At A-1 Auto Transport, moving cars for veterans and members of the military is one of our specialties and has been for more than 20 years. In that time, we’ve shipped literally thousands of privately owned vehicles for members and dependents of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps (USMC), Air Force and Coast Guard to military bases all over the world. Shipping overseas? Visit the page here. Want to know the cost of delivering your POV to a base in the U.S. or internationally? Fill out our FREE online quote form and see how much you can save today! For more information about our services, call us at 1-800-452-2880!
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Shipping Military Vehicles: Requirements & Discounts
Our military POV shipping services apply to PCS moves both within the United States and internationally, as well as Hawaii and Alaska. We have one of the largest fleets of transport carriers in the industry, including overseas shipping vessels, that operate year round in every part of the world. Discounts are available for all active and retired service members.
Cost & Time To Ship Your Military Vehicle Examples
| Shipping To/From | Cost | Distance | Estimated Time In Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY to Boston, MA | $195 | 216 mi | 2-4 days |
| Dallas, TX to Memphis, TN | $563 | 463 mi | 2-4 days |
| Denver, CO to Dallas, TX | $504 | 805 mi | 3-5 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Denver, CO | $510 | 1017 mi | 4-6 days |
| Denver, CO to Columbus, OH | $663 | 1271 mi | 4-6 days |
| Phoenix, AZ to Memphis, TN | $758 | 1430 mi | 4-6 days |
| Detroit, MI to Las Vegas, NV | $1069 | 1999 mi | 5-7 days |
| Seattle, WA to Memphis, TN | $1100 | 2303 mi | 6-8 days |
| New York, NY to Phoenix, AZ | $1152 | 2421 mi | 7-9 days |
| Miami, FL to Seattle, WA | $1199 | 3320 mi | 7-9 days |
- *Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and what type of vehicle you are shipping.
- *Call us today or fill out the form to get a free quote on discounted military shipments.
POV Transfer Requirements
- The vehicle must be owned or being leased by a member of the military or a dependent
- The auto must be self-propelled and legal on public highways
- If a leased vehicle, written consent for transport must be included from the third party
- Must have four wheels or more, with exceptions for mopeds and motorcycles
Military Discounts
For active duty military and veterans, we offer discounts on military car shipping. Regardless of your current location or where you need a vehicle moved, we offer a price break to all active duty and retired military personnel. Our discounts apply to all branches of the armed forces: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force & Coast Guard.
Our Military Reviews from Veterans
William Hastings
"Your Military POV shipping services to Hawaii were both punctual and precise. The employees were friendly and professional. Thank you."
Douglas Pike
"Our family sedan arrived safely, along with my vintage motorcycle. We are more than satisfied with your service and will recommend it."
David K. Farnsworth
"My Lexus arrived in Germany ahead of schedule thanks to your capable staff and your international connections. I value your reliability and respect your efficiency. Thanks again!"
Forms Required For Military Auto Transport
The links below are for the official forms from the Defense Technical Information Center that you’ll need to complete before being able to have a company transport you auto, motorcycle or van.
*Please note: you will also need your military ID to pick up your vehicle at its destination point. For transporting a car to the U.S. from another country, Alaska or Hawaii (OCONUS to CONUS POV shipping), a valid U.S. street address will be needed for the vehicle to get through customs.
A-1 Auto Transport ships worldwide.
Get a free, no obligation to buy, price quote for your shipment.
Get my free quote now or call us to do it for you:
Military Car Transport Resources
USA.gov - The official web portal for the U.S. government has a wealth of resources, including government services, agencies, and job prospects.
Military Base Guide - A list of Army, Navy, AIr Force and Marine bases around the United States. Search by name, location or military branch.
Shipping Your POV - An in depth guide on shipping your POV.
Related Information
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a POV?
POV is a military term for a privately owned vehicle: your personal car, truck, or SUV.
What does PCS mean?
PCS is a military acronym for permanent change of station. When you receive PCS orders, a move is in your future.
How does military car shipping work?
Shipping your POV is different depending on where it’s going. For a move within the contiguous 48 states (CONUS), you’re responsible for selecting a shipping company, coordinating the shipment, and paying for the service. In some cases, like a short reporting date or a medical situation, the military may cover the costs—check with your local transportation office for details. For an overseas (OCONUS) move, the military will pay to ship one POV. The transportation office can walk you through the specifics and coordinate the details.
What are the top military car shipping ports/locations?
