Military Motorcycle Shipping Made Simple and Secure

Military Motorcycle Shipping

Questions asked by soldiers relocated to a new area often include military motorcycle shipping or transporting other personally owned vehicles. Every branch of this service has identical criteria for a person to be granted permission to ship a motorcycle to a new area. Personally owned vehicles (POV’s) may be sent with the help of your Transportation Officer.

Valuable information regarding this topic can be received from your state’s Motor Vehicle Department. You may find information regarding necessary licenses, license plates, and insurance through these resources. You can also ask the MVD for a driver’s manual or a brochure.

Things to Keep in Mind

You can ship one motorcycle overseas at the government's expense if you or a family member does it. However, it must be for the strict personal use of the family member or yourself. To transport a second military motorcycle, contact the Transportation Office and inquire about potential restrictions.

On the second personally owned vehicle, you may have to pay a duty tax for its importation. A motorcycle is considered a POV when shipped by a family member only if the person has not previously shipped another four-wheeled vehicle based on the same military orders. Also, you can proceed with the army motorcycle shipping with a lease of 12 months or longer by first getting written permission from the company that leased it.

The motorcycle should arrive at the port before your departure. If no personally owned vehicle has been shipped on your orders, you must obtain authorizations for dependent travel.

Family members must remain on tour overseas for at least 12 months when the military motorcycle arrives at its loading port. A military spouse can send a bike to the port if they’ve obtained a Special Power of Attorney.

Understanding Eligibility and Entitlements for Military Motorcycle Shipping

When preparing for a Permanent Change of Station (PCS), it's essential to understand the entitlements related to shipping your motorcycle. Typically, service members are authorized to ship one Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) at government expense, which can include a bike if no other vehicle is being shipped under the same orders. However, shipping a second vehicle, such as an additional motorcycle, may require out-of-pocket expenses and could be subject to import duties, depending on the destination country's regulations. It's crucial to consult with your Transportation Office to understand the specific entitlements and potential costs of shipping multiple vehicles.

Preparing Your Motorcycle for Overseas Shipment

Proper preparation of your motorcycle is essential to ensure a smooth shipping process. Before delivery to the Vehicle Processing Center (VPC), ensure your bike is clean and free of personal items. The fuel tank should be no more than one-quarter full, and the battery should be disconnected to prevent electrical issues during transit. Additionally, you may need to provide specific documentation, such as proof of ownership and, if applicable, a Power of Attorney if someone else delivers the motorcycle on your behalf. These preparation steps can help prevent delays and ensure your bike arrives safely at your new duty station.

Before shipping a motorcycle, you must prepare accordingly. To prevent leaking while transporting it, drain its fluids, such as gasoline, coolant or engine oil. Release some air from its tires and remove or unplug the battery. This will help stabilize the bike and prevent electrical problems.

Usually, military motorcycle shipping is done with a tractor truck with 18 wheels and a trailer around 53 feet long. The truck’s length is around 80 feet, while its height is around 13 feet.

The streets around the area you are shipping your motorcycle must permit access to a truck of this size. Motorcycle transporting companies can bring a tractor to a dead-end street if there is enough space at the end to turn it around or if the street permits them to back away.

Suppose either the location you want to transport the motorcycle from or the one you want it to arrive at is not tractor-friendly. In that case, you can take your military bike to one of our distribution centers.

At the exchange point, the driver will note your military motorcycle’s condition. For security reasons, the owner must be present in person to sign the necessary paperwork. If he has agreed to a location and date over the phone but fails to be present, he may be subject to additional fees.

When engaging in military motorcycle shipping, prepare the forms beforehand in case you need to claim for damage or loss of your property. Buying more insurance is also advisable.

Navigating Storage Between Orders or Assignments

In cases where there's a gap between assignments or housing availability at your new duty station, temporary storage might be necessary. Some military motorcycle shipping companies offer storage solutions, but clarifying whether these services are included in your entitlements or billed separately is essential. Look for carriers that provide secure, climate-controlled storage if your bike needs to sit for an extended period.

Coordinating Drop-Off and Pickup Logistics

Military relocations often involve tight schedules and multiple moving pieces. To avoid complications, coordinate early with your motorcycle shipper and Vehicle Processing Center (VPC). Confirm drop-off and pickup windows and understand who can collect the motorcycle at your destination, especially if you’re not yet on base. Assigning a trusted contact or using a notarized authorization letter can ensure a smooth handoff when you can’t be there personally.

Common Delays and How to Plan Around Them

Shipping delays can happen, especially during peak PCS seasons or when moving to high-demand overseas bases. Weather, port congestion, and customs clearance are all common causes. To avoid last-minute stress, always build in buffer time when scheduling transport. Ask your shipping provider for estimated transit windows and stay updated with real-time tracking if available. Being proactive gives you more control and flexibility during your move.