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- How to Ship Cars Overseas for Military
- Vehicle Shipping Documentation
- Before shipping the vehicle
- Key Considerations for OCONUS POV Shipments
How to Ship Cars Overseas for Military
As an active serving military officer, after you get the PCS orders, you have the option of shipping your personal vehicle overseas. However, it is important that the POV or privately owned vehicle is authorized on the PCS orders.
Although the first POV is shipped overseas, to your new station of duty at government cost, you might need to pay import duties on the second vehicle. It is best to consult with an international shipping company like A1 Auto Transport service to get more details on the host country and related restrictions. If you intend shipping the vehicle on your own and alternate ports will be used, it is best to get the approvals from the military traffic management command (MTMC).
Vehicle Shipping Documentation
As with any import or export of vehicle overseas, there are plenty of documentations that are needed. When shipping cars overseas with the military, these are needed:
- Proof of POV shipping entitlement.
- Valid government/military ID.
- Submit the completed IAL Shipping Instruction Form
- Submit the vehicle registration and title deed. Vehicle must be in the name of the military service member.
- If there is a lien on the vehicle, lien holder authorization letter is needed.
It is essential that you provide a destination address, emergency contact details, and valid email address before the vehicle is shipped out.
Before shipping the vehicle
Though it isn’t cumbersome shipping cars overseas for a military, there are some key aspects that cannot be missed. Your vehicle must be operations with a fully functional parking brake. The windshield must not have any major cracks and there should be no oil/fuel leaks. This requires cleaning the vehicle before it is shipped. You need to remove all personal belongings, non-permanent accessories, apart from removing fire hazards like air conditioning gas, air fresheners, fuel and pressurized cans. The interiors need to be vacuum cleaned at least a week before it is shipped out. However, you are allowed to keep these items within the vehicle:
- Hand-tools below the value of $200.
- Car jacks, jumper cables, and spare tire.
- Baby car seats.
- Set of keys to be submitted- ignition/gas cap, wheel lock and door keys.
Before the vehicle is shipped out of USA, it will be inspected and documentation of the dents, damages and blemished will be completed. As the owner, you are required to sign the Form DD788 for inspection record. Only one POV can be shipped at government expense and it needs to be less than 20MT.
Key Considerations for OCONUS POV Shipments
When you are shipping cars overseas for military or Outside Continental United States (OCONUS), your vehicle needs to conform to the stringent guidelines as per the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Department of Transportation (DOT).
The Vehicle Emissions Control sticker needs to be inside the hood of the vehicle or you will need to get a Letter of Compliance from the EPA, after submitting the title and registration documents. Another essential requirement is the DOT sticker which has the vehicle identification number (VIN).
You can get further details contacting A1 Auto Transport services as we have shipped innumerable vehicles shipped for the active duty military and veterans.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 without you being there.
Sometimes. Individual service members are responsible for transporting a POV for CONUS moves. However, the military may pay for shipping costs in certain situations, such as medical or personal reasons or a short report-in date. Your local transportation office will have more details. For an OCONUS move, the military will pay to ship one POV within certain weight and size limits.
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.
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).
Having the following document ready will make for an easier vehicle shipping process:
- Private Vehicle Shipping Document: DD Form 788 (automobile), DD Form 788-1 (van), or DD Form 788-2 (motorcycle).
- Official Identification: A valid military ID or state-issued driver’s license.
- Lienholder Authorization: A letter from the finance or leasing company granting permission to relocate the vehicle.
- Power of Attorney: A notarized written authorization granting permission for someone other than the service member to pick up or drop off the vehicle at the vehicle processing center (VPC). This is not required for a spouse named in the PCS orders.
- Proof of Recall Repair: If your vehicle has been subject to a manufacturer’s recall, proof of the repair (for example, a dealer service record) is required.
- Proof of Ownership: Vehicle registration and, if applicable, the certificate of title.
- Emissions Certificate: As applicable, a copy of a state-issued emission inspection approval.
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.
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.
Yes! Honoring your service is the least we can do. A-1 Auto Transport is pleased to offer preferred pricing for active-duty personnel and veterans. Be sure to ask your customer service advisor for details.
In some cases, it may make sense to sell your car instead of shipping it. But, first, consider all the costs involved. Will you have to accept a lower price for a quick sale of your current car? For a new vehicle, what sales taxes and registration fees will you have to pay? Will you need a down payment for a new car loan? For CONUS moves, check with your local transportation office to see if you’re eligible for mileage and travel cost reimbursement for driving to your new permanent duty station.
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