When you receive Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, one of your biggest concerns may be getting your personally owned vehicle (POV) to your new duty station safely and affordably.
While the military does provide free vehicle shipping in certain circumstances, many service members find themselves needing reliable, budget-friendly alternatives for domestic relocations or when military transport isn’t available. At Auto Shipping Group, we know a change of station is already a stressful transition. This guide will help you understand options for military car shipping to save time and money.
Understanding Military Auto Shipping Acronyms
Before exploring car shipping options, military members and their families must be familiar with these terms:
| Military Acronym | Definition |
| CONUS | Continental United States |
| OCONUS | Outside Continental United States |
| PCS | Permanent Change of Station |
| PDS | Permanent Duty Station |
| POV | Privately Owned Vehicle |
| TO | Transportation Office |
Military Car Shipping Guide
Navigating military car shipping can be complex, but understanding the process helps ensure a smooth transition to your new duty station.
Receive Your Orders
Once you receive your PCS orders, review them carefully to determine if POV shipment is authorized at government expense. Your orders will specify whether you’re eligible for military-funded vehicle transport based on your destination and circumstances.
If government shipping isn’t available or doesn’t meet your needs, you’ll need to explore private military car shipping companies that specialize in serving military families with competitive rates and reliable service.
Check POV Entitlement Qualifications
Understanding your eligibility for government-funded POV shipping is crucial for planning your move and budget.
Eligibility: Not all service members qualify for government-funded POV shipping, so it’s important to verify your eligibility status before making transportation plans. The following personnel are eligible:
- Active-duty Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard, and Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration members who receive OCONUS PCS orders
- Department of Defense (DoD) civilians with authorized POV shipment specifically listed on their orders
- Military retirees who have been granted authorization to ship a POV as part of their retirement benefits
Entitlement: Understanding the scope and limitations of your POV shipping benefits helps you plan your move effectively and avoid unexpected expenses. Here are some key details:
- The military typically covers shipping costs for only one POV per service member at government expense
- Your PCS orders must explicitly authorize shipment to or from overseas locations (OCONUS) or document changes in vessel homeport for Navy personnel
- Domestic moves within the continental United States generally don’t qualify for government-funded POV shipping
Vehicle requirements: Your POV must meet specific criteria to qualify for military shipping, particularly for overseas assignments where host country regulations apply. Vehicle requirements include:
- Self-propelled, wheeled motor vehicles such as cars, station wagons, jeeps, motorcycles, vans, and pickup trucks
- Must be owned or leased by the service member or their dependent and used for personal transportation
- For overseas moves, vehicles must be in good working condition and meet the safety and emission standards of the destination country
Domestic (CONUS to CONUS) PCS moves: Most stateside relocations require service members to arrange and pay for their own vehicle transportation, making private car shipping companies an essential option. Important considerations include:
- The government typically does not cover POV shipment costs for moves within the continental United States
- Limited exceptions may apply for reimbursement when shipping two or more POVs if both spouses are licensed drivers but travel together in one vehicle, requiring the second vehicle to be shipped separately
- Additional exceptions may be granted if the service member is medically unable to drive or lacks sufficient time to drive due to military travel requirements
Complete Necessary Forms
Proper documentation is essential for military POV shipping. Depending on your vehicle type, you’ll need to complete one of the following forms:
- DD Form 788 (Private Vehicle Shipping Document for Automobile): Required for standard passenger vehicles, including cars, SUVs, and similar automobiles
- DD Form 788-1 (Private Vehicle Shipping Document for Van): Specifically designed for vans and larger passenger vehicles
- DD Form 788-2 (Private Vehicle Shipping Document for Motorcycle): Required for all motorcycle shipments
These forms document your vehicle’s condition, provide shipping instructions, and establish accountability during transport. Complete all sections accurately and retain copies for your records throughout the shipping process.
Find the Best Military Car Shipping Company
Choosing the right car shipping company for your PCS move requires careful research to ensure your vehicle arrives safely and on schedule. Military families have unique needs, including tight timelines, budget constraints, and the requirement for reliable service during already stressful relocations.
When evaluating military car shipping companies, prioritize those with proven experience serving military families and understanding the complexities of PCS moves. Look for companies that offer military discounts, flexible scheduling to accommodate your orders timeline, and transparent pricing without hidden fees. The best military car shipping providers maintain proper licensing and insurance, provide detailed contracts, and offer reliable communication throughout the transport process.
