When the military tells you it’s time to move permanently to a new base, it’s called a PCS, or Permanent Change of Station. You might only get a few weeks’ notice to pack your things and get yourself and your family to the next post. One of the biggest headaches is how to get your car there in one piece, ready to roll. Thankfully, car transport companies know the drill and have programs designed just for service members, so your wheels can roll out at your new home without you losing sleep.
This guide will break down how shipping your car works during a PCS move, the choices you have, how to get ready, and the mistakes you can skip.
What You Need to Know About PCS Moves and Vehicle Shipping
PCS orders mean you’ll be at the next duty station for at least 20 weeks, and you might see these every few years or even more often, depending on your job and branch. The military will cover a lot of your move—like flights and lodging— but getting your car there may or may not be included. You might have to get a stamp of approval or be ready to pay for it yourself, so you’ll want to plan ahead.
When you get orders to transfer to a base overseas, the military may cover the cost to ship one vehicle for you. But for moves within the continental U.S., you’ll be on your own to figure out how to get your car to your new home base.
How to Ship Your Car for a PCS Move
There are usually two basic ways to get your car to your next duty station.
1. Government Paid Shipping (for OCONUS Transfers)
If you’re heading to a base outside the continental U.S., the military will pay to ship one vehicle. You drop your car off at a Vehicle Processing Center (VPC), where they’ll check it for damage, and then a contracted trucker takes it to the next stop.
You’ll have to stick to sharp rules like these:
- Weight limits
- Paperwork (the title, registration, and power of attorney if you’re using a third party on pickup)
- Make sure to get it to the Vehicle Processing Center on time
2. Private Car Shipping Companies (for CONUS or Extra Cars)
When you’re moving in the Continental U.S. (CONUS) or have to ship more than one ride, the private car shipping companies step in. Prices and services change, but you can pick from:
- Open transport (the usual, budget-friendly choice)
- Enclosed transport (for prized cars or classic rides)
- Door-to-door pickup and drop-off
- Terminal-to-terminal transport
Why You Should Use a Shipping Company for PCS
Letting the pros move your car brings a bunch of perks:
Time Saver: You keep checking boxes on your moving checklist, while they figure out the wheels.
Less Wear: Your ride skips out on the extra miles and harsh road trips.
Flexible Options: Pick the delivery plan that matches your schedule and your wallet.
Military Rates: Lots of companies cut you a break on prices if you’re active duty.
How to Get Your Car Ready for Shipping
Doing some prep work now will help your car reach its new home safe and sound—no delays and no surprises. Follow these easy steps to get it ship-ready:
● Collect Important Papers
Dig out your car title, registration, insurance card, and military ID. If a friend or family member is going to handle things for you, get a notarized power of attorney, signed and ready.
● Wash and Check the Car
Give your car a scrub, inside and out. Walk around and snap photos of any dings or scratches, then store the pictures somewhere safe in case you need to prove it wasn’t new damage.
● Trim Gas and Clear Personal Stuff
Keep the gas tank at no more than a quarter full—less is safer. Take out all personal items, unless the company gives you the go-ahead. Some transporters will let you tuck one bag under a hundred pounds into the trunk, but get the okay first.
● Turn Off Alarms and Look for Drips
Switch off any car alarms to keep things quiet on the road. Check underneath for leaks and make sure the tires are pumped to the right pressure.
● Double-Check Dates and Addresses
Look at your moving list one last time. Make sure the pickup and drop-off dates are set, and double-check the phone numbers and the full address where the car will need to go.
When your car is picked up, the driver will carefully load it onto either an open or enclosed carrier, based on what you decided. They will complete a Bill of Lading inspection and hand you a condition report showing how your vehicle looked before it was loaded.
The car will be on the road for a few days up to more than a week, depending on how far it’s going and the weather. Most cross-country deliveries take about 7 to 10 days, while a local move could wrap up in 1 to 3 days. Most companies allow you to track your vehicle by phone, email, or a web dashboard. When your vehicle arrives, you or someone you trust should check it over again before you sign to accept it.
Choosing the right car shipping company
Start with these tips:
- Military experience: Pick a company that knows PCS rules and how Vehicle Processing Centers work.
- Customer reviews: Look on Google, the Better Business Bureau, and transport review sites to learn what other people say.
- Insurance coverage: Make sure your car is insured while in transit and know what the policy covers.
- Transparent pricing: If a quote seems way lower than everyone else’s, be skeptical and read the fine print.
- Good communication: A trustworthy mover keeps you in the loop with updates, confirms each detail, and answers your questions fast.
Also, check if they offer military discounts or if they’re set up to meet the strict timelines the government requires for your relocation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting until the last minute: Lock in your date early to beat price jumps and limited cars on the lot.
- Not doing your homework: Get at least three quotes and read the fine print before you decide.
- Skipping the delivery inspection: Once your ride gets off the truck, note any dings or scratches so you can claim damages later if you need to.
Final Thoughts
A military PCS can feel like a circus, but shipping your car doesn’t have to add to the chaos. Plan ahead, follow a moving checklist, and hire a solid transporter to move your car across the country or overseas without glitches.
Whether you’re driving from Virginia to a California base or shipping to a new overseas duty station, siding with reputable companies keeps your ride safe and eases the stress of a big life change.
