How does military PCS vehicle shipping work?
Military PCS (Permanent Change of Station) vehicle shipping involves a military car shipping company transporting a service member's car when they relocate to a new duty station. The company handles the entire process, ensuring the vehicle is picked up, transported, and delivered safely to the new location.
While military vehicle shipping is similar to standard auto transport, some key differences exist. For example, better pricing options and car shipping discounts are available for military customers. Military car shipping companies must be familiar with shipping to and from military bases.
The pick-up and delivery locations are usually outside the military base for security reasons.
Does the military ship your car for free?
Yes, the military may ship one privately owned vehicle (POV) for free during a Permanent Change of Station (PSC) move for active-duty members. This benefit covers the cost of transporting the car to the new duty station, but additional vehicles or specific circumstances might incur expenses.
Relocation is part of modern-day military service life and can happen every few years. Part of any relocation is transporting your vehicle, which can be a logistical nightmare. Fortunately, generous allowances and benefits are available to help subsidize the cost of car shipping for military personnel.
The rules of Personal Change of Station (PCS) mean military branches pay to ship one personal vehicle for a service member. Most military members are typically eligible for the allowance but must meet various requirements.
One is a minimum time-in-service requirement at a current duty station before receiving PCS orders. It’s usually 12 months. The allowance also depends on whether you’re moving within the continental United States (CONUS) or heading overseas (OCONUS).
The government pays the total cost of military car shipping for domestic relocations in the CONUS. The allowance's limit depends on a member’s rank and dependency status. You must use an approved contractor, and compliance with specific documentation guidelines for weight tickets, inspection reports, and other elements is essential.
International relocations may also be fully subsidized. However, different shipping mechanisms are used depending on costs and restrictions in the host country. All arrangements must go through approved channels if you want to take advantage of any military-discounted rates.
Are there car shipping military discounts?
Many auto transport companies offer military discounts for active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. These discounts can reduce the cost of shipping a vehicle during a PCS move or other relocations, providing financial relief and making the process more affordable.
WeShipCars offers military auto transport discounts for active duty, veterans, Reserve, National Guard, and military dependents. Our car shipping experts are happy to answer any questions you may have.
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Why military personnel prefer military vehicle shipping:
Simple pick-up and delivery Let us know where you want your vehicle picked up and delivered, and we’ll find a carrier who can follow your directions. We have a list of fully vetted and insured carriers we can call on. They transport your vehicle safely and securely to its final destination easily and hassle-free.
Military discounts WeShipCars offers military vehicle transport discounts for active duty, veterans, Reserves, National Guard, and military dependents. Speak with our car shipping experts to learn more.
You can ship personal items You are permitted to keep a maximum of two pieces of luggage with personal belongings in the trunk of your vehicle at no extra cost. Certain items are unlawful to trust, so check with our car shipping experts.
Understanding the needs of military customers We know how stressful it can be when you receive your PSC orders and that there’s often no time to waste. We can take care of your family vehicles, allowing you to concentrate on your family’s transition to your new home.
Which auto transport service is preferable for military personnel?
Open car transport
Regarding car shipping for military personnel, we recommend open car transport. It’s incredibly convenient because we can arrange shipping to and from any location in the United States, including military bases. We know that timing is often critical for our military customers, and we can offer an additional option for a guaranteed car pick-up on a day when you’re available.
Why choose WeShipCars for your military vehicle shipping?
Zero upfront payment
With WeShipCars, you don't have to worry about making any upfront payments. We only request payment once we’ve assigned a carrier to your shipment.
Free cancellation
Understanding that life can be unpredictable, we offer you the freedom to cancel your booking without incurring any costs. This flexibility ensures you can change your plans without stress or financial burden.
Full insurance coverage
Rest assured, your vehicle is fully covered during transport. We offer cargo insurance coverage on all shipments, ensuring you have complete peace of mind throughout the entire car shipping process.
Fully vetted and insured car shipping carriers
Ensuring vehicle safety and customer satisfaction is our top priority. We exclusively work with thoroughly vetted and insured carriers who adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and care during vehicle relocation.
Customizable services & dedicated car shipping experts
Opt for WeShipCars and customize your car relocation service to fit your specific needs. Our dedicated car shipping experts guide you through every step of the process, ensuring a seamless experience.
24/7 customer support
WeShipCars' customer support team is available 24/7 to address your queries and answer any questions you may have. Your options are phone, live chat, and email.
How do military vehicle transport services work?
Car shipping for military relocation is a straightforward service to arrange. We ship your vehicle(s) in three easy steps:
- Get a quote and book your order: The process begins when you get in touch to get a quote and book your order. For your convenience, you can use a free, instant online quote calculator to receive your quote in seconds. Alternatively, you can speak directly with our car shipping experts by calling (708) 300-0063 or using our live chat option.
