Maximizing Your PCS Move: 5 Best Strategies for Military Car Shipping Discounts
Did you know a military PCS move can cost thousands out of pocket,
even with government assistance? Navigating military car shipping is complex.
Finding a truly cheap car shipping option with accurate car shipping quotes to
manage your total car shipping cost is a challenge.
A Permanent Change of Station requires a reliable car shipping
service. Whether you are shipping a car to another state or tackling a
cross-country car shipping journey, you need a trusted car shipping company for
a smooth transition. Our guide helps you find the best car shipping companies
and understand their car shipping prices. We aim to simplify your move.
Find a trusted military vehicle relocation service that simplifies
your move and gives you peace of mind. Explore your options today at
Transportvibe’s Military
Vehicle Relocation.
Table Of Contents
●
Understanding Your Military Car Shipping
Options
○
Government-Funded vs. Out-of-Pocket Shipping
○
Choosing Your Transport Method: Open vs.
Enclosed
●
Key Documents You Need For Military Car
Shipping
○
PCS Orders
○
Vehicle Registration and Title
○
The Bill of Lading (BOL)
●
Finding and Securing Military Car Shipping
Discounts
○
Companies That Offer Military Discounts
○
How to Get the Best Car Shipping Quotes
●
5 Practical Strategies for a Smooth Military
Car Shipping Process
○
Strategy 1: Pick the Right Company
○
Strategy 2: Prepare Your Car for Transport
○
Strategy 3: The Bill of Lading Is Your
Contract
○
Strategy 4: Stay in Communication
○
Strategy 5: Post-Delivery Inspection and Claim
●
7 Final Pro Tips for Your PCS Move
●
Rapid-Fire Answers on Your PCS Vehicle Move
○
Who pays for shipping a car to another state
during a military PCS?
○
How do I choose a good car shipping company?
○
What is the best way to save money on cross
country car shipping?
○
How should I prepare my car before shipping it
to another state?
○
What is the difference between open and
enclosed transport?
○
When should I start planning to ship my car?
●
Simplifying Your PCS Vehicle Move
Understanding Your Military Car Shipping
Options
Your military car shipping needs change with every Permanent Change of
Station (PCS). The process for shipping your car is not always the same. It
depends on your orders. It depends on your destination. Understanding your
options is the first step to a smooth move.
Government-Funded vs. Out-of-Pocket Shipping
A crucial first step in any military car shipping plan is knowing who
pays for the service. The answer depends entirely on your PCS orders and
destination. This difference dictates your entire process, from paperwork to
choosing a company.
OCONUS Moves: When the Government Pays
For most overseas moves (OCONUS), the military pays to ship one
privately owned vehicle (POV). This is an entitlement, not a reimbursement. The
government uses a specific contract with an approved car shipping service. You
cannot simply choose any company and get paid back.
●
The VPC System: You will be
required to drop your vehicle off at a designated Vehicle Processing Center
(VPC). The VPC inspects your car, handles all the logistics, and prepares it
for shipment. This process is highly regulated. You can find detailed
information on the official PCSmyPOV website.
●
Second Vehicle Shipping: If you
have a second car, you are responsible for the entire car shipping cost. You
will hire a commercial car shipping company yourself. You should explore
companies that offer military discounts and understand the different car
shipping rates for international moves. Be aware that shipping a second vehicle
can be expensive, with costs often exceeding a few thousand dollars. For more on this, check out our guide on how
U.S. military members ship vehicles overseas.
●
Specific Rules: The government has
strict rules about the type of vehicle that can be shipped. It must be a
standard passenger vehicle, meet specific size limitations, and have no open
safety recalls. You will need to provide proof of ownership and a power of
attorney if someone else is dropping it off.
CONUS Moves: When You Pay
Moves within the continental United States (CONUS) are different. The
military generally does not pay for your car shipping expenses. You will pay
for this service out of your own pocket.
●
Dislocation Allowance (DLA): While the
military provides a DLA for CONUS moves, this is not a specific car shipping
reimbursement. The DLA is a lump sum designed to help with the general costs of
moving a household. It may partially offset the car shipping cost, but it is
not intended to cover the full expense. You can find the latest rates and
information on the official Defense
Travel Management Office website.
