PCS Moves Made Easy: Military Vehicle Shipping Explained

Moving as part of a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is a big deal for military families—and transporting your vehicle doesn’t have to be a headache. At Transport Mastters USA, we specialize in making Military Vehicle Shipping and Military Car Shipping as smooth as possible. Here’s everything you need to know if you’re getting ready for your next PCS.

1. What PCS Means for Your Vehicle

Your orders may allow for the government to ship your Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) free of cost with some restrictions:

OCONUS moves: The government pays for one vehicle for most active-duty service members.

CONUS moves: Vehicle shipping is generally not paid for by the government. You’ll need to shell out for it unless reimbursement is allowable under entitlements.

Transport Mastters USA offers a somewhat affordable Military Car Shipping solution when your need for a second vehicle exceeds that which is offered for CONUS moves.

2. Military Vehicle Shipping Options

Vehicle shipment can be arranged in different ways based on what you prefer:

Open transport: the standard, least expensive option. Your car is loaded onto an exposed carrier.

Enclosed transport: it offers maximum protection in an enclosure or trailer. Good for high value or classic cars.

Container shipping (international): affordable and versatile. Suitable for shipping multiple vehicles at once.

Air freight: fastest but most expensive; choose this only if your deployment can’t wait.

In Transport Mastters USA, we can resort to the needs of the transporting vehicles and military logistics, for there we must achieve some balance amongst speed, safety, and cost.

3. Common Costs You Should Expect

If you’re covering vehicle shipping yourself, here’s a sampling of typical costs:

• Domestic (CONUS):
  • Open-air: ~$0.50–$2.50 per mile, depending on distance.
  • Enclosed transport: Premium—add $500–$1,000 on top.
• International (OCONUS):
  • Container: $900–$2,000 (plus port fees).
  • Air freight: $3,000+, depending on urgency.

Your final cost varies based on distance, vehicle size, timing, and transport method. Booking early helps you lock in the best rates—especially during peak PCS season (May–August).

4. Timeline & Scheduling

Timing matters. Here’s what to expect for typical shipping timelines:

• CONUS moves: 1–2 weeks transit time.
• OCONUS via ocean freight: 14–65 days, depending on destination region.
  • Europe: ~14–30 days.
  • Pacific (Japan, Korea, Hawaii): ~30–45 days.
  • Remote locations: ~45–65 days.

Book at least 2–3 weeks in advance—more during peak season—to ensure you secure a spot that fits your PCS schedule.

5. Preparing Your Vehicle for Transport

Proper preparation ensures your vehicle travels safely. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Clean Interior & Exterior

   • Thorough washing and vacuuming helps with inspections, especially for OCONUS moves where customs/USDA inspections are required.
2. Limit Fuel & Check Fluids
   • Keep fuel at or below ¼ tank. Check oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and tires .
3. Disable Alarms/Security Devices
   • Turn off alarms and anti-theft systems to avoid hiccups at pickup/drop-off.
4. Remove Personal Items

    

   • Most personal belongings must be taken out—which also lowers insurance risk.
5. Document Existing Damage
   • Take detailed photos and share them with your transporter to protect any claims.
6. Provide Spare Keys
   • At least one working key is needed for transit—keep a spare for yourself .

6. Documentation You’ll Need

Smooth Military Car Shipping depends on having the right paperwork:

• PCS orders (digital and/or printed)
• Vehicle title or lien-release letter
• Registration and proof of ownership
• Military ID & personal ID (driver’s license or passport)
• Authorized shipping forms (e.g., power of attorney)
• DOT, EPA, and USDA compliance forms for OCONUS moves 

Missing paperwork can lead to delays or rejection at Vehicle Processing Centers (VPCs) .

7. At Pickup & Delivery

Pickup (Vehicle Processing Center)

• Inspect and record damage.
• Confirm fuel, alarm, battery, tire, and documentation requirements are met.
• Securely hand off your keys to the carrier .

In-Transit

• Monitor updates via carrier tracking or VPC notifications .

Delivery

• Examine your vehicle against the initial inspection.
• Note and photograph any new damage.
• File a claim immediately if needed—don’t sign clean unless the condition is accurate.

8. Unique Considerations for Military Moves

Military PCS vehicle shipping has special elements to keep in mind:

• Eligibility: Only one POV is covered. Additional vehicles must be shipped privately.
• Modification rules: Vehicles with lifts over 3″ or low riders need compliance or may be rejected.
• OCONUS return: Compliance with DOT/EPA/USDA is required when shipping vehicles inbound from overseas.
• Storage options: If your schedule doesn’t align, Transport Mastters USA can store your POV until you’re ready.
• Insurance coverage: Basic cargo insurance is standard; we can help source military-grade coverage for high‑value cars .

9. Why Choose Transport Mastters USA?

Safeguarding your Military Vehicle Shipping process from hassle are some of the aims of Transport Mastters USA:

• The experts in military documentation, VPC coordination, and transport logistics.
• Customized quotes for Military Car Shipping, whether one vehicle or multiple.
• The options are flexible: CONUS, OCONUS, door-to-door pick-up/drop-off.
• Assist you with compliance—DOT, EPA, USDA, SOFA rules, and specialty insurance options.
• Secure storage and tracking options carried out in accordance with military-defined timelines.
• Discounting and systems ingrained with the military client in mind.

10. Tips to Save Time & Money

• Book early, especially during peak season.
• Choose open-air for cost efficiency, reserving enclosed transport for classic or luxury vehicles.
• Pack light—remove all personal items to lower weight and cleanup hassles.
• Keep current with documentation—ask Transport Mastters USA to double‑check everything against your PCS orders.
• Compare quotes—Rick out our free calculator and expert advice, specifically for military movers.

Final Word

Shipping your vehicle during a PCS doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With the right preparation, paperwork, and a trusted partner, Military Vehicle Shipping and Military Car Shipping become straightforward steps in your relocation journey.

At ‌Transport Masters USA, we’re here to help—from military-base coordination to container loading, customs clearance, and delivery. Let us handle the road ahead so you can focus on settling into your new duty station.

👉 Contact us today for a personalized quote and make your PCS move smoother than ever.