Best Military Moving Companies of 2026
Here’s the quick answer: The best military movers are Safeway Moving, American Van Lines, North American Van Lines, and U-Pack. Hire one when you want more help than a government-arranged move provides, or when you’re doing a Personally Procured Move (PPM). For a PPM, the military pays 100% of what it would have cost the government to move you, and you keep what you don’t spend.
rating
4.9 / 5
- Best overall value
- Veteran owned
- Portion to charity
rating
4.9 / 5
- Certified crews
- Flat-rate pricing
- Family-owned
rating
5 / 5
- Fast delivery
- Nationwide
- 100+ mile moves
rating
4.83 / 5
- 1,800 trucks
- Storage available
- Customized moving plans
Jump to the military movers info you’re looking for:
Which type of military move is right for you?
- Easiest, fully managed move: Choose a government-arranged household goods (HHG) move. Your Personal Property Office handles logistics, but you’ll have less control over timing and carrier.
- Most reimbursement & control: Choose a military PPM move, formerly called a DITY move. See how much a PPM pays.
- Balance of convenience & savings: Choose a partial PPM move. The military moves some items while you handle the rest.
- Extra support: Hire a full-service mover for packing, storage, or specialty items the military doesn’t cover. On a PPM, you can also hire movers for a PPM or use a PPM with a moving container.
- Planning your PCS: Our military moving guide walks through every step of a PCS, and our PCS timeline and PCS move checklist keep you on schedule.
- Moving a car: See what the government covers and how to ship a car yourself in our guide to car shipping for military moves.
- Leaving the military: See what your final military move covers, and where to find moving assistance for veterans after that.
What are the best military movers?
We chose these companies based on moveBuddha’s research on 4,500+ movers, verified reviews from our Better Moves Project, and the experiences of service members.
- Best overall value: Safeway Moving
- Best industry reputation: American Van Lines
- Best for complex moves: North American Van Lines
- Best for DIY PPM moves: U-Pack
Compare the best moving companies for military members
Getting quotes from several movers is the best way to find the right fit for your PCS.
| Company | Best for | Standout military feature |
|---|---|---|
| Safeway Moving | Overall value | 20% military discount |
| American Van Lines | Industry reputation | PPM weight documentation help |
| North American Van Lines | Complex moves | GSA-approved carrier |
| U-Pack | DIY PPM moves | Weight tickets on request |
Estimated long-distance pricing by move size
| Company | 1 – 2 bedrooms (500 – 1,500 mi) | 3 – 4 bedrooms (2,000+ mi) |
|---|---|---|
| Safeway Moving | $2,500 – $4,700 | $4,300 – $5,500 |
| American Van Lines | $2,500 – $4,500 | $3,600 – $5,500 |
| North American Van Lines | $2,500 – $5,500 | $5,500 – $10,500+ |
Estimates are based on moveBuddha pricing data, mystery-shop quotes, and Better Moves Project interviews. Your cost depends on weight, distance, services, and time of year. Our moving cost calculator uses 1,000+ live price points collected each month, so you can check whether a quote is in range for your route.
Our reviews of the best military moving companies
Best overall value: Safeway Moving
Why we chose it
Safeway Moving was founded by a U.S. Army veteran and runs on military values like discipline and accountability. It’s a carrier, not a broker, and handles local and long-distance moves across the 48 contiguous states.
Safeway includes 30 days of free storage on interstate moves, which helps when your report date and housing don’t line up. Military members get a 20% discount, and Safeway also meets or beats lower quotes from qualified competitors.
Pros & cons of Safeway Moving
- 20% military discount
- Founded by an Army veteran
- 30 days free storage on interstate moves
- Meets or beats competitor quotes
- No instant online quotes
- Deposit required at booking
Services
- Local, long-distance & international moving
- Packing & unpacking
- Climate-controlled storage
- Custom crating
Cost
When moveBuddha reader Christian moved a three-bedroom home from New York to California, he paid $4,731. Competing quotes came in over $8,000.
