Most military families move every one to three years. Depending on the military family member’s job, moves can be even more frequent. Hundreds of thousands of households have to pick up and relocate to a new home every year. While the government covers the cost and arranges for military moving companies to transport the household goods of military members, many decide to go with a personally procured move (PPM) instead. With a PPM move, the service member has to arrange and pay for moving services themselves; however, the military will reimburse for 95% of the allotted cost. Best of all, the military member is allowed to keep the difference if the military moving allowance is greater than the amount of money they spent on the move.
Military members undertaking a PPM can save even more if they work with moving companies that offer a military discount. Military moving companies and storage providers often provide discounts to active duty and veterans as a way of showing gratitude for their service to this country. Below is a list of some of the best military discount moving companies.
A complete list of moving and storage companies that offer military discounts:
- Penske
- Budget Truck Rental
- PODS
- SMARTBOX
- U-Pack
- uShip
- North American Van Lines
- CubeSmart
- Life Storage
- Storage Rentals of America
Penske
Penske is a national provider of rental trucks with locations in 49 states and the District of Columbia. Active and veteran military members can receive a 10% discount off of their truck rental by using the promo code MILITARY when reserving online. Customers must show a valid military ID or proof of veteran status when they pick up the truck to receive the discount.
While not among official military moving companies, Penske has a moving hotline (1-844-4TROOPS) specifically for military members that is staffed by those with a connection to the armed forces.
Budget Rental Truck
Military personnel traveling with orders can secure a 20% discount on truck rental services from Budget using promotion code USMIO. The discount applies to time and mileage for the “Best Available Rate.” The deal cannot be combined with other discounts.
PODS
For members of the military, moving companies like PODS can be a convenient moving and storage method. The company delivers a cargo container to your location. Once packed, it can be transported to your new housing or stored at a secure warehouse operated by PODS.
Active, retired, and veteran members are eligible for a 10% discount using the promo code SERV10. For long-distance moves, the discount applies to the first month’s storage, initial delivery fees, and transportation fees.
SMARTBOX
Another portable moving and storage solution, SMARTBOX, offers active duty members $20 off their bill when they use promo code MILOFF20. It cannot be combined with other discounts.
U-Pack
U-Pack’s moving and storage container services offer military service members $50 off of their total cost. The discount applies to both active duty and former military members. Service members can obtain the discount by mentioning it when calling U-Pack at 800-413-4799 to get a quote.
uShip
If you need to ship your car, motorcycle, boat, or another large item as part of your deployment, uShip is a site that can connect you with shipping carriers that will make competitive bids to move your item. uShip and cooperating carriers extend discounts to active duty service members, veterans, and military spouses. Benefits vary throughout the year, but military members always have fees waived for their first shipment booked through Ship.
Currently, military customers can save up to 60%. To qualify, customers need to create a uShip account and then verify their military status via the free service ID.me.
North American Van Lines
Current and former military servicemen and women who are members of the American Legion are eligible for exclusive savings when booking a move with North American Van Lines. Legionnaires receive exclusive discounts, up to $100,000 replacement coverage at no cost, non-peak moving rates all year round, and guaranteed on-time delivery. The offer can be accessed only by signing into your American Legion account online.
CubeSmart
For active-duty members of the military, moving companies like CubeSmart offer a 5% discount in addition to any other specials or promotions available on their storage units. All you have to do is show your military ID when you move into your storage unit, and the discount will be applied to your bill. CubeSmart has more than 1,150 locations nationwide.
Life Storage
Life Storage is another large self-storage operator with a military discount. However, this discount varies and may not apply at all locations. To see if the discount is available near you, Life Storage says to call them directly at (800) 800-3456.
Storage Rentals of America
With locations in 10 states, Storage Rentals of America is another viable option for military members looking for a discount on self-storage. The company has been known to offer military discounts ranging from 10% to 50% off in some instances. These promotions and discounts can vary depending on the month, so contact them directly to see what their current offers are. Just remember to show your military ID when you visit the storage facility to move in. This discount cannot be combined with other promotions.
*Pricing and information as of September 2022
How to find the best military moving discounts:
- If a company doesn’t advertise a military discount, it doesn’t hurt to ask. Some companies, like U-Haul, have been known to extend discounts to military members at their discretion.
- Make sure to have your military ID with you when booking a storage facility or meeting movers, just in case they require it for verification of your military status.
- Always book moving services as early as possible. This gives you a chance to keep shopping for better deals while still having something on the books.
- Ask your fellow service members. If they got a great deal on moving services, they’d probably be happy to tell you about it.
Consider Veteran-owned moving companies
You can also consider veteran-owned companies as an option for your move. If a company is owned and operated by veterans, there is a pretty good chance they offer special rates for active military personnel. You’ll not only be getting a discount – You’ll be supporting veterans too. Take a look at a few veteran-owned moving companies.
Additional military discount options
There are plenty of other opportunities for military discounts than just moving and storage companies. Companies that sell internet, furniture, mattresses, appliances, home security systems, and car insurance will sometimes have military and veteran discounts. You could even try your local grocery and home improvement stores as well. Even if a military discount is never explicitly stated, it never hurts to ask a company if they offer any.
The bottom line
Many moving and storage companies offer special discounts to active military members and veterans. Always ask about military discounts when talking to service representatives, as these can help you save even more on your PPM move.