For most stateside PCS moves, the military pays you a mileage allowance to drive your car, not to ship it, so service members who can't or don't want to drive usually hire a private car shipper and pay out of pocket. Overseas orders, plus some moves to Hawaii and Alaska, typically include government-paid shipping for one vehicle through a contracted vehicle processing center. Private shipping inside the continental U.S. usually costs $500–$1,900 on an open carrier and takes 1–3 days for short moves or 7–10 days coast to coast.
Key takeaways
- Check your orders first. What the government pays for depends on whether the move is stateside or overseas.
- For stateside moves, many families drive one car and ship the second to avoid a long double drive.
- If the government ships your car overseas or to Hawaii or Alaska, you may still need to get it to the vehicle processing center. A private carrier can do that leg.
- Book 2–4 weeks ahead in summer, when PCS season is at its peak.
- If a spouse or friend will release or receive the car, set up a power of attorney or written authorization.
What the military typically covers for your car
Rules for privately owned vehicles (POVs) come from the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) and can change. Use this section as a general guide and confirm the details with your installation's transportation office (often called the TMO or PPPO) before you book anything.
| Type of move | What is typically covered | Where private shipping helps |
|---|---|---|
| Stateside (CONUS) PCS | Usually a mileage allowance for driving your POV(s), plus per diem for travel days. Government-paid POV shipping is uncommon and limited to special cases. | Shipping a second car, or shipping instead of driving when time or family needs make the drive hard. |
| PCS to or from Hawaii or Alaska | Often one POV shipped by the government's contractor through a vehicle processing center (VPC). | Getting the car to the VPC if you won't drive it there, or shipping a second vehicle. |
| Overseas (OCONUS) PCS | Often one POV shipped by the government's contractor, depending on the duty location. | Moving the car from your home to the outbound VPC, or from the inbound VPC to your new home. |
| Separation or retirement | Depends on your final move entitlement. | Shipping the car to your home of selection. |
One more key point: costs you pay for private car shipping may not be reimbursed. Ask your transportation office before you assume any amount will be paid back, and keep every receipt either way.
Driving vs. shipping on a stateside PCS
Many military families have two cars and one licensed driver who has to report on a tight date. Driving both cars means either a split family or flying back. Shipping one car often costs less than you'd think once you add up hotels, meals, fuel, wear, and lost time.
When driving makes sense
- The move is short, under about 500 miles.
- You have two drivers and time to spare before your report date.
- You want the mileage allowance for every vehicle you're allowed to drive.
When shipping makes sense
- A cross-country move with young kids or pets.
- Only one adult driver for two cars.
- A tight report date or a gap between leaving quarters and starting the drive.
- A classic, sports car, or truck you'd rather not put 2,000 miles on.
For long moves, see our cross-country car shipping guide. For trucks and large SUVs, see truck shipping.
PCS car shipping timeline
Summer is the busiest season for both PCS moves and car shipping, so plan ahead. Here's a simple timeline that works for most families.
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| As soon as you have orders | Meet with your transportation office. Ask what POV entitlements apply. |
| 4–6 weeks before | Get quotes. Decide which car ships and which one you'll drive. |
| 2–4 weeks before | Book your shipment. Confirm pickup window and address. |
| 1 week before | Prep the car, take photos, and line up a backup contact. |
| Pickup day | Inspect the car with the driver and sign the Bill of Lading. |
| Delivery day | Inspect again before signing. Note any damage in writing. |
Typical transit is 1–3 days for trips under 500 miles and 7–10 days coast to coast. If your dates are tight, same-day pickup is available in most major metros, and a guaranteed delivery date option is available. See expedited car shipping.
Shipping to a vehicle processing center
If the government is shipping your car overseas or to Hawaii or Alaska, it usually does that from a vehicle processing center. These centers are not on every base, and some families live hundreds of miles from the nearest one.
A private carrier can pick up the car at your home and deliver it to the VPC. A few tips:
- Check the VPC's hours and drop-off rules. Some require an appointment.
- Ask who must be present. Many VPCs require the owner or an authorized agent with a power of attorney, ID, and orders. A truck driver usually can't sign for you.
- Meet the car there or have your authorized agent meet it, so the hand-off is smooth.
- Follow the VPC's prep rules on fuel level, cleanliness, and personal items.
For Hawaii moves where you'd rather handle shipping yourself, see our Hawaii car shipping guide. For Alaska, see Alaska car shipping.
