PCS season at Fort Bliss means moving fast and moving a lot. If your next duty station is across the country, driving every vehicle yourself usually isn’t realistic. Shipping a car or motorcycle out of El Paso takes that off your plate. Here’s how it works and how to prep.

When shipping makes sense for a PCS

A PCS move is enough work without a second car to caravan. Vehicle transport makes the most sense when:

  • Your new station is several states away
  • You have more cars than drivers in the family
  • You’re shipping a motorcycle that’s a hassle to trailer yourself
  • You want one vehicle to arrive while you fly with the family

Plenty of Fort Bliss soldiers ship the second car or the bike and drive the primary vehicle. That way the family travels together and the extra vehicle still makes the trip. It’s a simple way to cut the stress out of a long-distance move.

Start the conversation early. PCS season is busy, and the carriers that serve El Paso book up. The earlier you lock in a window, the better your options.

How long-distance transport works

Out-of-state vehicle transport isn’t a tow across town. It’s a hauler that carries your car or bike over long distances, often on a multi-vehicle carrier.

Here’s the basic flow. You give the pickup location and the destination. You get a quote and a pickup window. The vehicle is loaded, inspected, and documented, then it travels to the new station, where you or someone you trust receives it.

A few things to know going in:

  • Open vs. enclosed: Open transport is standard and cheaper. Enclosed costs more and protects the vehicle from weather and road grime, which some people choose for a bike or a higher-value car.
  • Timing is a window, not a clock: Cross-country transport runs on a range of days, not an exact hour. Build a little flex into your plans.
  • Distance drives the price: The farther the haul, the more it costs. El Paso to a coast is a long pull, so quote it early.

Motorcycle transport

Bikes need their own approach. A motorcycle can’t ride on a standard car carrier the same way a sedan does. It gets secured with proper straps and a wheel chock so it stays upright and protected the whole trip.

If you’re shipping a bike for your PCS, mention it up front when you ask for a quote. The carrier needs to know it’s a motorcycle so they bring the right tie-downs and loading setup. Don’t assume a car transporter handles bikes the same way.

For many soldiers, shipping the bike is the easy call. Riding a motorcycle across the country during a move is a lot. Letting it travel on a carrier means it shows up safe while you focus on everything else.

How to prep your vehicle for transport

A little prep makes pickup go smoothly and protects you on the inspection paperwork.

  • Wash the car so existing scratches are easy to document
  • Take photos of the vehicle from every angle before pickup
  • Remove personal items and any loose gear
  • Leave about a quarter tank of fuel, not a full one
  • Note any existing damage on the inspection form at pickup
  • Have your keys and any gate or alarm info ready

The inspection at pickup is your record. Walk it with the driver, photograph everything, and keep your copy. It’s your proof of condition if anything comes up at delivery.

We’ll help you get rolling

If you’re PCSing out of Fort Bliss and need a vehicle or motorcycle moved, call Quick Tow El Paso at (858) 925-5546. We’ll talk through your route, your timing, and what it’ll cost.

Tell us where it’s going and when you need it there. We’ll give you a straight answer so you can cross one thing off your PCS list.