Serving in the military often means moving at a moment’s notice—across the country or even overseas. For active-duty members, dealing with the intricacies that involve a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) means having an abundance of tasks to handle, which need to be executed with accuracy. One of the most crucial logistical hurdles is finding the best means of shipping your vehicle safely to your new duty station so it is in good working order.
At Vehicle Transport Hub, we understand the unique difficulties that military personnel face in relocating their military vehicles. That’s why we’ve put together this detailed step-by-step guide to make military car shipping as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Why Use Military Auto Transport?
The government frequently relocates service members for different operational requirements. Although there are some costs that are covered under Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, there are other costs such as costs for the shipment of a personally owned vehicle (POV)—which could have to be paid in cash by the service members themselves. To support these logistics needs, military car shipping has been designed specifically to:
- Make the experience of cross-state or international relocation less taxing.
- Ensure your car arrives at its destination safely and in good time, without any delay.
- Provide military discounts and flexible scheduling.
Hiring a professional auto shipping company like Vehicle Transport Hub ensures that your car is in the hands of experienced professionals who fully grasp the intricacies of transporting cars.
Step 1: Get to Know Your Rights Under PCS Orders
Before you begin planning your car shipping, the first step is to check your PCS entitlements. Here's what you need to know:
- CONUS, or Continental United States, means that the government does not pay for financial assistance or compensation in shipping autos in cases of domestic shipments within the United States.
- OCONUS (Outside the Continental U.S.) moves: You may be eligible for one POV shipment at the government's expense.
- The need for additional vehicles or the need for special shipping arrangements may necessitate a personal expenditure to cover those specific expenditures.
Pro Tip: Contact your base’s transportation or logistics office (PPSO or JPPSO) for up-to-date guidance.
Step 2: Choose a Reliable and Effective Military Car Shipping Company
Not all automobile transport companies have the ability to perform military relocations. When selecting a service provider, consider the following:
- Military background and experience
- Flexible pick-up and delivery dates
- Coverage under insurance
- Clear pricing
- Military discounts
Vehicle Transport Hub is honored to serve military members by providing military discounts and door-to-door delivery services tailored for military members.
Step 3: Select an Option Between Open Transport or Enclosed Transport Options
After selecting a carrier, you will have to choose between modes of transport:
- Open shipping is the most commonly used and least expensive way of shipping cars. Your vehicle is loaded safely onto an open trailer along with a few other cars being transported in this process.
- Enclosed shipping carries an added layer of protection from the elements, good for high-value or vintage cars but more expensive.
- The majority of the service members make use of open transportation for PCS household relocation, except when vehicle protection is especially needed.
Step 4: Ensure That You Book Your Transport in Advance
Planning is required, especially during the PCS season high (May to September). We recommend:
- Book 2–4 weeks ahead of your best pick-up date
- Offering flexible pick-up/delivery time windows
- Synchronizing with your PCS relocation timeline
At Vehicle Transport Hub, we completely understand that military itineraries are often unpredictable and are usually subject to change. That’s why we offer flexible rescheduling options to accommodate updated orders.
Step 5: Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipping
Proper preparation of the vehicle makes the transfer smoother and safeguards your vehicle during transport. Adhere to the following important steps:
- Both exterior and interior should be properly cleaned – This is a most crucial step because it will guarantee a successful pre-shipment inspection.
- Remove personal items – Including valuables, papers, and weapons.
- Conduct maintenance checks – Tire pressure, battery, fluids, leaks.
- Turn off alarms and toll passes.
- Leave 1/4 tank of fuel – Enough to load/unload but not excessively heavy.
- Take good photos of the vehicle.
Military car transport may also require your vehicle to meet some customs or base entry requirements—call your transportation office to find out what the locals need.
Step 6: The Process of Picking Up the Vehicle and Obtaining the Bill of Lading
On the agreed date, your assigned driver will come to pick up the car. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of the procedure to be followed:
- Joint report of inspection by both sides
- Bill of Lading (BOL) issued – your binding shipping contract.
- Recognition of the accepted delivery date.
Make sure you keep and have a copy of both the Bill of Lading, or BOL, and the inspection report for your use, these are often on the same document. These documents will be of utmost value and use in the event of any problems or issues during the transportation process.
Step 7: Ensuring Efficient Communication
A reputable and good car transport company will provide good communication, along with timely updates during the shipping process. At Vehicle Transport Hub, we are pleased to offer the following services:
- 24/7 support to military customers
- Direct contact with your carrier driver when necessary
We make sure that we keep you informed in the process so that you are able to focus on your critical responsibilities without any interruption, and we handle the safe transportation of your car without any hassle.
Step 8: Final Vehicle Inspection and Delivery
When you arrive at your car duty station, the vehicle you own will be brought to you in either of two ways:
- To your base, but only if this is allowed.
- To a delivery point that's in proximity.
- To your doorstep, if door-to-door is the option
Carefully inspect the vehicle before signing off on delivery. Refer to your pre-shipping photos and inspection report to verify the condition. In the event of damage:
- Ensure that you mark it on the Bill of Lading.
- Take their photograph immediately.
- Initiate a formal complaint with the insurance firm covering the transport provider.
Step 9: Reimbursement Process or Expenses Filing (If Applicable and Relevant)
If your POV was eligible for shipment at government cost (i.e., OCONUS relocations), forward the required documentation to:
- Your transportation office
- Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS)
- Please make sure to attach your Bill of Lading, shipping receipt, and your other documentation that you may need.
If it was an out-of-pocket move, there is possibly a deductible amount of the expense—see your financial counselor at your base.
Why Do Military Personnel Trust Vehicle Transport Hub?
Vehicle Transport Hub is proud to serve those who serve. Here's why active duty members across all branches trust us:
- There are year-round military discounts
- National vehicle shipping
- Skilled at managing PCS timing
- All carriers are fully insured, licensed, and bonded in every aspect.
- Live support coming from real individuals.
We understand the frustration of military relocation and strive to provide dependable, affordable, and respectful service. For more info, call us today!
