Best Car Shipping Companies For Military Moves
Fact Checked by: Here’s the bottom line: The best car shipping companies for military moves are Nexus Auto Transport for overall value, Sherpa Auto Transport for guaranteed pricing, and Navi Auto Transport for budget-friendly options. Most providers on this list offer military discounts of $100 or more, and none require an upfront deposit, two things that matter when PCS orders can change on short notice.
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Even if you’ve been through a PCS move before, figuring out car transport for your POV (privately owned vehicle) can be frustrating. With that in mind, here’s a closer look at some of the best car shipping companies for military moves.
Comparing the best car shipping companies for military moves
Here’s a quick breakdown of what each of our top picks has to offer.
| Company | Best for | Military discount | BBB rating | State availability | Overseas moves? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nexus Auto Transport | Overall value | $100 | A+ | 50 states | No |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | Guaranteed prices | $100 | A+ | 48 states | No |
| Navi Auto Transport | Budget-friendly pricing | Up to 20% | N/A (not accredited) | 50 states | Limited |
| SGT Auto Transport | Accurate pricing | Up to 10% off | B | 49 states (no Alaska) | No |
| RoadRunner Auto Transport | Nationwide direct transport | 10% rebate up to $100 | C+ | 50 states + Puerto Rico and Caribbean | Limited |
Best car shipping companies for military moves
- Best overall value: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for guaranteed prices: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for budget-friendly pricing: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: SGT Auto Transport
- Best for nationwide direct transport: RoadRunner Auto Transport
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
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- Fact-checked for accuracy
Best overall value: Nexus Auto Transport
When it comes to balancing price, service, and peace of mind, Nexus Auto Transport offers some of the best overall value, especially for military families.
You get a full-service experience without the premium price tag, including GPS tracking, flexible pickup options, helpful customer support, and tiered pricing that works for almost any timeline.
- Real-time shipment monitoring
- Budget, standard, and expedited shipping options
- $100 military discount
- PCS support coordinator assigned to all military shipping requests
- No international availability
- Service charge for credit/debit payments
Read our full Nexus Auto Transport review.
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
Best for guaranteed prices: Sherpa Auto Transport
Sherpa Auto Transport offers a Price Lock Promise that guarantees the quote you receive will be your final price. In addition, they offer one of the best military discounts available, knocking $100 off your total quote.
Sherpa Auto Transport’s carriers are thoroughly vetted, which contributes to its high customer satisfaction scores. The company also provides reimbursement for car wash expenses after your vehicle is delivered. One drawback to be aware of is that Sherpa Auto Transport does not service international moves.
- Price Lock Promise guarantees your quote
- Thoroughly vetted carriers must carry at least $1 million in liability insurance
- $100 military discount
- Free car wash
- Doesn’t service international destinations
- Doesn’t transport RVs
- No guaranteed pickup time
Read our full Sherpa Auto Transport review.
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
Best for budget-friendly pricing: Navi Auto Transport
Navi Auto Transport proves that you don’t have to spend top dollar to get great service. Navi keeps things simple and affordable, with no upfront payments, clear pricing, and a team that will work with your schedule.
They’re known for helping customers find competitive rates. If your plans shift (which, let’s be honest, happens all the time in the military), they’re quick to adjust.
- Price-match policy
- One-day pickup available
- No deposit
- Expedited shipping option
- No RV or boat shipping
- International shipping is limited
Read our full Navi Auto Transport review.
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove service
Best for accurate pricing: SGT Auto Transport
SGT Auto Transport provides comprehensive and transparent pricing. When you get a binding quote, it is genuinely binding, with no hidden fees. Their estimates cover all aspects of car transport, including insurance.
SGT Auto Transport is ideal for individuals moving across the country who prefer not to drive their own vehicle. Renowned for excellent customer service, they provide specific pickup dates but cannot promise exact delivery times.
