Best Moving Truck & Storage Solutions for Military PCS Moves

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A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move is a significant milestone for military families, blending excitement with logistical challenges. Whether it’s a deployment, overseas relocation, or stateside transfer, finding the right moving company and storage solutions can make all the difference. We’ve researched the best movers and PCS storage solutions for military families to simplify your transition. From temporary storage options during a PCS move to cost-saving strategies like a Personally Procured Move (PPM, formerly DITY), this guide covers everything you need to plan a smooth relocation.

How Much Does a Military Move Cost?

The cost of a military move varies depending on distance, home size, and services required. On average, a local move (under 1000 miles) costs between $1,500 and $1,500 and $3,500, while long-distance relocations (over 1,000 miles) range from $4,000 to 4,000 to $8,000. Two factors heavily influence pricing:

Weight: Moves are priced per pound.
- 1 Bedroom (2,000–4,000 lbs): <1000 miles ~$3,540
- 2 Bedrooms (4,000–7,000 lbs): <1000 miles ~$5,605
Distance: Overseas or OCONUS (Outside Continental U.S.) moves are more expensive due to logistical issues.

When a home is bigger, the furniture to be moved increases as well, increasing the load to be carried. This weight is a determining factor in moving costs because military reimbursements are granted based on a weight-based formula.

This is in addition to the pricing affected by single day, multi-day, and large scale moves. Full service moves are supported to the fullest extent, inclusive of moving and transportation “from point a to point b”, and thus are the most expensive.

Partial service moves enable families to do some of the packing and unpacking themselves, making it cheaper. The optimum solution is to get no less than three estimates from different moving companies to evaluate their charges and the services they offer.

What Military Moving Services Are Available?

A military family facing a permanent change of station (PCS) move has options in terms of managing logistics. Whether opting for government funded services or a personally procured move (PPM, DITY), choosing the right service provider gives one a smooth move.

Deployment and TDY Support: For temporary duty (TDY) or deployment moves, short-term storage and quick transport solutions are essential. Some companies give flexible contracts to deal with these prices that need rapid relocation or “surprise” orders.
Government Contract Moves: The Department of Defense (DoD) offers government-funded moving services through Transportation Service Providers (TSPs). These companies handle everything, from packing to delivery, but availability depends on PCS season and location.
Military Discounts: It is a common practice for other armed forces such as navy and air force members to move around using special bonuses which can unfortunately only be used once during a period of service. Service members can receive marks such as 15% off with Penske and PODS offer universal discounts equating to 25%, but only for select places.
Overseas and OCONUS Moves: Moving out of the United States comes with its own restrains due to export stipulations. During these shifts, some companies that don’t specialize in the sector tend to overcharge for moves. This leaves them with military amendments for international rules of behavior and customs.
PCS Move Experience: Choosing a mover with experience in PCS relocations simplifies the process. Companies familiar with military paperwork and weight allowances ensure smooth reimbursement and compliance with regulations.
Storage Services: Military families often require PCS storage solutions during transitions. Providers like PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT offer temporary storage options during a PCS move, allowing families to store belongings until housing is secured.

Key Moving Terms Explained

Moving can feel more like learning a new language, with industry-specific terms tossed around throughout the process. Understanding these terms helps in choosing the right company for your military move and avoiding surprises.

Carrier – A company that physically transports belongings from one location to another. Carriers own their trucks and directly handle moves.
Broker – Unlike carriers, brokers connect customers with third-party movers. They don’t own trucks but arrange moving services on your behalf.
Binding Estimate – A written quote guaranteeing a fixed price based on the estimated weight of your shipment.
Nonbinding Estimate – A price estimate that may change based on the actual weight of the shipment and services required.
Bill of Lading – A legal document that serves as the contract between you and the moving company, detailing the move’s terms, cost, and services.
Weight Ticket – An official receipt showing the shipment’s weight, which is essential for PCS reimbursements.
Non-Allowables – Items that moving companies won’t transport due to safety or legal reasons, such as hazardous materials, perishables, or firearms.

These terms frequently appear in contracts and discussions with movers. Knowing them ensures smoother communication, accurate cost estimates, and a stress-free relocation process.

The Best Rental Truck Company for Military Moves

We’ve compared reliability, discounts, and military expertise to rank the top providers:

Penske—Best for Tight Schedules

Penske stands out as a best moving truck rental for military PCS needs. As a partner of Support Military Families, they offer 15% discounts, 24/7 roadside assistance, and flexible scheduling across 50 states. Their trucks are well-maintained, and their app simplifies reservations—critical for last-minute orders.

PODS: Best Storage

PODS container-based system allows families to pack at their own pace, making temporary storage options during a PCS move more manageable. Their portable containers can be stored at your pace (month-to-month) and shipped globally. Military discounts reach up to 25%, and their “keep it as long as you need” policy suits unpredictable timelines.

1-800-PACK-RAT—Best for Limited Budgets

If affordability is your priority, 1-800-PACK-RAT offers competitive pricing without sacrificing reliability. As a GSA-approved provider, they cater specifically to government and military relocations, with 10% discounts for active-duty members. Their steel storage containers are weather-resistant and available in 35 states, making them a practical choice for temporary storage options during a PCS move. Unlike PODS, their pricing includes a month of storage upfront, which helps families juggling tight housing timelines.

How to save money on military moving trucks with PACK-RAT:

Opt for smaller containers if you’re downsizing.
Bundle moving and storage services for discounted rates.
Schedule mid-month moves to avoid peak pricing.

United Van Lines—Best for Long-Distance Moves

For cross-country or OCONUS relocations, United Van Lines combines full-service convenience with military move expertise. They handle everything from packing fragile items to navigating customs paperwork, which is invaluable for overseas assignments. As a GSA-approved carrier, they’re well-versed in Defense Department regulations and can store belongings securely if housing isn’t ready. Their binding estimates also provide financial predictability—a relief when managing PCS storage solutions for military families mid-transition.

Why military families trust United:

Reimbursement assistance for PPM/DITY moves.
Climate-controlled storage facilities.
Dedicated move coordinators for complex relocations.

U-Haul: A Familiar but Mixed Option

U-Haul’s widespread availability and budget-friendly rates make it a go-to for DIY moves, but it’s not always the right moving company for military-specific needs. While they offer a 10% military discount, their equipment quality and customer service can be inconsistent—a risk during high-stakes PCS timelines. That said, their U-Box containers ($199/month) work for temporary storage options during a PCS move, especially if you’re moving between bases they serve.

PODS vs. U-Haul for PCS moves:

PODS: More durable containers, higher discounts (25%), and global shipping.
U-Haul: Cheaper upfront costs but limited to U.S. mainland and fewer military perks.

Best Moving Supplies Checklist

Wrapping Up

Choosing the best moving truck rental for military PCS moves hinges on your priorities: timing, budget, storage needs, and distance. Companies like Penske and PODS stand out for their military discounts and flexibility, while United Van Lines excels in cross-country logistics. Always verify a provider’s experience with military moves—look for GSA approval and ask how they handle common PCS challenges like sudden deployment changes or overseas paperwork.