Military PCS Car Shipping: How to Ship Your Vehicle When You Relocate

What Is a PCS Move and Why Vehicle Shipping Matters

Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders are a regular part of military life. Whether you're active-duty Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, or Space Force, relocating every few years is expected. But when those orders come in, it’s not just about packing up household goods. For many military families, figuring out how to move a personal vehicle is one of the most stressful aspects of the transition.

A PCS can mean moving within the continental United States (CONUS) or to an overseas location (OCONUS). Either way, planning for how your vehicle gets from Point A to Point B is something that should never be left for the last minute.

Driving long distances might seem economical at first—but it's not always practical. Especially if you're managing multiple vehicles, have young children, or are heading to a destination across the country or overseas. That’s where professional vehicle shipping comes into play.

Will the Military Pay to Ship My Vehicle? Understanding POV Entitlement

What the Military Covers

For OCONUS moves, the U.S. government typically covers the cost to ship one Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) to or from the duty station. This includes moves to locations like:

• Germany
• South Korea
• Japan
• Hawaii
• Alaska
• Italy

These shipments are processed through the Vehicle Processing Center (VPC) network. Service members must drop off their vehicle at a designated VPC and retrieve it from another approved center at their destination.

Full details and required steps are available at the official PCS My POV website, operated by USTRANSCOM.

What You Pay Out-of-Pocket

If you're shipping a second vehicle—or if your PCS is within the U.S.—you’ll likely need to cover the cost yourself. While the military may reimburse mileage if you drive, actual vehicle shipping expenses for CONUS PCS moves are rarely covered.

However, in some cases, service members may qualify for Partial DLA (Dislocation Allowance) to help offset costs related to relocation, including vehicle logistics. Always consult with your transportation office (TO) to clarify entitlements.

Pros and Cons of Driving vs. Shipping Your Car During PCS

Driving the Car

• Pros: You have flexibility on timing and routes. Avoids up-front shipping costs.
• Cons: Risk of vehicle breakdowns during long-distance travel. Exhausting travel days, especially with young kids or pets. Costs like gas, hotels, meals, and wear-and-tear add up quickly.

Shipping the Car

• Pros: No additional miles or wear on your vehicle. Safer and more convenient for families. Lets you focus on the move without a long road trip.
• Cons: Up-front cost (but predictable). Pickup/delivery must be coordinated in advance.

Curious how much it would cost to ship your car? Use our instant quote calculator here:
✅ https://tciships.com/en/calculator

How to Choose the Right Car Shipping Company for Military Moves

Why TCI Is a Trusted Choice for Military Families

At TCI Logistics, we’ve helped thousands of service members relocate their vehicles with confidence. Our team understands the nuances of base regulations, VPC coordination, and military timelines. Whether you need open or enclosed transport, terminal-to-terminal, or door-to-door service, we tailor the process to fit your PCS needs.

We also proudly offer:

• Dedicated military support agents
• Flexible pickup/delivery options near bases
• Veteran-owned coordination team
• Discounts for active-duty personnel

What to Look for in a PCS Auto Transport Company

• FMCSA registration – All legal carriers should be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
• Transparent insurance policy – Make sure coverage is included and clearly stated in your agreement.
• Positive military reviews – Look for companies with genuine feedback from other service members, not just generic 5-star reviews.
• Experience with VPC coordination – Especially for OCONUS moves.

How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car for PCS?

Typical Timelines

• Domestic (CONUS): Usually 5–10 business days, depending on distance and pickup location.
• OCONUS: 20–45 days, depending on overseas port access, weather, and customs processing.

Delays can happen due to weather, high demand during PCS season (May–August), or base-specific policies. That’s why we recommend scheduling your shipment at least 3 weeks before your PCS orders take effect.

Documents Needed for Military POV Shipping

For Domestic Vehicle Shipping:

• Valid military ID
• Copy of PCS orders
• Vehicle registration and title
• Auto insurance documentation
• Pickup/delivery contact information

For Overseas Shipments via VPC:

• All of the above, plus:
• Government-issued Inspection Form
• Special VPC documentation (available at VPC office)
• Power of attorney (if vehicle is being dropped off/picked up by someone else)

Double-check the PCS My POV documentation checklist before your drop-off.

Ready to Take the Stress Out of PCS Car Shipping?

Every PCS move is different—but one thing remains the same: your time is limited, and every detail matters. Let us help you handle the vehicle side of your move, so you can focus on your family, your orders, and your next mission.

Use our free shipping calculator to get started today:
https://tciships.com/en/calculator

A Real-World Guide for Military Families Who Need Their Car Moved

Planning a PCS move is rarely straightforward. Between briefings, housing arrangements, paperwork, and the emotional weight of uprooting your family, there’s often one detail that catches people off guard: what to do with your car.

Whether you're headed across the U.S. or to a military base overseas, the way you move your vehicle matters—not just logistically, but financially and emotionally too. Let’s walk through what that process looks like in the real world, based on what military families actually experience—not what a generic checklist tells you.

