8 Mins
Sep 4, 2024

Does The Military Ship Your Car For Free?

Each time active duty military personnel receive orders to move, a slew of questions that might be considered is, will the military ship my car free of charge? This all depends on several factors, which include your eligibility, the nature of the move, and specific policies set by your branch of service. The ins and outs of military car shipping will have you better prepared to make informed decisions about your move and give you less stress from the process. In this article, we delve into details about military car shipping, eligibility, and the entitled benefits for service members.

Does the military ship your car for free?

The simple answer to that is yes, but under certain circumstances. When you receive PCS orders, the military will pay to ship one POV for each service member. However, there are some limits and requirements to receive the benefit. Yes, the government will ship for "free," but as is so often true, there is more to that "free" than just a lot of words. There are, however, certain processes that service members will need to follow along with qualifications in order to utilize this option. For personal car shipping for military personnel needs, you need to do a research for best car shipping company for military.

Who is Eligible for Military Car Shipping?

Eligibility for military car shipping is primarily reserved for active duty service members who receive PCS orders. For personal orders, some companies will offer you auto transport military discount. This includes:

  • Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force: Active duty members of the aforementioned services may have their POV shipped at government expense.
  • Members of the Coast Guard: While operating as a service in the Navy, members of the Coast Guard also qualify.
  • Members of the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service: Members may also have military auto transport services extended to them.
  • Members of the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: Like other branches, these members can also utilize this service.

To be eligible, your military PCS car shipping orders must authorize the shipment of a POV and you must be eligible under the guidance of your branch of service and DoD. Specific guidance related to your situation should be provided by the transportation office of your unit.

Active Duty vs. Retired Service Members

It gives active duty service members the opportunity to have their POV shipped at the government's expense upon receiving PCS orders. The benefit is very important because it forms part of the support system that the military seeks to give to its members and their families as a means of making their transitions smooth and easy. However, this benefit does not extend to retired service members. Retirees are supposed to arrange and pay for the shipment of their vehicles when relocating, which is liable to be pretty expensive.

Sometimes, shipping might be available at an auto transport military discount by calling various military-themed organizations, but those are not federally funded benefits.

What are the types of military jargon?

The military has a number of different types of lingo and abbreviations associated with shipping a car. Once you know these it can really help as far as having your vehicle transported. A few words you might find useful to know:

  • POV (Privately Owned Vehicle): The vehicle you own and ask to have shipped.
  • PCS (Permanent Change of Station): Orders to relocate to a new duty station.
  • VPC (Vehicle Processing Center): Facilities where vehicles are inspected and processed for shipment.
  • OCONUS (Outside the Continental United States): Refers to overseas locations.
  • CONUS (Continental United States): Refers to locations within the U.S.
  • DD Form 788: The form used to request shipment of a POV.

Understanding these terms can make the car shipping process smoother and help you communicate effectively with military transportation personnel.

Does the military pay for shipping?

Yes, under certain limitations and requirements, the military might pay to ship your POV upon receipt of PCS orders. The government will reimburse the shipping cost of one vehicle per service member to the new duty station, considering the vehicle must fall within DoD-approved size and weight limits.

Keep in mind that if you want more than those shipped, you will be responsible for paying for the shipments out of pocket. If you choose shipping methods other than what the military provides, expedited shipping for example, then you may have a few extra costs as well.

Will the military ship your car overseas?

Yes, the military will ship your car overseas if you receive PCS orders to an overseas location. However, there are additional requirements and restrictions for overseas shipments. You will need to ensure your vehicle meets the safety and mission standards of the host country, obtain permits if necessary, and conform to customs regulations.

As such, it is good to view the requirements of the country that you relocate to before shipping your vehicle overseas since the regulations would differ significantly. You may also have to get your vehicle ready for shipment by removing your personal items and ensuring it is in good working condition.

Will the army pay to move my car?

Yes, the Army will pay to move your car upon receiving your PCS orders, providing you are eligible and that your vehicle falls within the size and weight limits. In fact, the Army, like the other military branches, has this benefit for active duty members to help with the relocation process.

We encourage you to check with your unit's transportation office about the specifics of shipping your car, including which documents are required to acquire a car shipping military discount. They can give you more personalized advice and let you know when things must be completed. For your other needs, you can use Bold Auto Transport’s car shipping cost calculator to get an estimated quote.

Does the military move you for free?

The military doesn't move service members for free, per se. The military vehicle shipping does provide, though, a number of entitlements and benefits designed to make the relocation process as painless as possible-which might be considered as greatly reducing the financial burden for PCS and military POV shipping for example, car shipping military discounts. For other shipping needs, ask if you’re eligible for car movers military discount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the military get free shipping?

Yes, active duty service members receiving PCS orders are authorized POV shipment at government expense, subject to certain limitations and requirements for car shipping for military relocation. Other companies will also offer car shipping military discount.

What is the process for having the military ship your car?

The process will entail preparing your car for shipping, dropping it off at a VPC as assigned, and then pickup at the destination VPC. You will have specific documentation that also includes proof of ownership, your PCS orders, and identification to get a military discount to ship car. It is highly advisable that you start early enough for this process so that shipping can be carried out on time.

Are there any restrictions on the types of cars the military will ship?

Yes, vehicle size and weight are limited for car shipping services in military. Larger vehicles, such as RVs and oversized trucks, may be available at an additional cost or may not qualify at all. Vehicles should also meet all safety and emission requirements.

How long does it take for the military to ship a car?

Shipping time depends on destination, peak moving season, and the type of shipping service selected. It generally takes anywhere from a few weeks up to a couple of months. Obviously, it would be better if you could plan ahead and stay in touch with your transportation office regarding an update.

Get an instant car shipping quote
Or call now (469) 459-3899
...