Moving due to military orders? PCS season can be stressful, especially when figuring out what to do with your car.
Did you know the military can ship your car for you? It’s a huge benefit that can save you time, money, and hassle.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about military car shipping in 2025.
Who Qualifies for Military Car Shipping?
Okay, so the military might ship your car, but who strictly gets this incredible perk? It’s not for every military member, so let’s break it down:
- Active Duty on the Move: This benefit is mainly for military members moving because of their jobs. This usually means you’re on orders for a military PCS vehicle shipping, getting sent on deployment, or leaving the military altogether.
- Orders Matter: There are different orders; some are more likely to get you free car shipping company help than others.
- PCS Orders: Permanent Changes in station orders are the most common. These are for moving to a new base for a few years.
- Deployment Orders: Deployments also usually qualify since you won’t need your car while overseas.
- TDY Orders: Sometimes, you can even get help with car shipping costs if you’re on Temporary Duty orders, but that depends on the situation.
- Leaving the Service: If you’re retiring or separating from the military, you might be able to ship your car back home as one of your final benefits.
- Government Civilians: Sometimes, government employees who are on official orders can qualify for assistance with car shipping costs.
It’s important to remember that the rules about who qualifies can change.
We’ve discussed the general idea, but always double-check with your transportation office. They’re the experts and can give you the most up-to-date info on car shipping military discounts and programs.
You can also ask them about specific military car shipping company options. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! It’s better to be sure than miss this tremendous benefit.
After all, who wouldn’t want to save some money and stress when moving?
Just a heads up – you usually can’t use this benefit to ship your car just anywhere you want, like on a family vacation.
It must be related to your military PCS vehicle shipping or official orders. Even though the military helps with shipping, it doesn’t send a military ship just for your car! They usually work with regular car shipping company trucks and trains.
Understanding Your Entitlements
Alright, so you’re eligible to have the military ship your car – fantastic! But what exactly does that mean? What’s covered, and what’s not? Let’s dive into the details:
- How Many Cars? Generally, military vehicle shipping services cover one car per military personnel member. So, if you and your spouse are both in the military and have PCS orders, you can usually ship two vehicles.
- Weight Matters: Military car shipping services have size and weight limits. Think of it like an airplane—they can’t ship a considerable RV or a monster truck! Your transportation office will have the exact numbers, but most regular cars and trucks are fine.
- Where’s It Going? Shipping within the continental US (CONUS) is usually straightforward. But, if you’re moving overseas (OCONUS), things can get trickier. Does the military ship cars overseas? Yes, but there might be extra rules and limitations. Sometimes, you might have to get your vehicle to a unique port.
- Insurance: The good news is that the military car shipping service includes basic insurance coverage. This helps protect your car in case it gets damaged during auto shipping. But it’s always a good idea to check what’s covered and consider getting extra insurance if you want more protection.
- You Have a Role to Play: Even though the military arranges the shipping, you have some responsibilities. You’ll need to ensure your car is clean and ready to go. This means no extra stuff inside (except maybe a few essentials) and fixing mechanical problems. Taking pictures of your car before you hand it over is a smart move, just in case there’s any damage during shipping.
Remember, the best car shipping company for you will depend on the individual needs & circumstances.
Don’t hesitate to ask your transportation office for guidance.
They can help you figure out what’s best for your situation and may even be able to offer a military discount on additional services.
The Car Shipping Process
Okay, you’ve got your orders, you know you qualify, and you’re ready to ship your car.
What happens next? Here’s a step-by-step guide to make the whole military vehicle shipping process easier:
- Get the Ball Rolling:
- First, contact your transportation office. They’re your guides for moving and car shipping services.
- They’ll tell you what paperwork you need, like your orders and car registration.
- Once you have everything, they’ll help you schedule your shipment.
- Prep Your Ride:
- It’s time to give your car a spa day! Clean it inside and out. No one wants to receive a dirty car at their new duty station.
- Take out all your personal belongings. You might be able to leave a few essentials, but your transportation office will have the list of what’s allowed.
- Make sure your car is in good running condition. If it has mechanical problems, fix those before you ship it.
- Take pictures of your car from all angles. This is super important in case any damage happens during shipping.
- Handing Over the Keys:
- You usually take your car to a Vehicle Processing Center (VPC), a giant parking lot for vehicles ready to travel.
- Sometimes, you might be lucky enough to get door-to-door service, in which the driver picks up your car from your house and delivers it to your new place.
- At the VPC, they’ll inspect your car and give you some paperwork.
- The Waiting Game:
- How long does military auto shipping take? It depends on how far you’re moving and how they’re shipping your car (truck, train, etc.).
- Your transportation office can usually give you a rough estimate.
- Many companies now have online tracking, so you can see where your car is on its journey!
- Reunited and It Feels So Good:
- When your car arrives at your new duty station, you’ll pick it up and inspect it thoroughly, ensuring everything is as you left it.
- If you see any damage, report it immediately and file a claim. That’s where those pictures you took come in handy!
Remember, every service member’s experience is a little different.
