PCS Vehicle Shipping: What the Military Covers and What You Pay

OCONUS moves (for example, to Germany, Japan, Korea, Hawaii, Guam or Alaska in many cases): The government generally ships one privately owned vehicle (POV) through a vehicle processing center, when you're authorized. You still pay to get the car to the processing center if you don't drive it there.

CONUS-to-CONUS moves: The government generally doesn't ship your car. Instead, it pays a mileage allowance for driving it, plus per diem for travel days. If you choose to ship the car commercially, that cost usually comes out of your pocket.

1. Is your new duty station OCONUS? If yes, POV shipment through the government is often authorized. If no, go to question 2.

2. Do you have two or more vehicles, with family traveling together in one? Mileage may be paid for a second vehicle driven by a family member. Ask your transportation office.

3. Did your transportation office authorize commercial shipping in writing? In limited circumstances it can. Without written authorization, assume commercial shipping isn't reimbursed.

MALT — the Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation — is a per-mile payment for driving your POV to your new station. The Defense Travel Management Office sets the rate; check the current figure before you plan.

• MALT pays the official distance between duty stations, not your odometer.
• MALT and per diem are paid together, not one or the other.
• You can still claim MALT for driving the car, even if you choose to ship a second vehicle commercially.

Many families drive one car and ship the other. That way they collect MALT for the car they drive and pay a commercial rate for the second.

• Confirm your entitlement first, with your transportation office, before booking anything.
• Decide between government-arranged and personally procured where you have the choice.
• Document everything: orders, receipts, the Bill of Lading, and dates.
• Submit your travel voucher (DD Form 1351-2) promptly after arrival, following your finance office's instructions.
• Track the voucher and respond quickly to any requests for missing documents.

Claims with complete paperwork are often processed within a few weeks.

For a CONUS move where you ship a car commercially, expect the normal market rate for your route — typically $700–$1,050 for 500–1,000 miles and $1,100–$1,500 for 1,500–2,000 miles on an open carrier. Unreimbursed costs may be tax deductible for active-duty members; see is car shipping tax deductible.

ShipMyCar US offers a military discount and works around PCS report dates. See our military car shipping service and the military vehicle shipping FAQ.

When the government ships your vehicle overseas, the process generally goes like this:

• Your transportation office confirms you're authorized to ship one privately owned vehicle.
• You book a drop-off appointment at a vehicle processing center.
• You deliver the car — clean, with a low fuel level and personal items removed.
• The car is inspected and shipped by ocean.
• You pick it up at the processing center near your new duty station.

If the processing center is far from your current home, you can drive the car there or pay to have it shipped. ShipMyCar US can arrange that leg.

For many OCONUS moves, only one vehicle ships at government expense. Common options for a second car:

• Sell it before you move.
• Store it, if your orders authorize storage.
• Leave it with family.
• Ship it commercially to a family member's home in the U.S.

For CONUS moves, many families drive one car and ship the other. Ask about our military discount on military car shipping.

• As soon as you get orders: Talk to your transportation office about vehicle entitlements.
• Four to six weeks out: Book commercial shipping if you need it.
• One to two weeks out: Prep the car and gather documents.
• After arrival: Submit your voucher and register the car in your new state. See moving a car to a new state.

For moves within the continental U.S., the government generally reimburses mileage for driving privately owned vehicles rather than paying to ship them. Families with two cars can often claim mileage for a second vehicle driven by a family member, depending on the orders and authorizations. If only one driver is available, many families drive one car and ship the other commercially at their own expense. Confirm exactly what your orders authorize with your transportation office before deciding.

MALT reimburses mileage for driving the vehicle. Per diem covers lodging and meals for authorized travel days, based on the official distance between duty stations. You generally receive both for the travel you perform. If you ship your car and fly, your travel reimbursement follows the rules for your mode of travel, and the commercial shipping cost is usually yours to pay unless the government authorized it.

For many overseas assignments — including much of Europe, Japan, Korea, Hawaii, Alaska, Guam and Puerto Rico — eligible members can ship one privately owned vehicle at government expense, subject to the destination's rules. You'll drop the car at a vehicle processing center (VPC) and pick it up at a center near your new duty station. Some destinations restrict vehicle types or require specific modifications, so check before you go. If the nearest VPC is far from home, you can drive the car there or ship it commercially. ShipMyCar US can arrange that domestic leg.

• PCS orders and any amendments
• Vehicle title or registration, plus lienholder authorization if financed
• Proof of insurance
• Receipts for any commercial shipping or travel
• The Bill of Lading from any commercial shipment
• Your completed travel voucher (DD Form 1351-2) and supporting paperwork

Keep copies of everything. Missing documents are the most common cause of reimbursement delays.

1. Confirm entitlements: Meet with your transportation office as soon as you have orders.

2. Choose your method: Government-arranged shipment, driving with MALT, or commercial shipping at your own expense.

3. Book early: Summer is peak PCS season. Book commercial transport four to six weeks ahead if you need it.

4. Document the move: Keep receipts, the Bill of Lading and dated photos of the vehicle.

5. File your voucher promptly: Follow your finance office's instructions and deadlines.

6. Follow up: Respond quickly to any requests for missing information.

• Fort Bragg, NC to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA (one car driven, one shipped): MALT and per diem for the driven car; roughly $1,300–$1,800 out of pocket for the shipped car on an open carrier.
• San Diego to Norfolk (both cars shipped, family flies): Roughly $1,300–$1,800 per car, potentially less with a multi-car discount.
• Texas to Germany (one POV shipped by the government): Your cost may be just getting the car to the vehicle processing center, if you don't drive it there.

These are estimates to show the pattern. Your orders and route determine the real numbers.

For OCONUS moves, the government often ships one authorized vehicle. For CONUS moves, it usually pays mileage for driving instead. Check your entitlements first, book any commercial shipping early, keep every receipt, and file your voucher promptly.

Many installations restrict large commercial trucks or require advance gate passes. Tell us your base when you book. If the carrier can't enter, the driver will meet you at a lot just outside the gate. Have your military ID and a backup contact ready, and plan delivery around duty hours if possible.

Does the military pay for vehicle shipping during a PCS?: For many OCONUS moves, the government ships one authorized POV. For CONUS-to-CONUS moves, it generally pays mileage for driving instead.

Can I ship my car commercially and get reimbursed for a CONUS PCS?: Usually not, unless your transportation office authorizes it in writing. You can still claim mileage for a vehicle you drive.

What documents do I need for PCS reimbursement?: Your PCS orders, receipts, the Bill of Lading if shipped, and a completed travel voucher.

How long does PCS reimbursement take?: Often a few weeks once complete paperwork reaches the finance office.

Can I ship a motorcycle on PCS orders?: Rules vary. In some cases a motorcycle can count as your POV for overseas moves. Ask your transportation office.

What if my car is leased?: You'll usually need written permission from the leasing company for overseas shipment, and sometimes for out-of-state moves.

Do you offer a military discount?: Yes. ShipMyCar US offers a discount for active-duty members and veterans.

Can you deliver my car to a base?: Often, depending on gate rules. If commercial trucks aren't allowed, the driver will meet you outside the gate.

How far ahead should I book commercial shipping for a PCS move?: Four to six weeks in summer, which is peak PCS season, and two to three weeks at other times.

Can I get reimbursed for shipping a car within the U.S.?: Usually not, unless your transportation office authorized it in writing. Mileage for driving is more common.