1. Read the Fine Print in Your Orders — Twice

Every PCS starts with orders, but few people read them closely beyond the report date and destination. If you're moving overseas, look for a line that explicitly states authorization for one POV (Privately Owned Vehicle) to be shipped at government expense. If it's not in there, you're on your own.

Your transportation office can clarify the details, but what’s often missed is how early you need to act. Appointments at VPCs (Vehicle Processing Centers) book out fast—especially during peak PCS months from May to August.

If you're staying within the continental U.S., don’t assume anything is covered. While the military reimburses mileage if you drive, it won’t pay for your car to be shipped unless there’s a very specific reason and prior approval. In most cases, that cost falls on you.

2. Decide if Shipping Is Worth It for You

Shipping a vehicle isn't always the best route—but it often is. If you're single and your car is in top shape, driving may be fine. But if you’re moving with a newborn, pets, or two vehicles, driving cross-country quickly becomes a logistical nightmare.

Consider:

• Will you have time to rest on the road?
• Are you OK putting 2,000+ extra miles on your vehicle?
• Will your spouse or kids need a car immediately at the new base?
• Can you afford the gas, hotel stays, and wear-and-tear costs?

In many cases, families realize they’d rather spend $1,000–$1,200 to ship a car than take on a multi-day drive during an already chaotic time.

3. Use a Reliable Quote Tool, but Don’t Rely Only on Price

Online calculators are great for budgeting, but they don’t always reflect reality. Prices change based on seasonal demand, pickup location, rural access, and even weather events.

When you get a quote—especially from TCI’s calculator—use it as a starting point. Then talk to a real person. Ask:

• How experienced are they with military PCS moves?
• Can they adjust pickup based on your schedule changes?
• Are there fees for delays if your report date shifts?

Too many families go with the cheapest option and end up with a no-show transporter on move-out day.

4. Get Ahead of the Rush

PCS season doesn't just get busy—it gets competitive. The same carriers, trucks, and drivers are being requested by thousands of other families across the country. That’s why your shipment date should never be “sometime next week.”

What works better is this:

• Book your auto transport at least 3–4 weeks in advance.
• Leave some flexibility in your schedule for pickup windows.
• Confirm the carrier's license and insurance up front.

By handling this early, you’re giving yourself breathing room in case plans change. Because they always do.

5. Prep Your Vehicle Like You’re Handing It to a Stranger (Because You Are)

Even the most reputable shipping companies need your help to avoid issues. Think of it this way—if your car were going to sit for 2 weeks, untouched, you’d want it to be in good condition, right?

Before handing over your keys:

• Wash the vehicle so you (and the driver) can see any damage clearly.
• Take photos from all angles, including the odometer.
• Remove anything not bolted down—baby seats, garage remotes, gym bags.
• Leave only 1/4 tank of gas (for safety and weight limits).
• Check the battery, tire pressure, and any leaks.

For overseas moves, VPC inspections are stricter. They’ll reject your car if there’s a soda can under the seat or if the battery isn’t mounted properly.

6. Track the Journey, But Keep Expectations Real

Most cross-country shipments take 5 to 10 days, but don’t bank on it. If you're shipping from California to Virginia in June, and the truck breaks down in Texas, it may take 12. Weather, route changes, and volume of orders all play a role.

What matters more is having a direct contact—not a call center. At TCI, for example, you get a single agent who follows your shipment and gives real updates, not just a tracking link.

If your plans change while the car is en route (maybe your housing isn’t ready yet), ask about temporary storage. It’s better to sort that out in advance than scramble when the truck’s 20 minutes away.

7. Inspect Upon Arrival Like It’s Your Only Chance—Because It Is

When your car arrives, don’t just thank the driver and sign the form. Walk around the vehicle slowly. Compare it to the photos you took at pickup. Look for dings, scuffs, or any changes. If anything seems off—even a scratch—note it on the Bill of Lading.

After you sign and the driver leaves, claims become difficult. Trust yourself here. If something feels wrong, document it.

Reputable companies like TCI include insurance with every shipment, so there’s no awkward “but that’s not covered” conversation.

8. If You’re Going OCONUS, Welcome to the Waiting Game

Shipping a car to or from Hawaii, Germany, or Japan is a different animal. The process is longer, paperwork is heavier, and customs can add weeks. But it’s manageable.

Tips from real families:

• Book your VPC appointment immediately after receiving orders.
• Ask if your destination requires emissions testing or modifications.
• Pack a plan for temporary transport on the other end.

Some people rent, others borrow from family, but most regret waiting too long.

Final Thought: There’s No Single “Right Way” to Ship a Car—Only What Works for You

PCS orders affect every family differently. Some have three weeks to prepare. Others get 10 days and have to make it work. Some have kids, pets, two cars, and a job waiting on the other end. Others are going solo to Korea.

What matters is having a plan that works for your reality, not the ideal one. That’s where working with a logistics company that understands military life—not just transport logistics—makes a difference.

Ready to Simplify Your PCS Vehicle Move?

At TCI Logistics, we’ve helped thousands of military families move their vehicles safely and with less stress. We understand PCS isn’t just about changing bases—it’s about transitioning your life.

Get your quote now and let’s take care of the road ahead together:
https://tciships.com/en/calculator

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