But these steps give you a general idea of what to expect. The most important thing is to plan, communicate with your transportation office, and keep good records.
And don’t forget to breathe – you’ve got this!
Choosing the Right Shipping Method
When it comes to military auto shipping, you might think the military takes care of everything.
But sometimes, you have some choices to make!
Let’s look at the main ways to ship your car:
- Government-Contracted Carriers: This is the most common way. The military has deals with certain international car shipping service companies. It’s usually the cheapest option, and the military handles all the arrangements. The downside is that it might take longer, and you don’t get to pick the exact company.
- Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) Shipping: This means you find your own car shipping company. You’ll have more control and might be able to find a faster option. But it can be more expensive, and you’ll have to do more work yourself.
So, how do you decide which way to go? Here are some things to think about:
- Money Matters: How much can you afford to spend? Government-contracted carriers are usually the most budget-friendly.
- Time Crunch: If you need your car quickly, a privately owned vehicle (POV) shipper might be faster.
- Near or Far: Where is your new duty station? Some companies are better for specific routes. Unique Rides: Do you have a classic car or a modified truck? You might want a specialized POV shipper.
- What’s Important to You: Do you value saving money, having more control, or getting your car quickly?
No matter your choice, creating a post-car shipping checklist is a good idea.
This will help you track everything & ensure nothing gets forgotten.
Here are a few things to include on your checklist:
- Confirm shipping dates and estimated delivery time.
- Get the contact information for the shipping company.
- Keep copies of all your paperwork.
- Note any existing damage to your vehicle.
- Review your insurance coverage.
- Pack a bag with any essentials you might need before your car arrives.
By carefully considering your options and making a plan, you can ensure your car arrives safely and on time at your new home.
Tips for a Smooth Car Shipping Experience
Shipping your car can seem scary, especially if it’s your first time. But don’t worry!
Here are some tips to make the whole process go smoothly:
- Plan Ahead: Don’t wait until the last minute! Start planning your military auto-shipping as soon as you get your orders. This gives you time to gather paperwork, prepare your car, and compare different car transport company options.
- Talk It Out: Stay in touch with your transportation office and the car transport company. Ask questions if you’re unsure about anything. The more you communicate, the less likely you are to encounter surprises.
- Paper Trail: Keep copies of all your paperwork. This includes your orders, car registration, the shipping agreement, and any emails or letters. It’s always better to have too much information than not enough!
- Get Your Car Ready: We discussed this before, but it’s worth repeating: Clean your car, remove your belongings, and fix any mechanical issues. This will help prevent problems and delays.
- Insurance is Key: Even though the military provides basic insurance, you might want to consider getting extra coverage. This can give you peace of mind in case something unexpected happens.
- Lock It Up: Ensure your car is locked before you hand over the keys. This seems obvious, but it’s easy to forget in the hustle and bustle of moving.
- Fuel Up (A Little): You don’t need a full tank, but make sure there’s enough gas for the car transport company to move it around at the military base and Vehicle Processing Center.
- Check for Leaks: Give your car a quick once-over for any leaks. This helps protect your car and the other vehicles being shipped.
- Say Goodbye (For Now): Take a moment to appreciate your car before you send it off on its journey. It will be waiting for you at your new duty station!
Following these tips can help make sure a stress-free car shipping experience.
Remember, the military and the car transport company are there to help. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance if you need it.
Reporting In
Whew! We’ve covered a lot about military car shipping. You learned who qualifies, what’s covered, and how the process works. Plus, we busted some car shipping myths and gave you tips for a smooth experience.
Moving is always stressful, but shipping your car doesn’t have to be. Remember to use all the resources available to you. Your transportation office is there to help!
With some planning and communication, you can ensure your car arrives safely at your new home. Some companies even offer virtual inspections, so you don’t always have to visit a VPC in person.
The military offers this benefit to make your life a little easier. Please take advantage of it! It can save you time, money, and hassle. Now, go out there and conquer your next move. You’ve got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my car is damaged during shipping?
Don’t panic! The military provides basic insurance coverage for your car during shipment. Before you ship your vehicle, document any existing damage. If new damage occurs, immediately report it to the transportation office and shipping company. They’ll guide you through the claims process.
Can I ship my motorcycle or RV?
Yes, you can usually! The same basic rules apply, but specific size and weight restrictions might exist. Check with your transportation office for the details. They can tell you what’s allowed and how the process works for different types of vehicles.
What happens if my orders change after I’ve shipped my car?
Life in the military can be unpredictable! If your orders change, contact your transportation office immediately. They might be able to reroute your car or make other arrangements. The sooner you let them know, the better.
Can I store my car on base instead of shipping it?
Sometimes! Many military bases have storage facilities for privately owned vehicles. This can be a good option for deploying or doing a shorter assignment. Check with your base to see if storage is available and what the rules are.
Are there any restrictions on what I can leave in my car?
Yes. You can’t leave anything flammable or hazardous in your car for safety and security reasons. You also can’t ship household goods or personal items (except for a few essentials). Your transportation office will have a list of what’s allowed and what’s not.
