Military PCS Vehicle Shipping: Your Complete Guide

Military PCS Vehicle Shipping: Your Complete Guide

Advantage Auto Movers has built a reputation for professional, reliable service. In this article, our team provides a thorough overview of vehicle shipping for military PCS (Permanent Change of Station) moves to help you plan with confidence.

Advantage Auto Movers proudly serves military families with dedicated PCS vehicle shipping services. Our military liaison team understands the unique requirements of DoD moves, including tight timelines, flexible scheduling around reporting dates, and coordination with TMO/PPO offices.

Understanding Your PCS Vehicle Entitlements

CONUS Moves (Within the Continental U.S.)

For PCS moves within CONUS, the military typically does not ship your personal vehicle ‘
as part of your household goods shipment. You are expected to drive or arrange private ‘
transport. However, you may be reimbursed for mileage if you drive, and many service ‘
members choose to hire an auto transport company for convenience, especially for multi-car ‘
families.

OCONUS Moves (Outside the Continental U.S.)

For OCONUS PCS orders (Hawaii, Alaska, overseas), the government will ship one POV ‘
(Privately Owned Vehicle) at no cost through the Vehicle Processing Centers (VPCs) operated ‘
by International Auto Logistics (IAL). Additional vehicles must be shipped at your own ‘
expense. Processing through VPCs typically takes 2-4 weeks for Hawaii and Alaska, 4-8 weeks ‘
for overseas destinations.

The PCS Vehicle Shipping Process

1. Review your orders: Confirm your reporting date, authorized travel days, and vehicle entitlements in your PCS orders.
2. Contact TMO/PPO: Visit the Transportation Management Office for guidance on your specific move. They can provide information on VPCs for OCONUS moves.
3. Get quotes early: For CONUS moves, start getting auto transport quotes at least 3-4 weeks before your desired ship date. During PCS season (May-September), capacity is tight.
4. Book transport: Select a carrier and confirm your booking. Provide your reporting date so the carrier understands your delivery deadline.
5. Prepare your vehicle: Follow standard vehicle prep procedures: remove personal items, keep fuel at one-quarter tank, document existing damage, and disable alarms.
6. Coordinate timing: Schedule pickup to align with your travel plans. Many service members ship their vehicle a week before departing to ensure it arrives around the same time they do.

Military Discounts and Benefits

• Many auto transport companies offer 5-15% military discounts for active duty, reserves, and veterans
• Ask about flexible scheduling accommodations for orders changes or date shifts
• Some companies offer priority dispatch for service members with tight reporting deadlines
• Multi-vehicle discounts are available for families shipping more than one car
• Request a military-specific point of contact who understands PCS terminology and timelines

PCS Season Planning Tips

Peak PCS season (May through September) creates high demand for auto transport. Plan accordingly:

• Book 3-4 weeks ahead: Carrier availability drops significantly during peak season. Early booking ensures better pricing and your preferred dates.
• Be flexible on dates: A 5-7 day pickup window gives carriers more flexibility and often results in better pricing than a fixed date.
• Consider off-peak timing: If your reporting date allows, shipping in April or October (shoulder season) can save 10-20% and offer faster pickup.
• Budget for transport: CONUS vehicle shipping is typically an out-of-pocket expense. Budget $600-$1,500 depending on distance. Keep receipts for potential tax deductions.

Special Situations

Two or More Vehicles

Military families with two vehicles often ship one and drive the other. Multi-vehicle ‘
discounts can make shipping both more affordable than driving both across the country when ‘
you factor in fuel, hotels, meals, and wear on the vehicles.

Motorcycle Shipping During PCS

Motorcycles can be shipped alongside your car or separately. Open trailer motorcycle ‘
shipping costs $300-$700 for CONUS routes. Crated shipping offers maximum protection for ‘
$500-$1,000.

Short-Notice Orders

If you receive short-notice PCS orders, contact transport companies immediately and explain ‘
your timeline. Many companies offer expedited service for military moves, though expect to ‘
pay a 15-25% premium for rush scheduling.

Military tip: Save all receipts for vehicle shipping costs. Depending on your tax situation, unreimbursed PCS moving expenses may be tax-deductible for military members under current IRS rules. Consult a tax professional familiar with military moves.

Choosing an Auto Transport Company for Military Moves

When selecting a transport company for your PCS move, prioritize the following:

• Experience with military PCS moves and understanding of reporting date deadlines
• Flexibility to accommodate orders changes or date shifts without penalty
• Clear communication and a dedicated point of contact throughout the process
• Verified USDOT registration and FMCSA compliance
• Published military discount program with transparent pricing

Summary

We hope this overview of military PCS vehicle shipping has been helpful. Advantage Auto Movers is here to provide professional guidance at every step of the transport process. Please contact our team for a personalized consultation.

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