Does the Military Pay to Ship Cars?

1. Military Car Shipping
2. Understanding the Military Jargon
3. OCONUS Military Car Shipments
4. CONUS Military Car Shipments
5. Does The Military Pay To Ship Cars?
6. Can You Ship A Car To A Military Base?
7. The Most Common Options for Military Relocations
8. In Conclusion

Are you a military member who needs to move to a new duty station and wondering if the military will pay to ship your car?

Maybe you've dreamed of joining the military but are concerned about the cost of moving your vehicle to another state and city.

The good news is that the military does offer a program to transport military vehicles at no cost to you. Before shipping your beloved ride, let's ensure you're up-to-speed on the requirements and pesky restrictions.

In this article, we'll discuss the details of the military's car shipping program and more.

Military Car Shipping

If you're an active duty member of the military or air force and need to move your car due to a transfer or deployment, you may consider using auto shipping companies to move your private vehicle.

It requires selecting one of the many reputable vehicle shipping companies specializing in military shipping services. Navigating the vast sea of competitors in the market can leave you feeling like a lost sailor in a storm. But you can survive the storm with guidance.

You can research online to search for a reliable military auto transporter. There are auto transporters that understand the military car shipping process and regulations of your particular service branch.

Additionally, look into which companies offer shipping discounts and special services for military service before requesting free, no-obligation quotes from prospective providers.

Following our guide, you can locate transportation services that meet your needs and budget.

Understanding the Military Jargon

Military jargon can be confusing when you're new to the setting. There is various military jargon used in car shipping, so you should start by understanding the key acronyms that will come up.

You will often hear CONUS, which stands for the Continental United States. It refers to 49 contiguous states in the US 'mainland,' which includes Alaska and excludes Hawaii.

The shipping industry uses this term to refer to limitations on international moves of shipments from the United States.

Beyond CONUS lies OCONUS, which stands for Outside Continental United States and is simply everything outside the 48-state region.

When discussing a Permanent Change of Station (PCS), it's important to know that this refers to an official reassignment from one duty station to another. Cars may need to be shipped to coordinate these relocations.

Other jargon to be familiar with is Permanent Duty Station (PDS), which deals with relocations within CONUS, and Privately Owned Vehicles (POV), which refers to any vehicles owned by individuals.

Understandably, moving a vehicle requires all kinds of paperwork, and familiarizing yourself with these terms can help manage expectations if you're ever looking at shipping your car during a PCS or PDS relocation.

OCONUS Military Car Shipments

When PCSing to an OCONUS location, military members use an authorized government shipment to transport their privately owned vehicle (POV) to their duty station. With its website about POV conveniences, the Surface Deployment & Distribution Command (SDDC) regulates the moving procedures.

Military personnel wishing to transport multiple vehicles are responsible for covering additional transportation costs, which may result in added expenses. To relieve this financial strain, many military families opt for one car at their new duty station or buy a secondhand car from onsite sources in the foreign country where they are stationed.

Whether you are shipping your car or purchasing one in-country, it's important to research before making any decisions.

Learn more about transporting your POV domestically and internationally on the SDDC website, where you'll find detailed information about all services and advice for international auto purchasing.

With thorough planning and knowledge about available options, military members can rest easy knowing their families will have what they need when PCSing overseas for their service obligation.

CONUS Military Car Shipments

Several options are available when a military member needs to move a car during a PCS within the CONUS.

The military personnel can drive the car directly, although it may take valuable time. This option also may need to be budgeted carefully.

Another option is to ship the car, which is more economical but may require extra paperwork.

A third option is to hire an auto-transport service, which will move the car safely and quickly with minimal hassle. The military covers none of these services. However, there may be mileage reimbursement if certain criteria are met.

The details of mileage reimbursement vary depending on location and individual circumstances. Military personnel must contact their installation traffic management office or finance office to understand what they qualify for.

In any case, whether driving or shipping a vehicle during a PCS move within CONUS, additional costs must be factored in to run smoothly and without issue.

Does The Military Pay To Ship Cars?

When relocating from one place to another, soldiers can have their personal items moved.

However, when these moves involve cars or other vehicles, you need to know if the military will cover the shipping cost.

Fortunately, the military does provide reimbursement for car shipping costs under certain conditions.

Members of the armed forces relocating between states may be reimbursed up to 80 percent of the cost of transporting their vehicles. But it must be through a shipping service approved by the government.

And the reimbursement is valid regardless of whether the car is new or used.

Any accepted expenses must be submitted using a Joint Travel Regulations receipt and could even include $50 for fuel if an individual chooses to drive their car more than 500 miles during relocation.

These costs are all covered by the Department of Defense and can help ease any financial burden associated with relocating for those who serve our country.

Can You Ship A Car To A Military Base?

When shipping a car to a military base, you have several options available. The most straightforward method is to have the government take care of your car shipping needs.

Provide the necessary information—location, date, and time—and the government will arrange transport for you.

However, you can book military car shipping services through a reputable company to save money on shipping costs. These companies generally offer military discounts for those serving in the armed forces and can provide a safe and reliable delivery for your vehicle.

Before booking any transport service, it's important to gather all details in advance. The vehicle details that must be ready before shipment include the following:

• Your vehicle's year, make, and model
• Your vehicle's identification number
• Your photo identification (driver's license or passport)
• Relevant car insurance policy details

Working with an experienced company with experience dealing with military shipments will help guarantee that your vehicle arrives safely at its destination in good condition.

The Most Common Options for Military Relocations

One popular option for military relocations is the Personally Procured Move (PPM). Under this approach, military personnel are responsible for packing and moving their possessions.

The government will usually reimburse these costs while providing support on issues such as arranging insurance and paperwork related to the move.

Another option is to use government-issued transportation firms, which can cover the cost of a single POV transport. This method allows military members to arrange car shipping with a pre-approved provider, ensuring their vehicles end up safely and securely at their destination.

In addition, international car shipping needs for service members may also be covered by the military and authorized if necessary. Therefore, it is essential to understand which options best fit your particular relocation situation so you can select accordingly.

In Conclusion

The military does provide options for shipping your car during a PCS move. Don't let the stress of moving weigh you down.

Score some sweet military discounts and safely transport your ride to your new duty station with just a bit of savvy research and planning.

Don't let the fear of shipping your car hold you back from a new adventure. The military will have your back.

Transporting your cherished automobile is a breeze when you entrust it to A-1 Auto Transport.

Browse our website to see our military transport services and past customers' experiences. Log in to peruse our immediate shipping quotes at this very moment.