Navigating a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) in the military often involves the task of relocating your privately owned vehicle (POV) to your new base. Fortunately, there are specialized car shipping companies well-versed in military relocation requirements, ready to assist in transporting your POV to your next station.
In this guide, we will provide a step-by-step overview of the military auto transport process. We will explore various options available for military relocations and outline the associated costs you can anticipate.
Summary
Military car shipment – What is there to know?
When military personnel receive orders to relocate to a new duty station, it often happens suddenly and can be quite inconvenient. In addition to the challenges of finding a new home, one of the tasks military families face is moving their privately owned vehicles (POVs) to the new address.
Driving the car to the new location is an option, but this might not always be practical, especially if reporting for duty takes precedence over completing the move. In such cases, using a professional auto transport company becomes a viable solution. These companies specialize in moving vehicles and can help ease the burden of relocating, allowing military personnel to focus on settling into their new assignments.
How does the process work?
As an active member of the military you might be entitled to additional options and discounts for your military car move. Let’s take a look into the possible steps to determine what is the best way to ship your vehicle to your new permanent duty station.
To start the process of moving your vehicle during a military relocation, you must first receive your official relocation orders. Once you know your destination, consult the Transportation Office counselors (TOs) to understand what benefits you might be eligible for.
If your transfer is taking you outside the continental United States (OCONUS), the government will cover the cost of transporting your vehicle. However, if you are moving to another military base within the continental United States (CONUS), you’ll be responsible for the expenses related to shipping your privately owned vehicle.
Once you have your orders, gather the following essential information:
- Vehicle Details: Provide specifics about your vehicle, including the year, make, model, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), and proof that it is operational.
- Proof of Vehicle Ownership: Ensure you have the necessary documents proving your ownership, such as vehicle registration or title.
- Car Insurance Records: Gather records related to your car insurance policy.
- Identification: Keep a copy of your driver’s license or passport handy.
Having this information readily available will help you with the process of arranging for the transportation of your vehicle during your military Permanent Change of Station relocation.
We advise you to check if you are entitled for a reimbursement for you car shipping costs. To receive reimbursement for shipping your privately owned vehicle within the continental United States during your military relocation, there are specific eligibility criteria you must meet:
- Marital Status: Both drivers must be married to each other. The Department of Defense mandates that two drivers are necessary, and they must be a married couple.
- Multiple Vehicles: You must own and transport two or more privately owned vehicles to qualify for military PCS vehicle shipping reimbursements within the CONUS.
- Travel Together: During the move, all family members must travel together in the same vehicle; flying separately is not permitted.
By meeting these requirements, you can make the most of the government’s allocated funds for your Permanent Change of Station and ensure reimbursement for shipping your vehicles.
If you meet the criteria for funding, the government will take care of all the arrangements and planning for transporting your vehicle. However, if you don’t qualify, you’ll need to find a specialized military car transport company yourself. Fortunately, many car shipping companies cater to military personnel, with options like Navi Auto Transport offering discounts to service members.
To find the right car transport service, explore various companies’ websites and use their online tools or shipping calculators to obtain free quotes. By comparing these quotes, you can make an informed decision about which provider best suits your needs.
What is the cost for your military car transport?
Determining the precise cost of military car shipping can be challenging due to fluctuating rates affected by various factors. Fortunately, many companies offer online tools where you can input details about your vehicle and shipping requirements to obtain accurate car shipping quotes.
To provide an estimate, here’s an approximate cost per mile for shipping a car with Navi Auto Transport:
| Shipping Distance | Price per Mile (Range) |
|---|---|
| 0 to 500 miles | $1.22 to $2.45 |
| 500 to 1,000 miles | $0.90 to $1.45 |
| 1,000 to 1,500 miles | $0.68 to $1.18 |
| 1,500 to 2,000 miles | $0.59 to $0.99 |
| 2,000 to 2,500 miles | $0.55 to $0.81 |
| 2,500+ miles | $0.47 to $0.75 |
Typically, the longer the shipping distance, the lower the cost per mile. However, various factors such as shipment specifics and market conditions can influence the final price:
- Time of Year: Car shipping demand peaks during summer and January due to high PCS moves, making shipping more expensive during these periods.
- Vehicle Size: Larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks cost more to ship than smaller sedans or compact cars.
- Time Frame: Short-notice transports are significantly more expensive than those booked in advance, even though most companies offer expedited shipping options.
- Shipping Distance: Long-distance and cross-country shipments cost less per mile but more overall than shorter-distance transports.
- Delivery Method: Terminal-to-terminal delivery, where pickup and drop-off occur at centralized locations, is cheaper than door-to-door shipping, especially in major cities.
- Transport Type: Enclosed auto transport, offering more protection, is pricier than Open car transport.
- Gas Prices: Increases in fuel costs lead to higher car shipping expenses.
Choose Navi Auto Transport for you military car shipment
Navi Auto Transport stands out in the auto transport industry with an exceptional reputation. We proudly hold an A+ and maintain an outstanding average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars in customer reviews.
Our commitment to serving the military community includes providing stress-free auto shipping services, made even more affordable with our exclusive military discount.
At Navi Auto Transport, we offer a unique assurance that you are not going to have any additional costs on top of your rate., we do not have any hidden fees or charges of any sort. This ensures a smooth transport experience and preserves your peace of mind throughout the process. Contact our sales representatives today at 302-205-2271 or get a free car shipping quote from our AI online calculator.
