Your permanent change of station (PCS) orders just came in, and you’re gearing up for the big move. Do you drive your privately owned vehicle (POV) to your new base or trust a professional shipping service?
Luckily, most car shipping companies understand military car shipping needs and can help transport your POV to your next station.
This guide will walk you through the military vehicle transport process. We’ll go over options for military relocations and what costs to expect.
Key Takeaways
- Government funding may cover military vehicle shipping costs for OCONUS PCS moves; for CONUS moves, explore eligibility for reimbursement.
- You need to plan ahead and gather all necessary documents like PCS orders, vehicle registration, and insurance records to streamline the process.
- Compare and research military-friendly transport companies like Sherpa Auto Transport, known for their Price Lock Promise and military discounts.
- Shipping rates depend on factors like distance, vehicle size, and transport method. Sherpa Auto Transport offers competitive and transparent pricing.
- Sherpa provides exclusive savings for military personnel, ensuring affordable and stress-free shipping during relocations.
For a complete step-by-step guide, visit our Military Auto Transport page.
In This Guide:
- Military Car Shipping Guide 2025
- What is Military Car Shipping?
- Military Car Shipping Process
- How Much Does Military Car Shipping Cost?
- Shipping Cars Overseas
- Why You Should Choose Sherpa Auto Transport
- Military Auto Transport FAQs
Military Car Shipping Guide 2025
Relocating as a military member can feel like going through a battlefield of logistics. The right car shipping guide will make the process easy for you.
From understanding entitlements for POV shipping to finding a military-friendly car transport company, we’ve got you covered. Companies like Sherpa Auto Transport not only offer exclusive military discounts but also take pride in ensuring timely and reliable delivery—something every service member deserves.
With tips, cost breakdowns, and key insights into military moves, this guide is your tactical advantage.
What is Military Car Shipping?
Active-duty military personnel are often assigned to new duty stations and bases. The relocation orders can come fairly suddenly, creating a bit of a hassle. On top of finding a new home, a military family has to transport their POVs to a new address.
In some cases, it makes sense to drive your POV to the new location. But if you have to report for duty before completing your move, it may be best to use a military vehicle transport company to ship your car.
Military Car Shipping Process
There are several steps to take when determining how to ship your car to your new permanent duty station (PDS):
Get Your Orders and Gather Materials
You need to get your relocation orders first. Once you know where you’re going, you can talk to your Transportation Office counselors (TOs) to figure out what you may qualify for.
If you’re being transferred outside the continental United States (OCONUS), the government will pay for your military vehicle transport. However, if you’re being transferred to another military base in the continental United States (CONUS), you’ll have to foot the bill for POV shipping.
Once you have your orders, gather the following information to have it handy.
- Vehicle details (year, make, model, VIN, and proof of operability)
- Proof of vehicle ownership (registration or title)
- Car insurance policy records
- A driver’s license or passport
- PCS order documentation
Pro Tip: Check out our guide for getting an International Driver’s License
Check for POV Entitlements
There’s only so much money the government will allocate to your PCS, so take full advantage.
To qualify for reimbursement for a POV shipment within the CONUS, you must:
- Be married. The Department of Defense requires two drivers, and they must be married to each other.
- Have more than one POV. To be eligible for military PCS military vehicle shipping reimbursements in the CONUS, service members must have two or more POVs.
- Travel together. Everyone in the family must ride in the same vehicle – not fly.
Find a Military Car Shipping Company
If you qualify for funding, the government will handle all the details and logistics of your transport. If you don’t, you’ll be responsible for finding a company that specializes in military vehicle transport .
Most car shipping companies provide military vehicle shipping services. In addition, Sherpa Auto Transport and others offer shipping discounts for members of the military.
Once you find car transport services that meet your needs, use each company’s website tool or shipping calculator to receive free quotes. You can then compare quotes to help you choose a provider.
How Much Does Military Car Shipping Cost?
Car shipping rates fluctuate based on a number of factors, it’s hard to say exactly what military car shipping costs. Most companies provide tools for getting car shipping quotes online, allowing you to enter information about your vehicle and your shipping needs.
Here’s what you might pay per mile to ship a car with Sherpa Auto Transport:
Shipping Distance | Price per Mile |
---|---|
0 to 500 miles | $1.55 to $2.50 |
501 to 1,000 miles | $1.00 to $1.45 |
1,001 to 1,500 miles | $0.80 to $1.10 |
1,501 to 2,000 miles | $0.65 to $0.90 |
2,001 to 2,500 miles | $0.55 to $0.75 |
2,500+ miles | $0.50 to $0.65 |
In general, the longer the shipping distance, the less you’ll pay per mile. However, shipment details, market conditions, and other factors will affect your price.
Factors that Affect Military Car Shipping Costs
Several things influence car shipping costs, including:
Time of year: The number of PCS moves peaks during the summer, which, along with January, is when demand for car shipping is at its highest. Moves during these times of year are more expensive.
Vehicle size: Larger vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks, are costlier to ship than sedans or compact cars.
Time frame: Most vehicle shipping companies offer expedited shipping, but short-notice transport usually costs significantly more than those booked in advance.
Shipping distance: Long-distance and cross-country shipments cost less per mile but more overall than shorter-distance transports.
Delivery method: Terminal-to-terminal delivery is less expensive than door-to-door shipping since pickup and drop-off locations are centralized, usually in major cities.
Transport type: Enclosed auto transport is more expensive than open carrier transport.
Gas prices: If the cost of fuel increases, so does the cost of military vehicle shipping.
Shipping Cars Overseas
Shipping a car overseas seems challenging, but Sherpa Auto Transport simplifies the process with customized international shipping solutions.
If you are relocating for work, military duty, or an extended stay abroad, we take necessary measures to make sure your vehicle is safe and arrives at its destination in a timely manner.
Our international car shipping services handle everything from customs clearance to port-to-door delivery to provide you with a hassle-free experience.
Learn more about how we make international vehicle transport smooth by visiting our international car shipping services page.
Why You Should Choose Sherpa Auto Transport
Sherpa Auto Transport has a stellar reputation in the auto transport industry. We hold an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), as well as an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars in the BBB’s customer reviews.
We also provide stress-free auto shipping for members of the armed forces by offering a military discount.
Price Lock Promise
Through our Price Lock Promise, Sherpa Auto Transport offers our customers locked-in pricing. This means that if the quoted price isn’t enough to get a carrier for the shipment, Sherpa will cover up to $300 of the difference to help secure transport and preserve your peace of mind.
Military Auto Transport FAQs
What Are the Most Popular Military Bases in the US?
The United States is home to several prominent military bases, but some stand out for their size, strategic importance, and resources.
Popular bases include:
- Fort Bragg, North Carolina: It is known as the epicenter of Airborne and Special Operations Forces.
- Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia: It is the largest naval base in the world.
- Camp Pendleton, California: A hub for amphibious operations on the West Coast.
- Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii: A key Pacific command, linking to our Military Bases in Hawaii.
- Fort Hood, Texas: This is one of the largest active-duty armored posts.
If you’re relocating to or from one of these bases, Sherpa Auto Transport offers specialized military auto transport services to meet your needs.
Will the military pay to ship my car to Hawaii?
Because Hawaii is OCONUS, the military should cover the expense of shipping your car. However, it’s always best to contact your TO, as restrictions may apply.
Does the military pay for car shipping?
The military will ship your POV OCONUS for free. If your PCS is in the CONUS, you can only qualify for reimbursement if you’re shipping two POVs.
How long does it take to ship a car through the military?
Transit times vary, but it generally takes between one and 14 days to ship a POV. Most car carriers travel about 500 miles per day.