Question 1

What is a POV?

Accepted Answer

POV is a military term for a privately owned vehicle: your personal car, truck, or SUV.

Question 2

What does PCS mean?

Accepted Answer

PCS is a military acronym for permanent change of station. When you receive PCS orders, a move is in your future.

Question 3

How does army vehicle carriage work?

Accepted Answer

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 conveyance 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.

Question 4

What are the top haulage ports/locations?

Accepted Answer

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, Böblingen, Boeblingen, Grafenwohr, Kaiserslautern, Spangdahlem, and Wiesbaden
Guam
Hawaii – Honolulu
Italy – Aviano, Livorno, Naples, Sigonella, and Vicenza
Netherlands – Brunssum
Puerto Rico – Carolina
South Korea – Daegu and Pyeongtaek
Spain – Rota
Turkey - Incirlik and İzmir
United Kingdom – Suffolk

Question 5

Can you move my POV to a army base?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Can my vehicle be delivered to the base if I am not there?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Does the defence pay for hauling a POV?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes. Individual service members are responsible for transmitting 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.

Question 8

How long will it take to dispatch my POV?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

What if I need my vehicle hauled faster?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

Can I include personal items inside the vehicle I'm deivery?

Accepted Answer

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).

Question 11

Is my vehicle insured during transit?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

How much does it cost to dispatch a four-wheeler?

Accepted Answer

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 moving costs for overseas destinations.

Question 13

What affects the cost of delivery my vehicle?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

Does we offer defence and veteran concession?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

Is it legal to move a leased vehicle?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

Can you move a vehicle that doesn't have legal plates?

Accepted Answer

No. Unfortunately, based on how we view military transport, the auto we ship 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 movement as mandated by the law.

Question 17

Can you move a civilian-leased vehicle?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

What documents do I need to dispatch my vehicle?

Accepted Answer

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:

POV Auto Shipping
POV Motorcycle Shipping
POV Van Shipping

Question 19

What will I need to collect the vehicle at its destination?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 20

What type of delivery services for international transfers do you offer?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 21

Does your insurance cover vehicle moving?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 22

Do you shift internally within the US?

Accepted Answer

We provide both internal US shipping as well as international shipping across borders.

Question 23

Can I dispatch my vehicle overseas?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 24

Can I shift more than one vehicle overseas?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 25

Will I need to pay import taxes when hauling overseas?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 26

Is there any restriction on destination locations I can haul my vehicle to?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 27

Can I delivery a personal vehicle by air to my destination location?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 28

What's the transit service to choose for shifting a POV?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 29

Do you deal with licensing and registration at the destination?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 30

How long should I advise my moving firm that I need to move?

Accepted Answer

Ideally, you should inform your moving 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.

Question 31

Can I dispatch a commercial vehicle as my personally owned vehicle?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 32

Can I shift propane tanks along with the vehicle?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 33

Can I dispatch a vehicle while I'm waiting for its documents?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 34

What are some useful resources for army point of contact?

Accepted Answer

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 — 888-230-9116

Question 35

What is the difference between a army gear hauling firm and a haulage firm?

Accepted Answer

The primary difference lies in the type of equipment or vehicles they specialize in transporting and the specific logistics, equipment, and regulations involved:

Type of Cargo:

Military Equipment Shipping Company: These companies are specialized in transporting various types of military equipment, which can range from weapons systems, tanks, artillery, communication equipment, and other specialized gear.

Military Car Shipping Company: These companies focus on shipping military personnel vehicles, such as cars, trucks, and motorcycles, typically when service members receive orders to move to a new base or duty station, domestically or internationally.

Logistics & Handling:

Military Equipment Shipping Company: Given the nature of the equipment, these companies need to have specialized handling methods, secure storage, and sometimes even armored protection during transport. The weight and size of military equipment can also require unique shipping methods and pathways.

Military Car Shipping Company: While they also need secure transport methods, the logistics are generally more straightforward as they deal mainly with standard vehicles. The main concerns are usually related to safe transport, timely delivery, and handling customs paperwork for international shipments.

Regulations & Compliance:

Military Equipment Shipping Company: The transport of military equipment is heavily regulated and may require specific clearances, documentation, and adherence to strict governmental or international protocols.