- Free quotes online in minutes for multiple vehicles
- Services are door-to-door (except in Hawaii), meaning your car will be dropped off and picked up at your home
- Straightforward, competitive pricing with no hidden fees
- Not available in Alaska
- Does not ship RVs or heavy farming equipment
- No digital shipment tracking options
Read our full SGT Transport review.
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
Best for nationwide direct transport: RoadRunner Auto Transport
With more than 30 years of experience, RoadRunner Auto Transport is one of the most established brokers in the military car shipping space. Its expansive network of vetted carriers covers all 50 states plus Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.
RoadRunner requires no upfront deposit and offers door-to-door service with online shipment tracking and customer support throughout the process. Active duty service members, veterans, military retirees, reservists, and National Guard members are all eligible for a 10% rebate (up to $100) on all vehicle shipping services.
- 10% military rebate up to $100 for active duty, veterans, retirees, reservists, and National Guard
- 30+ years of industry experience
- No upfront deposit required
- Serves all 50 states plus Puerto Rico and the Caribbean
- Online shipment tracking available
- Works best with two to three weeks of lead time
- No contact-free delivery options
- Pickup window is typically three to four days
- No deposit
- Veteran-owned
- All vehicle types
- Free cancellation
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Military car shipping costs
Understanding which factors affect car shipping rates will help you find the option that best fits your budget.
Factors that affect military car shipping costs
The following are some of the biggest influences on your car shipping quote:
- Open transport versus enclosed transport: One of the biggest difference makers in your price is whether you choose open or enclosed transport. Enclosed transport offers additional protection against severe weather and road hazards, but can cost up to twice as much as open transport.
- Expedited shipping: If you need fast shipping or a guaranteed pickup date, expect to pay extra for priority service.
- Distance: The farther you need to transport your POV, the more it will cost due to increased fuel, labor, and other expenses for the shipping company. However, most vehicle shipping companies will provide a discounted per-mile rate for long-distance relocations.
- Vehicle type: Vehicles that weigh more or require extra space will generally cost more to ship than smaller vehicles.
- Time of year: Seasonal demand will have a direct impact on your pricing. If your PCS move comes during the off-peak season for your travel route, you can expect much lower prices.
- Additional shipping options: Depending on your carrier, add-ons like gap insurance coverage to cover your own policy’s deductible could add to your total shipment quote.
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Military car shipping discounts
Many auto transport companies offer military discounts, including our picks for the best car shipping companies for military moves.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the discounts you can qualify for with our top providers:
- Nexus Auto Transport: $100
- Sherpa Auto Transport: $100
- Navi Auto Transport: Up to 20%
- SGT Auto Transport: Up to 10% off
- RoadRunner Auto Transport: 10% (up to $100)
How to pick the best car shipping company for military moves
So, how can you decide which military car shipping services are best for your move? Aside from looking over our list of accolades, here are some other factors you should consider:
- Available transport services: Not all auto shippers can help with overseas moves (or even moves to Hawaii or Alaska). It’s also worth confirming whether a shipper offers open or enclosed transport.
- Customer reviews: Does your car shipping company have good customer satisfaction ratings? Check out online transport reviews from reputable websites, as well as user reviews from Google or Yelp.
- Transit times: Check availability and estimated transit times for each shipping service you’re considering, as delivery dates can vary significantly (especially for overseas moves).
- Proper licensing and insurance: Reputable vehicle shippers should be able to demonstrate that they are properly licensed and insured for military moves. A reputable car shipper will always provide a bill of lading, a legal document specifying what is being shipped and to where.
- Transport costs: Online quotes make it easier than ever to compare prices between shippers. Make sure all quotes cover the same services so you can get an accurate comparison, and get at least three quotes.
- Ask your movers: If you’re using a moving company with military discounts, ask if they offer car shipping. Bundling your home and car moves could also be an option.