●
Your Freedom of Choice: Since you
are paying, you have full control. You can shop around for the best car
shipping companies. You can compare car shipping quotes from multiple providers
to find the best deal. This gives you flexibility in choosing a service that
fits your specific timeline and budget. You can decide between open transport
car shipping and enclosed car shipping. For more on this, read our comprehensive
guide to military
vehicle shipping services for PCS moves.
Knowing these differences early on saves you time and money. Do not
assume any move is the same. Always review your PCS orders and speak with your
local Transportation Office to confirm your specific entitlements.
Choosing Your Transport Method: Open vs.
Enclosed
Choosing your transport method is a key decision when you handle your
own car shipping. The choice is a balance between car shipping cost and the
level of protection your vehicle receives. You have two main options: open
transport or enclosed transport.
Open
Transport Car Shipping: The Practical Choice
This is the most common and cost-effective way to ship a car. Your
vehicle is transported on a multi-car, open-air carrier. This is the type of
carrier you see on highways, with cars loaded on two decks.
●
How It Works: Your car is loaded
and secured onto the carrier alongside several other vehicles. The cars are
exposed to the same elements as they would be if you were driving them. This
includes rain, sun, dust, and road debris.
●
Best For: Everyday vehicles,
sedans, trucks, and SUVs. It is the best choice if you are on a budget and the
cosmetic condition of your car is not your highest priority.
● Pros:
○
Cost-Effective: It is
significantly cheaper than enclosed transport.
○
Availability: Open carriers are
more numerous. This means more flexible scheduling and faster pickup times.
○
Speed: Because open
carriers fill up quickly, they can often get on the road sooner.
● Cons:
○
Exposure: Your car is
exposed to weather and road debris.
○
Risk of Minor Damage: While rare, minor
dings or scratches from road elements are a possibility.
For a deeper dive into the benefits and drawbacks of this option,
check out our guide on open
car shipping.
Enclosed
Car Shipping: The Secure Choice
This method offers the highest level of protection. Your vehicle is
transported inside a fully covered trailer. This shields it from all external
threats.
●
How It Works: Enclosed trailers
are like a mobile garage. They come in soft-sided and hard-sided options.
Hard-sided carriers offer maximum security. Many enclosed carriers use a lift
gate for loading, which is safer for low-clearance vehicles.
●
Best For: This service is
ideal for high-value vehicles. This includes classic cars, luxury vehicles,
sports cars, and new cars. It is also the right choice for custom or modified
vehicles.
● Pros:
○
Maximum Protection: Your car is fully
protected from weather, road debris, and potential theft.
○
Peace of Mind: You can be
confident your valuable asset will arrive in the same condition it was picked
up.
○
Specialized Handling: Drivers often have
more experience with high-end vehicles.
● Cons:
○
Higher Cost: This service is
often 40-50% more expensive than open transport.
○
Limited Availability: There are fewer
enclosed carriers. This can lead to longer booking times and less flexible
scheduling.
The choice is yours. Consider your vehicle's value, your budget, and
how much protection you want. For a detailed breakdown of this option, read our
article on enclosed
vehicle shipping.
Key Documents You Need For Military Car
Shipping
Documents are the foundation of a successful car shipping experience.
They are your proof of ownership, your contract, and your insurance record.
Having all your paperwork organized and ready before a PCS move prevents delays
and protects you if a problem occurs.
PCS Orders
Your official orders are the most important document for a military
move. They authorize the shipment and often determine your entitlements.
●
Purpose: They prove your
military status and the validity of your move. For OCONUS moves, they are
required to get government funding for the shipment.
●
What to Know: Ensure you have a
complete, official copy of your orders, including any amendments. These
documents contain key information about your start and end dates and authorized
locations.
●
Tip: For CONUS moves, even if the
government is not paying, having a copy of your orders can help you get
military discounts from commercial car shipping companies.
If you need to
access or print your official PCS orders, the Military
OneSource website is an excellent starting point with links to
service-specific portals.
Vehicle Registration and Title
These documents prove you are the legal owner of the vehicle. Without
them, no carrier will move your car.
●
Purpose: The title is legal
proof of ownership. The registration shows the car is legally registered for
road use.
●
What to Know: You must have the
original title or a clear, legible copy. If your car is financed, you will need
a lien holder authorization letter. This letter proves the lien holder gives
you permission to ship the car.
●
Tip: If you need to ship a car without the
title, the process is more complex and has legal implications. Our guide on shipping
a car without the title can help you navigate this.
The Bill of Lading (BOL)
The Bill of Lading is more than a simple receipt. It is a legal
document that serves three main purposes.
