Military Vehicle Shipping Guide | PCS Car Transport Services 2025

Moving to a new duty station is a significant part of military life, and figuring out what to do with your vehicle during a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) can add another layer of complexity to an already challenging process.

At West Coast Shipping, we understand the unique needs of military personnel and have helped countless service members transport their vehicles both domestically and internationally since 2007.

Understanding Your Military Vehicle Shipping Options

When receiving PCS orders, you'll need to decide how to transport your Privately Owned Vehicle (POV). While the military provides one free vehicle shipment for OCONUS (Outside Continental United States) moves, many service members need additional options for second vehicles or specialized transportation needs. At West Coast Shipping, we offer several methods to complement your military benefits:

Container Shipping: Our most secure option accommodates 1-4 vehicles per container, with both dedicated and cost-saving consolidated options available. This method works for both operational and non-running vehicles, making it ideal for service members with classic cars or project vehicles that wouldn't qualify for standard military shipping.

Air Freight: For time-sensitive relocations when you need your vehicle quickly at your new international duty station, our air freight service delivers vehicles in just 3-10 days—significantly faster than the typical 30-45 day timeline for military shipments. While premium-priced, this option minimizes the time you'll spend without your vehicle at your new location.

Military Vehicle Shipping Costs: What to Expect

For service members shipping a second vehicle or those without government-funded shipping benefits, vehicle transportation typically costs between $900 - $2,000 per vehicle depending on destination, with additional overseas destination charges ranging from $500 - $800.

Our consolidated container service from our facilities in California, Florida, and New Jersey helps make military vehicle shipping more affordable than individual shipments. Use our online calculator for instant, transparent pricing to your destination.

Timeline for Military Vehicle Shipping

Military relocations often operate on strict timelines. When planning your PCS move, consider these typical shipping timeframes:

• 14-30 days for European destinations (Germany, Italy, UK)

• 30-45 days for Pacific destinations (Japan, Korea, Hawaii)

• 45-65 days for more remote locations

Vehicles shipped from our East Coast facilities (NJ and FL) generally arrive faster to European destinations, while our California facility offers advantages for Pacific deployments. We'll provide specific timelines based on your orders to help coordinate your move.

Documentation Required for Military Vehicle Shipping

Successful military vehicle relocation requires proper documentation. In addition to standard military shipping forms, you'll need:

• Vehicle title (original) or lien release letter if applicable

• Copy of PCS orders

• Completed power of attorney form

• Our online shipping form

• Military ID copy

• Copy of vehicle registration

Our dedicated export team works with military transportation offices to ensure all documentation meets both military and customs requirements, streamlining the process while you focus on other aspects of your PCS move.

The Complete Military Vehicle Shipping Process

When relocating your vehicle during a military move, we follow a structured process:

1. Preparation (1-2 weeks): Documentation processing, coordination with military transportation offices, export clearance, and secure loading

2. Transit (varies by destination): Ocean transportation to destination port

3. Arrival Processing: Port handling, customs clearance, and delivery to your new duty station or residence

Additional Considerations For Military Relocations

Military moves involve unique considerations beyond standard shipping:

• Storage Options: If your PCS timeline doesn't align with shipping schedules, we offer secure vehicle storage until you're ready to ship

• Second Vehicle Shipping: While the military typically covers one vehicle for OCONUS moves, we can handle additional vehicles at competitive rates

• Import Duty Exemptions: Military personnel often qualify for duty exemptions in host countries, which our team can help navigate

• Specialized Insurance: Military-specific coverage options to protect your vehicle during transit

Why Choose West Coast Shipping For Your Military Move

With nearly two decades of experience supporting military relocations, we've developed expertise in:

• Coordinating with military transportation offices

• Navigating Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) requirements

• Managing international shipping logistics for military personnel

• Handling import requirements at military bases worldwide

• Providing flexible solutions for complex military moves

Whether you're heading to Ramstein, Yokosuka, or any duty station worldwide, trust your vehicle to experts who understand the unique challenges of military relocations. Our team includes veterans who have experienced PCS moves firsthand and understand that your vehicle is an important part of maintaining normalcy during your transition.

Contact us today for a personalized quote and let us handle the complexities of moving your vehicle while you focus on your mission and settling into your new duty station.