U.S.-based VPCs are located in:
- Atlanta (Ellenwood, GA)
- Baltimore
- Charleston (North Charleston, SC)
- Dallas (Grapevine, TX)
- Denver (Aurora, CO)
- Dallas
- Jacksonville (Blount Island, FL / for Guantanamo Bay personnel only)
- Los Angeles (Gardena, CA)
- Norfolk (Chesapeake, VA)
- New York Metro (Edison, NJ)
- Orlando
- San Diego (El Cajon, CA)
- Seattle (Kent, WA)
- St. Louis (Pontoon Beach, IL)
Overseas VPCs are located in:
- Alaska – Anchorage and Fairbanks
- Bahrain
- Belgium – Chievres
- Germany – Ansbach, Baumholder, Boeblingen, Grafenwoehr, Kaiserslautern, Spangdahlem, and Wiesbaden
- Guam
- Hawaii – Honolulu
- Italy – Aviano, Livorno, Naples, Sigonella, and Vicenza
- Netherlands – Brunssum
- Puerto Rico – Carolina
- South Korea – Daegu and Pyongtaek
- Spain – Rota
- Turkey - Incirlik and Izmir
- United Kingdom – Suffolk
Can You Ship My POV to a Military Base?
Of course, we can! POV shipping to and from bases is a large part of our military services. A-1 Auto Transport can even coordinate pick up or delivery without you being there.
Can my vehicle be delivered to the base if I am not there?
Yes, base delivery without the service member present is a common situation. We’ll work with you to ensure a smooth and hassle-free shipping process. Contact A1 Auto Transport for all the details.
Does the Military Pay for Shipping a POV?
Sometimes. Individual service members are responsible for transporting a POV for moves within the contiguous 48 states (CONUS). In certain situations, such as a medical or personal reason, or a short report-in date, the military may pay for shipping costs. Your local transportation office will have more details. For overseas (OCONUS) moves, the military will pay to ship one POV within certain weight and size limits.
How Long Will it Take to Ship My POV?
It depends on distance and other factors. In general, allow for two to ten days for a CONUS delivery. Your A-1 Auto Transport advisor can provide timeframes for OCONUS shipping. Keep in mind that weather and time of year can affect the delivery of your POV.
What if I need my car transported faster?
Expedited shipping options for your POV may be available depending on the destination, time of year, and vehicle type. Reach out to an A1 Auto Transport advisor for more information.
Can I Include Personal Items Inside the Vehicle I'm Shipping?
No, it’s important not to leave personal items in your vehicle. Any extra weight will increase shipping costs, and transport regulations prohibit including non-standard items (things that aren’t part of the car).
Is My Vehicle Insured During Transit?
Absolutely! From pick up to dropoff, your POV is fully insured for any damage that occurs during transport. During pick up, you and the driver will go over the vehicle for any existing damage. We’ll perform the same process at delivery.
How much does it cost to ship a car?
Shipping costs for your vehicle will vary greatly. Transporting your car to an adjacent state may cost as little as $300, while a cross-country shipment can run up to $1,500. Additional services, like expedited service or a closed container, will cost more. Reach out to A1 Auto Transport to learn about transport costs for overseas destinations.
What Affects the Cost of Shipping My Vehicle?
Many things determine POV shipping costs. Of course, distance is a big factor. Additionally, the size and weight of your car will affect pricing. Significantly, modifications—like oversized wheels or a raised suspension—that change your vehicle’s standard weight or dimensions may increase shipping costs.
Does A-1 Auto Transport Offer Military and Veteran Discounts?
Yes! Honoring your service is the least we can do. A-1 Auto is pleased to offer preferred pricing for active-duty personnel and veterans. Be sure to ask your customer service advisor for details.
Is it legal to move a leased vehicle?
Many military personnel vehicles are leased, and in these cases, we require that written consent for transport be acquired from the owners. This consideration ensures that we have complete documentation in the case of a mishap. This documentation is crucial for filing insurance claims in the case of an incident.
Can you move a vehicle that doesn't have legal plates?
No. Unfortunately, based on how we view military transport, the auto we transport needs to be legal on public roads and highways for us to move it. As an additional stipulation, the vehicle must also be self-propelled. Any vehicle without the parts to make it run is not acceptable for moving, and we cannot accept responsibility for its movement. If parts that cause the vehicle to function on the roads are not present, it falls outside of the provisions for personally owned vehicle transport as mandated by the law.
Can you move a civilian-leased vehicle?
No. All the vehicles we move must be leased by a member of the military or a dependent to qualify for military transport. Lease documents must be presented to us before loading the vehicle.
What documents do I need to ship my vehicle?
The Defense Technical Information Center requires that you fill out a document to ship your vehicle with a moving company. The document will vary depending on the type of vehicle you intend to ship. These documents are:
What will I need to collect the vehicle at its destination?
