Military Auto Transport
Military Auto Transport: Reliable Vehicle Shipping for Service Members and Their Families
Relocating is one of the most common realities of military life. The average service member receives Permanent Change of Station orders every two to three years, and each move brings the same challenge: getting your personal vehicle from the old duty station to the new one while juggling reporting deadlines, family logistics, housing transitions, and the hundred other moving parts that come with a PCS. You should not have to add a cross-country road trip to that list.
Advantage Auto Movers has proudly served active-duty service members, veterans, reservists, National Guard members, and military families for over a decade. We understand PCS timelines, military pay structures, PPM/DITY move reimbursements, and the unique pressures that come with a government-directed relocation. Our military auto transport program offers discounted rates, priority scheduling, flexible payment options, and a dedicated support team that speaks your language — because we believe the people who serve this country deserve shipping service that does not add stress to an already demanding process.
Military Discounts on Vehicle Shipping
Every active-duty service member, veteran, reservist, and military family member qualifies for our military discount program. The savings are automatic — no promo codes, no hoops to jump through, no fine print.
| Category | Discount | Verification |
|---|---|---|
| Active-duty (all branches) | Up to 15% off standard rates | Military ID or .mil email |
| Veterans | Up to 10% off standard rates | DD-214, VA ID, or veteran designation on state ID |
| Reservists and National Guard | Up to 10% off standard rates | Military ID or orders |
| Military spouses and dependents | Up to 10% off standard rates | Dependent ID or service member verification |
Discounts apply to all service types — open transport, enclosed transport, door-to-door, and expedited shipping. They can be combined with multi-vehicle discounts if you are shipping more than one car during a PCS move.
PCS Vehicle Shipping: What You Need to Know
When you receive PCS orders, the military will typically cover the cost of shipping one privately owned vehicle (POV) as part of your move entitlement if you are relocating to an overseas (OCONUS) duty station. For stateside (CONUS) moves, the military generally does not directly ship your vehicle — instead, the cost of driving or shipping is expected to be covered by your Dislocation Allowance (DLA) and mileage reimbursement.
This is where private auto transport through Advantage Auto Movers becomes the smart choice for CONUS PCS moves. Rather than spending several days driving across the country — burning leave days, accumulating wear on your vehicle, and paying for fuel, hotels, and meals — you can ship your car and fly to your new duty station, arriving rested and ready to in-process.
Cost Comparison: Driving vs. Shipping (CONUS PCS)
| Expense | Driving Yourself (2,000 mi) | Shipping With Us |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | $280 — $400 | Included in quote |
| Hotels (2-3 nights) | $200 — $450 | $0 |
| Meals on the road | $75 — $150 | $0 |
| Vehicle wear (tires, oil, mileage) | $150 — $300 | $0 |
| Time (leave days used) | 2 — 4 days | 0 days |
| Total estimated cost | $705 — $1,300 + lost leave | $900 — $1,400 (military rate) |
When you factor in the value of leave days, the wear on your vehicle, and the physical toll of a multi-day drive (especially if you have a family with young children), shipping often breaks even or costs less than driving — while saving you days of time and significant stress.
PPM (DITY) Move Reimbursement and Vehicle Shipping
If you are conducting a Personally Procured Move (PPM, formerly called a DITY move), you are entitled to reimbursement for a portion of the cost the government would have paid a commercial moving company. While PPM reimbursements are primarily designed for household goods, understanding how vehicle transport fits into your overall move budget is important for financial planning.
Key PPM/DITY Facts for Vehicle Shipping
- PPM reimbursement covers household goods weight, not vehicle shipping directly. However, the DLA (Dislocation Allowance) and travel allowances you receive can be applied toward vehicle transport costs at your discretion.
- Mileage reimbursement. For CONUS moves, you receive per-mile reimbursement for one POV at the current government rate. If you ship your vehicle instead of driving, you still receive the mileage reimbursement based on the official distance between duty stations — money that can offset your shipping cost.
- Keep all receipts. Save your auto transport invoice as part of your move documentation. While it may not be directly reimbursable as a PPM expense, it is a legitimate moving cost for your personal records and may be relevant for tax deductions on unreimbursed moving expenses (consult a tax professional for current eligibility).
- Talk to your Transportation Office. Every installation’s Personal Property Office or Transportation Management Office (TMO) can explain your specific entitlements. Entitlements vary by rank, dependents, and the type of move (PCS, TDY, separation, retirement).
Base-to-Base Vehicle Shipping
Many of our military customers ship vehicles between installations. Our carriers are familiar with the access procedures, security requirements, and logistics of major military bases across the country. Here are some of the most common military shipping routes we handle:
- Fort Liberty (Bragg), NC to Fort Cavazos (Hood), TX
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA to Fort Stewart, GA
- Camp Pendleton, CA to Camp Lejeune, NC
- Naval Station Norfolk, VA to Naval Base San Diego, CA
- Fort Moore (Benning), GA to Fort Carson, CO
- Joint Base San Antonio, TX to Fort Drum, NY
- Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA to MCAS Miramar, CA
- Wright-Patterson AFB, OH to Eglin AFB, FL
Base access note: Some installations require advance coordination for commercial vehicle entry. If you want the carrier to pick up or deliver directly on base, let us know during booking and we will work with the driver to arrange gate access, commercial vehicle passes, and any required documentation. Alternatively, many service members opt for pickup or delivery at a convenient off-base location near the gate.
