How to Ship Your Car During a Military Move

What vehicle shipping means for military relocations

Vehicle shipping during a military move means hiring a carrier to transport your car, truck, or motorcycle from your current location to your next duty station or home. The military does not automatically ship your personal vehicle — you arrange and pay for this yourself, though you may be reimbursed through your moving allowance depending on your branch and circumstances.

Most service members use one of two methods: a commercial auto transport company (the most common choice) or driving the vehicle themselves and claiming mileage reimbursement. A third option, less common, is shipping through a military-affiliated vendor that has negotiated rates with carriers. The method you choose affects your timeline, out-of-pocket cost, and how much you can recover through your moving entitlement.

Key Takeaways

• You pay for vehicle shipping upfront and request reimbursement through your branch's transportation office using your moving allowance or dislocation allowance.
• Commercial auto transport typically costs $800 to $2,500 depending on distance and vehicle type, and takes one to two weeks for delivery.
• Get quotes from at least three carriers and verify they hold current Department of Transportation registration before booking.
• Your branch's transportation office or military OneSource can connect you with pre-vetted carriers that offer military discounts.
• Keep all shipping documents, photos of your vehicle's condition before pickup, and delivery confirmation to support your reimbursement claim.

How to find and book a vehicle shipping carrier

Start by contacting your branch's transportation office or military relocation office — they maintain lists of carriers that have worked with military members and often offer discounts. The Army's Transportation Office, Navy's Personal Property Shipping Office, Air Force's Relocation Assistance Program, and Marine Corps' Household Goods Shipping Office all provide these referrals. You can also call military OneSource at 1-800-342-9647 to ask for carrier recommendations in your area.

Once you have names, request written quotes from at least three carriers. A quote should include the pickup and delivery dates (or date ranges), the total cost, whether that cost is may provide or an estimate, what type of transport (open or enclosed), and any additional fees for expedited service or special handling. Ask each carrier for their Department of Transportation number and verify it is current on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website at fmcsa.dot.gov.

Before you book, read the carrier's contract carefully. Look for the cancellation policy, what happens if pickup or delivery is delayed, and whether the quote is binding or subject to change. Ask whether the carrier requires a deposit and when the balance is due — some want full payment before pickup, others accept payment on delivery.

Preparing your vehicle for shipment

Two to three days before pickup, wash your vehicle inside and out so the carrier can see its actual condition. Take photos or video of the exterior, interior, dashboard, odometer, and any existing damage — this protects you if the carrier disputes damage claims later. Note the fuel level, mileage, and any mechanical issues in writing.

Remove personal items from the vehicle entirely. Carriers will not transport loose items, and anything left inside becomes the carrier's property if lost or damaged. This includes documents, tools, electronics, and clothing. Empty the trunk and glove compartment completely.

Check that your vehicle is in working condition and can be driven onto the transport truck. If your car will not start or has mechanical problems, tell the carrier before pickup — some charge extra to winch a non-running vehicle, and others may refuse the shipment. Make sure your gas tank is no more than one-quarter full to reduce weight and fire risk during transport.

Understanding costs and reimbursement

Vehicle shipping costs vary widely based on distance, vehicle size and weight, and current fuel prices. A cross-country shipment (for example, California to North Carolina) typically costs $1,200 to $2,500 for a standard sedan on open transport. A regional move (500 miles or less) may cost $600 to $1,200. Enclosed transport, which protects the vehicle from weather and road debris, usually costs 30 to 50 percent more than open transport.

You pay the carrier directly and then request reimbursement from your branch's transportation office. The amount you can recover depends on your entitlement — usually your dislocation allowance or temporary lodging allowance, which varies by rank and family status. Some branches allow you to claim the actual cost of shipping; others cap reimbursement at a set amount per mile or per shipment. Contact your transportation office before booking to learn your specific limit.

Keep every receipt and document related to shipping: the signed contract, the bill of lading (the carrier's receipt showing what was shipped), the delivery confirmation, and any invoices. You will need these to file your reimbursement claim. Take photos of the delivery condition as well, in case you need to file a damage claim later.

What to expect during pickup and delivery

The carrier will contact you one to three days before the scheduled pickup window to confirm a time. Pickup windows are usually broad — for example, "between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Tuesday" — because carriers coordinate multiple pickups on the same route. Be present during pickup so you can inspect the vehicle with the driver, sign the bill of lading, and ask questions about the delivery timeline.

The driver will walk around the vehicle and note its condition on the bill of lading. This is your chance to point out any existing damage and make sure it is documented. If the driver misses something or you disagree with their notes, speak up immediately — what is written on the bill of lading is the baseline for damage claims.

Delivery typically takes one to two weeks for cross-country moves, though this varies by season and carrier workload. You will receive tracking information and can contact the carrier for updates. When the vehicle arrives, inspect it thoroughly before signing the delivery paperwork. Check for new damage, verify the mileage matches what was recorded at pickup, and test that the vehicle starts and runs. If you find damage, photograph it and note it on the delivery paperwork before signing.

Filing a damage claim if needed

If your vehicle arrives with damage that was not present at pickup, you have a limited window to file a claim — usually 30 days from delivery, though some carriers allow up to 60 days. Contact the carrier's claims department immediately and provide photos, the bill of lading, and the delivery paperwork showing the damage was noted.

The carrier will investigate and either approve the claim or deny it. If approved, they will either repair the damage or pay you the repair cost. If denied, you can appeal or pursue the claim through small claims court, though this is time-consuming. This is why documenting the vehicle's condition before pickup and at delivery is critical.

Damage claims are separate from your reimbursement claim. You file the reimbursement claim with your transportation office to recover the shipping cost. You file the damage claim with the carrier to recover repair costs for damage that occurred during transport.

Alternatives to commercial shipping

If you prefer not to use a commercial carrier, you can drive your vehicle to your new duty station and claim mileage reimbursement. Most branches reimburse at the federal mileage rate (which changes yearly) or a set rate per mile. You will need to document the route, starting and ending odometer readings, and dates of travel. This method works well for shorter moves or if you want to keep your vehicle with you during the transition.

Some service members also use a combination: they ship one vehicle and drive another, or they delay shipping until after they have settled at their new location. Discuss your options with your transportation office to understand which methods your branch covers and what the reimbursement limits are for each.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ship a vehicle that does not run?

Yes, but the carrier may charge extra to winch it onto the truck. Tell the carrier about mechanical problems before booking so they can include any additional fees in the quote. Some carriers refuse non-running vehicles, so confirm this is acceptable before you commit.

What if the carrier loses or totals my vehicle?

Carriers carry liability insurance, but coverage limits vary. Most cover up to $0.30 per pound of vehicle weight, which may not equal your vehicle's full value. Before booking, ask the carrier what their liability limit is and whether you can purchase additional coverage. This information should be in the contract.

Do I have to use a military-affiliated carrier?

No. You can use any carrier that is registered with the Department of Transportation. Military-affiliated carriers often offer discounts and have experience with military moves, but you are not required to use them. Get quotes from multiple carriers regardless of affiliation.

How do I claim reimbursement for shipping?

Contact your branch's transportation office or relocation assistance office and ask for the reimbursement form and process. You will submit the shipping invoice, bill of lading, and delivery confirmation. Processing times vary, but reimbursement typically arrives within four to eight weeks of approval.

Can I ship a vehicle before I know my exact delivery address?

Yes. You can arrange shipping to a general location (your new duty station or city) and provide the specific delivery address closer to the pickup date. Confirm with the carrier that they can adjust the delivery address without penalty if needed.