military bases.
- A checklist for shipping your POV: includes links to all the forms you may need.
- Military Onesource: includes tips for every stage of your deployment.
- US Transcom handbook: check whether you’re medically eligible to ship a POV in the CONUS.
- Personal property counseling checklist: guidance on the movement of your personal property within the Defense Transportation System.
- Blue Star Families: list of resources to help make your family’s deployment easier.
What documents do you need for a military relocation?
Having all the necessary documents in order and current will make your military relocation less stressful. You will need the following:
- Travel voucher: DD 1351-2
- Application for DITY Move and Counseling Checklist: DD 2278
- A copy of your PCS travel orders
- 2 x certified weight tickets: one is for the gross/full wright and one is for the empty/tare weight
- A copy of your paid rental agreement
- A copy of your vehicle registration if you’re using POV/boat/trailer
- OPE: Common Operating Personal Expenses