Budgeting for PCS

A Permanent Change of Station or Outside the Continental United States order can be very exciting. But if this is your first PCS move, it can be a little daunting.

There's a lot to plan for and a lot to think about. In particular, when planning the financial aspects of your military relocation,

One of the costs associated with a PCS move is vehicle shipping. While the military will cover the cost of one vehicle and some possessions a family must pay to transport a second vehicle and some of their cargo during a PCS.

If you have two cars, you can hire a vehicle transport firm like A-1 Auto Transport and pay out of pocket, albeit at a reduced rate.

This article will talk about the costs and fees that come with a PCS so that you can make a budget for your move that is accurate and realistic.

Air, Land, Or Sea: Which Method Of Shipping Is Right For Me?

A huge factor in determining the budget is the type of freight option you choose: air, land, or sea.

Air

Undeniably the most expensive option for shipping a vehicle It is also the safest way to move a car because it is usually done by a professional carrier who knows how to move cars.

Land

Land freight is the most common option for shipping a vehicle during a PCS move. It is typically less expensive than air freight and can be just as reliable if you choose a reputable carrier.

The downside to land freight is that it takes longer than air freight and that there are more risks involved due to weather and road conditions.

Sea

Shipping a car by sea freight will save you the most money, but it will also take the longest. Sea freight can take up to several weeks depending on your destination, so make sure you plan accordingly if you choose this option.

Additionally, sea freight may not be available in all locations, so check with your local port or carrier before making any decisions.

When budgeting for a PCS move, it’s important to factor in the cost of vehicle shipping.

Depending on the type of freight you choose and your destination, the cost can vary significantly. Air freight is usually the most expensive option, while sea freight is typically the least expensive. Land freight falls somewhere in between.

What To Include In Your Budget

Let's take a look at a basic budget for vehicle shipping during the entire process of a PCS move. Grab a notebook, a pen, and a calculator, and let's get started.

Vehicle Transit Fees

This will depend on what kind of freight you choose and how far you want to ship your car. The average one-way cost of shipping a car is $300, although this is for shorter distances.

Port-to-port shipping can cost between $1,500 and $2,000 for a trip to Hawaii from the mainland US.

Air freight for international moves can be expensive and may exceed the value of the car. Factors such as size, weight and provider charges affect the cost of car shipping.

Insurance

Car insurance is an important consideration when planning a move. All moving companies have full insurance, so you can be sure that your car will be safe while it's being moved.

You can also get contingent cargoinsurance to protect yourself in case something unexpected happens.

Personal injury protection pays expenses for you or your passengers after an accident, so it’s important to make sure you have adequate coverage before embarking on your journey.

Vehicle storage is also available if you plan to leave your car in the U.S., which can save you money and provide additional peace of mind knowing that your car is safe and secure.

Fuel And Other Costs

If you are driving your vehicle to the port or airport, make sure to factor in fuel costs.

You may also need to factor in the cost of any packing materials you may need for your vehicle or goods. Bubble wrap, blankets, and other protective materials such as crates and pallets can quickly add up in price.

Any Additional Fees Or Taxes Associated With The Delivery

Don't be surprised when you get to the port or airport and find out that there are additional fees or taxes associated with your shipment. Make sure to research these fees before you book your shipment so that you can budget accordingly.

In addition to the vehicle transport fees, insurance, and fuel costs associated with shipping a vehicle during a PCS move, it is important to factor in any additional fees or taxes that may be associated with the shipment.

Some of these are port fees, customs duties, and other taxes that may be needed depending on the country of destination.

Check for any local regulations or laws that may affect the shipment of your vehicle. Taking all of these factors into account will help ensure that you have an accurate budget for your PCS move and can plan accordingly.

Storage, If Needed

When shipping a car overseas, additional baggage is only allowed in a sole-use cargo container. Domestic military car shipping allows one suitcase or box with personal items (under 100 pounds) to be placed in the trunk of the car for no extra charge.

If you are using a private shipping company, you can pay for separate cargo shipments for your goods.

But it's important to know that auto transport companies don't cover personal items that are in a car, so it's a good idea to either pay for additional insurance or to transport your goods privately.

If you or your customer's vehicle arrives before you do, certain auto shipping firms provide storage facilities. That way, your car will be protected from any potential dangers until you're ready to retrieve it.

Five Tips To Save Money

Here are 5 budgeting tips and tricks to help you reduce the costs associated with the move:

1) Conveys During The Off-Season

Of course, when you're in the military, you can't choose when to move, but if you can plan ahead and book your shipment during the off-season, you can save on the cost of transportation.

The off-season for shipping cars is a great time to take advantage of lower prices. Popular car shipping times are during the months of May through September when coast-to-coast car shipping is usually at its busiest.

This means that there will be more competition and higher prices.

However, during the off-season, from October to April, traffic is much lighter, and you can get significantly cheaper quotes for your car shipment.

2) Get Multiple Quotes

It’s a great way to compare prices and find the best deal for your budget. The first step is to get an instant car shipping quote from a reputable company. This will give you a good idea of what the fair market shipping price should be and it allows you to find the best deals.

3) Be Accommodating With Pickup And Delivery Schedules

If you tell your broker or carrier that your car must be picked up or delivered by a specific date, you will almost always have to pay a higher price to meet your deadline.

However, if you are willing to be flexible with the time frame and pickup location, you can save some money.

4) Choose An Open Dispatching Carrier

These carriers are typically 50% cheaper than enclosed vehicle carriers, making them a great option for those who need to move their car on a budget.

They also have shorter delivery times than enclosed carriers, which makes them ideal for those who need their vehicles shipped quickly and efficiently.

Open transport is also more environmentally friendly than other types of shipping since fewer resources are used in the process.

5) Don't Wait Until The Last Minute

Don't wait until the week of your move to start researching shipping options for your goods. While you may get very little notice for your PCS, you can prepare in advance by researching your options.

Making contact with a broker early in the process is a good idea as they can offer insights into the best way to plan your move.

Your broker or carrier may also be able to schedule your shipment at a time that works best for them while still meeting your general shipping deadlines, provided they have enough notice.

This could mean picking up or delivering the car on different days than originally planned. Being open to these changes can help keep costs down and ensure that your vehicle arrives safely and on time.

How We Help Military Families Shift

A-1 Auto Transport is always ready to help military families looking to ship their vehicles and possessions during a PCS move. We're here to meet the special demands of our nation's heroes at prices that won't break the bank.

Claim your 20% military discount moving company to help you move quicker and easier.

We have 20 years of experience supporting military communities. To further ensure your comfort throughout the relocation, we also provide cargo insurance, liability coverage, and PIP.

With A-1 Auto Transport, your car will be delivered promptly and at a very competitive rate.

Click here for a free quote today.