Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders are one of the most common reasons service members and military families use auto transport. Moving a household across the country is stressful enough — driving a vehicle 2,000 miles on top of it is a recipe for burnout. This guide covers everything you need to know about military auto transport during PCS, including working with the Transportation Management Office (TMO), available discounts, and timing your vehicle move around orders.
Should You Drive or Ship During PCS?
The honest answer depends on your situation. Here's a quick decision framework:
Ship Your Vehicle If:
- You have a long-distance PCS (over 500 miles)
- You have two or more vehicles to move
- You're flying to your new duty station and need vehicles waiting
- You have children or pets making the drive impractical
- Your spouse is flying separately and needs their vehicle on arrival
- Your timeline is tight and you can't lose 2-3 days driving each vehicle
- Your vehicle is high-value, classic, or warranty-protected
Consider Driving If:
- You have a single vehicle and short-distance PCS
- You enjoy road trips and have time to enjoy the drive
- You're moving with cargo that won't fit in moving truck
- You want to take family-friendly scenic routes
Working with TMO for Auto Transport
The Transportation Management Office handles your authorized PCS move, including the option for one POV (Personally Owned Vehicle) shipment in most cases. Here's how it works:
Government-Funded POV Shipment
Active duty service members on PCS orders are typically authorized one POV shipment at government expense for:
- OCONUS PCS (overseas to overseas, or CONUS to OCONUS) — usually one POV via Vehicle Processing Center (VPC)
- Specific CONUS PCS situations — certain remote duty stations qualify
- Special circumstances — medical, family hardship, or operational requirements
Talk to your TMO office first. They'll tell you what's authorized and process the paperwork.
When You Need to Pay Out-of-Pocket
For most CONUS PCS moves, additional vehicles (beyond the one authorized) must be paid out-of-pocket. This is where commercial auto transport comes in. Many service members ship their first vehicle through TMO and their second (spouse's vehicle, additional family car) through commercial transport at their own expense.
Reimbursement may be available under Mileage in Lieu of Transportation (MILT) rates if you drive instead. Calculate both options — for distances over 1,200 miles, commercial shipping often costs less than the wear, gas, hotels, and time of driving.
Military Auto Transport Discounts
Most reputable auto transport brokers offer military discounts of 5-10% off standard pricing. Some additional benefits to look for:
- Priority dispatch — military shipments get scheduled first when possible
- Flexible pickup windows — understanding of TDY, training, and last-minute orders
- Dedicated military dispatcher — familiarity with base access procedures
- Direct-to-base delivery — can deliver to most installations with proper documentation
- Multi-vehicle bundles — family moves with 2-3 vehicles get additional discounts
Always ask specifically for military pricing when getting quotes. Our military transport program includes all the above.
Timing Your Vehicle Move
The timing of vehicle shipping during PCS is critical. Here's what works best:
Recommended Timeline
- 4-6 weeks before report date: Get quotes from 3-5 brokers. Choose your transporter.
- 3-4 weeks before report date: Confirm booking. Lock in pickup window.
- 1 week before pickup: Carrier assigned. Driver contact info shared.
- 24 hours before pickup: Driver confirms pickup time.
- Pickup day: 2-hour window. Driver inspects vehicle, signs bill of lading.
- Transit: 3-8 days depending on distance. Driver updates you on progress.
- Delivery: Driver contacts you 24 hours ahead. Final inspection at delivery.
What to Do With Your Vehicle Between Pickup and Your Arrival
If your vehicle arrives at the new duty station before you do, you have a few options:
- Trusted family/friend pickup — They can receive it with proper authorization paperwork
- Hold for arrival — Some carriers will store your vehicle at a terminal for 3-7 days (additional fees apply)
- Schedule delivery to match arrival — Work with the dispatcher to time delivery within a few days of your arrival
- Sponsor coordination — If you have a sponsor at the new station, they can receive the vehicle
Base Access for Auto Transport
Most carriers can deliver directly to base, but procedures vary by installation. To make it smooth:
- Provide your sponsor or POC contact — They can arrange gate access for the carrier
- Confirm base access requirements ahead of time — Some bases require pre-approval for commercial vehicles
- Choose an off-base delivery point if base access is difficult — gas stations, hotel parking lots, or shopping centers near the base often work
- Have your ID and orders ready — The carrier may need verification at the gate
Common PCS Auto Transport Routes
The most common military auto transport corridors include:
- Fort Liberty (NC) to JBSA San Antonio (TX) — ~$900-$1,200
- Norfolk (VA) to San Diego (CA) — ~$1,400-$1,800
- JB Lewis-McChord (WA) to Fort Cavazos (TX) — ~$1,300-$1,700
- Wright-Patterson AFB (OH) to Hill AFB (UT) — ~$1,100-$1,400
- The Pentagon to Fort Liberty (NC) — ~$550-$800
- JBSA to Tinker AFB (OK) — ~$700-$950
- Fort Wainwright (AK) - CONUS — via Tacoma WA terminal (port shipping)
What to Document Before Pickup
Standard inspection happens at pickup, but military families should be especially thorough due to long transit times:
- Take 360-degree photos of the vehicle exterior (timestamp matters)
- Photograph any existing scratches, dents, or paint chips
- Document the odometer reading
- Photograph the interior including dashboard for warning lights
- Note tire condition (especially if vehicle will sit unused)
- Keep the bill of lading copy — this is your insurance claim documentation
- Remove all personal items, weapons, ammunition, and prescription medications
Special Considerations for Specific Branches
Navy/Marines
Deployment timing creates unique challenges. Coordinate with your spouse or POC to receive the vehicle if you're deploying immediately after PCS. Storage options are available at most coastal stations.
Army
Fort Liberty (Bragg), Fort Cavazos (Hood), JBSA, Fort Carson, and other major posts have well-established commercial transport partnerships. Multiple carriers run regular routes between major Army installations.
Air Force
Often involves more frequent moves between installations. If you PCS often, build a relationship with one auto transport broker for consistency — they'll know your preferences and history.
Coast Guard
Coast Guard PCS often involves coastal-to-coastal moves with vehicles needing to be at port simultaneously with the service member. Plan timing accordingly.
Bottom Line
Military auto transport during PCS removes one of the biggest stressors from an already-difficult move. Get quotes 4-6 weeks before your report date, lock in military pricing, coordinate with TMO if applicable, and document your vehicle thoroughly at pickup. Most CONUS PCS auto transport runs $700-$1,500 with military discount, far less than the time, fuel, and hotel costs of driving long distances.
Need to ship a vehicle for an upcoming PCS? Learn more about our military transport program or get a free military quote with discount applied.