Complete PCS vehicle shipping guide for military members. Covers DITY vs. government shipping, reimbursement rules, OCONUS transport, costs by route, and step-by-step timelines.
Military PCS Vehicle Shipping: Costs, Reimbursement & How to Ship (2026)
A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move is one of the most significant logistical challenges military families face. Figuring out how to get your vehicle to your next duty station adds another layer of complexity. Whether you're moving across the country or overseas, this guide covers everything service members need to know about shipping a vehicle during a PCS — including what the military pays for, what you'll spend out of pocket, and how to save.
How Much Does Military PCS Car Shipping Cost?
Here's what you can expect to pay depending on your route:
| Route | Open Transport | Base → Base Example |
|---|---|---|
| California to Texas | $800–$1,200 | Camp Pendleton → Fort Cavazos |
| Florida to California | $1,100–$1,500 | Eglin AFB → Edwards AFB |
| New York to Florida | $750–$1,100 | West Point → Jacksonville NAS |
| Texas to Florida | $700–$1,000 | Fort Cavazos → MacDill AFB |
| Seattle to Los Angeles | $600–$900 | JBLM → Camp Pendleton |
| California to New York | $1,200–$1,600 | Travis AFB → Fort Drum |
For a full pricing breakdown, see our car shipping cost guide.
Key takeaway: Most CONUS military moves cost $600–$1,500 for private auto transport — and much of this may be reimbursable.
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Your Two Options: Government Shipping vs. Private Carrier
Option 1: Government-Arranged Shipping
Option 2: DITY / Personally Procured Move (PPM)
- Faster delivery (5–10 days vs. 2–4 weeks government)
- Flexible scheduling around your report date
- Real-time tracking and better communication
- Door-to-door service directly to your new housing
Government vs. Private Carrier: Quick Comparison
| Factor | Government Shipping | Private Carrier (DITY) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to you | $0 | Out of pocket (reimbursable) |
| Delivery speed | 2–4 weeks | 5–10 days |
| Scheduling control | Limited | You choose dates |
| Tracking | Minimal | Real-time updates |
| Door-to-door | Sometimes | Yes |
| Transport type | Open only | Open or enclosed |
Reimbursement: What the Military Actually Covers
CONUS Moves
OCONUS Moves
Reimbursement Checklist
OCONUS Vehicle Shipping: Timeline & Requirements
How Long Does OCONUS Shipping Take?
| Destination | Typical Transit Time |
|---|---|
| Europe (Germany, Italy, UK) | 3–4 weeks |
| Asia/Pacific (Japan, Korea) | 4–6 weeks |
| Remote locations (Guam, etc.) | 6–8 weeks |
Important: Drop off your vehicle at the VPC at least 2–3 weeks before your departure date.
Vehicle Requirements for OCONUS
Required OCONUS Documentation
CONUS PCS: Why Service Members Choose Private Transport
For domestic moves, private carriers offer significant advantages:
Speed Advantage
Government-coordinated transport: 2–4 weeks. Private carriers on military routes: 5–10 days. For transit time details, see our guide on how long it takes to ship a car.
Flexibility
Step-by-Step PCS Vehicle Shipping Checklist
1. Receive PCS orders and confirm reporting date
2. Contact TMO to understand entitlements and get authorization
3. Get 3+ quotes from reputable auto transport companies
4. Book 3–4 weeks in advance — military routes fill up during PCS season
5. Prepare vehicle: clean it, remove personal items, check fluids, photograph condition
6. Pickup: carrier inspects and loads; sign the Bill of Lading
7. Track your shipment in transit
8. Delivery: inspect against original BOL, report any issues immediately
9. File travel voucher with all receipts for reimbursement
When to Book: PCS Season Warning
PCS season runs May through August. During this window:
If you have flexibility, shipping in September or October saves money and reduces wait times. See our guide on the cheapest way to ship a car for more savings strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car during a PCS move?
Private auto transport for CONUS PCS moves typically costs $600–$1,500 depending on distance and route. Government-arranged shipping is free for one authorized POV. If you use a private carrier via DITY/PPM, you can submit receipts for reimbursement up to what the government would have paid.
Will the military reimburse me for private car shipping?
Yes, if you arrange transport through a DITY/PPM move and get TMO approval first. Keep all invoices and receipts, then submit them with your travel voucher within 60 days of PCS completion. Reimbursement is capped at the government's estimated cost.
Can I ship two cars during a PCS?
The military authorizes one POV per service member. Dual-military couples with separate PCS orders may each ship one vehicle. For a second personal vehicle, you'll pay out of pocket — typically $600–$1,500 for CONUS routes.
How long does military car shipping take?
Government-arranged CONUS transport: 2–4 weeks. Private carriers: 5–10 days for most routes. OCONUS shipping ranges from 3–8 weeks depending on the destination.
What happens if my car is damaged during military shipping?
For government-arranged transport, file a claim through the Military Claims Office. For private carriers, note damage on the Bill of Lading at delivery, photograph everything, and file with the carrier's insurance within 48–72 hours. All licensed carriers carry cargo insurance ($100K–$250K).
Can I ship a non-running vehicle during PCS?
Yes, but there's typically a $150–$300 surcharge for winch loading. See our inoperable vehicle shipping guide for details.
Your PCS has enough moving parts — let us handle the vehicle. Get a free quote today with transparent pricing that's easy to submit for military reimbursement.
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- No personal info required to see rates
- Compare open & enclosed transport prices
- Licensed & insured carriers only
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