Army Pay To Ship Your Car is one of the most frequently searched questions among service members preparing for a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). Military life often involves relocating to new bases across the country or even overseas, and figuring out how to move your personal vehicle can quickly become a major headache. So, does the Army actually cover the cost of shipping your car during PCS orders? The answer, like many things in military life, depends on your specific circumstances.
When Will the Army Pay to Ship Your Car?
Generally speaking, the Department of Defense (DoD) allows service members who receive overseas PCS orders to ship one privately owned vehicle (POV) at government expense. This applies whether you’re stationed in Europe, Asia, or other foreign duty locations. The military views a personal vehicle as essential for fulfilling duties and maintaining quality of life overseas.
However, if your PCS orders are stateside, known as a CONUS (Continental United States) move, the Army typically does not pay to ship your vehicle. Instead, you’re expected to drive your car to your new duty station or pay out-of-pocket for transport. There are rare exceptions, such as certain medical conditions or hardship situations, but these are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and require official approval.
Overseas PCS Moves: What’s Covered?
If you’re headed overseas, the Army will pay to ship one vehicle from the port closest to your current duty station to the designated port near your new overseas base. The government contract covers the basic shipping costs, but there may still be expenses on your end, including:
- Storage fees for additional vehicles
- Costs for cleaning or prepping your car to meet import regulations
- Taxes or customs duties in the destination country
- Optional insurance coverage beyond basic liability
It’s critical to work with your local Transportation Office early in the PCS process to understand deadlines, documentation, and shipping timelines.
Shipping a Second Vehicle
Many military families own two cars. Unfortunately, the Army only covers the cost of shipping one POV. If you want to ship a second vehicle, you’ll have to arrange and pay for that privately. Costs vary widely depending on vehicle size, shipping method (container vs. roll-on/roll-off), and your destination.
When considering whether to ship a second vehicle, factor in overseas road conditions, parking availability, insurance rates, and local regulations. In some countries, driving a large SUV or pickup may not be practical—or even legal.
Stateside PCS: Driving vs. Shipping
For PCS moves within the continental U.S., the Army does not pay to ship your vehicle under normal circumstances. Most service members choose to drive their POV, which the military partially reimburses via mileage allowances.
If driving isn’t feasible, some families consider hiring a professional vehicle shipping company. Prices for domestic auto transport can range from $500 to $1,500, depending on distance, vehicle size, and the type of transport (open carrier vs. enclosed trailer). While this cost is generally out-of-pocket, some service members use their PCS travel entitlements (like DLA Dislocation Allowance) to offset these expenses indirectly.
Protect Yourself When Choosing a Shipper
If you decide to hire a car shipping company, make sure you choose a reputable mover. Scams do exist in the auto transport industry, and military families are frequent targets because of tight PCS timelines.
A good place to start is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s official database. You can search for licensed, registered movers and avoid rogue operators who might take your deposit and vanish. To verify a shipper’s credentials, visit the FMCSA Protect Your Move website.
Tips for a Smoother PCS Vehicle Move
- Plan Early: Contact your Transportation Office as soon as you receive PCS orders, especially for overseas moves.
- Understand Weight Limits: For overseas shipments, remember that you generally can’t fill your car with household goods.
- Check Insurance: Know what coverage applies while your car is in transit.
- Clean Thoroughly: Many countries require your car to be completely clean to avoid import issues, including the undercarriage.
- Document Everything: Take photos of your vehicle before shipping for damage claims if needed.
Bottom Line
Whether the Army will pay to ship your car during PCS hinges on where you’re going. Overseas? The Army will typically ship one vehicle at government expense. Staying stateside? You’ll likely be on your own. Either way, knowing the rules and planning ahead will save stress and potentially a lot of money during your PCS transition.