Read our full Safeway Moving review.
rating
4.9 / 5
Best industry reputation: American Van Lines
Why we chose it
American Van Lines (AVL) has been family-owned since 1995 and offers military relocation services, including PPM moves. It’s a moveBuddha Certified mover, so you get up to $1,000 in added move coverage and moveBuddha-backed dispute mediation.
AVL runs weekly shuttles between major cities, which helps with tight PCS timelines. For PPM moves, it helps with weight documentation and coordinates with your transportation office.
Pros & cons of American Van Lines
- moveBuddha Certified
- Binding estimates
- GPS tracking on all trucks
- PPM paperwork support
- Weekly shuttles for tight timelines
- Deposit required to book
- Local moves in only 4 states
Services
- Long-distance & international moves
- Military, corporate & commercial moving
- Antique & piano moving
- Climate-controlled storage & packing
Cost
AVL offers discounts for military families and gives binding estimates. These give you a firm number to plan around and report for reimbursement. However, that number is only as accurate as your inventory. Our reader Kathy moved a one-bedroom apartment 831 miles from Washington, D.C., to St. Louis in January 2023. Her belongings had been in storage for two years, so she listed them from memory. About seven items she’d missed, plus packing charges, raised her $3,409 estimate to a $4,075 final bill. Her advice: “Having a detailed sense of your inventory (down to the exact number of boxes) will get you the most precise estimate possible.”
Read our full American Van Lines review.
rating
4.9 / 5
Best for complex moves: North American Van Lines
Why we chose it
North American Van Lines (NAVL) has moved families since 1933 and is a GSA-approved carrier. It has about 500 locations across the U.S. and Canada, offers free in-home estimates, and builds a custom plan for your move.
For overseas assignments, NAVL’s international arm is one of the world’s largest household goods freight forwarders. It also offers PPM support, including help understanding your weight limits.
Pros & cons of North American Van Lines
- GSA-approved carrier
- Shipment tracking
- Custom crating for fragile items
- Not-to-exceed quotes
- About 500 U.S. & Canada locations
- Pricier than competitors
- Storage isn’t included
- Quality varies by location
Services
- Local, long-distance & international moving
- Packing & custom crating
- Vehicle shipping
- Storage
Cost
NAVL tends to cost more than competitors, and services like storage cost extra. WeSalute+ members can get savings on out-of-state moves, so ask about military pricing when you request a quote.
Read our full North American Van Lines review.
rating
4.83 / 5
Best for DIY PPM moves: U-Pack
Why we chose it
U-Pack has handled long-distance moves since 1997, and its sister company ABF Freight drives every shipment. For a PPM, you load a ReloCube or trailer yourself while U-Pack handles the drive, so more of your PPM payment can stay in your pocket than with a full-service mover.
U-Pack provides weight tickets on request, which you need to get paid for a PPM, and it doesn’t require a deposit. Your card isn’t charged until your shipment is in transit, which helps if you’re waiting on a PPM advance or reimbursement.
Pros & cons of U-Pack
- Weight tickets on request
- $100 off for active military
- No deposit & pay only for space used
- All 50 states, Canada & Puerto Rico
- First 30 days of ReloCube storage free
- You load & unload yourself
- Three business days to load & unload
- No local moves
Services
- ReloCube containers & 28-foot moving trailers
- Military PPM (formerly DITY) moves
- Door-to-door or service center delivery
- Storage at U-Pack service centers
Cost
U-Pack lists $100 off for active military with code DITY10 and an extra $50 off for veterans with code MIL50. Our Better Moves Project participants paid $1,146 – $5,761 for U-Pack moves of 735 – 2,735 miles, and transit averages four to six business days.
Read our full U-Pack review.
rating
5 / 5
Summary of the best military movers
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
- Built for interstate moves of 100+ miles
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Transit averages four to six business days
- Instant online quotes 24/7
What changed for military moves in 2026?
Military moves went through three big changes heading into 2026. Here’s what they mean for your PCS.