●
Contract: It is the legal
contract between you and the carrier. It outlines the terms of the transport,
including pickup and delivery locations.
●
Receipt: It acts as a
receipt, confirming that the carrier has taken possession of your vehicle.
●
Condition Report: This is the most
important part for you. The BOL includes a detailed inspection of your
vehicle's condition at pickup. It notes all existing damage, scratches, and
dings. When the car is delivered, you will perform a final inspection and sign
off on the same document. Any new damage found upon delivery must be noted on
this document before you sign.
For additional
information on what is covered during transit, you can read our blog on car
shipping insurance in the USA.
Finding and
Securing Military Car Shipping Discounts
Navigating your PCS move requires a solid plan, especially when it
comes to saving money. Finding a cheap car shipping solution is possible. The
key is knowing where to look and what to ask. You can significantly reduce your
total car shipping cost.
Companies That Offer Military Discounts
Many car shipping companies recognize and appreciate military service.
They offer discounts to service members. This is often the easiest way to save
money.
●
Sherpa Auto Transport provides a
$100 discount. It also has a "Price Lock Promise" so your quote is
your final price.
●
Nexus Auto Transport also
offers a $100 military discount. They provide tiered service options and
real-time GPS tracking.
●
Montway
Auto Transport has a discount of up to $50 for military
members and dependents. They are known for their GPS-enabled carriers.
●
uShip is an
online marketplace where you can compare bids here. They offer a military
discount of up to $60.
●
AmeriFreight offers a
$35 military discount and is known for its low average prices.
Always ask about a military discount upfront when you request a quote.
Not all companies advertise their discounts, so you must ask.
How to Get the Best Car Shipping Quotes
To get the best price, you must be a smart shopper. Do not accept the
first quote you receive. You need to compare offers.
●
Get Multiple Quotes: Contact at least
three different car shipping companies. Get a quote from each. This gives you a
clear picture of the market rate for your route.
●
Compare Details: Look beyond the
final price. A lower car shipping cost might hide something. Check if the quote
is all-inclusive. Does it cover fuel surcharges, taxes, and insurance?
●
Check for Hidden Fees: Some
companies add on fees later. Confirm the quote is a guaranteed price. Avoid
companies that use low, non-binding quotes to bait you.
For a comprehensive breakdown of what affects the price, read our
guide on how
much car shipping costs in the USA.
5 Practical Strategies for a Smooth Military Car Shipping Process
A great car shipping service starts with you. We cover the best ways
to prepare, from picking a trusted car shipping company with great car shipping
reviews to handling pickup and delivery, whether you are shipping a car to
another state or cross country.
Strategy 1: Pick the Right Company
The company you choose makes all the difference. Do not rush this
decision. You want a partner you can trust.
●
Check for Licensing and Insurance: A
legitimate company has a license number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration (FMCSA). Use their website to verify their license and safety
record. The company must also have cargo insurance.
●
Read Customer Reviews: Go beyond
the company's website. Look at independent review platforms like Transportvibe,
Google, or the Better Business Bureau. Pay attention to the number of reviews
and the average rating.
●
Ask for Proof: Do not be afraid
to ask for proof of their insurance policy. Reputable companies will provide
this without hesitation.
To understand more about what to look for in reviews, read our guide
on how
to spot trustworthy reviews.
Strategy 2: Prepare Your Car for Transport
Proper preparation protects your vehicle and speeds up the shipping
process. This is a crucial step.
●
Clean Your Car: Clean your car
inside and out. This makes it easier to spot existing damage before transport.
●
Document Everything: Take high-quality
photos and videos of your car. Capture every angle and detail, inside and out.
Note any existing scratches or dents. This is your evidence if new damage
occurs.
●
Remove Personal Items: Carriers
are not licensed to transport household goods. All personal items must be
removed from the car. An empty trunk is a must.
●
Fuel and Fluids: Leave only a
quarter tank of fuel. This reduces weight and makes the car safer for
transport. Check all fluids, like oil and coolant. Address any known fluid
leaks.
Strategy 3: The Bill of Lading Is Your
Contract
The Bill of Lading (BOL) is a legal document. It is your contract with
the carrier.
●
Before You Sign: Before the driver
leaves, inspect your car with them. The driver will note the vehicle's
condition on the BOL. Do not sign if you disagree with their notes. Take a copy
for your records.
