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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ship my motorcycle as part of my household goods during a military PCS move?
In many PCS situations, a motorcycle can be shipped with your household goods, but this varies by branch and destination. Overseas assignments often require the bike to ship separately because of host-nation import rules and annual inspection requirements. Before packing, confirm whether your gaining installation limits vehicle imports or requires advance customs paperwork. If the motorcycle cannot be included in HHG, most service members use a professional carrier familiar with PCS timelines and base access rules. For an overview of transport methods and planning steps, see A-1’s motorcycle shipping guide.
What documentation is required to ship my motorcycle during a military relocation?
You’ll need current PCS orders, motorcycle registration or title, and a valid DoD or military ID at a minimum. Carriers may also request a power of attorney if someone else will release the bike, plus base-access information when picking up or delivering on-installation. For OCONUS moves, customs forms, EPA/DOT import declarations, and proof of ownership for at least six months may be required depending on the country. Keeping all documents in a single folder ensures inspections and port processing run smoothly. Review typical forms and steps in A-1’s international motorcycle shipping guide.
Are there specific insurance requirements for shipping my motorcycle as military personnel?
Most carriers include basic liability coverage, but it only protects against carrier negligence, not external hazards or high-value losses. Many military riders choose to add comprehensive cargo coverage, especially for bikes valued above $10,000 or for OCONUS shipments involving multiple handoffs at ports. Check whether your current motorcycle policy extends during transit; some insurers treat PCS relocations differently. If the bike ships crated or via enclosed transport, verify that the carrier’s insurance explicitly covers those methods. See common coverage options in our motorcycle FAQ.
How long does it take to ship a motorcycle during a military PCS move?
Domestic PCS motorcycle shipments typically take 3–7 days, depending on distance, weather, and available routes near your base. Remote installations or pickup locations that require base escorts may add a day. International transit can take 10–30 days, and some overseas duty stations experience longer port processing due to customs or agricultural inspections. Planning at least three weeks ahead gives you the best chance of aligning delivery with report-date requirements. Compare timeframes using our interstate motorcycle shipping resource.
How much does military motorcycle shipping cost during a PCS?
Most military motorcycle shipments cost $400–$1,000 domestically and $1,200–$2,200+ for overseas moves, depending on distance, bike size, and shipping method. Enclosed carriers and crated shipments generally sit on the higher end, while open carriers offer budget-friendly options for stateside PCS moves. Seasonal demand near major bases, especially the summer PCS season, can shift pricing by 10–20%. To compare real-time options, use A-1’s motorcycle shipping cost calculator.
Does the military pay to ship my motorcycle during a PCS move?
The U.S. military does not routinely cover motorcycle shipping as part of a standard PCS allowance. Only one POV is typically authorized for OCONUS moves, and motorcycles usually do not qualify as that POV unless the gaining command makes a rare exception. Some service members receive partial reimbursement if the motorcycle is included in HHG weight, but this isn’t available for every assignment. Because reimbursement rules differ by branch and destination, most riders budget for independent transport using a carrier experienced with PCS timelines.
What is the cheapest way for military personnel to ship a motorcycle?
The most affordable method is usually open-carrier transport, especially between major military hubs where carriers run frequent routes. Booking 30–45 days ahead helps avoid peak PCS surcharges, and shipping from an off-base location can reduce access-related fees. Crating the bike yourself is another cost saver for overseas moves, since port agents often charge extra for on-site crating. You can also look for seasonal promos on A-1’s specials page.
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