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Preparing your car for shipping
When prepping your vehicle for a military move, you should follow the auto transport industry best practices for the car shipping process:
- Gather essential documents. Make sure you have your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, title and proof of ownership, and your driver’s license.
- Clean your car inside and out. When shipping a military POV from outside the continental United States into the country, it must pass U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) cleanliness inspection. These zero tolerance inspections require your vehicle to be free of plant and animal life, as well as dirt.
- Document damage. After you clean your car, take photos to document any existing damage. This way, you can accurately fill out the condition report, and have proof if you need to file a claim for damage that occurred during shipping.
- Remove most personal items. Aside from hand tools, child car seats, spare tires, and vehicle tools like jacks and jumper cables, personal items should be removed from the vehicle.
- Empty the gas. Vehicle shippers generally require the gas tank to be less than a quarter-tank full for shipment.
FAQ
Will the military pay to ship my car during a PCS move?
No, the military generally does not cover the cost of shipping a POV within the continental United States for a PCS move. However, the Department of Defense will reimburse the cost of shipping one vehicle for overseas PCS moves. If you need to ship more than one vehicle internationally, you will be responsible for the additional cost.
How much does it cost to ship a car for a military move?
The average cost to ship a car in the United States is around $1,000, though military members typically pay less thanks to discounts offered by most auto transport companies. The final price depends on distance, vehicle size, transport type (open vs. enclosed), and time of year. Cross-country shipments generally run $800–$1,500 for open transport. Overseas moves vary significantly based on destination and may be fully or partially reimbursed by the DoD for qualifying PCS orders. Getting quotes from at least three providers is the best way to find the most competitive rate.
What are the military’s car shipping requirements?
To ship a POV for a military move, you will need to provide proof of entitlement, proof of identity, and proof of ownership. If your vehicle is leased or financed, you may also need written authorization from your lien holder or leasing company before it can be transported. For vehicles being shipped from outside the continental United States into the U.S., your vehicle must have EPA and DOT stickers or compliance letters, and pass a USDA cleanliness inspection, meaning it must be free of plant matter, animal life, and dirt. These are zero-tolerance inspections, so a thorough cleaning before shipping is essential.
Is open or enclosed transport better for a military PCS move?
For most standard vehicles during a PCS move, open transport is the practical choice. It’s widely available, costs significantly less than enclosed transport, and is safe for everyday cars and trucks. Enclosed transport, which can cost up to twice as much, is worth considering if you’re shipping a high-value, classic, or collectible vehicle that needs extra protection from road debris and weather. If your PCS includes an overseas component, your vehicle will likely travel via a roll-on roll-off vessel or container ship regardless of domestic transport type.
How far in advance should I book car shipping for a PCS move?
Booking two to three weeks in advance is recommended for most domestic PCS moves, and four to six weeks for overseas shipments. During peak PCS season, which typically runs June through August when the majority of military moves occur, demand for auto transport spikes significantly, so earlier is always better. Most companies on this list do not require a deposit to book, which means you can lock in your rate and carrier without financial risk if your orders change. RoadRunner Auto Transport and Navi Auto Transport are both noted for their flexibility when PCS timelines shift.
Can I ship a leased or financed car during a PCS move?
Yes, you can ship a leased or financed car during a PCS move, but you must obtain written permission from your leasing company or lien holder before transport, particularly for overseas shipments. Most lenders and leasing companies will grant authorization for military PCS moves, but the process can take time, so request the documentation as soon as you receive your orders.
What should I do to prepare my car before shipping it for a PCS move?
Before handing your vehicle over to an auto transport carrier for a PCS move, take the following steps. First, gather all required documentation including your registration, proof of insurance, title, and driver’s license. Second, clean your car thoroughly inside and out. Third, photograph the entire vehicle to document any pre-existing damage before signing the bill of lading. Fourth, remove all personal items except hand tools, child car seats, and spare tires. Finally, reduce your gas tank to a quarter full or less, as most carriers require this for safety during transport.
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