At the very least, you will need your military ID to retrieve your vehicle from the destination terminal. If you're bringing in a vehicle from another country or from Alaska or Hawaii, you will need a valid US street address to clear the vehicle from the terminal.
What type of shipping services for international transfers do you offer?
A1 Transport provides two distinct shipping options for our military service personnel for their vehicle move. Enclosed shipping keeps the vehicle within a container or crate and is the more expensive of the options. Open-air shipping leaves the vehicle uncovered but still ensures that it remains secure through the journey.
Does your insurance cover vehicle shipping?
We are fully insured to deal with mishaps and accidents that may occur during the shipping process. You can rest easy knowing that A1 Transport will have you covered if anything untoward happens to your vehicles in transit.
Do you ship internally within the US?
We provide both internal US shipping as well as international shipping across borders.
Can I ship my vehicle overseas?
Yes, in most cases, you can ship your POV to an overseas location. However, individual countries may have restrictions or prohibitions. Importantly, go to https://www.move.mil/sme and review the Personal Property Consignment Instruction Guide (PPCIG) for country-specific limitations.
Can I ship more than one vehicle overseas?
The stipulations of the Transportation Office states that a single vehicle can be paid for when moving overseas. The single-vehicle cannot weigh more than 20MT (measurement tons). If you would like to find out more, and if an exemption can be granted to allow us to ship a second vehicle, contact the Transport office directly.
Will I need to pay import taxes when shipping overseas?
Import taxes may be levied on a vehicle if it's registered as a personal vehicle. If it's leased by the military or owned by the US government, import taxes are waived.
Is there any restriction on destination locations I can ship my vehicle to?
Different parts of the world have additional restrictions for incoming vehicle shipments. While in most cases, you shouldn't have to worry about those rules and regulations, in other cases, your vehicle may not qualify as acceptable in the destination port. Regulations regarding make, model, emissions, and even color may prohibit a car, motorcycle, or van from being offloaded in the destination port. Researching what is allowed at your destination helps you to ensure you don't fall victim to any regulations.
Can I ship a personal vehicle by air to my destination location?
No. Unfortunately, the US government doesn't authorize personally owned vehicles to be shipped by air. US law allows you to send your vehicle by ferry or land and travel along with it if using a commercial moving service. A1 Transport is one of the most dependable military transport services around helping scores of clients get their vehicles to their new locations seamlessly.
What's the best auto transport service to choose for shipping a POV?
The best POV shipping service is a company that has extensive experience in serving military personnel. The transport firm will understand the inner workings of the PCS process and POV shipping and recognize the needs of service members. Contact an A-1 Auto Transport advisor to put our POV shipping experience to use.
Do you deal with licensing and registration at the destination?
No. While we can transport a vehicle internationally, we cannot deal with the local authorities on your behalf. You will have to get the vehicle licensed and registered in the destination location by visiting the country's equivalent of the department of motor vehicles.
How long should I advise my moving company that I need to move?
Ideally, you should inform your moving and transportation company as early as possible about your intended move. The longer lead-time helps the moving company plan out logistics for loading and unloading the vehicle. At A1 Transport, we know that military moves can be unexpected, so we can deal with shorter lead times than most other shipping companies. Contact us today if you have to move your vehicle in a hurry, and we'll give you a reasonable quote for our services.
Can I ship a commercial vehicle as my personally owned vehicle?
No. If you own a commercial vehicle like a trailer, you aren't allowed to ship that as a personal vehicle overseas under the rules for shipping your personally owned vehicle. You can arrange to have it shipped independently, but that carries with it its own set of costs that you may have to pay out-of-pocket.
Can I ship propane tanks along with the vehicle?
Generally, no. However, if the tanks are built into the vehicle in some way that makes it necessary for the automobile's functioning, then the government will make an exception for its shipping. If you cannot dismount the tank, it must be purged and certified to be clean before shipping.
Can I ship a vehicle while I'm waiting for its documents?
No. You can only ship a personally owned vehicle that you already own and can prove that ownership in the documentation. If you do not yet have ownership, we cannot send the vehicle to its destination.
What are some useful resources for military point of contact?
There’s a lot involved with a PCS. A visit to move.mil is a great first step to learn about the entire moving process. Also, check out move.mil/pov to discover what’s involved with shipping your car. Military OneSource is another helpful Department of Defense resource for relocation advice.
Here are service-specific links for moving assistance: Army, Marine Corps, Navy. Air Force, and Coast Guard.
Sometimes, a phone call is the fastest way to get help. So, here are two helpful numbers:
- Military Surface Deployment & Distribution Command customer service — 800-462-2176
- A1 Auto Transport customer service — 800-452-2880
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