Military Car Shipping Guide from Seattle
Seattle Auto Shipping Editorial Team
April 1, 2026 · 11 min read
Our team of auto transport experts has over 15 years of combined experience in the vehicle shipping industry. We provide accurate, up-to-date information to help you make informed shipping decisions.
The greater Puget Sound region is home to several of the nation's most active military installations, including Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), Naval Station Everett, Naval Base Kitsap (Bremerton & Bangor), and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. For service members receiving Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, coordinating vehicle logistics can be one of the most critical parts of the move.
Whether relocating across the country to Fort Cavazos, Camp Lejeune, or Naval Station Norfolk, this military car shipping guide from Seattle provides actionable information regarding government entitlements, Personally Procured Moves (PPM), base pickup protocols, and military discount savings.
PCS Moves and POV Shipping: What the Government Covers
Under standard Department of Defense Joint Travel Regulations (JTR), government funding rules depend on the nature of your transfer:
| Move Type | Government POV Entitlement | Commercial Shipping Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| CONUS to CONUS | MALT mileage + per diem allowance for driving 1 vehicle; government does not pay commercial transport. | Commercial transport is used to ship second family cars or to fly the family and ship both vehicles. |
| CONUS to OCONUS (Alaska/Hawaii/Guam) | Government funds ocean freight for 1 POV through assigned Vehicle Processing Centers (VPCs). | Commercial ground transport is used to move the vehicle from base to port processing hubs. |
| Personally Procured Move (PPM) | Service member receives lump-sum reimbursement based on government cost estimates. | Vehicle shipping invoices are retained to offset taxable income and save personal travel time. |
Base Pickup & Gate Protocols across Puget Sound
Commercial auto carriers travel on large 80-foot multi-car haulers that require specific security coordination near military installations:
1. Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM)
Commercial haulers without unescorted base access typically coordinate pickups near the JBLM Lewis Main Visitor Center (Exit 120 off I-5) or the Madigan Gate commercial staging area. This allows swift vehicle inspection and loading without gate security delays.
2. Naval Station Everett & Naval Base Kitsap
For personnel stationed in Everett or on the Kitsap Peninsula (Bremerton/Bangor), drivers arrange convenient staging points off major arterials (such as Broadway in Everett or Highway 3 in Silverdale) when selecting door-to-door car transport from Seattle.
How to Coordinate Your Military Vehicle Move
- Verify Your RDD (Required Delivery Date): Check your official reporting deadlines with your base Distribution Management Office (DMO/TMO) before booking.
- Calculate Route Budgets: Compare route mileage and average costs using our comprehensive guide on calculating military auto shipping costs.
- Request Your Military Discount: Provide your active-duty or veteran status during booking to ensure your discount is applied directly to your invoice.
- Prepare Your POV: Clean the vehicle, remove military gear, gear bags, and personal belongings, and follow our step-by-step checklist on preparing your vehicle for transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the military pay to ship a Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) during a CONUS PCS move?
Under standard Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) for moves within the continental United States (CONUS), the government generally provides a mileage and dislocation allowance for driving one POV rather than paying for commercial shipping. However, shipping a second family vehicle commercially is standard practice for military families.
Can auto transport carriers pick up vehicles directly on military bases in Washington?
Yes, carriers with TWIC cards or verified base access credentials can pick up on base at JBLM, Naval Station Everett, or Naval Base Kitsap. Alternatively, drivers coordinate meeting service members at visitor center parking lots immediately outside main security gates for fast loading.
Can I claim commercial car shipping expenses on a PPM / DITY move?
In many Personally Procured Moves (PPM), vehicle shipping receipts can be submitted as an allowable moving expense to offset personal taxable income or be allocated from your total dislocation allowance (DLA).
Are military discounts available for active duty and veterans in Seattle?
Yes. Reputable auto transport providers offer dedicated military discounts (typically $50 to $100 off standard rates) for active-duty service members, reservists, National Guard, and veterans.
How does vehicle shipping work for OCONUS PCS orders (Alaska / Hawaii)?
For PCS orders to Alaska or Hawaii departing Puget Sound military bases, the government funds POV shipment through designated vehicle processing centers (VPCs), or service members book commercial roll-on/roll-off ocean freight from Seattle and Tacoma ports.
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