You or your family member has received your PCS orders, and now it's time to get organized. For many military families, shipping a car for the first time raises a lot of practical questions:
How do I prepare my vehicle?
What does the process actually look like?
How do I make sure it arrives in the same condition it left?
The process becomes much easier to manage. That’s why BAH Logistics, which already has experience in PCS moves throughout the US, put together these helpful tips to prepare you for your first PCS move and make your military vehicle shipping experience smooth from start to finish. This guide answers all of the questions, in plain language, in the order you actually need the information.
What a PCS Move and How It Differs From a Civilian Move
In simple terms, a PCS (Permanent Change of Station) is a long-term military job transfer. Unlike a deployment or temporary assignment, where you eventually return to your original base, a PCS means you’re moving everything: your household goods, your family, and often your pets to a new duty station for several years. The military sets the timing, the location, and the overall timeline. Your job is to execute the move.
When a civilian relocates for a new job, the decision is theirs. They choose the city, negotiate the timeline, and select the moving company. A PCS works very differently.
| Civilian Move | PCS Move |
|---|---|
| You choose where to go and when | The military assigns your duty station and reporting date |
| You hire and pay for your own movers | The government covers the move within set entitlements |
| You can decline if the timing doesn’t work | Orders are mandatory and non-negotiable |
| Usually, a one-time or occasional event | Happens every 2–4 years on average |
How Much Notice do Families Get for PCS Move?
PCS notice can vary quite a bit, but most families fall within a few common timelines. In some cases, you might only have about 30 to 60 days, especially in urgent assignments. In more typical situations, orders arrive about 3 to 6 months before the report date, which is enough time to plan but not enough to slow down. On average, families stay at one duty station for around 2 to 4 years before the next PCS cycle begins.
The key point is that the moment orders arrive, the timeline becomes real. The sooner you start coordinating with your Transportation Office and planning housing, the more options you’ll have and the fewer last-minute challenges you’ll face.
Are You Moving Within the US or Overseas?
For a CONUS (Continental United States) move, preparation is straightforward; you'll be shipping your POV to your new duty station, so the focus is on having your documents in order and your vehicle road-ready. For an OCONUS (Outside Continental United States) move, the process involves more coordination, additional documentation, and shipping your vehicle through official channels, so starting early is essential.
Once you have your orders, gather the following:
- Vehicle details (year, make, model, VIN, and proof of operability)
- Proof of vehicle ownership (registration or title)
- Car insurance policy records
- A driver's license or passport
- PCS order documentation
OCONUS moves only: Obtain an International Driver's License before you depart. It serves as an officially recognized translation of your US driver's license, allowing you to drive legally in most countries. Many local authorities overseas will require it alongside your standard license.
What Does the Military Actually Pay For?
For a CONUS PCS, the military generally does not pay to ship your vehicle. In most cases, service members are expected to drive their privately owned vehicle (POV) to the new duty station. However, the government does provide financial support to help offset the cost of that travel.
What You’re Actually Entitled To
MALT (Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation). MALT is a mileage-based reimbursement for driving your POV to your new duty station. The government sets the rate and adjusts it over time in line with official travel regulations. It is calculated based on the number of authorized travelers and the distance of the move, not a flat per-mile reimbursement for a single vehicle.
Per Diem. Per Diem covers daily travel expenses such as meals, lodging, and incidentals while en route to your new duty station. The military typically authorizes one travel day for every 350 miles traveled, with allowances based on official rates.
Dislocation Allowance (DLA). DLA is a one-time payment intended to help offset the general costs of moving, such as deposits, setup fees, and other transition expenses. While it is not specifically intended for vehicle shipping, some families use it to help cover private transport costs when driving is not practical.
If You Have an OCONUS Move
For overseas moves, the government typically pays to ship one vehicle through an official program. Your vehicle goes through a Vehicle Processing Center (VPC), a government-run facility where your car is inspected, documented, and prepared for overseas transport. The VPC coordinates the actual shipping and handles the port logistics on both ends. If you have a second vehicle or want to ship additional items, those costs generally fall on you.
It is highly recommended to partner with a company that has established experience in the auto transport industry, especially in military car transport. Here at BAH Logistics, we partner with only experienced carriers that specialize in PCS moves and have already shipped vehicles to various military bases throughout the US.
