WHAT MILITARY MEMBERS SHOULD LOOK FOR IN A RENTAL CAR COMPANY

There are plenty of reasons someone might need a rental car: flights, family visits, work trips, or weekends out of town. Military life adds a few more to the list—PCS moves, TDYs, in-processing, housing waitlists, or POV shipments that haven’t arrived yet. In those moments, the right rental car isn’t about convenience. It’s about staying mobile when your timeline is anything but predictable.

Most rental companies are built around standard travel patterns. Military travel rarely follows them. Orders change, arrival points shift, and lodging plans evolve. Sometimes you’re without a personal vehicle for days, sometimes weeks. That’s why choosing a rental car company means focusing on flexibility, availability, and consistency, not just price.

When you approach a move, a new assignment, or even a weekend away, your rental car becomes part of your logistics plan.

Year-Round Pricing (Not Just Holiday Promos)

Discounts that only show up during major travel seasons don’t help much during a spring PCS or a mid-summer TDY. What matters more is pricing that works all year:

• Consistent rates
• No seasonal restrictions
• Eligibility for Active, Guard, and Reserve
• Discounts honored at both airport and neighborhood branches

Because PCS rentals often last longer than a few days, even small price differences can add up quickly. Predictable pricing makes budgeting simpler.

Vehicle Options for Real World Travel

In military travel, vehicle choice is driven by logistics. Who and what do you need to get from Point A to Point B.

PCS moves often require:

• SUVs
• Minivans, or
• Trucks

Leave travel or long weekends may favor:

• Midsize cars for longer drives
• Compact cars for quick movement and easy parking

Before booking, it helps to check:

• Are larger vehicles stocked at your pickup location?
• Are fuel-efficient options available?
• Are trucks carried in that market?

Fleet variety isn’t a bonus—it’s part of smart planning.

Nationwide Access and One-Way Flexibility

PCS and TDY routes don’t always start or end near major airports. A strong rental company footprint should include:

• Airport pickup locations
• Neighborhood locations
• One-way return options
• Flexible drop-off hours

Neighborhood locations are especially useful when staying in temporary lodging near post. One-way rentals save time when relocations span cities or states and eliminate unnecessary backtracking.

Loyalty Programs That Actually Save Time

Points and upgrades are helpful, but during busy trips, efficiency is paramount. You want a loyalty program that offers:

• Skip-the-counter pickup
• Fast returns
• Digital receipts
• Reasonable point expiration

PCS and TDY cycles can mean booking rental cars frequently. Enrolling early in a loyalty program turns routine travel into future time savings with very little extra effort.

Your Practical PCS Rental Car Checklist

A rental car should support your transition, not complicate it.

Before Departure:

• Confirm one-way return options at your destination
• Choose vehicle size based on passengers and cargo
• Save your quoted rate
• Add additional drivers in advance
• Verify pickup and drop-off hours

During Travel:

• Keep itemized rental and fuel receipts
• Track mileage if reimbursement applies
• Call ahead if arrival times change

Upon Arrival:

• Confirm base access and lodging before returning the car
• Check when HHG and POV shipments arrive
• Review the final invoice for unexpected charges
• Save digital copies of receipts

Preparation reduces stress during already busy transitions.

FAQs About Rental Cars During PCS and TDY

Do military members get special rental car discounts?

Many major rental car companies, such as Hertz, offer discounts, but these aren’t automatic. Ask about year-round pricing and make sure your pickup location offers the discount.

Is a one-way rental worth it for a PCS move?

It can be, especially when crossing states or flying into one city and driving to another. Compare one-way against hotels, rideshares, and return trips.

What documents should I bring when picking up a rental car?

Driver’s license, payment card, reservation details, and any base-access paperwork if required.

Can I add my spouse or another adult as a driver on the rental?

Most companies allow it, but fees and policies vary. Add drivers in advance if they’ll share driving.

Is it better to book at the airport or a neighborhood location?

If flying into a city, airport branches offer immediate access upon arrival, while neighborhood locations may be closer to housing or lodging. Compare both for cost and convenience.

Hertz: The Company That Shows Up When It Counts

Mobility is a constant in military life. PCS moves, TDYs, and delayed POV shipments all create gaps where transportation becomes essential.

Hertz fits naturally into this environment. Its nationwide footprint, mix of airport and neighborhood locations, and one-way options align with how military travel actually works. Fleet variety supports both family-heavy PCS moves and efficiency-focused TDYs, while their loyalty program prioritizes time and savings during compressed schedules.

Most importantly, Hertz integrates smoothly into the broader system surrounding military travel—lodging, reimbursement, shifting timelines, and plan changes—without adding friction. That turns a rental car from a simple expense into a functional bridge between orders and stability.

For service members and families navigating transitions, the best resources are the ones that adapt quietly when plans change and are ready wherever the mission leads. That’s why Hertz continues to show up in military moves year after year—through experience, not hype.

This article is a result of a collaboration with Hertz.

Suggested reads:

• What to Look for in a Car Transport Company During Your PCS
• Buying a Car Out of State: Tips for Servicemembers
• Get a Car With Your Tax Refund in a Few Easy Steps