Military Boat Shipping

1. What is the Military Boat Shipping?
2. Transporting your Boat Trailer
3. Your Responsibilities
4. Ways to Transport your Boat
5. Domestic
6. International

What is the Military Boat Shipping?

Normal Military Members have little knowledge on military boat shipping in Government funded transports. The JFTR allows the transport of a boat, as long as the shipment’s cost does not exceed that of a transport of a HHG with the same weight. Also, boats are shipped under an OTO rate (one time only) at commercial rates.

These rates normally surpass the one you’d normally pay for shipping a HHG of similar weight. In such cases, you may pay excess costs. The following information should be learned before transporting your boat at the expense of the Government:

• Take into consideration a PPM (personally procured move) for your military boat shipping. If you are transporting your boat between Alaska and the CONUS or within the CONUS itself, you can use PPM for your boat. The Government may award you a 95% incentive constructed cost (GCC) to transport it yourself (as much as your allowance’s remaining weight), fewer taxes and actual expenses. This incentive is determined by the weight of the boat which must not surpass the max weight allowance afforded by the Government. With this program, you can ship your boat at the expense of the government and even make money for it.
• Arrange the move yourself. If you don’t go with PPM, you can arrange the shipment yourself with a professional military boat shipping company. You will also receive reimbursement for it, but without surpassing the GGC to transport the same HHG weight. Before arranging the shipment yourself, ask your TO for instructions. Most often, members reduce or avoid extra costs using this method.

Similar to PPM transport, you should still have remaining weight in your allowance to be eligible for reimbursement. Boats may be shipped overseas while respecting the restrictions of the host country or within the CONUS. When referring to boats, we are implying skiffs, canoes, kayaks, sculls, light rowboats, dinghies, sail boats and other similar vessels. In preparation for its shipping, ensure the motor and vessel are properly strapped / fastened to the trailer.

Transporting your Boat Trailer

You must possess a valid license for the trailer. If licenses are not mandatory in the state of origin, a transit permit at your expense is a valid alternative. The following are safety standards for trailers to take note of before transporting your trailer.

• Your trailer must have proper brakes, wiring and lights.
• It must possess proper hubs and tires with good bearings and lubrication.
• The frame of the trailer must not be broken, twisted or bent.

Your Responsibilities

Make sure your vessel is ready for military boat shipping, so you don’t attract unnecessary charges.

Charges for accessorial services must be paid, including handling costs, crating and packing. The difference between Government cost for shipping a similarly weighing HHG and the special rates for boats are included as well.

Pilferable articles, such as televisions, clothing, skis, etc. should be removed. Remove or lower masts, antennas, outriggers and trolling / fishing poles.

Make sure your boat is prepared for the shipping company’s pickup on the date you’ve both agreed on. If you’re missing on the pickup day, you may be charged for attempted pickup and have to pay additional costs.

Ways to Transport your Boat

Domestic:

All boats smaller than 14 feet in length with no trailer, as well as sculls and dinghies of all sizes can be shipped with your HHG transport as HHG. If your boat is more than 14 feet long, or smaller but with a trailer, you may move it as a different HHG transport. Such shipments can be arranged by your TO. PPM covers sailing the vessel yourself or the cost of hiring a professional company.

International:

All trailers and boats small enough to fit in a normal overseas container, as well small boats like rowboats, kayaks and canoes can be transported with your HHG. Personal watercrafts, boats, etc., which cannot fit in a normal overseas container can be moved with your HHG, but different rates may be added using the OTO program. PPM once again covers both sailing the vessel yourself as well as hiring a professional military boat shipping company.

If you use a boat as a principal residence, there are 2 ways for you to move it:

• To / from Alaska, as well as within the CONUS, you may sail your vessel alone and recover the shipment costs, according to the limitations of the 5’th chapter of the JFTR, or the mileage rate for automobiles from the 2’nd chapter of the JFTR. Your allowances for transportation and travel may be limited.
• Ask the Government to arrange your military boat shipping. This way, the Government will pay the equivalent of shipping HHG of the same weight as long as it doesn’t surpass the max. weight allowance for HHG. If you move the boat you live in as a principal residence, you may not receive authorization for a different HHG shipment. Transporting your boat as a residence must respect the same regulations and rules as transporting a mobile home. The rule which restricts transport to areas not inside the CONUS or Alaska is also equivalent to that for transporting a mobile home. For more information, visit your local transportation office.