Military Car Shipping Process & Cost | Military PCS Vehicle Shipping for CONUS & OCONUS
Over 400,000 military members relocate due to PCS orders every year. For many families, this means arranging car shipping across long distances. Finding the best car shipping company for military personnel during a PCS move can be difficult, with many options to consider.
Will the Military Ship Your Car?
The military offers different options for shipping your POV depending on whether the move is within the U.S. (CONUS) if the distance is over 600 miles, or to an overseas location (OCONUS). Here are three options you typically have:
Government-Arranged Shipping
With government-arranged shipping, the military handles auto transport through its contracted carriers. This is the standard for most OCONUS moves. For shipping cars overseas, the military DOD transport office handles A, depending on our rank and location.
Personally Procured Move (PPM)
If you choose a PPM, you’ll handle the shipping yourself using shipping companies and get reimbursed based on the MALT rate. This option is ideal for those wanting more control over the move.
Partial PPM
This option allows you to handle part of the move and use government-contracted services for the rest. For example, you might drive your vehicle part of the way and ship it from a military car shipping ports to your final OCONUS destination.
Military PCS Vehicle Shipping Process
1. Receive PCS Orders and Contact Your Transportation Office
Once you receive PCS orders, contact your nearest Military Transportation Office for guidance. They will help you determine your transportation entitlements and outline the necessary PCS vehicle shipping process steps.
Gather Required Documentation and Prepare Your Vehicle
Gather all required paperwork, such as:
- Official military orders
- Valid military I.D.
- Vehicle title and registration
- Proof of insurance
2. Arrange Transportation
You can hire a private car transport company or use the Military’s vehicle shipping service for auto shipping. If you choose the latter, drop off your car at a designated Vehicle Processing Center (VPC).
3. Drop-Off Checklist
| Documentation | Preparation Steps |
| Military Orders | Ensure your vehicle is clean inside and out |
| Vehicle Registration | Remove any aftermarket accessories |
| Insurance Proof | Set fuel to ¼ tank or less |
4. Pick Up Your Vehicle and Complete Local Requirements
Retrieve your car from the destination VPC or the Auto Transport company’s delivery location. Make sure to complete local registration, insurance updates, and port-specific requirements, especially for shipping cars overseas that military members frequently encounter.
How much does it cost to ship a car for the military? – Average Car Shipping Quotes Military Auto Transport
Interstate Military Car Shipping Rates
For stateside (CONUS) moves, military shipping car rates usually range from $0.40 to $1 per mile. While longer distances have lower per-mile rates, the total shipping cost increases due to the number of miles.
- Short-distance moves:Typically around $1 per mile.
- Long-distance moves:Rates drop to $0.40 to $0.60 per mile.
Here are a few example quotes for different distances:
| Route | Distance (miles) | Estimated Cost |
| Fort Jackson, SC to Fort Hamilton, NY | ~700 | $769 |
| Fort Polk, LA to Fort Detrick, MD | ~1,200 | $959 |
Military Car Shipping Hawaii
Shipping vehicles to/from Hawaii costs significantly more due to the need to transport vehicles between ports and the mainland U.S. For instance, moving POV from Fort Shafter, HI, to Fort Lee, VA (~4,900 miles) could cost $2,500+.
Military Car Shipping Overseas
The military covers one car’s shipping costs for PCS moves, but you will have to pay out of pocket for any additional cars overseas. Overseas rates for a second vehicle can range from $1,500 to $3,000, depending on the vehicle type and the distance covered.
Why Use 3rd Party Military Car Shipping Companies?
- Experience handling tight PCS movetimelines with just a few days’ notice—knowledge of individual base delivery procedures.
- Global networksto coordinate complex long-distance and overseas shipments crossing oceans and borders with seamless hand-offs.
- May offer car shipping military discounts from fixed dollar amounts to percentages of total costs through special programs for active duty, reserve, and veterans.
- Can provide door-to-door service picking up and delivering directly to reduce stress without requiring transport to terminals.
Top Military Car Shipping Ports or VPCs:
| California: | 14611 S. Broadway St, Gardena, CA 90248 |
| Alaska: | 300 Latouche St, Anchorage, AK 99501 |
| Maryland: | 17079 Midway Road, Odenton, MD 21113 |
| Florida: | 11262 Boggy Creek Rd, Orlando, FL 32824 |
| Texas: | 957 Heinz Way, Grand Prairie, TX 75051 |
| Washington: | 654 Milwaukee Ave. N, Algona, WA 98001 |
| Virginia: | 1215 Executive Blvd, Chesapeake, VA 23320 |
| Missouri: | 4236 Crescent Industrial Dr. Pontoon Beach, IL, United States, 62040 |
| Colorado: | 14777 E 35th Pl, Aurora, CO 80011 |
Always Prioritize Convenience When Getting Car Shipping for Military
Convenience should be the top priority for auto shipping when moving because of a military PCS. Using a large, well-known port eliminates delays and makes the process stress-free. Shop and get quotes from several shipping companies to find the best rates.
Look for companies specializing in shipping overseas for OCONUS and have experience with military relocations. Convenience is key to a smooth vehicle move during a PCS transition.
