A PCS move gives you weeks, not months, to get everything in order. Your car is often the last thing you figure out and the first thing you need at the new duty station. These six military car shipping companies handle the logistics so you can focus on everything else.
1. Dispatch Dudes , Our Top Pick for Military PCS Moves
Dispatch Dudes is our dedicated advisors’ top choice for military families shipping a vehicle during a PCS move. We handle cars, motorcycles, and boats nationwide via open and enclosed transport, with door-to-door delivery and expedited options available across all 50 states. Every shipment goes through a fully insured carrier, and our instant quote tool gets you a number in minutes , no waiting for a callback.
What sets us apart for military moves is flexibility. PCS orders shift. Report-by dates compress. We can schedule pickup in as little as 24 hours when timelines tighten, and our advisors understand base-access requirements so delivery gets coordinated to match your arrival window. We work with the largest network of vetted carriers in the country, which means we can almost always find a driver for your route , even remote installations.
Dispatch Dudes is BBB accredited and recognized by Forbes Business Council and Newsweek Readers Choice. Open transport runs roughly $500 to $1,100 depending on distance. Enclosed transport , the right call for high-value vehicles or harsh weather routes , runs higher. Both options include carrier insurance, and our team stays reachable from pickup to delivery.
The one limitation to be aware of: if you need government-contracted POV (Privately Owned Vehicle) shipment billed directly to the military, that process runs through your installation’s transportation office. Dispatch Dudes handles the private-pay side, which covers moves the government doesn’t cover or situations where you want more control over the timeline and carrier selection.
2. Military AutoSource , Dealer-Backed Transport for Active Duty
Military AutoSource has operated for over 65 years and is an authorized contractor of the Exchange and NEXCOM, making it a familiar name for service members buying vehicles overseas. It has more than 80 locations worldwide and factory-direct pricing on major brands including Toyota, Honda, Ford, and Jeep.
The program is designed specifically for active-duty members stationed or deployed outside the U.S. You can order a vehicle overseas and have it shipped back stateside before you return , the timing coordination is built into the purchase process. For members transitioning back from OCONUS assignments, this makes the car-buying and shipping steps part of the same transaction rather than two separate headaches.
Military AutoSource’s biggest advantage is that the DoD and Exchange demand the program meet specific service standards. Pricing is regulated and fixed, which removes haggling from the equation. The trade-off is that the program is primarily for new vehicle purchases , if you already own a car and just need it moved, this isn’t the right fit. Transit times and delivery availability also vary by location, so confirm your specific route before committing.
Best for: Active-duty members stationed overseas who want to purchase and ship a new vehicle back to the U.S. in one coordinated process.
3. American Auto Shipping , Budget-Friendly Open Transport Option
American Auto Shipping is one of the few brokers in this industry that offers truly guaranteed pricing , meaning your initial quote is the final price you pay. That matters for military families on tight budgets who can’t absorb a 25% price jump at delivery, which is common with standard brokers that bid out your shipment after you book.
Open transport with American Auto Shipping runs roughly $560 for a mid-size car over a couple hundred miles and up to around $1,100 to $2,000 for longer cross-country hauls. The company uses carriers that carry at least $750,000 in liability insurance, and it contributes up to $500 toward your deductible if you need to file a claim. Its average customer rating sits around 4.8 out of 5 stars across review platforms, sustained over more than two decades of operation.
The caveat: initial quotes can run about 10% above competitors on first look. That sticker shock is real. But because the price doesn’t climb later, the total cost usually ends up competitive or below market. Military families with a fixed budget who need a firm number before booking will find that predictability valuable.
The online quoting tool is fast , under three minutes for most routes. No deposit is required upfront. If your PCS timeline is flexible and you want the cheapest guaranteed rate over open transport, American Auto Shipping is a solid shortlist option.
4. uShip , Marketplace Bids for Flexible Military Schedules
uShip runs as an open marketplace where independent carriers and transport companies bid on your shipment. You post your vehicle, set your timeline, and watch the offers come in. For military families with more schedule flexibility than the average PCS mover, this bidding model can produce very competitive rates.
The platform has a dedicated military section and allows you to filter by carrier ratings, insurance coverage, and delivery window. You’re not locked into a broker’s network , you see the actual carriers and their histories before accepting a bid. That transparency is genuinely useful when you’re shipping a second vehicle or a motorcycle on your own dollar and want to compare actual providers.
The risk with uShip is variability. A marketplace with independent bidders means service quality depends heavily on which carrier wins your job. Vet the reviews carefully. Carriers must meet uShip’s requirements to list, but the platform doesn’t vet every driver the way a dedicated broker does. If your car is a daily driver you need at the new station by a specific date, a dedicated broker with a committed carrier network is more reliable than waiting on bids.
Best for: Service members shipping a secondary vehicle or motorcycle with a flexible timeline who want maximum price competition and the ability to choose their own carrier.
5. Montway Auto Transport , Coast-to-Coast Coverage for PCS
Montway is one of the most recognized auto transport brokers in the U.S., with a carrier network that spans all 50 states. For PCS moves that cross multiple regions , think Pacific Northwest to the Southeast , Montway’s breadth of carrier options tends to mean shorter wait times and more pickup date availability.
The company handles open and enclosed transport, door-to-door delivery, and expedited options. Pricing varies based on distance and transport type, as it does with most brokers. Montway is transparent about how its pricing works and provides quotes online without requiring a phone call. Customer reviews are consistently strong, particularly for communication during transit.
