Military Car Shipping: How to Ship Your Car for a PCS
Here’s the quick answer: For an overseas PCS, the government generally pays to ship one car. For a move within the continental U.S., the government pays mileage and expects you to drive. If you’d like to ship instead, car shipping costs $500 – $1,200 on average, according to moveBuddha’s car shipping cost data.
This military car shipping guide covers what the government pays for and the best car shippers for the part you pay for. For the rest of your move, start with our military moving guide, or compare the best car shipping companies.
Here’s who pays to move your car in each situation:
| Your situation | Who pays | How it moves |
|---|---|---|
| Overseas PCS, one car | Government | PCSmyPOV |
| Overseas PCS, second car | You | Private shipper |
| Your car isn’t allowed in your new country | Government pays for storage | Stored through PCSmyPOV |
| Stateside PCS | You (mileage paid if you drive) | Drive or private shipper |
Shipping a car you’re paying for? Start with car shippers that have a proven track record:
Jump to the military car shipping info you need:
Compare moveBuddha’s top car shippers for military moves:
rating
4.7 / 5
- Refundable deposit
- Discounts available
rating
4.5 / 5
- Price lock promise
- Free car wash
rating
4.4 / 5
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
Does the military ship your car overseas?
Yes, for an overseas PCS, the government will generally pay to ship one car that you own or lease, according to the Personal Property Activity (PPA). If both spouses are service members with orders, each one can generally ship one car.
You arrange it through PCSmyPOV, run by the government’s contractor, International Auto Logistics (IAL). Turn-in and pickup at a vehicle processing center are by appointment only. The PPA lists what you need:
- Proof of ownership: Your registration, a copy of the title, or a bill of sale if you bought the car within 90 days.
- Lender or lessor approval: A financed or leased car needs a letter from the lienholder or leasing company authorizing export.
- ID & orders: A valid government-issued ID and your orders with all amendments.
- Power of attorney: Needed from everyone on the title, unless the service member is on it.
- A clean car with little gas: The car must be clean, with a quarter tank of fuel or less.
Your car isn’t a moving container. The PPA allows only items for operating the car or keeping passengers safe, like a spare tire, jack, jumper cables, first-aid kit, and child car seats. A Coast Guard guide adds that open safety recalls must be fixed before you ship.
Driving your car to the port? Compare the cost of shipping it to the processing center instead.
Does the military pay to ship your car within the U.S.?
Usually not. On a PCS within the continental U.S., the government expects you to drive your car and pays mileage, called MALT. The rate is $0.235 a mile for travel starting on or after July 1, 2026, paid per authorized vehicle, up to two.
If you ship your car instead, the PPA says you’re still typically entitled to mileage, but the shipping bill is yours. A Luke Air Force Base FAQ lists narrow exceptions, such as a medical determination that you can’t drive or not enough time to drive, noted on your orders.
Driving instead? You can load some household goods in your car as part of a partial PPM move and get paid for that weight, as long as you have certified empty and full PPM weight tickets.
Shipping a car across the country? Get instant car shipping quotes.
Can you ship a second car on a PCS?
Yes, but only one car ships at government expense. The Luke AFB FAQ says no other vehicle is shipped at government expense, so extra vehicles, including their storage, are on you.
For a second car overseas, you’ll need a private shipper that handles international moves or can take the car to a port. Of the shippers below, Sherpa offers international shipping through sister companies, and Navi handles only the stateside leg to or from a vehicle processing center.
Shipping a second car to the port or across the country? Compare car shipping quotes.
Can the military store your car during an overseas tour?
If your new country doesn’t allow your car, the government will pay to store one car while you’re overseas. The Luke AFB FAQ says that if you’re authorized to ship a car but choose not to, the government generally won’t pay for storage.
Storage is also arranged through PCSmyPOV. The PPA says you can use a commercial storage facility instead, but you pay the difference if its rate is higher than the government’s.
Paying to store a second car? Compare moving and storage costs.
How much does military car shipping cost?
Shipping a car with a private auto transport company costs $500 – $1,200 on average, according to moveBuddha’s car shipping calculator data. For example, shipping a compact car 1,000 miles runs about $900 on an open carrier and $1,100 in an enclosed one.
What you pay depends on a few factors:
- Distance: Longer trips cost more overall, though the price per mile usually drops on longer routes.
- Vehicle size: SUVs and trucks take more room on the carrier, so they cost more than compact cars.
- Open or enclosed transport: Enclosed carriers protect your car from weather and road debris for a higher price. See open vs. enclosed auto transport.
- Timing: Peak season and expedited pickup raise prices, so book early if you’re moving in summer.
moveBuddha’s calculator pulls live quotes for your exact route, so you can compare shippers side by side. Price your car shipment.
What are the best car shipping companies for military moves?
The best car shipping companies for military moves offer a military discount and flexible scheduling for when orders change. Each of these shippers offers a military discount, so ask for it when you get a quote.
Best overall value: Nexus Auto Transport
Nexus Auto Transport offers a military discount on single and multi-car shipments for active-duty and retired service members. It’s a good fit for stateside PCS moves where you’d rather fly than drive.
