A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is one of the most defining and recurring realities of military life. While the excitement of a new duty station, a promotion, or a fresh territory is real, the logistics of uprooting your family on a strict Department of Defense (DoD) timeline can be incredibly demanding.
Amidst packing your household goods (HHG) and coordinates housing, figuring out how to relocate your family’s vehicles is a massive piece of the puzzle.
Under the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR), the government generally only covers the cost of shipping a single Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) under highly specific parameters—mostly restricted to overseas (OCONUS) assignments. For domestic, state-to-state (CONUS) moves, service members are typically expected to handle vehicle logistics out of pocket, supported by the standard Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation (MALT) mileage rate.+1
At Allstates Auto Shipping (AAS), we know that driving multiple vehicles cross-country isn’t always practical or safe, especially with a family, pets, and tight reporting windows. That’s why we offer specialized, dedicated military auto transport programs to support active-duty personnel, reserves, National Guard, and veterans.
The Reality of 2026 PCS Vehicle Entitlements
Before booking a private carrier, it is vital to know exactly what the government will and won’t cover based on your orders so you can maximize your relocation budget:
CONUS-to-CONUS (Domestic Moves)
If you are moving between bases within the continental United States, the military does not pay to ship a POV.Instead, they authorize a MALT mileage allowance (currently $0.205 per mile) for up to two vehicles if you choose to drive them. If you have a second vehicle, or a spouse and children flying ahead, driving thousands of miles simply isn’t an option.
OCONUS Moves (Overseas or Hawaii)
The government will pay to ship one POV at their expense through a Direct Government Contract to a designated Vehicle Processing Center (VPC). However, if your household utilizes two vehicles, shipping that second vehicle across the ocean or across the country falls completely on your shoulders.
Strategic Tip: Many service members leverage their non-taxable flat-rate Dislocation Allowance (DLA)—which scales based on rank and dependency status—to directly fund the private shipping of their secondary vehicles.
Dedicated Military Discounts & Fleet Options
To ease the financial burden of a mandated move, Allstates Auto Shipping (AAS) provides upfront, transparent cost reductions for the military community:
- Active-Duty & Veteran Discounts: We apply an immediate, direct discount to any open or enclosed transport route for verified service members and their immediate families.
- Multi-Vehicle Bundling: If you need to ship two personal vehicles simultaneously to avoid driving completely, we bundle your freight onto a single carrier to slash your per-unit costs.
- Flexible Terminal & Storage Coordination: If your reporting dates don’t perfectly align with your housing lease or base housing availability, we can coordinate secure terminal-to-terminal shipping or storage options (available at an additional specialty tier cost) to hold your vehicle safely until you arrive.
Preparing Your Vehicle for a Flawless PCS Move
Military vehicle inspections are notoriously strict, whether you are turning a vehicle in at a government VPC or utilizing an AAS private carrier. To avoid transit delays, make sure your car is fully prepped:
- The 1/4 Tank Rule: For safety and weight regulations on multi-car haulers, your fuel tank must be at one-quarter (1/4) full or less at the time of pickup.
- Clean Interior & Exterior: Wash your vehicle thoroughly before the driver arrives. This isn’t just about presentation—a clean car allows for an accurate, undisputed pre-transport condition report on the Bill of Lading.
- Remove Personal Belongings: Clear out all aftermarket items, loose change, external phone mounts, and toll tags. Only standard vehicle operating equipment (spare tire, jack) should remain in the car.
- Gather Your Documentation: Ensure you have a valid government photo ID, your vehicle registration/title, and a copy of your PCS orders handy for confirmation.
The Allstates Auto Shipping (AAS) Standard
When you are serving our country, you shouldn’t have to stress about whether your car will arrive on time. AAS operates with the absolute discipline, transparency, and accountability that military families expect:
- Strict Timeline Adherence: We prioritize military dispatches to align directly with your RNLDO (Report No Later Than Date).
- Top-Tier Vetted Carriers: Your vehicle is placed exclusively with licensed, bonded, and top-rated carriers backed by comprehensive cargo insurance.
- No Bait-and-Switch Pricing: The price we quote is the price you pay. No hidden fees, no unexpected surprises at the base gate.
Claim Your Military Shipping Discount Today
If you have fresh PCS orders in hand or are transitioning out of active service, let the logistics experts handle the heavy lifting. We thank you for your service, and we are proud to get your vehicles to their next station safely.
Get a free, no-obligation military auto transport quote today! Visit us at aasllcusa.com and make sure to mention your military status to your AAS transport specialist to instantly apply your savings code.
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