Military Car Shipping Company: These companies, especially when shipping internationally, must adhere to customs and import/export regulations. They may also need to be familiar with military-specific regulations or allowances for transporting personnel vehicles.

Equipment & Infrastructure:

Military Equipment Shipping Company: They often need heavy-duty transport equipment like flatbeds, specialized trailers, cranes, and more to handle the varied and large sizes of military equipment.

Military Car Shipping Company: They typically utilize car carriers, enclosed auto transport trucks, and other equipment standard in the auto transport industry.

Clientele:

Military Equipment Shipping Company: Their primary clientele is usually governmental agencies, defense contractors, or international entities involved in military and defense operations.

Military Car Shipping Company: While they serve the military, their primary clients are often individual service members or their families relocating due to assignments or postings.

In essence, while both types of companies cater to the military, their areas of expertise, logistics, equipment, and challenges can differ significantly based on the nature of their cargo.

Question 36

How much does dispatching cost from one state to another?

Accepted Answer

The cost of shipping a car from one state to another can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including:

The distance of the shipment
The type of vehicle
The time of year
The shipping method
The level of insurance coverage

In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2,000 to ship a car across the United States. The exact cost will depend on the specific factors involved.

For example, shipping a car from California to Florida will be more expensive than shipping a car from Florida to Georgia. This is because the distance is greater.

The type of vehicle also affects the cost of shipping. A larger vehicle, such as a truck or SUV, will cost more to ship than a smaller vehicle, such as a car or minivan.

The time of year can also affect the cost of shipping. During peak shipping seasons, such as summer and winter, rates tend to be higher.

The shipping method also affects the cost. Open-air shipping is the least expensive option, while enclosed shipping is the most expensive.

The level of insurance coverage also affects the cost. If you want to purchase full coverage insurance, your shipping costs will be higher.

To get an accurate estimate of the cost of shipping your car, it is best to get quotes from several different auto transport companies. You can do this online or by calling around.

Question 37

Can I arrange my own army vehicle moving and be reimbursed for army logistics?

Accepted Answer

Yes, military service members can arrange their own vehicle shipping when relocating. However, there are specific guidelines and conditions for reimbursement:

Orders and Authorization: Before making any shipping arrangements, ensure you have official orders that mandate a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) or Temporary Duty (TDY). Reimbursement often depends on having valid orders that authorize or necessitate the move.

Entitlement: Generally, the military will authorize and pay for the shipment of one Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) for overseas PCS moves. For CONUS (Continental U.S.) moves, the military typically does not pay for vehicle shipment because service members can drive their vehicles to the new location. But there are exceptions, and it's crucial to check your specific entitlements.

Reimbursement Process: If you decide to arrange your own vehicle shipping, keep all receipts and paperwork related to the process. Submit these documents to the appropriate military transportation or finance office for reimbursement. Be aware that there may be a limit to how much the military will reimburse, so it's a good idea to get a cost estimate or pre-approval if possible.

Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) Shipment: If your orders allow for a POV shipment, the military has official Vehicle Processing Centers where you can drop off and pick up your car. These centers often facilitate the shipping process, but if you choose to bypass them and arrange private shipping, be prepared to justify the reason and ensure that reimbursement is possible.

Additional Insurance: If you arrange shipping yourself, consider getting additional insurance to cover any potential damages during transit. The military may not cover these costs if you opt for private shipping.

Research and Choose Reputable Shippers: If you decide to arrange your own shipping, ensure you choose a reputable company experienced in military car shipping.

Check with your Transportation Office: Before making any final decisions or arrangements, consult with your base's transportation or personal property shipping office. They can provide guidance on procedures, entitlements, and reimbursement processes.

In summary, while you can arrange your own military car shipping, it's essential to ensure that you're fully informed about reimbursement procedures and your entitlements. Always check your specific orders and consult with the relevant military offices before proceeding.

Question 38

Why use us as your ride delivery firm for your army move?

Accepted Answer

Experience with Military Moves: We understand the unique challenges and requirements of military relocations. Our experience ensures that we handle every detail of your car's shipment with the precision and care required for military personnel.

Competitive Pricing: We offer competitive rates tailored for service members, ensuring you get the best value for your money. Plus, our transparent pricing means no hidden fees or surprises.