Shipping Options for Military Moves
All of our standard shipping services are available with military discounts:
Open Auto Transport
The most popular and economical choice for PCS moves. Your vehicle rides on a standard open carrier alongside other vehicles. Safe, proven, and used by over 90% of our military customers. Best for daily drivers, family vehicles, and trucks.
Enclosed Auto Transport
Premium protection for high-value personal vehicles. If you own a sports car, luxury vehicle, classic, or custom build, enclosed transport shields it from weather and road exposure during your PCS move. Military discounts apply to enclosed rates as well.
Expedited Military Shipping
When your reporting date is tight and you cannot wait for standard scheduling, expedited service guarantees pickup within 1 to 3 days. This is our most requested upgrade for military customers who receive short-notice PCS orders or need their vehicle at the new duty station before they arrive.
Multi-Vehicle Military Shipping
Military families often own two or more vehicles. We offer additional discounts when shipping multiple vehicles on the same route and timeline. A dual-income military family with two cars and a truck can save significantly by consolidating all three vehicles into a single shipping order.
Why Military Families Choose Advantage Auto Movers
- We understand military timelines. PCS orders do not follow convenient schedules. Our team works within your reporting dates, training schedules, and travel arrangements to ensure your vehicle arrives when you need it.
- Transparent military pricing. Your discount is applied upfront in the quote — no bait-and-switch, no fine print, no discovering at delivery that the “discount” was offset by hidden fees.
- Flexible payment options. We accept all major credit and debit cards, money orders, cashier’s checks, and can work with Government Travel Card (GTC) payments where applicable. No payment is collected until a carrier is dispatched.
- BBB A+ rated. Our reputation is built on consistency. We deliver the same reliable, professional service to an E-3 shipping a Civic as we do to an O-6 shipping a Porsche.
- FMCSA-licensed carriers only. Every transporter in our network holds active operating authority, current insurance, and a clean safety record. We do not cut corners on carrier vetting.
- Real human support. You will speak with a coordinator who knows your order, understands military terminology, and is available by phone, email, or text when you have questions.
“Third PCS in five years, and this was the first time I did not drive the car myself. I shipped my F-150 from JBLM to Fort Stewart and saved three days of leave plus about $800 in gas and hotels. The military discount made it a no-brainer. Wish I had done this on my first PCS.” — SFC Amanda K., U.S. Army
Frequently Asked Questions About Military Auto Transport
Does the military pay for vehicle shipping during a CONUS PCS?
For CONUS (stateside) moves, the military does not directly cover private auto transport costs. However, you receive a Dislocation Allowance (DLA) and mileage reimbursement that can be used toward shipping expenses at your discretion. For OCONUS moves, the military may ship one POV through its own contracted transportation system. Contact your TMO for details on your specific entitlements.
How do I verify my military status to receive the discount?
We accept any of the following for verification: active military ID (CAC), DD-214 (for veterans), VA identification card, veteran designation on a state driver’s license, dependent ID card, or a .mil email address. Verification is handled during the booking process and takes just a few minutes.
Can you ship my car to or from an overseas port for OCONUS PCS?
Our services cover the CONUS (continental United States) portion of your move. We can ship your vehicle to the Vehicle Processing Center (VPC) or port designated by the military for overseas shipment, and we can pick it up from the VPC upon your return. The overseas ocean transport segment is typically handled by the military’s contracted shipping provider through your TMO.
What if my PCS orders are amended or canceled?
We understand that orders change. If your PCS is amended or canceled before carrier dispatch, we will cancel your booking at no charge. If a carrier has already been dispatched, we will work with you on rescheduling or route modification to accommodate the new orders. No cancellation fees apply to military customers whose orders are officially amended.
Can my spouse handle the pickup or delivery if I have already reported to the new duty station?
Absolutely. Any adult you designate can act as your representative for vehicle inspection and Bill of Lading signing. Many service members report to the new duty station first and have a spouse or family member handle the vehicle handoff at the old location. Just provide us with the authorized person’s name and contact information during booking.
Do you offer storage if there is a gap between my move-out date and reporting date?
While we do not operate storage facilities, we can coordinate with partner lots near your pickup or delivery location if you need short-term vehicle storage (typically 7 to 30 days). Storage fees and availability vary by location. Let our team know about any timing gaps so we can find the right solution.
Serving Those Who Serve
You have enough on your plate during a PCS move. Let Advantage Auto Movers take vehicle shipping off your list. Fill out the form below with your duty stations, vehicle details, and PCS timeline, and a member of our military shipping team will provide a discounted, no-obligation quote — typically within the hour during business hours.
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