- We pick up your vehicle: We assign one of our fully vetted and insured military vehicle transport carriers. They pick up your vehicle as close as is safe and legal. If the location is a military base, they can collect and deliver your vehicle directly outside.
- We deliver your vehicle: The carrier contacts you before they arrive to give you an estimated arrival time. When they arrive, you inspect your vehicle to ensure everything is in order and sign to accept delivery of your car.
step 1
Get a free, instant quote and book your order
Kick things off by getting your car shipping quote. We’ve made it simple with a free instant car transport cost calculator on our website. Do you prefer a more personalized touch? Speak directly with our car shipping experts by phone or live chat.
The quickest and easiest way to get a quote is by using our online calculator. Just provide a few basic details, and you’ll receive your quote in seconds. Enter the pick-up and delivery city or ZIP code, the year, make, and model of your vehicle, its condition, how many cars you need to ship, and the type of transport you wish to book. If you need expedited auto transport, now’s the time to specify.
You’ll also need to let us know the date when your car is ready for transport. This date is known as the First Available Pick-Up Date in the auto transport industry.
We’ll also need your email address and phone number to send you a copy of the quote and verify your identity.
You’ll receive an all-inclusive quote with no hidden charges. And don’t worry; you’re not obligated to book right away.
Your quote is valid for 14 days, and if you decide to book later, there’s no need to re-enter your details. Our system securely records your information, making it easy to recalculate the cost.
If you’re unhappy with the price, take advantage of our price match promise. Contact our car shipping experts and allow us to match a direct competitor’s price.
Ready to book? Click the link in your email to confirm and complete your booking. Alternatively, you can secure the fastest auto transport service by calling (708) 300-0063 or using live chat. Best of all, we don’t require any upfront payment at this stage.
If you change your mind or circumstances, inform us immediately. Cancellation is free before we schedule your shipment. If we’ve already assigned a carrier, we’ll keep any charged amount up to $199 and refund the difference.
Upon confirming all your shipment details, you can choose a payment option. The first option is cash on delivery (COD). The second is to pay in full when booking using a credit or debit card or Zelle payment.
step 2
We pick up your vehicle
Your assigned carrier reaches out before arrival to ensure someone is available to release your vehicle. In cases where you're unavailable, you can nominate a trustworthy individual over 18 to handle the handover – whether it's a neighbor, family member, friend, colleague, or someone you rely on.
Additionally, the carrier double-checks that the designated pick-up location is accessible for their larger trucks and trailers. If there are any parking restrictions, access challenges, low-hanging obstacles like trees, or overhead powerlines at the location, the driver assists you in identifying a more suitable alternative nearby. Such locations could include a nearby parking lot, a wider street, or even your workplace.
Upon the carrier's arrival, you and the driver thoroughly inspect your vehicle to identify any pre-existing damages or imperfections. It's essential to document these details accurately on the Bill of Lading (BOL), which you complete using traditional paper documentation or through a carrier's digital application.
Once you’ve finalized the necessary paperwork, you can securely hand over the keys to the carrier and bid a temporary farewell to your vehicle. Rest assured, the carrier safely transports it to its destination, and you’ll be reunited in a few days.
Stay informed about your vehicle's status throughout transportation by maintaining open communication channels. Your options include contacting our dedicated car shipping experts, contacting the assigned carrier directly, or connecting with the driver via phone, live chat, or email.
step 3
We deliver your vehicle
Get ready to hear from your carrier again soon. They'll contact you to confirm the delivery specifics and inform you of their imminent arrival. You'll receive a courtesy call the day before and a few hours before they reach you. They aim to ensure you're available and that the delivery spot is safe and legal.
Should you be unavailable during the scheduled delivery, feel free to designate another person over 18 to accept the vehicle on your behalf. It could be a neighbor, family member, friend, or trusted colleague – just ensure they're ready and waiting.
When your vehicle arrives with the carrier, inspect it closely alongside the driver. Compare its current condition with what was recorded in the original Bill of Lading (BOL) to ensure accuracy. Once satisfied, sign off on the Bill of Lading to acknowledge receipt of the vehicle and smoothly finalize any remaining payments.
Throughout this process, we're committed to keeping you informed and ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.
How much does open car transport cost?
A sedan costs between $500 and $1,000 for open car transport, while a truck costs between $600 and $1,500. Shipping a compact SUV using enclosed car shipping costs between $900 and $1,700, whereas an SUV costs between $1,000 and $2,000.
| How much does open car transport cost? | |
|---|---|
| Sedan | $950 |
| SUV | $1,015 |
| Pick-up Truck | $1,140 |
*Please keep in mind that these are approximate estimates, and actual prices may vary due to factors like seasonal changes, fuel costs, pick-up or delivery locations, etc.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The time it takes to transport a military vehicle depends on several factors. We can give you an estimated time frame, but distance, specific routes, unexpected delays like weather or traffic, and other things can influence delivery times.
