Military moves come with their own logistics. A PCS order moves you on someone else’s timeline, often across the country or to a port installation where your vehicle needs to arrive before you do. Car shipping solves a real problem for service members — but the standard shipping process has a few details worth knowing in a military context.
Government-authorized transport vs. private shipping
When the military moves you, the government pays to ship one privately owned vehicle (POV) through the Defense Personal Property System (DPPS). This is managed through Vehicle Processing Centers (VPCs) and has its own timeline and procedures.
Not every situation is covered, and not every service member wants to use the government channel. Spouses who deploy with a second vehicle, personnel with vehicles that don’t qualify for POV shipment, members managing a move on a tight timeline, and veterans moving after separation all turn to private car shipping companies for at least part of their logistics.
How private car shipping works alongside a military move
Private shipping is simpler than most people expect. You book a company, they dispatch a carrier to your current location, and the vehicle is transported to your new duty station or destination. Door-to-door service handles pickup and delivery at addresses — base housing, off-base apartments, or a storage facility if you need interim arrangements.
Timeline: most reputable companies dispatch within 1 to 5 business days of booking. Add transit time based on the route: 7 to 10 days for a coast-to-coast move, less for shorter routes. Book 2 to 3 weeks before your target date, or further out if you’re in peak moving season (May through September, when PCS moves tend to cluster).
Military discounts
Several car shipping companies offer discounts for active-duty military, veterans, and their immediate families. The discount is typically $25 to $100 off the base rate. It won’t make a mediocre company worth using, but it’s worth asking about when you’re comparing options.
RoadRunner Auto Transport is veteran-owned and offers military discounts for active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. Worth confirming the specific discount when you request a quote.
What to document for a military vehicle shipment
Military moves often involve tight timelines and multiple handoffs. The documentation steps that protect any shipper matter even more here:
- Photograph the vehicle thoroughly before pickup (every panel, all glass, interior)
- Review the Bill of Lading inspection report carefully before signing at pickup — note every pre-existing scratch or chip
- Inspect at delivery before signing — compare against your pre-shipment photos
If you’re deploying and won’t be present at pickup or delivery, designate a trusted contact (a spouse, family member, or fellow service member) to handle both handoffs and be clear on what to look for.
International and OCONUS shipping
PCS orders to bases in Germany, South Korea, Japan, or other overseas locations involve a different process — typically through the military’s VPC system and ocean freight. Private carriers handle stateside legs but don’t manage OCONUS shipping directly.
For continental US moves and Hawaii, private car shipping covers the full route. RoadRunner Auto Transport ships to all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, as well as Puerto Rico and Caribbean destinations. For service members stationed at Pearl Harbor, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, or other Hawaii installations, direct quotes are available.
Key things to get right
- Book early — PCS orders can come with short notice, but carriers dispatch faster on high-volume corridors when you give them lead time
- Disclose anything non-standard about the vehicle (lifted, oversized, inoperable) at booking
- Confirm the company’s policy on pickup window flexibility — if your orders change, you need to know what rebooking looks like
- Ask about military discounts directly; they’re not always listed in the base quote
Getting a quote
RoadRunner Auto Transport is veteran-owned, works with more than 14,000 vetted carriers across all 50 states, and has been in the business for more than 30 years. No deposit is required at booking; payment is collected only when a carrier is confirmed. Military discounts available for active-duty, veterans, and families. Get a quote at roadrunnerautotransport.com.