HIGHROAD / SHIPPING KNOWLEDGE
Military PCS Car Shipping: Eligibility and Documents
Start with your transportation office and PCS orders before paying for vehicle shipping. Government-funded POV transport and a privately purchased commercial shipment follow different arrangements. A PCS order does not automatically mean that every vehicle, route, or shipping expense will be reimbursed.
Confirm the entitlement for your move
Military OneSource explains that you may qualify to ship or store a privately owned vehicle at government expense. CONUS-to-CONUS vehicle transport is largely the member's responsibility, subject to exceptions; qualifying moves involving OCONUS generally involve one authorized POV. Ask the transportation office to confirm the rule for your orders and circumstances.
If you plan to ship another car or make your own arrangements, ask about authorization and reimbursement before signing a private contract. Do not apply household-goods or personally procured move rules to a POV shipment without confirmation.
Use the current VPC process
For the government program, follow PCSmyPOV and the assigned Vehicle Processing Center's instructions. Confirm the turn-in location, appointment, receiving location, and current advisories. International destinations may have additional restrictions, and a Hawaii movement may have separate EV instructions.
Ask how a representative can turn in or collect the vehicle if you will be unavailable. Resolve powers of attorney or other authorization before travel, using the specific VPC requirements rather than a generic private-carrier form.
Assemble the document file
PCSmyPOV's current turn-in instructions identify orders and amendments, program forms, acceptable proof of ownership, applicable lender or lessor export permission, and recall documentation. Confirm which ownership evidence applies to your vehicle; the listed alternatives are not interchangeable in every circumstance.
Use the official secure process for sensitive documents. Keep copies for your records and bring anything the VPC requires at the appointment. Do not send military orders or identification through Highroad's general quote form.
Prepare the vehicle for acceptance
Check cleanliness, fuel or battery level, access, personal effects, and current recall instructions against the VPC checklist. Resolve a known damage or operability concern before turn-in. Commercial carrier instructions found online may differ from the government program's requirements.
Photograph the vehicle at handoff, retain the inspection record, and understand the arrival notification and pickup process. Ask what happens if you cannot collect on time and who must approve alternate arrangements.
Common questions
Does a private shipping invoice guarantee reimbursement?
No. Obtain transportation-office guidance and any required authorization first.
Does Highroad determine my PCS entitlement?
No. Your transportation office and the applicable government program determine eligibility.
Can I use a commercial quote for a second vehicle?
You can explore options, but confirm who pays and whether any authorization applies before booking.
Plan private transport if you need it
First confirm your entitlement with the transportation office. For a separately funded U.S. vehicle move, request a shipping callback. A callback inquiry does not establish military reimbursement, government-program participation, vehicle acceptance, or a booking.
Related guides
- Ship leased financed car
- Hawaii ev shipping requirements
- Can Someone Else Release or Receive Your Shipped Car?
Browse all car shipping guides.
Sources and further reading
- Military OneSource — Privately owned vehicle shipping FAQ
- PCSmyPOV — Current vehicle turn-in instructions
Sources checked October 11, 2026. Confirm current requirements for your shipment. This is general information, not an individual legal, insurance, or eligibility determination. Reference links do not imply endorsement of Highroad.