Soldier Car Transport

1. Soldier Car Transport – Understanding Your Options After A Permanent Change Of Station
2. Can I Ship A Car As Part Of My Permanent Change Of Station?
3. What Other Allowances Are Included As Part of A Permanent Change Of Station (PCS)?
4. What Should I Do If I Can’t Bring My Car With Me As Part Of My PCS?
5. Need Soldier Car Transport Services? Contact A-1 Auto Transport

Soldier Car Transport – Understanding Your Options After A Permanent Change Of Station

If you are a soldier and are moving due to a permanent change of station (PCS), you may be wondering what you can do with your car. Can you ship it to your new station, or have it sent to a storage location as part of your allowances for your PCS? Get all the details you need in this guide.

Can I Ship A Car As Part Of My Permanent Change Of Station?

The answer is usually “yes,” but it depends on your post. You will be authorized to ship your personal belongings from one duty station to another – but there are limits based on your rank, family status, and the location of your new orders.

For example, if you are a highly-ranked officer, have a family and are moving across the US from Fort Benning, GA to Fort Bliss, TX, you may be given the option to ship your family car as part of your household goods, so that it can be used in your new post.

However, if you are single, an enlisted soldier, and you are being sent to a base overseas, such as in Germany, you may not be allowed to bring your car – as you may not need a vehicle, and it will be more expensive to ship the car.

You can learn more about the allowances that may be included in your PCS here, or you can consult with the officer responsible for issuing your PCS for more details.

What Other Allowances Are Included As Part of A Permanent Change Of Station (PCS)?

Beyond being able to ship your car, you will receive allowances that provide you and your family with benefits that will help streamline the transition to a new station and position. This includes covering personal & dependent travel costs, shipping household goods, dislocation allowances, and temporary lodging reimbursement.

• Personal & dependent travel – Depending on your situation, you may directly receive tickets for transportation (such as air or rail), or money to travel using your privately-owned vehicle (POV). You and your dependents will also receive a “per diem” allowance to cover the cost of lodging and meals for the number of authorized travel days between each location.
• Shipping household goods – Subject to weight/size limits that vary based on rank and family status, you will be allowed to send your household goods and possessions to your new duty station free of charge.
• Dislocation allowances – Dislocation allowances are intended to partially reimburse you for the costs of moving your household due to a PCS, and the amount you receive will vary based on a number of factors.
• Temporary lodging reimbursement – If you must live in a hotel or another place temporarily while house hunting or otherwise securing long-term lodgings near your new post, the government will partially reimburse you through a Temporary Lodging Expense or Temporary Lodging Allowance.

In addition to all of these benefits, members of the military are able to write off most moving expenses that are not reimbursed on their taxes. If you are moving due to a PCS or even a temporary change of station, make sure that you save all receipts and bills related to the process of moving – and deduct them on your taxes to save on your yearly tax bill.

What Should I Do If I Can’t Bring My Car With Me As Part Of My PCS?

You may still need soldier car transport services. If you have a long-term PCS and you will not be able to take your car with you, it may be a good idea to ship it to storage, to a family member, or to a buyer.

If you are not able to bring your car – either as part of your PCS allowances or even if you pay for the shipment yourself – it’s a good idea to store the vehicle for future use, or to let a family member take care of the car.
You may even want to consider selling the car, since if you have a multi-year post, it may lose a lot of value during the time you’re stationed at your new post. Selling it and saving the money may be a better financial option.

Need Soldier Car Transport Services? Contact A-1 Auto Transport

We have helped many military service members ship their vehicles as part of temporary and permanent changes of station. If you require soldier car transport services, A-1 Auto Transport is here to help. Contact us online to learn more about our rates, or call us at (888) 230-9116 for more information.