Full Insurance Coverage: Our comprehensive insurance coverage ensures that your vehicle is protected throughout the shipping process. In the rare case of damages, you're covered.

Dedicated Support: Our dedicated support team is available to answer any questions, provide updates, and assist with any concerns throughout the shipping process.

Flexible Pickup and Delivery Options: Whether you prefer door-to-door service or want to drop off and pick up your car at designated locations, we offer flexible options to suit your needs.

Reputation for Reliability: Our track record speaks for itself. Countless military personnel have trusted us with their vehicles, and our high customer satisfaction rates attest to our reliability and professionalism.

Timely Deliveries: We understand the tight schedules and timelines associated with military relocations. We prioritize on-time deliveries, ensuring your vehicle is where you need it when you need it.

Compliance with Regulations: We are well-versed in the regulations and guidelines associated with military car shipping, ensuring a smooth and compliant process.

High-Quality Equipment: We use state-of-the-art equipment and carriers to ensure your vehicle is transported safely and securely.

Ease of Reimbursement: Our transparent documentation and invoicing system make it easier for military personnel to submit their shipping costs for reimbursement.

Customer Reviews and Testimonials: Our reputation among military families and individuals is strong, backed by positive reviews and testimonials.

Choosing us for your military move ensures a seamless, worry-free experience from start to finish. We're committed to making your transition as smooth as possible, allowing you to focus on other essential aspects of your relocation.

Question 39

What should you look for in a defence four-wheeler delivery firm?

Accepted Answer

Experience with Military Moves: A company with a proven track record of serving military personnel understands the unique requirements and challenges of military relocations.

Licensing and Insurance: Ensure the company is licensed by the appropriate transportation authorities and carries comprehensive insurance to cover potential damages during transport.

Reputation and Reviews: Look for companies with positive reviews, especially from other service members. Testimonials and reviews can give you insights into the company's reliability and professionalism.

Transparent Pricing: A reputable company should provide clear, transparent quotes without hidden fees. It's also beneficial if they offer competitive rates or discounts for military members.

Customer Service: The company should offer robust customer support, being readily available to answer questions, address concerns, and provide updates on the shipping process.

Flexible Pickup and Delivery Options: Depending on your situation, you might prefer door-to-door service or terminal-to-terminal shipping. The company should offer flexibility to accommodate your needs.

Timely Delivery: Given the strict timelines often associated with military moves, the company should prioritize on-time deliveries.

Quality of Equipment: Modern, well-maintained carriers and equipment ensure safer transport of your vehicle.

Knowledge of Regulations: The company should be familiar with military protocols and any regulations related to shipping cars to and from bases or overseas.

Secure Shipping Options: If shipping a valuable or cherished vehicle, the company should offer enclosed transport options for added protection.

Tracking Capabilities: It's beneficial if the company provides a way to track your vehicle during transit, whether through online tracking systems or regular updates.

Clear Contracts: Before committing, review any contracts or service agreements to ensure clarity on terms, responsibilities, and any potential additional costs.

Referrals and Recommendations: Word of mouth is powerful. If fellow service members or military families recommend a particular company based on personal experience, it's worth considering.

International Shipping Expertise: If you're moving overseas, ensure the company has experience with international shipping, customs clearance, and the specific documentation required.

Choosing a military car shipping company is a significant decision, especially during the often-stressful times of relocation. By keeping these factors in mind, you can find a trustworthy and reliable service provider to make your move smoother.

Value for Money	★★★★★	4.9
Vehicle Care	★★★★★	4.9
Fast Delivery	★★★★★	4.9
Friendly Staff	★★★★★	4.9

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

Military Car Shipping Discounts

Efficient Military Auto Transport Services With Discounts

Veteran-Owned

Requirements & Concession

Domestic PCS Transit

Personnel Bargain

How Much Does PCS Vehicle Cost & Time To Shift

Can I Move My Vehicle For Gratis?

How Does The POV/PCS Dispatching Firm Handle Transfer Requirements

Reviews From Veterans

William Hastings

Douglas Pike

David K. Farnsworth

Forms Required

Contact Us

Relevant Statistics

General Facts

Resources

Related Content

Frequently Asked Questions