- How Military Vehicle Delivery Works
- The Steps to Military Car Shipping
- Step #1 Get your orders in
- Step #2 Check your eligibility for POV benefits
- Step #3 Choose a shipping company
- Step #4 Prepare your vehicle for shipment
- Step #5 Track your shipment
- What and Where Can You Ship
- Conclusion
- Looking for a Trustworthy Shipping Partner?
The military is not like most businesses and organizations. Military vehicles—from tanks to personnel carriers—have to be transported and delivered through challenging conditions and locations to keep operations running smoothly.
Military vehicles regularly transported include Humvees, tanks, armored personnel carriers, and other heavy-duty military equipment. Due to their size and weight, these vehicles are typically transported via flatbed trucks.
Additionally, some tank vehicles are delivered to military bases, while others go to private properties and storage facilities.
In this article, we'll explore the details of vehicle delivery when transporting military vehicles, including special considerations and factors needed for safe transit.
How Military Vehicle Delivery Works
When transporting military vehicles, the delivery process typically involves a combination of air, sea, and land transportation. Depending on the size and weight of the vehicle, it may be transported by air freight or shipped via cargo ship.
If the vehicle is small enough to fit in a container, it can be loaded onto a cargo ship for transport overseas. Larger vehicles may need to be transported by air freight or flatbed truck.
Once the vehicle arrives at its destination port or airport, it must be unloaded and moved to its final destination. This process can involve using specialized equipment such as cranes or forklifts to unload the vehicle from its shipping container or aircraft.
The vehicle must then be driven or towed to its final destination. And military personnel may accompany the vehicle during transit for added security and safety measures.
The entire delivery process for military vehicles is highly regulated and requires special permits and documentation to ensure that all safety protocols are followed throughout transit.
Also, depending on where the vehicle is being delivered, there may be additional customs requirements that military personnel must meet before delivery can occur.
The Steps to Military Car Shipping
The way you ship your POV depends on where it's going. For example, let's say you want to move within the contiguous 48 states (CONUS); you can choose a shipping company, coordinate the move, and pay for the service.
The military will pay to ship one POV for a move overseas (OCONUS). You may talk to your local transportation office to find out more benefits.
Transporting military vehicles is a complex process, but it doesn't have to be. Here are the four steps to military car shipping:
Step #1: Get your orders in
Before you decide where to send a car, you need to know your orders. Your active duty orders will tell you what benefits you can get and when to start getting them.
We also recommend scheduling early appointments with your TO counselors. They know your gaining and losing installs. If your new base has a backlog, your car may not arrive in time for PDS. In addition, the TO may help you get intrastate government funds.
Step #2: Check your eligibility for POV benefits
We know you don't need a reminder, but please make sure to use every penny that the federal government will give to your PCS.
Most of the time, the government will pay for a military member to ship one POV OCONUS, but you need a second vehicle to be eligible for CONUS funding.
Quick tips:
- The shipment must cover at least 600 miles
- One vehicle can be approved for shipments outside of CONUS, and up to two can be approved for shipments within CONUS
- If you're sending a car OCONUS, you'll need to coordinate shipping with your local transportation department
- You can get a cost construction memo from your local transportation office for shipments in CONUS
Step #3: Choose a shipping company
After determining your POV eligibility, choose a shipper. Next, do your study to select a good military car transportation company. Choosing a licensed and insured provider will safeguard you from damages during transit.
It's crucial to confirm the company you choose is licensed and insured before you hire them. This measure will protect you from any damage that might happen during transport.
Furthermore, ask about their experience with military car shipping. Lastly, inquire about any additional services they may offer, such as door-to-door delivery or storage options.
For example, A-1 Auto Transport has been moving cars for veterans and military members for more than 20 years. You can and should check our website for references and testimonials.
Step #4: Prepare your vehicle for shipment
Before you ship your car, you need to prepare it for shipping. This preparation means ensuring all the fluids are full, and the tire pressure and treads are checked.
Moreover, it's a good practice to remove all personal items from the car's interior and ensure that all windows are closed securely.
And finally, take exterior photos of the vehicle to record its state before shipping.
Step #5: Track your shipment
Tracking military vehicles work just like any other vehicle tracking.
Once your vehicle is ready for transport, you can track its progress throughout the entire process.
Most shipping companies will give you a tracking number that you can use to check online to see where your package is. This tracking number will allow you to check and know where your vehicle is and when to expect it to arrive.
What and Where Can You Ship
Most companies offering these services can transport just about any vehicle, including cars, trucks, SUVs, minivans, 4x4s, ATVs, motorcycles, jet skis, and more.
Many of these companies can also pick up and deliver at a military base – but you need to get permission from the base commander first.
It is important to note that most car transport companies handle domestic auto shipping services, not international ones.
Fortunately, A-1 Auto Transport offers military POV shipping services that include PCS relocation in the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska, and overseas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, transporting military vehicles can be a complicated process, but with the right preparation and research, it doesn't have to be.
Make sure you check your eligibility for POV benefits, choose a reliable shipping company, prepare your vehicle for shipment and track its progress throughout the entire process.
With these steps in mind, you can ensure that your vehicle arrives safely and on time.
Looking for a Trustworthy Shipping Partner?
Look no further if you're looking for a reliable and experienced company to transport your military vehicle. We thank you for your military service, and A-1 Auto Transport is here to provide you with the highest quality of care.
Get an instant quote today and start planning your shipment with us!