- HomeSafe is out: The Department of Defense ended its Global Household Goods Contract with HomeSafe Alliance in June 2025. Government-arranged moves now go back through your installation’s Personal Property Office.
- New oversight office: The Personal Property Activity stood up on May 1, 2026, to oversee military moves. It will also replace the aging Defense Personal Property System (DPS).
- Longer claims window: For shipments picked up on or after May 15, 2026, you have 12 months to file a claim instead of 9.
What is a military move?
A military move is an official relocation ordered by the U.S. Department of Defense or another government agency. The most common is a Permanent Change of Station (PCS), a long-term reassignment to a new duty station.
- PCS (Permanent Change of Station): A long-term move to a new duty station
- TDY (Temporary Duty): A short-term assignment, with a return to your original station
- PPM (Personally Procured Move): You manage your own move and receive an incentive payment
- HHG (Household Goods Move): The government hires an approved mover to ship your belongings
Your move type affects how much control you have, what’s covered, and how you’re paid back.
How much do military moves cost?
Service members spend an average of $5,000 in out-of-pocket, non-reimbursable costs during a PCS, according to Military.com, citing the Military Family Advisory Network. These factors affect what you’ll spend:
- PPM incentive: The military pays 100% of its constructed cost, and you can request an advance of up to 60%. Any amount above your documented costs is taxable income. See our guide to the military moving expense deduction.
- Military discounts: Some movers offer moving discounts for active-duty members and veterans, so always ask.
- Weight & distance: The more you move and the farther you go, the more it costs. Going over your military weight allowance can mean out-of-pocket charges.
- Move type: A PPM lets you hire a mover or rent a truck. A partial PPM splits the work with the military.
- Extra services: Packing, storage, and specialty item handling add to your bill.
Want to save more? On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
What should you look for in a military moving company?
Moving is part of military life, but the right mover makes it much easier. Weigh these factors before you book.
- Availability: Confirm the mover serves both your current location and your new duty station, on your timeline.
- Type of move: Choose the right type of moving company. Interstate movers need a USDOT number, and the best interstate moving companies have one.
- Coverage: Interstate movers must offer full value protection. Compare it to basic moving coverage before you choose.
- Specialty items: Mention firearms, pianos, or art when you request quotes so they’re priced correctly.
- Reputation: Read customer reviews and check BBB ratings. See our list of the best moving companies for vetted options.
- Cost & discounts: Get quotes from at least three movers and ask about military discounts and price matching.
For extra protection, choose a moveBuddha Certified mover. Certified movers pass vetting on licensing, reputation, transparency, and pricing.
How do you prepare for a military move?
These tips make a PCS easier on you and your family.
- Know your per diem: Track your daily allowance for food, lodging, and travel so you don’t overspend.
- Declutter: Less stuff means lower costs and a better chance of staying under your weight allowance.
- Inventory your items: Take photos and make a list of everything you’re moving in case you need to file a claim.
- Set aside essentials: Keep must-haves in one room marked “do not pack” so movers leave them behind.
- Keep weight tickets: For a PPM, you need certified empty and full weight tickets to get paid. See how to get PPM weight tickets.
Expert tip: We spoke to Ryan Guina, veteran and founder of The Military Wallet, about choosing the right type of military move:
“Most military jobs are too demanding to permit the service member to take the time off on both sides of the move to properly manage a PPM. If you choose a PPM move, you will be responsible for planning, scheduling, and managing your move, while balancing your demanding job, finding a new place to live, and helping your family adjust.”
“Of course,” he noted, “there can be exceptions. Those are usually service members who have fewer household belongings, aren’t relocating far, and who have the time and equipment to manage the move on their own.”
What are the steps of a PCS move?
- Receive orders: You get official PCS orders from your command.
- Contact your Personal Property Office: Schedule required counseling to start the process.
- Set up your move online: Use the Defense Personal Property Program tools your office directs you to.
- Choose your move type: Pick a government-arranged move, PPM, or partial PPM.
- Book your move: Your office books the mover, or you book a mover, container, or truck for a PPM.