So, the best option is to call us at + 1 818-392-8977 and request a quote. Our support team is available now. You can check out the preparation tips and call us right after.
Check These Tips for Preparing Your PCS Move: What to Do and When
8–12 Weeks Out
- Contact your Transportation Office to confirm your vehicle shipping entitlement based on your orders
- Decide whether you’re using the government VPC program (OCONUS) or booking a private carrier (CONUS or second vehicle)
- Get free quotes from FMCSA-registered, military-experienced car shipping companies
We recommend booking your shipment earlier.
6–8 Weeks Out
- Confirm your booking and get everything in writing, including the pickup window, final price, and car shipping contact information
- Verify the transport company has base access credentials if pickup or delivery is on-post
- Start gathering your vehicle documents, including registration, proof of insurance, and PCS orders
4–6 Weeks Out
- Confirm your pickup window has not changed, and make sure your delivery point of contact is arranged
- Address any known mechanical issues, since a vehicle that will not start at delivery can create delays and storage fees
- Check tire pressure and battery health
2–4 Weeks Out
- Remove everything from the interior, including the glove box, center console, trunk, and under-seat storage. Personal belongings are generally excluded from carrier liability
- Remove toll transponders, base stickers, and parking permits from your current installation
- Reduce fuel to a quarter tank or less, as carriers may refuse pickup if the vehicle exceeds the limit
- Complete a full vehicle walkthrough and photograph every panel, scratch, and scuff with timestamps. Store the photos somewhere accessible during your move
Move-Out Week
- Do a final check that everything is in order, including documents, vehicle condition, and required photos.
- At pickup, review the Bill of Lading carefully before signing
- Keep a copy of the signed Bill of Lading, as it serves as the legal record for the shipment
Arrival Week
- Confirm your delivery window with the carrier as soon as you arrive at your new duty station
- Arrange for a fellow service member to receive the vehicle if you will not be available on delivery day
- Inspect the vehicle in good lighting before signing anything at delivery. Compare the vehicle against your original photos and condition report
- If you notice any new damage, document it on the release form before signing
Call Us and Have a Seamless First PCS Move
These are the tips to get well-prepared for the first PCS move. It is one of the most demanding experiences for military families. Vehicle shipping is one area where choosing the right company really matters.
BAH Logistics has experience in military PCS vehicle transport, with an A+ BBB rating and thousands of successful shipments for service members and their families. As we already mentioned, we have experience in PCS moves and understand timelines, base access rules, and the importance of having your vehicle delivered safely and on time when you arrive. Get a quote today and let us handle everything so you can focus on your move.
FAQs on PCS First Move
How Long Does It Take to Ship a Military Car?
For CONUS, shipping usually takes 1–2 weeks, depending on distance and schedule. For OCONUS, it can take 4–12 weeks, depending on the destination and port delays. Plan, because your vehicle will often arrive after you do.
Can the Carrier Pick Up or Deliver on Base?
This depends on the carrier. Some have base access credentials and can come directly on post. Others work from a location just outside the gate. Before you book, ask specifically whether on-base pickup and delivery is available for your installation, and if not, confirm the off-base location in writing. A carrier familiar with military moves will have a clear answer and a clear process for either scenario.
What Happens If My Delivery Address Changes?
Contact your carrier as soon as you know. PCS addresses change, and a good carrier expects it. Let them know early, confirm the new delivery point in writing, and ask whether there are any additional charges based on the change. The earlier you reach out, the easier the adjustment.
What if I have a loan on the car?
Handle this before you book shipping with anyone. Call your lender, let them know you are on military orders and need to ship the vehicle, and ask whether they require written notice. Keep any confirmation they give you with your move documents. It is a short conversation that removes a real risk most first-timers do not think about.
Do I need extra insurance for the PCS Move?
Your carrier is required to carry cargo insurance on your vehicle during transport. Before your move, call your own auto insurance provider and ask two things: is my vehicle covered during transport, and what is my deductible if I need to file a claim? Ask your carrier for their coverage details too. Having both in front of you before you sign anything means you are not piecing it together after something goes wrong.
Can We Have a Motorcycle be shipped as part of our PCS?
Yes, motorcycles can be shipped as part of your PCS move. Not every carrier handles them, so confirm this before booking. The preparation is the same as a car: photograph everything in detail, drain the fuel completely, and disconnect the battery before pickup.