Shorter distances typically take a few days, while cross-country trips might extend up to 5 days. Military car shipping to and from Hawaii takes even longer as there is a journey across the ocean to consider.
Let’s examine what affects the speed of your vehicle’s journey with our military auto transport services.
- Pick-up and drop-off locations: Shipments from metropolitan areas generally have faster transit times due to better infrastructure and higher demand. Conversely, shipments from rural areas may take longer due to limited access and fewer service providers.
- Distance: Longer distances naturally require more transit time. Transit times can range from 1-2 days for short distances and 7-9 days for cross-country shipments.
- Seasonal demand: Peak moving seasons (late spring to early fall) see higher demand and shorter transit times. Conversely, winter months may experience longer wait times due to reduced demand and holiday breaks for carriers.
- Weather conditions: Severe weather, such as snowstorms or heavy rain, can slow transport, as safety takes precedence. Poor driving conditions lead to slower driving speeds or temporary halts.
- Road conditions and traffic: Road construction, detours, and traffic congestion in urban areas can cause delays, while rural areas may have fewer alternative routes and slower responses to road issues.
- Driver regulations: Strict regulations limit driving hours for truck drivers, ensuring safety but potentially extending transit times.
- Vehicle type: Larger, heavier, or specialized vehicles may require more time for loading, handling, and finding suitable carriers.
- Vehicle condition: Operable vehicles can be shipped more quickly than inoperable ones, which require special handling and preparation.
- Transportation method: Military car shipping methods prioritize safety and efficiency but may vary in speed. Open car transport is faster due to higher availability and simultaneous shipment of multiple vehicles. In contrast, enclosed car shipping offers greater protection but may take longer due to fewer available carriers and more meticulous handling processes.
- Service level: Military auto transport services prioritize timely and secure delivery, but expedited services may be more expensive.
The cost of door-to-door vehicle shipping hinges on several dynamic factors, each influencing pricing in its own way. By understanding these elements, you can navigate the process more effectively:
- Market demand: Military vehicle transport prices vary seasonally (cyclical) or due to mass relocations (non-cyclical). These impact urban areas and rural areas differently. Prices for rural areas are generally higher because of lower demand. In urban locations, prices increase when demand is high and decrease when demand is low.
- Truck availability: When fewer trucks are available, there is increased demand and higher prices. Availability generally changes in direct correlation with market demand.
- Distance: Distance is a pricing factor, but market demand often dictates prices. For example, a busy but short route may have higher prices than longer routes with lower prices. However, generally, the shorter the distance, the lower the price.
- Vehicle dimensions: Larger vehicles tend to be bulkier and heavier. They cost more to transport because of height and weight restrictions and the carrier’s need to optimize truck capacity.
- Vehicle value: Shipping valuable vehicles typically costs more, mainly when enclosed car shipping is the chosen transport method because it provides added protection.
- Vehicle condition: Non-running vehicles require specialized handling and take longer, which affects overall expenses.
- Seasonality: If you ship your vehicle during peak seasons, you can expect to pay more. It costs more during summer and holidays. Opt for off-peak times instead, and you could enjoy savings.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel costs directly influence shipping rates. Higher fuel prices increase the carrier's overall costs, which are generally passed onto the customer.
- Expedited/express transport: Quicker service comes at a premium due to accelerated timelines.
- Guaranteed pick-up date: A timely pick-up incurs additional charges for pre-scheduled carriers.
- Transport type: Open car transport is more common and cost-effective, while enclosed car shipping provides higher security at a higher cost.
- Pick-up and delivery locations: Accessibility challenges or additional fees at specific locations impact overall expenses.
- Extra services: Additional services beyond standard shipping may add to total costs.
- Discounts: Discounts for the military can help offset shipping expenses.
To place a military car transport order, you typically need to provide the following details:
- Vehicle information: Year, make, model, and condition of the vehicle(s) you want to transport.
- Pick-up and delivery locations: Addresses or ZIP codes for pick-up and delivery points.
- Preferred transport type: Whether you prefer open car transport or enclosed car shipping.
- Contact information: Your full name, phone number, and email address for communication purposes.
- Date preferences: Ideal dates for pick-up and delivery if you have specific timelines.
- Military affiliation: Proof of military service or identification to qualify for military discounts or benefits.
- Additional services: Any extra services required, such as expedited shipping, extra insurance, or vehicle storage.
Providing accurate and detailed information ensures a smooth booking process and helps military-friendly shipping companies effectively cater to your specific needs.
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