Military PCS Vehicle Shipping: Complete Guide for Service Members

A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is one of the most logistically complex events in military life. Between coordinating household goods, travel arrangements, and reporting dates, figuring out how to get your vehicle to your new duty station can feel overwhelming. This guide covers everything service members need to know about military PCS vehicle shipping, including your entitlements, options, and how to save money.

Your Vehicle Shipping Entitlements

The Department of Defense provides vehicle shipping entitlements that vary based on your type of PCS move:

• CONUS to CONUS (within the continental US): The military does not directly ship your vehicle on stateside PCS moves. However, you can claim mileage reimbursement for driving one POV (Privately Owned Vehicle) to your new duty station, or you can ship the vehicle commercially and potentially offset the cost through your Personally Procured Move (PPM) allowance.
• OCONUS (overseas) moves: The military will ship one POV at government expense to/from overseas duty stations where POV shipping is authorized. This is handled through the Vehicle Processing Center (VPC) system.
• Retirement or separation: Service members are entitled to one final PCS move, including POV shipping if relocating from an overseas assignment.

DITY Moves and PPM: Using Your Allowance for Vehicle Shipping

The Personally Procured Move (PPM), formerly known as DITY (Do It Yourself), gives service members the option to move their own belongings and receive a percentage of what the government would have paid a moving company. Here is how this relates to your vehicle:

While the PPM allowance is primarily for household goods, the money you save by self-managing your move is yours to keep. Many service members use a portion of their PPM profit to cover commercial vehicle shipping, especially when driving across the country is not practical due to:

• Short reporting timelines (less than 10 days)
• Multiple vehicles in the household
• Flying to the new duty station with family
• Deploying shortly after arrival

Under current regulations, the PPM incentive pays 100% of the government's estimated cost for the weight you move yourself. A typical PPM move can generate $2,000 - $8,000 or more depending on distance and weight, which is more than enough to cover the cost of shipping one vehicle commercially.

How to Time Your Vehicle Shipment with PCS Orders

Timing is critical for a smooth PCS vehicle shipment. Here is a recommended timeline:

• 6-8 weeks before report date: Once you have orders in hand, start getting auto transport quotes. This gives you maximum flexibility on pricing and carrier availability.
• 4-6 weeks before report date: Book your vehicle shipment. Provide your desired pickup window and delivery deadline. Coast-to-coast shipments typically take 7-10 business days, so build in a buffer.
• 2-3 weeks before report date: Confirm your pickup date with your broker. Begin preparing your vehicle using our car shipping checklist.
• 1 week before pickup: Final confirmation. Ensure someone will be present for pickup if you are already traveling.

Pro tip: If your report date is tight, ask about expedited shipping. For an additional fee, carriers can prioritize your vehicle for faster pickup and transit.

Military Discounts on Auto Transport

At Quote Auto Ship, we are proud to offer a dedicated military discount for active-duty service members, reservists, National Guard, veterans, and military families. Our military pricing reflects our appreciation for your service and helps offset the cost of PCS vehicle shipping.

To claim your military discount:

1. Request a quote through our online form or call 1-833-848-4600.
2. Mention that you are active military or a veteran.
3. Provide your military ID or DD-214 number for verification.

The discount applies to both open and enclosed transport on any domestic route.

Reimbursement: Getting Your Money Back

Understanding your reimbursement options ensures you are not leaving money on the table:

• Mileage reimbursement: If you drive your POV, you can claim the current DoD mileage rate (check the current JTR for exact figures) for the distance between your old and new duty stations, plus per diem for travel days.
• PPM profit: If you do a PPM move, you receive the government's estimated cost for the weight you moved. This is separate from your vehicle, but the profit can offset your shipping costs.
• DLA (Dislocation Allowance): This lump-sum payment helps cover miscellaneous moving expenses, including vehicle-related costs.
• TLE (Temporary Lodging Expense): If your vehicle arrives after you do, TLE can help cover the cost of temporary lodging and rental cars while you wait.

Keep all receipts related to your vehicle shipment. Your transportation office (TMO/JPPSO) can advise on which expenses are reimbursable for your specific PCS type.

Special Considerations for Military Moves

Second Vehicles

Military entitlements typically cover one POV for overseas moves. If your household has two vehicles, you have several options for the second car: ship it commercially at your own expense, sell it before the move, or have a family member drive it if they are traveling separately.

Overseas Vehicle Storage

If you are PCSing to a location where POV shipping is not authorized (some overseas bases), you may be eligible for government-funded vehicle storage at the VPC for the duration of your assignment.

Short-Notice PCS or Emergency Orders

Sometimes orders come with very little lead time. In these cases, expedited auto transport is available. We can often arrange pickup within 24-48 hours for an additional fee. Call us directly at 1-833-848-4600 for urgent military moves.

Deployment Vehicle Storage

If you are deploying and need to store or relocate a vehicle while you are overseas, we can coordinate shipment to a family member, storage facility, or your next duty station on your behalf.

Why Service Members Choose Quote Auto Ship

• Military discount on every shipment
• Flexible scheduling around PCS timelines and report dates
• Door-to-door service to/from base housing or off-base residences
• Fully insured carriers with verified coverage
• Dedicated coordinator who understands military move logistics
• Expedited options for short-notice orders

Get Your Military PCS Vehicle Quote

Do not wait until the last minute. Get your free, no-obligation quote now and lock in your dates. Get a free quote online or call 1-833-848-4600 and mention your military status for instant discount pricing.