Key factors to consider include the company’s safety record, customer reviews from other military families, and their ability to provide door-to-door service or convenient pickup locations near military installations. Verify that the company is registered with the Department of Transportation and maintains adequate insurance coverage for your vehicle’s value. Additionally, seek carriers that offer vehicle tracking capabilities and maintain clear communication about pickup and delivery schedules.
Military families should be particularly cautious of car shipping scams that target service members during PCS seasons. Research companies thoroughly, avoid unusually low quotes that seem too good to be true, and pay large deposits upfront. For comprehensive guidance on selecting reputable carriers, review our top 5 affordable car shipping companies in 2025 and learn about avoiding common car shipping scams to protect yourself during your vehicle transport process.
Remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the best value for military families who need dependable service. Focus on companies that combine competitive pricing with reliable service, military expertise, and strong customer support to ensure your POV shipping experience supports rather than complicates your PCS move.
Why Choose Auto Shipping Group for Military Car Shipping
The team at Auto Shipping Group understands the unique challenges military families face during PCS moves. Our specialized military car shipping services combine competitive pricing with the reliability and personal attention service members deserve. We’ve built our reputation on delivering quality car shipping at fair prices, ensuring your POV arrives safely and on schedule to support your military assignment.
Don’t just take our word for it — read what our customers have to say about their experience with Auto Shipping Group.
Military Car Shipping FAQs
Does the military ship your car for free?
The military provides free POV shipping only under specific circumstances. Active-duty service members, DoD civilians, and authorized retirees can receive government-funded vehicle transport for overseas POC moves (OCONUS) or vessel homeport changes. However, the military generally does not cover POV shipping costs for domestic moves within the continental United States. Even when eligible for free military shipping, many service members choose private carriers for faster service, better scheduling flexibility, or when shipping multiple vehicles. If you don’t qualify for free military transport or need additional services, professional military car shipping companies offer competitive rates and specialized service for military families.
Where are military car shipping ports?
Military car shipping ports are strategically located to serve major overseas destinations. Primary ports include Norfolk, Virginia for East Coast shipments; Oakland and Long Beach, California for Pacific destinations; and Jacksonville, Florida for various overseas locations. These ports handle government-contracted shipments to bases in Hawaii, Alaska, Japan, Korea, Germany, and other OCONUS assignments. However, private military car shipping companies often provide more convenient pickup locations and can transport your vehicle from your current duty station directly to these ports or your final destination, eliminating the need for you to drive to the shipping port yourself.
Does Auto Shipping Group offer car shipping military discounts?
Yes, we proudly offer military discounts to active-duty service members, veterans, and their families as part of our commitment to serving those who serve our country. Our military discount program recognizes the unique challenges military families face during PCS moves and relocations. Contact our military specialists for current discount rates and to learn about additional savings opportunities. We understand the importance of budget-friendly vehicle transport for military families, and our military discount, combined with our already competitive pricing, ensures you receive the best value for reliable, professional car shipping services.
How does shipping a car to a Hawaii military base work?
Shipping a car to a Hawaii military base typically involves transport from a West Coast port (usually Long Beach or Oakland) via a cargo vessel. If you qualify for government-funded shipping, your vehicle will be processed through military channels and delivered to the designated port near your base. For private shipping, your car will be picked up from your location, transported to the departure port, loaded onto a cargo ship, and delivered to Hawaii, where you can pick it up or arrange final delivery to your base. The process usually takes seven to 14 days once your vehicle reaches the port. Private military car shipping companies often provide door-to-port or door-to-door service, making the process more convenient than driving your vehicle to the departure port yourself.
What does PCS mean in the military?
PCS stands for Permanent Change of Station, which refers to the assignment of military personnel to a different duty location for an extended period, typically lasting several years. A PCS move involves relocating your household, family, and often your vehicle to support your new military assignment. Unlike temporary duty assignments (TDY), PCS orders represent a long-term relocation that may include moves within he continental United States, overseas assignments, or transfers between different military installations. During a PCS move, service members may be eligible for various moving allowances and benefits, including potential POV shipping assistance for overseas assignments, making it crucial to understand your transportation options and entitlements.