Paperwork and authorization
Car shippers don't need your orders to move your car within the U.S. But a few documents make the move smoother, especially when a deployment or schedule change means you can't be there.
- Vehicle registration and proof of insurance. Keep copies in your glove box or with you.
- Lienholder permission, if you are shipping to a VPC for an overseas move. Many lenders require written approval before a financed car leaves the country.
- Power of attorney or written authorization if a spouse, family member, or friend will release or receive the car.
- Contact list with a backup person at both pickup and delivery.
Registration rules for service members vary by state. Many states typically let active-duty members keep their home-state registration while stationed elsewhere, but rules differ. Check with the DMV in your new state and your base legal office.
How to prepare your car
Good prep takes less than an hour and protects you if a problem comes up. Our full vehicle shipping checklist has more detail.
- Wash the car so existing scratches and dents are easy to see.
- Take dated photos and a video of every side, the interior, and the odometer.
- Remove personal items, base decals or passes you'll need, toll tags, and garage remotes.
- Keep fuel at about a quarter tank.
- Check tires, battery, and for any leaks.
- Turn off the alarm or leave instructions.
- Hand over one set of keys and keep the spare.
Don't pack household goods in the car. Carrier insurance generally doesn't cover personal items, and extra weight can cause problems at weigh stations.
Budgeting for a PCS car shipment
Since private shipping on a stateside PCS is often paid out of pocket, it helps to compare the true cost of driving with the cost of shipping. Here is a simple way to think about it for a long move.
| Cost item | Driving a second car | Shipping a second car |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | Paid by you; may be offset by mileage allowance | Included in the shipping price |
| Hotels and meals | Extra nights for a second driver or a longer trip | None |
| Flights | Sometimes needed to fly a driver back | None for the car |
| Wear on the car | Thousands of miles, oil change, tires | None |
| Shipping fee | None | Often $500–$1,900 open transport |
Run the numbers for your own route with our car shipping cost calculator. Families are often surprised how close the totals are once they count hotels and flights.
Special situations for military families
Deployed or on TDY during the move
If the service member is away, the spouse often handles the car. Make sure the spouse has a power of attorney if a lender, VPC, or DMV asks for one. Add the spouse as the main contact on the booking so the driver calls the right person.
Leaving a car in storage
Some overseas assignments allow government-paid POV storage instead of shipping. If you choose storage, a private carrier can move the car to the storage facility if it's far from your home. Ask your transportation office about the rules.
Shipping a motorcycle or second vehicle
The government typically ships only one POV for an overseas move. If you have a motorcycle or a second car, you may need to sell it, store it, or ship it privately within the U.S. See motorcycle shipping for bikes.
Choosing a shipper you can trust
PCS season brings a rush of quotes, and the lowest one is not always real. A few things to look for:
- A valid USDOT and MC number you can check on the FMCSA website.
- A clear, written price. Low "teaser" quotes that jump after booking are a red flag.
- No large upfront deposit.
- Updates while your car is on the road.
CTS shipments are arranged by Niki Auto Transport (USDOT 4535689, MC 1799148). There's $0 deposit to book, 24/7 in-transit updates, and our Best Price Guarantee means we'll match or beat a lower written quote for the same service. Learn more on our military car shipping page.
Frequently asked questions
Does the military pay to ship my car on a stateside PCS?
Usually not. For most moves within the continental U.S., you typically get a mileage allowance for driving instead. There are limited exceptions, so ask your transportation office and check the current Joint Travel Regulations.
How much does it cost to ship a car for a PCS move?
Most open-carrier shipments within the continental U.S. cost about $500–$1,900, depending on distance, vehicle size, and season. Enclosed shipping costs more, roughly $800–$2,900.
Can my spouse release or receive the car?
Yes. Anyone you name can meet the driver. It's smart to give them written authorization, and a power of attorney if a VPC or lender requires it.
Can you deliver my car to a vehicle processing center?
Yes, we can deliver within the U.S. to a VPC. Check the center's hours and rules, and make sure you or your authorized agent can be there to complete their paperwork.
How early should I book during PCS season?
Aim for 2–4 weeks before your pickup date in late spring and summer. Earlier is better if your dates are firm.
What if my report date changes after I book?
Orders change often, and that's understood. Tell us as soon as you know. Pickup dates can usually be moved before a carrier is dispatched, and with $0 deposit you aren't out money while you wait for final dates.
Got orders? Get a free quote and lock in a written price with $0 deposit.
Updated November 4, 2026