- Pack & load: Movers pack and load, or you do it yourself for a PPM.
- Travel to your new duty station: Coordinate your travel and delivery dates.
- Receive & inspect: Check your belongings at delivery and note any damage.
- File claims: Give written notice of loss or damage within 180 days, then file your claim within the deadline.
- Get paid: Submit your documents to finalize reimbursement.
Pro tip: Start early. The sooner you contact your Personal Property Office, the better your chances of getting your preferred dates.
Who is eligible for military move benefits?
- Active-duty military members
- Dependents, including spouses & children
- Certain DoD civilians & contractors (check your orders)
rating
4.9 / 5
- Best overall value
- Veteran owned
- Portion to charity
rating
4.9 / 5
- Certified crews
- Flat-rate pricing
- Family-owned
rating
5 / 5
- Fast delivery
- Nationwide
- 100+ mile moves
rating
4.83 / 5
- 1,800 trucks
- Storage available
- Customized moving plans
FAQ
How much does a military move cost?
Service members spend an average of $5,000 out of pocket on a PCS, according to Military.com. Your total depends on distance, weight, time of year, and whether you do a PPM. Track every receipt to maximize your reimbursement.
How much does the military give you to move?
For a PPM, the military pays 100% of what it would have cost the government to move you. You keep any amount you don’t spend, though the excess is taxable. You can request an advance of up to 60% before your move.
Does the military have a preferred moving company?
No, you can hire any mover for a PPM. For government-arranged moves, your Personal Property Office assigns a DoD-approved carrier. You can also check GSA-approved movers through the GSA.
How long do I have to file a military moving claim?
Give written notice of loss or damage within 180 days of delivery. For shipments picked up on or after May 15, 2026, you have 12 months to file your claim. Earlier shipments have nine months.
Is a military discount the best moving discount?
Not always. Off-season or midweek moves can save as much or more. Ask your mover about every discount and compare several quotes.
What won’t military movers pack?
Movers won’t pack hazardous items like gasoline or propane, perishables, or plants. Keep cash, jewelry, and important documents with you. Ask your mover for its full list of prohibited items.
Can I use a moving container for a military move?
Yes, moving container companies like PODS and U-Pack work well for PPMs. You pack at your own pace, and some containers can be stored before delivery. Keep your weight tickets to get paid.
How we chose the best moving companies
The moveBuddha team has spent nearly 10 years evaluating moving companies using a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies. Our thorough methodology evaluates each moving company's services, cost, customer service, and reputation:
Moving services (35%):
We verify operating authority, insurance, and service scope against FMCSA/SAFER and state databases. We confirm availability via standardized mystery-shopping calls (packing tiers, storage type, specialty handling, delivery windows, valuation), and then review contracts alongside complaint and claims patterns over time.
Customer feedback (28%):
We run structured post-move surveys through our Better Moves Project with verifiable documentation. We emphasize on-time performance, care of goods, and estimates’ accuracy, and we investigate outliers before they influence scores.
Online reviews (7%):
We aggregate ratings across multiple third-party sites to reduce platform bias, analyze overall trends and company response behavior, and discount obvious spam/fake signals such as sudden bursts, duplicate language, and low-history profiles.
State availability (12%):
We confirm USDOT numbers, broker vs. carrier status, and any required state permits, then score a state-by-state service matrix that accounts for coverage gaps, seasonal limits, and lane strength. We award additional credit for documented cross-border or specialty lanes.
Additional services (12%):
We verify whether add-ons are performed in-house or subcontracted, look for crew training/certifications for high-value or oversized items, count only documented offerings (tariffs, photos, written service descriptions) confirmed via mystery shopping, and reward robust pre-move planning (virtual surveys, itemized crating).
Quotes/Payment options (6%):
We test standardized move profiles to assess estimate type (binding, not-to-exceed, non-binding), line-item transparency, and disclosed surcharges, require clear written policies for deposits, refunds, and cancellations, and award points for secure, flexible payment methods and customer portals.
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