One honest caveat: Montway doesn’t lock in guaranteed pricing the way American Auto Shipping does, so there’s potential for the final cost to shift from the initial quote depending on carrier availability. For military members with strict budget caps, confirm the final rate before signing anything. That said, Montway’s volume means they can usually find a carrier fast , which matters when orders come through with short notice.
The PCS relocation stress that comes with long-distance moves is real. Having a broker with deep national coverage , and a responsive customer service team , can take one major item off your plate. If the route is long and the timeline is tight, Montway belongs on your comparison list alongside Dispatch Dudes.
6. Ship a Car Direct , Enclosed Transport for High-Value Vehicles
Ship a Car Direct sits at the more careful end of the broker market. The company operates on a “hire slow, fire fast” philosophy , it thoroughly vets carriers before assigning them to shipments and immediately drops drivers after a confirmed negative customer experience. That approach shows in its average 4.8-star rating across more than 6,200 third-party reviews on Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and Yelp.
Pricing runs approximately $450 to $725 for most shipments in 2026, with enclosed transport on the higher end of that range. The company also has a damage-free guarantee worth up to $500, which functions as secondary insurance that covers the gap between a carrier’s policy and your personal deductible. For service members shipping a luxury vehicle, classic car, or a high-end truck, that extra coverage layer is worth factoring in.
Ship a Car Direct doesn’t offer guaranteed pricing , the final cost can differ from the initial quote. For service members shipping a standard daily driver on open transport, American Auto Shipping’s price lock may be a better fit. But if you’re moving a vehicle that genuinely warrants enclosed transport and you want a broker with documented driver vetting, Ship a Car Direct earns its spot on this list. The owner personally responds to reviews, which says something about how seriously the company takes individual shipments.
Military discount: Ship a Car Direct offers $25 to $50 off for active-duty service members, veterans, and first responders.
What to Look for in a Military Car Shipping Company
Not every car shipping broker understands what a PCS move actually involves. A few things separate the ones worth calling from the ones you’ll regret booking.
According to Military OneSource’s PCS entitlements guide, service members may be entitled to ship or store one POV at government expense when PCS orders are issued. That government-contracted shipment goes through your installation’s transportation office , private brokers like the ones above handle everything else, including additional vehicles, motorcycles, and situations where you want more control over timing than the government contract allows.
One more thing worth noting: PCS moves carry real stress beyond the logistics. For veterans and active-duty families dealing with the mental weight of frequent relocation, resources like online trauma counseling for veterans in California can provide support during difficult transitions , not just for the move itself, but for everything that comes with it.
The companies that work best for military members are the ones that pick up fast, communicate clearly during transit, and understand that your report-by date isn’t negotiable. That’s the standard we hold ourselves to at Dispatch Dudes, and it’s what you should demand from any shipper you book.
FAQ
Does the military pay to ship my car during a PCS move?
The government covers shipment of one POV (Privately Owned Vehicle) for most PCS moves. Your entitlement depends on your orders, rank, and whether the move is CONUS or OCONUS. Contact your installation’s local transportation office to confirm what’s covered. Any additional vehicles , or situations where you want a faster or more flexible timeline , are handled privately through brokers like Dispatch Dudes.
How much does military car shipping typically cost?
Private military car shipping costs roughly $500 to $1,100 for open transport on most domestic routes, depending on distance, vehicle size, and season. Enclosed transport runs higher , often $1,200 to $2,000 or more for coast-to-coast hauls. Expedited service adds to the total. Always get a firm quote before booking, and ask specifically whether that number is guaranteed or an estimate subject to change.
How long does it take to ship a car for a PCS move?
Transit time depends on distance. Regional moves of a few hundred miles typically take two to five days. Cross-country shipments generally run seven to fourteen days. Expedited options can shorten that window, but availability varies by route. Book as early as possible once orders are confirmed , carrier availability tightens quickly, especially during the summer peak PCS season between May and August.
Can I put personal items in my car when shipping it?
Most auto transport carriers prohibit personal items in the vehicle, or limit contents to under 100 pounds in the trunk. Personal belongings aren’t covered by carrier insurance during transport. Remove everything from the cabin, glove box, and back seat before pickup. The trunk can hold a small amount of military gear, but check your shipper’s specific policy first , some carriers refuse any contents at all.
What’s the difference between open and enclosed transport for military moves?
Open transport is the standard option , your vehicle rides on an open multi-car carrier, exposed to weather and road debris. It’s less expensive and widely available. Enclosed transport uses a covered trailer, protecting the vehicle from the elements. Open is fine for most daily drivers. Enclosed makes sense for luxury vehicles, classic cars, or shipments through harsh weather corridors. Dispatch Dudes offers both options with fully insured carriers.
Do I need to be present for pickup and delivery?
You or a designated representative needs to be available for both pickup and delivery. The carrier documents the vehicle’s condition on a Bill of Lading at pickup , you sign it and keep a copy. At delivery, inspect the vehicle against that original report before signing off. If you can’t be present personally, a trusted person with your authorization can handle the handoff. Dispatch Dudes coordinates timing to fit your schedule.
Conclusion
For most PCS moves, Dispatch Dudes is where we’d start , fast carrier assignment, door-to-door delivery, fully insured transport, and a team that understands military timelines. If your situation calls for something specific (an overseas vehicle purchase, a marketplace bid, or enclosed transport for a high-value car), the other options above are worth a closer look. Get a quote from Dispatch Dudes and have a number in hand before your orders finalize.