●
At Delivery: When the car
arrives, inspect it again. Use the BOL and your photos from pickup. If you find
new damage, note it on the BOL before signing. This is the only way to file a
claim.
Strategy 4: Stay in Communication
A good car shipping company keeps you informed. Communication
is key to reducing stress.
●
Get Driver Contact Information: Ask for
the driver's phone number. You will receive updates directly.
●
Confirm Pickup and Delivery: Be
available on your scheduled dates. The driver will call you to coordinate a
specific time. If you cannot be there, have a trusted person authorized to act
on your behalf.
Strategy 5: Post-Delivery Inspection and Claim
The final step is the most important for protecting your investment.
●
Inspect Immediately: As soon as the car
is off the truck, inspect it. Do this before the driver leaves. Check the roof,
under the car, and all panels.
●
If There is Damage: If you find new
damage, you must note it on the BOL. Take clear photos of the new damage.
Contact the carrier and your insurance company immediately to begin the claims
process.
The
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers a guide on avoiding scams,
which includes a useful checklist for preparing your vehicle.
Check our
comprehensive guide on vehicle
transport for long-distance relocation offers more tips
for a smooth moving experience.
7 Final Pro Tips for Your PCS Move
Navigating a cross country car shipping or an overseas move has
specific challenges. These tips go beyond the basics. They are direct,
actionable insights to make your military car shipping journey smoother and
more predictable.
●
Use the Official PCSmyPOV Website: For OCONUS
moves, this is your primary source of truth. It provides direct access to all
Vehicle Processing Center (VPC) locations, hours, and required documents. Do
not rely on third-party sites for this crucial information.
●
Get Quotes Early: Start requesting
car shipping quotes 6-8 weeks before your PCS date. This gives you time to
compare car shipping prices and lock in a good rate with a reliable car
shipping company.
●
The Transportation Office is Your Ally: Your
on-base Transportation Office is the authority on military move entitlements.
They can confirm your specific benefits and guide you through the process. They
are your most valuable resource.
●
Confirm Your Final Price: Do not
accept a non-binding quote. Ensure your final quote from the car shipping
service is all-inclusive. Ask if fuel surcharges or other fees are included.
Get it in writing.
●
Read the Reviews, Not the Stars: Look for
patterns in car shipping reviews. Did the company communicate well? Were there
hidden fees? Are the reviews specific about the experience, or are they vague?
●
Manage Your Timeline Expectations: The
delivery date is an estimate. Do not schedule your life around it. Be prepared
for delays due to weather, traffic, or mechanical issues.
●
Know Your Entitlements: Your orders
are the final word. A car shipping company cannot make up for government
benefits you do not have. Understanding your entitlements prevents frustration
and financial surprises.
Ready to take the next step in your PCS move? Get a Quote from
top-rated companies and start planning your stress-free vehicle transport
today.
Rapid-Fire Answers on Your PCS Vehicle Move
Who pays for shipping a car to another state
during a military PCS?
For moves within the U.S. (CONUS), you typically pay for your own
shipping a car to another state. For overseas (OCONUS) moves, the military
usually covers one vehicle.
How do I choose a good car shipping company?
Look for a licensed and insured car shipping company. Read independent
car shipping reviews and get multiple quotes. Compare their services and final
prices before you book.
What is the best way to save money on cross
country car shipping?
Book early, be flexible with dates, and ask for a military discount.
Comparing multiple quotes is the best way to ensure a cheap car shipping price.
How should I prepare my car before shipping it
to another state?
Clean the car, remove all personal items, and take photos of its
condition. Ensure the gas tank is only a quarter full for safe and easy
transport.
What is the difference between open and
enclosed transport?
Open transport is more affordable and common but exposes your vehicle
to the elements. Enclosed transport offers complete protection and is more
expensive.
When should I start planning to ship my car?
Start planning and getting quotes at least 4-6 weeks before your PCS
date. This gives you time to choose a reliable car shipping company and secure
your preferred dates.
Simplifying Your PCS Vehicle Move
Your PCS move is complex, but shipping your car doesn't have to be. By
understanding your options, securing military discounts, and following a
practical strategy, you can avoid common pitfalls. The key is planning ahead
and using reliable resources. With these strategies, you are empowered to make
informed decisions for a seamless vehicle transport.
Your seamless PCS move starts here. Get instant, competitive quotes from trusted auto
transport providers to find the perfect shipping solution for
your vehicle.
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