- Overview of Military Car Shipping
- Get Familiar with the Military Jargon
- Types of Military Vehicles That Are Regularly Transported
- Privately owned vehicles (POVs)
- Tanks
- Armored personnel carriers (APCs)
- Military jeeps
- Humvees
- Infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs)
- Other vehicles
- How Much Does Military Transportation Cost?
- The type of vehicle you are shipping
- The distance being shipped
- The method of transport
- Additional services
- What Happens When You Don't Qualify for Government Funding?
- Contact A-1 Auto Transport Today
Members of the military are no strangers to moving around. But, while moving your family and stuff can be stressful, transporting your military vehicles is another ballgame.
This type of shipping is often used when military members are relocating for a new assignment or returning home from deployment.
Are you having difficulties with PCS shipping? We understand that military personnel has unique needs when transporting their vehicles, and we are here to help.
This article provides information on what types of military vehicles are regularly transported in the USA and worldwide.
Overview of Military Car Shipping
Military car shipping is a specialized service for active military members who must have their privately owned vehicle (POV) shipped due to a transfer or deployment.
During summer, military personnel is often called to relocate to new bases and duty stations, increasing military car shipping. The most popular military relocation methods are personally procured moves (PPM) and do-it-yourself moves (DIYM).
PPMs mandate that military members take care of every aspect, including arranging car transfers and returning their vehicles to the closest VPC.
The government-issued transport company can cover the cost of one POV transport for military members. As a result, PPM might be better for specific services, such as guaranteed pickup dates or dropoff locations.
Meanwhile, DIYM allows military personnel to pack and move their belongings themselves, and the Government will reimburse them for the cost of the move.
Get Familiar with the Military Jargon
Before we discuss this further, there are a few acronyms you should be aware with:
- CONUS: Continental United States
- OCONUS: Outside Continental United States
- PCS: Permanent Change of Station
- PDS: Permanent Duty Station
- POV: Privately Owned Vehicle
- TO: Transportation Office
- VPC: Vehicle Processing Center
Now, let's look at the types of military vehicles regularly transported.
Types of Military Vehicles That Are Regularly Transported
We start with POVs, but other military vehicles also get transported. So let's go through them one by one.
Privately owned vehicles (POVs)
Privately owned vehicles (POVs) are privately owned cars, trucks, and motorcycles used by military personnel for personal transportation.
If you get a PCS order, the Government may pay for one POV to be shipped, and there are two options available: storing the vehicle or shipping. Note that a marriage certificate may be necessary to prove that the military member owns the car.
These combinations of vehicles are usually transported by air, sea, or land, depending on the mission requirements.
Furthermore, some military aircraft, such as helicopters, can transport smaller vehicles, such as jeeps or light utility trucks.
Tanks
Tanks are large, heavily armored combat vehicles used by the military. Tanks can be used for various purposes, including combat, reconnaissance, and transportation.
You can even move tanks around. They are mostly shipped to battle zones. They can be transported via air freight or overland transport. Tanks must be carefully loaded onto flatbed trucks or railcars To ensure their safe transport.
Armored personnel carriers (APCs)
Armored personnel carriers (APCs) are military vehicles that transport troops and supplies in combat zones. Although APCs are smaller than tanks, they still protect from enemy fire.
In addition, they are typically equipped with armor plating, gun turrets, and other features that make them suitable for use in hostile environments.
Military jeeps
Rough terrains necessitate the use of military jeeps. Although they are considered small, these four-wheel drive vehicles are regularly used to transport personnel and supplies.
Humvees
A humvee is a four-wheel-drive, high-mobility multipurpose vehicle (HMMWV). Like jeeps, humvees are designed to be able to traverse difficult terrain and can be equipped with various weapons systems.
Infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs)
IFVs are typically used to transport troops and provide fire support during combat operations.
Other vehicles
Other military vehicles that the military can transport include:
- Self-propelled artillery
- Lightweight tactical all-terrain vehicle
- Armored security vehicle
- Amphibious vehicles
- Medium tactical vehicle replacement
How Much Does Military Transportation Cost?
Several things affect how much it will cost to ship your POV. Among them are:
The type of vehicle you are shipping
Different types of military vehicles require different types of transportation, and the cost can vary depending on the size and weight of the vehicle. Commonly transported military vehicles include Humvees, tanks, armored personnel carriers, jeeps, and other heavy-duty equipment.
The distance being shipped
Longer distances will typically cost more than shorter ones due to fuel costs and other associated expenses.
The method of transport
Depending on the size and weight of your vehicle, it may be transported by land or sea. Land transport is usually cheaper but slower than sea transport.
Additional services
If you need additional services such as insurance or special handling for your vehicle, this will add to the overall cost of shipping your POV.
It is important to research the policies of auto transport companies before attempting to ship a vehicle, as some may not allow personal items or household goods in a vehicle.
The best way to get an accurate estimate for shipping your POV is to contact a professional auto transport company specializing in military vehicle shipping services. They can provide you with a detailed quote based on all the abovementioned factors.
What Happens When You Don't Qualify for Government Funding?
For people eligible for government help, the military will take care of all the details. For everyone else, you have to pay for it yourself and find a military auto transport company on your own.
When it comes to finding the best car shipping company for your needs, there are several factors to consider.
First, you'll want to ensure they have experience with military vehicle transport and a good reputation among customers.
Then, look for companies that offer competitive rates and flexible payment options.
Finally, read reviews from other customers who have used their services before making your decision.
Once you've found a reliable provider, you can get free, no-obligation quotes from them and begin having your vehicle shipped safely and securely.
Contact A-1 Auto Transport Today
A-1 Auto Transport specializes in safely and securely transporting military vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, ATVs, and boats.
Years of service give us the experience and expertise to safely transport military vehicles both within the United States and internationally, as well as in Hawaii and Alaska.
We are honored to provide our military and veteran clients with the utmost care. From discounts to special services, we are here to make your move as easy as possible.
Contact us today for more information on our military vehicle shipping services.