- Military discount
- Multi-car shipments
- Active & retired eligible
- No overseas shipping listed
Read our full Nexus Auto Transport review.
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
Best for guaranteed prices: Sherpa Auto Transport
Sherpa Auto Transport’s Price Lock Promise means the price you’re quoted is what you pay at delivery. If the quote isn’t enough to book a reputable carrier, Sherpa says it will contribute up to $300 toward the initial payment. It offers a military discount and international shipping through its sister companies.
- Price Lock Promise
- Military discount
- International shipping via sister companies
- Overseas via sister companies
Read our full Sherpa Auto Transport review.
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
Best for budget-friendly pricing: Navi Auto Transport
Navi Auto Transport applies its military discount at booking for active-duty members, veterans, reservists, National Guard members, and their dependents. For an overseas move, Navi handles the stateside leg to or from a vehicle processing center, but not the ocean crossing.
- Military discount at booking
- Dependents eligible
- Delivery to processing centers
- No overseas ocean transport
Read our full Navi Auto Transport review.
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove service
Best for accurate pricing: SGT Auto Transport
SGT Auto Transport offers a military car shipping discount for active-duty and reserve members. Call, chat, or email when you request a quote to apply it.
- Military discount
- Reserve members eligible
- Veterans & retirees not listed
Read our full SGT Auto Transport review.
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
Best military rebate: RoadRunner Auto Transport
RoadRunner Auto Transport offers a 10% rebate, up to $100, on all vehicle shipping services for active-duty members, veterans, retirees, reservists, and National Guard members. It serves all 50 states.
- 10% rebate up to $100
- Broad military eligibility
- All 50 states
- Rebate, not upfront discount
Read our full RoadRunner Auto Transport review.
- No deposit
- Veteran-owned
- All vehicle types
- Free cancellation
How do you choose a car shipper for a PCS?
Confirm your entitlements with your transportation office, not the shipper. Some shippers’ sites describe government coverage incorrectly, so check what the government pays before you book anything.
- Check licensing: Look up the company’s USDOT number on the FMCSA’s SAFER Company Snapshot to confirm it’s authorized to operate and see whether it’s a broker or a carrier.
- Compare quotes: Get at least three quotes for the same pickup window, transport type, and coverage.
- Ask about the military discount: Most shippers apply it only if you mention your service when you book.
- Get a bill of lading: It lists your car’s condition at pickup, so review it before you sign.
- Plan around your orders: Ask how changes or cancellations work in case your report date moves.
rating
4.7 / 5
- Refundable deposit
- Discounts available
rating
4.5 / 5
- Price lock promise
- Free car wash
rating
4.4 / 5
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
How do you prepare your car for shipping?
Whether it goes through PCSmyPOV or a private shipper, clean your car and document its condition before handing over the keys.
- Gather documents: Bring your registration or title, ID, orders, and any lender letter for a financed or leased car.
- Fix open recalls: Look up your VIN for safety recalls and get them repaired before an overseas shipment.
- Clean it inside & out: A clean car makes damage easy to spot, and PCSmyPOV requires it.
- Photograph every side: Take dated photos so you can prove any new damage.
- Empty it out: Remove personal items except operating and safety gear like a spare tire, jack, and child car seats.
- Run the tank low: Keep it at a quarter tank or less.
More about military moves
- Military moving guide: Learn how a PCS works, from orders to delivery.
- PCS move checklist: Get every task grouped by category, with a free printable PDF.
- PCS timeline: See every task in date order, from orders to arrival.
- Partial PPM move: Learn how to get paid for what you move in your own car.
- Best military moving companies: Compare top movers for a PPM or a move after service.
FAQ
Will the military pay to ship my car on a PCS?
For an overseas PCS, the government generally pays to ship one car through PCSmyPOV. Within the continental U.S., it expects you to drive and pays mileage, so shipping is at your own expense.
How much does military car shipping cost?
Private car shipping costs $500 – $1,200 on average, according to moveBuddha’s car shipping cost data. Distance, vehicle size, and open or enclosed transport set your price.
Can I ship two cars overseas on a PCS?
The government generally ships only one car per service member, so a second car is at your own expense. If both spouses are service members with orders, each can generally ship one car.
Can I ship a leased or financed car overseas?
Yes, but you need a letter from your lienholder or leasing company authorizing export. Request it as soon as you have orders.
What is PCSmyPOV?
PCSmyPOV is the website for the government’s vehicle shipping and storage contractor, International Auto Logistics. You use it to schedule turn-in, track your car, and arrange pickup or storage.
Can I pack things in my car when I ship it overseas?
No, your car can’t be used as a moving container. You can leave only operating and safety items like a spare tire, jack, jumper cables, first-aid kit, and child car seats.
Does the military store my car if I can’t take it overseas?
Yes, if your new country doesn’t allow your car, the government will pay to store one car during your tour. If you’re allowed to ship it but choose not to, storage generally isn’t paid.
Moving more than your car? Compare truck, container, and mover costs for your route before you book:
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