Shipping Car from Hawaii to Mainland for Military PCS Moves

One of the main reasons that vehicles are shipped out from the mainland to Hawaii is for the military. Members of the Navy are often placed at a base in Hawaii, and when that happens, it’s nice to have a personal vehicle during the time spent in Hawaii. For this reason, it’s essential to find out what services are available, whether the Navy will cover hauling costs for vehicle shipping from Hawaii, and what sort of wait times there are when transporting a vehicle for military personnel.

Understanding Military Shipping Entitlements

Active-duty service members with Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders are typically entitled to have one privately owned vehicle (POV) shipped at government expense. This benefit is governed by the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR). However, if you plan to ship additional vehicles or if your situation falls outside standard PCS orders, you may need to cover the costs yourself. In such cases, many shipping companies offer military discounts to help offset expenses.

Cost Factors for Shipping a Vehicle

Shipping a car from Hawaii to the mainland generally ranges between $1,200 and $2,000. Several factors influence this pricing, including:

• Shipping Method: Open transport is typically less expensive than enclosed transport.
• Vehicle Size and Weight: Larger or heavier vehicles may incur higher fees.
• Distance Between Ports: Longer distances between the origin and destination ports can increase costs.
• Seasonal Demand: Peak moving seasons may lead to higher prices due to increased demand.

Obtaining quotes from multiple shipping companies to compare services and pricing is advisable.

Does the Navy cover Vehicle Transportation?

Yes and no. If you’re enlisted in the Navy and are sent to Hawaii to serve, the military will cover the cost of shipping a single car to that location. This is enough for many sailors, but not always for military members with a family. While a single sailor would be happy to have one car for personal use around the island, a family would likely want two vehicles for driving purposes. If that’s the case, the second vehicle would have to be paid for out of pocket because the Navy will only cover the shipping cost for one vehicle per sailor.

How Long Does Car Shipping from Hawaii to Mainland Take?

When shipping a car from Hawaii to the mainland, the journey typically takes between 5 and 8 days, depending on the destination and the shipping service you choose. The time frame varies, so confirming specific delivery schedules with the car shipping company is essential, mainly if you cover the cost yourself. Different providers may offer other shipping times, so compare your options to ensure the best fit for your timeline.

What Are the Costs for Military Car Shipping?

Shipping a car from Hawaii to the mainland is usually cost-effective for military members. Active-duty personnel often find themselves stationed near Hawaii ports, making car shipping for military personnel easier and faster. Most military auto transport services will bring the vehicle to a nearby port, simplifying getting it to its final destination.

Whether you're shipping one motorcar or multiple vehicles, military car shipment remains an affordable and practical solution for personal transportation.

With over 20 years of experience in military car shipping, we've simplified the process for active and retired personnel. Just fill out our quick and easy quote form on this page to get started. We’ll take care of the rest, ensuring your vehicle is delivered efficiently from Hawaii to the mainland.

Military Car Shipping: Where To Start And Who Qualifies

When you're facing a PCS move, there's already a lot to juggle: packing, planning, and saying goodbye to paradise. At A1 Auto Transport, we’re here to take one big thing off your plate: getting your vehicle safely and efficiently from Hawaii to the mainland. We’ve been handling military car shipping for decades and understand the unique needs of serving in the armed forces. Whether stationed in Honolulu or Kaneohe Bay, we’re ready to help you ship your car from Hawaii to the mainland without the stress.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Shipment

Proper preparation of your vehicle ensures a smooth shipping process:

• Clean Your Vehicle: A clean car allows for a more accurate inspection and documentation of its condition.
• Remove Personal Items: Shipping companies typically prohibit personal belongings inside the vehicle during transport.
• Check for Leaks and Mechanical Issues: Ensure your vehicle is in good working condition to prevent complications during loading and unloading.
• Maintain Low Fuel Levels: Keep the gas tank no more than a quarter full to reduce weight and comply with safety regulations.

Additionally, gather necessary documentation, such as your military ID, PCS orders, vehicle registration, and any applicable lienholder authorization.

Who Qualifies For Military Car Shipment?

Most car shipping for the military is available to:

• Active-duty service members with PCS orders
• Those authorized to relocate a privately owned vehicle (POV)
• Occasionally, retired military personnel or reservists, depending on the circumstances

If your orders include a stateside relocation, you may be eligible to have one vehicle shipped at government expense. If you want to move to a second one, we can offer a discounted rate exclusive to service members. At A1 Auto Transport, our team knows the ins and outs of military auto transport. We’ve helped thousands of service members easily ship cars from Hawaii to the mainland.

What Do You Need To Get Started?

To move forward with your military car shipment, gather the following documents:

• A copy of your PCS orders
• Your military ID
• Vehicle registration
• Lienholder authorization (if applicable)

Once that’s ready, reach out to us for a free quote, no obligations, no pressure. As one of the top-rated military car movers in the country, A1 Auto Transport provides trusted car shipping services for military members across all branches. We also offer flexible pick-up options, port-to-port delivery, and secure tracking so you can monitor your vehicle every step. Whether you need to ship a car from Hawaii to the mainland or vice versa, we’ve got you covered.

Cheapest Way To Ship From Hawaii To Mainland For Military Families

Military moves come with enough surprises, and your car shipping bill shouldn’t be one of them. At A1 Auto Transport, we get that budgets matter, especially for families navigating a PCS move. That’s why we’re big on transparency and helping you find the cheapest way to ship from Hawaii to the mainland.

How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Car From Hawaii To The Mainland?

The cost to ship a car from Hawaii to the mainland depends on a few things:

• The distance between pickup/drop-off locations
• Whether you're using terminal-to-terminal or door-to-port service
• The type of transport (open vs. enclosed)
• The time of year and current demand

That said, most military families can expect to spend between $1,000 and $1,500 for a standard shipping car from Hawaii to the mainland. Of course, we’ll always give you a personalized quote so you know exactly what you're working with no guesswork needed.

Smart Ways To Save

Here’s how military families can cut back on costs without cutting corners:

• Choose terminal-to-terminal shipping: It’s usually the most budget-friendly option. You’ll drop the item off and pick it up at the port, reducing extra handling costs.
• Go with open transport: If your vehicle doesn’t need enclosed protection, open carriers are a safe and affordable option.
• Book early: Locking in a spot in advance helps avoid surge pricing, especially during busy PCS seasons.
• Ask about military discounts. At A1 Auto Transport, we proudly offer military car shipping at special rates for active-duty members and their families.

Military Vs. Civilian Pricing: What’s The Difference?

Military auto transport is often more affordable than standard civilian shipping, especially if the government covers one privately owned vehicle (POV). We work directly with military families for additional cars to provide custom discounts and flexible payment options. We’re proud to support those who serve. When it’s time to ship your vehicle from Hawaii to the mainland, you deserve a process that’s easy on your wallet and stress-free from start to finish.