It’s really exciting to receive new PCS orders…
…but it can also be really stressful.
Finding the right military auto transport services and moving your vehicles as efficiently as possible are one of the major challenges most military families face.
You need your vehicles and equipment when you arrive at your new duty station. But driving cross-country isn’t always practical, especially with PCS timing requirements. So how do you streamline military auto transport?
The problem?
The military is recruiting 225,000 people alone in 2024 and every single one of those families will need to ship their vehicles.
The vehicle shipping services industry itself is worth $9.9 billion. And even though there are lots of military auto transport services out there, the process of choosing and working with a company that specializes in military moves can still feel overwhelming.
The good news?
There are definitely some strategies to streamline your military auto transport so your PCS move is as smooth as possible.
What you’ll learn:
- Why Military Auto Transport Is Different
- Smart Ways To Streamline Your Military Move
- How To Choose The Right Transport Service
- Money-Saving Tips For Military Families
Why Military Auto Transport Is Different
Military auto transport services aren’t quite the same as regular civilian car shipping…
Here’s why: Military families face unique challenges that civilian movers just don’t understand. For example, you might receive PCS orders with very short notice. You need to coordinate with base access requirements and security protocols. And you have specific rules for government reimbursement if you’re shipping on your own.
But what’s the best part about military auto transport?
The government will actually help pay for certain vehicle shipments! For OCONUS moves, the military will pay for one POV (personally owned vehicle) shipment. But if you’re shipping domestically from CONUS to CONUS, you’re pretty much on your own.
This is where working with expert military car shipping that understands all the rules, requirements, and special challenges of military moves becomes so important.
Smart Ways To Streamline Your Military Move
Ready to make the vehicle shipping process as efficient as possible?
These are the strategies that actually work:
Start Planning Early
The second you get your PCS orders in hand, start looking at military auto transport options. Don’t put off the research until the last minute. Military moves are busy during peak PCS seasons (summertime) so it’s best to book vehicle transport early.
Household goods are the focus of most military families and they forget about vehicles until the last minute. Smart planning is handling both at the same time.
Know Your Entitlements
Know what the military will cover and what you’ll have to pay for. OCONUS moves, the government will cover one POV shipment cost. For CONUS to CONUS moves, families can claim mileage reimbursement via MALT (Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation) for up to two vehicles.
But here’s the thing most people don’t realize…
Shipping more than one vehicle and/or needing expedited service costs money you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket. It’s good to understand these policies so you budget correctly.
Door-To-Door Service
This is a game-changer for military families. Door-to-door service picks up your car at your current base and delivers as close as possible to your new duty station.
Military auto transport services work with the base transportation offices to know how to navigate the security access process on your arrival date and have established contacts at the gate.
Technology for Tracking
Modern auto transport services use real-time vehicle tracking technology. Research shows real-time tracking can reduce delivery delays by 30%, which is huge with military moves that have specific time requirements.
Ask companies about GPS tracking, automated status updates, and driver communication methods.
How To Choose The Right Transport Service
Not all military auto transport services are created equal…
These are the things that separate the top ones from the rest:
Military Experience Matters
Choose companies that have been around a while and specialize in military moves. They get base access, security requirements, and the timing of PCS moves.
Military auto transport services with this level of experience also often have established relationships with base transportation offices.
Verify Insurance Coverage
Don’t skimp on insurance. Verify that the transport company you work with carries adequate insurance for your vehicle during shipping. Ask for insurance certificates and read coverage details.
Military Discounts
Many companies offer $50 to $100 off standard rates for military families. Military discounts are always negotiable.
And some companies automatically apply military pricing to quotes, while others you have to mention your military status.
Ask About Base Access
Not every auto transport service can access military bases. Specifically, ask about their experience with your departure and arrival bases.
Companies that already have the proper access set up with base housing and have established driver contact with gate offices know how to navigate this process easier.
Money-Saving Tips For Military Families
Military auto transport doesn’t have to be expensive…
Try these cost-cutting methods:
Compare Multiple Quotes
Get quotes from at least 3 military auto transport services. Costs can vary by 10-30% based on route, timing, and overhead expenses.
But don’t automatically choose the lowest bidder. Make sure you’re comparing apples-to-apples in terms of insurance, reputation, and level of service.
Be Flexible With Timing
Move outside of peak moving seasons (May-September) if possible. You can save 10-20% on transport rates by shipping during slower times.
Choose open transport over enclosed transport. Unless you have a luxury vehicle, open transport is perfectly fine for most families.
Think Strategically About Vehicles
Ship only the vehicles you need. Consider selling an older vehicle worth less than shipping costs and buying new at the next duty station.
Families with more than one vehicle will often drive one and ship another.
Terminal-to-terminal shipping costs less than door-to-door, so if you’re OK driving to/from terminals it can save $100-300 per vehicle.
Wrapping It All Together
Streamlining military auto transport services really does boil down to smart planning and choosing the right partner to work with.
Start early, know what you’re entitled to, work with companies that specialize in military moves, and leverage technology for tracking and communication. Compare multiple quotes and be strategic about vehicles. Every family’s PCS is a little different so adapt these tips to your situation.
The goal is to make your transition as seamless as possible so you can focus on the rest of your PCS move without worrying about vehicle transport. It’s only one puzzle piece of the whole PCS move picture but getting it right is one less thing to stress over.
