Relocating for military service is a way of life for service members and their families. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders can mean packing up your household, saying goodbye to a duty station, and transitioning to a new base across the country or overseas. While these moves are often expected, they still bring logistical stress, especially when it comes to relocating a vehicle. For many families, using enclosed car shipping is the best way to ensure a smooth and damage-free experience especially when moving a high-value car, specialty vehicle, or cherished family asset.
With added protection and peace of mind, PCS enclosed transport offers military families the control and security they need when it matters most.
Understanding Enclosed Auto Transport
Enclosed auto transport involves placing your vehicle inside a fully enclosed trailer for shipment. Unlike open carriers, where vehicles are exposed to the elements, enclosed trailers provide complete protection from weather, road debris, and environmental hazards. Enclosed transport is often used for luxury vehicles, sports cars, antique or classic models, and any automobile with special value whether monetary or sentimental.
This method of shipping is not limited to collectors or car enthusiasts. More and more military families are turning to enclosed transport when making PCS moves, especially if the vehicle being shipped is newly purchased, carefully maintained, or simply too important to risk on an open trailer.
Why Military Families Prefer Enclosed Car Shipping During PCS Moves
Maximum Protection Over Long Distances
PCS orders often require service members to move across the country, sometimes traveling 1,000 miles or more. During such long-distance moves, a vehicle can face numerous hazards if transported on an open carrier. Harsh weather conditions, flying road debris, sudden climate shifts, and cross-country terrain can take a toll on any car. An enclosed trailer creates a barrier between your vehicle and these risks, keeping it clean, dry, and protected throughout the journey.
This is especially important during winter relocations through snow-prone regions or summer moves through high-heat zones, where extreme weather can impact paint, tires, or vehicle systems. Enclosed shipping ensures these variables do not affect your car’s condition.
Ideal for Valuable, Sentimental, or Specialty Vehicles
Many service members own vehicles that go beyond everyday use. Whether it’s a sports car, luxury SUV, classic restoration project, or a car passed down from a family member, these vehicles require careful handling. Enclosed auto transport is specifically designed for high-value or irreplaceable vehicles that demand extra care.
Lift-gate loading, climate control options, and individualized attention are common features of enclosed transport, reducing the chances of damage during loading, unloading, and transit. For military families with a single vehicle of special significance, the added cost is often well worth the security it provides.
Lower Risk of Damage or Delays
Enclosed trailers carry fewer cars usually between one and six compared to the eight to ten vehicles on an open carrier. This means less shifting, less stacking, and fewer stops. With fewer variables in play, the chances of accidental damage are dramatically reduced. Additionally, enclosed carriers are often assigned to specialized drivers who are trained to handle high-value shipments.
Military families navigating a strict PCS timeline will appreciate that enclosed shipments often come with more reliable pickup and delivery windows. Avoiding surprise delays or post-arrival damage can be a major advantage during a stressful move.
Enhanced Privacy and Security
Enclosed auto transport also offers privacy, which is not often discussed but highly valued by many military families. With enclosed shipping, your vehicle is kept out of public view for the entire journey. This reduces the risk of theft, vandalism, or unwanted attention especially for vehicles with military decals, custom modifications, or personal markings.
Service members relocating from urban bases or high-traffic areas may prefer the added discretion that enclosed transport provides.
Customized Scheduling That Aligns With PCS Timelines
One of the most difficult parts of PCS logistics is coordinating multiple timelines. Housing turnover, household goods shipment, leave schedules, and family travel plans all have to work in unison. Enclosed carriers, due to their premium nature and smaller volume, often offer more flexible and precise scheduling. This means your car can be picked up on a specific day and delivered with a narrower arrival window, making it easier to plan around base check-ins and household transitions.
This level of scheduling precision is particularly helpful for families with children, pets, or additional travel arrangements to manage.
Common Scenarios Where Enclosed Shipping Makes Sense
Not every PCS move requires enclosed transport, but there are many common situations where military families find it valuable.
For example, if you’re relocating from Florida to Washington state in January, enclosed shipping protects your vehicle from harsh cross-country weather. If you just bought a new sports car before PCS orders arrived, enclosed transport ensures your investment arrives in perfect condition. If you’re transferring to a high-altitude base in Colorado and need to fly while your vehicle is shipped, enclosed shipping helps avoid any stress about road conditions or timing.
Even for standard vehicles, the reliability and reduced exposure offered by enclosed transport can make a PCS transition smoother and safer.
Understanding the Cost Difference
It’s no secret that enclosed shipping costs more than open carrier transport. On average, enclosed car shipping can cost 30 to 60 percent more depending on the route, time of year, and the size of the vehicle.
However, the added cost comes with significant value. You’re not just paying for a different trailer you’re paying for individual care, expert handling, faster delivery windows, and a reduced risk of costly repairs or claims. For many military families, especially those managing a valuable asset or an intense relocation schedule, the investment pays for itself in peace of mind.
If you’re using a Personally Procured Move (PPM) or DITY allowance, you may be able to include vehicle shipping costs as part of your reimbursement. Be sure to check with your Transportation Office about what expenses qualify and collect proper documentation from your transport provider.
What to Expect With PCS Enclosed Transport
After choosing an enclosed auto transport company, your provider will walk you through preparation, pickup, transport, and delivery. You’ll be advised to clean out your vehicle, leave only a quarter tank of gas, and document the car’s condition with photos. You’ll also receive insurance details, a signed contract or bill of lading, and pickup confirmation.
During the move, many enclosed transporters provide regular updates or tracking, giving you full visibility into your car’s progress. Upon delivery, you or a designated contact will inspect the vehicle and confirm that it has arrived in the same condition.
Military-friendly transport companies often offer guidance on documentation for reimbursement or recordkeeping, which is helpful if you’re managing multiple parts of a PCS move.
Final Thoughts: Is Enclosed Car Shipping Right for You?
If you are preparing for a PCS move and own a high-value, sentimental, or specialty vehicle, enclosed auto transport may be the right option. It offers superior protection, higher reliability, and a level of care that goes beyond standard shipping. Even if your vehicle is not exotic or rare, the peace of mind that comes with enclosed service can be a game changer during a busy, stressful transition.
While open carriers are perfectly suited for many everyday relocations, enclosed shipping delivers a higher standard of protection for military families who need it most. Whether you’re crossing the country or just want your vehicle to arrive in pristine condition, enclosed transport ensures your move goes one step more smoothly.
Talk to a PCS Transport Specialist About Enclosed Shipping
If you are considering PCS enclosed transport, now is the time to learn about your options. Our team works with military families every day to plan secure, flexible, and reliable vehicle shipments across the country. Whether you’re looking for guidance on costs, scheduling, or reimbursement, we can help.
- Learn more about enclosed shipping services
- Request a military PCS quote
- Speak with a transport specialist today
