We all know the U.S. military and its five branches (Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard) have their own language, as we do in the transportation industry (Please refer to our Index of Car Shipping Terminology). So, to understand each other when we talk about military car shipping, let’s review the armed forces’ basic glossary on the topic:
PCS: Permanent Change of Station
PDS: Permanent Duty Station
POV: Privately owned vehicle
TO: Transportation Office
CONUS: Continental United States
DEFINITION OF MILITARY CAR SHIPPING
Relocation of vehicles owned or leased by members of the military retired or on active duty; it also refers to shipping any kind of military vehicle (Military jeeps, Humvees, surplus or deactivated tanks, etc.)
HOW IT WORKS
Active members of the military are often transferred or deployed; when a PCS is received, and once all the new military assignment specifics are known, the POV shipping arrangements may initiate:
MILITARY CAR SHIPPING STEP BY STEP
STEP 1: Once you receive your PCS, find out if you qualify for POV entitlements for CONUS funding and if so, get your orders and coordinate details with your TO.
STEP 2: Book your shipping with M&M VEHICLE TRANSPORT. One of our agents will be glad to give you a quote and clear up all inquiries you may have. Select the best transport option for your vehicle (Enclosed or open) and instruct our representative whether you´ll be needing our Expedite Service (premium) to meet the deadline you need to report at your PDS or our regular service, in case you decide to designate someone to release and/or accept delivery of your vehicle.
STEP 3: Coordinate with the Base Commander if your POV can be picked up and delivered at the base (Door-to-Door); if not, locate a place nearby to meet our truck driver, as close as possible to the entrance of the base. You will be notified by him hours ahead of when your car is to be picked up as well as delivered, so you can make arrangements.
THE COST OF SHIPPING YOUR MILITARY CAR
It depends on many factors, such as:
- Distance
- Route
- Time of the year
- Vehicle´s model, make, and condition
- Type of trailer: Open or Enclosed
- Expedited (Premium) or regular service
M&M VEHICLE TRANSPORT RECOMMENDATIONS
-Be prepared to pay more for modified vehicles, as they often require additional space, equipment, and effort. Our Expedited (Premium Service) has also an extra cost.
–Have your vehicle shipped prior to deployment to avoid last-minute rushes.
-Keep your papers, orders, and certificates up to date and at hand during the shipping process.
-Remember to remove any personal items, chips, and accessories before shipping, as they are not covered by insurance.
