Military relocations disrupt just about everything in your life–they uproot you, your family, your home and everything in it. Moving is stressful enough, and the last thing you want when you arrive at your duty station is to be stranded without a car.
Most PCS moves are long distance, so there’s a chance you won’t want to make the drive yourself or you simply won’t have the time. They could also take even longer if your destination is somewhere overseas like Alaska or Hawaii. When you get your PCS orders, you can contact an auto transport expert like Montway and we’ll work with you to meet your target delivery date.
Timing is everything when it comes to shipments like these. That’s why our first tip for any military move is to plan ahead and act early. The sooner you get your car shipment scheduled, the easier it will be to get your vehicle delivered on time. But that’s not the only thing you need to know about shipping your car in the military. For more insights into PCSing with a vehicle, keep reading.
The cost of shipping a car while in the military
Everyone knows moving has the potential to be expensive. Fortunately, if you’re an active military member being relocated for PCS orders, the government will typically cover the cost of one vehicle move, so if you and your family need to move your vehicle you won’t have to pay out of pocket. Additional vehicles are generally not covered by the government, but they’re still eligible for a military discount. To get an idea of how much it will cost to ship your car, read more, and remember to ask your vehicle shipping specialist about your military discount. You’ll still go through the process of arranging your car shipment through a moving service or broker, but in the end you’ll be reimbursed for the cost of the move if it is approved by the military. If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to arranging your shipment, read this guide on how to select the best car shipping company.
Keep in mind that the car shipping company doesn’t work directly with the military. It’s up to the vehicle owner to arrange the shipment and then submit the quote to their government contact for approval and reimbursement.
Preparing for your POV shipment
Despite the unique circumstances that being in the military poses in other aspects of life, the requirements to ship your vehicle are essentially the same as any other move. This simple checklist will help you prepare your vehicle before it gets shipped to your new station.
✔ Clean your vehicle inside and out
✔ Inspect for scratches, dents or damage
✔ Remove valuable items and personal belongings
✔ Repair any leaks or mechanical problems
✔ Reduce gas to a quarter tank
For more information, read these steps to prepare your car for shipping.
In addition to these checklist items, certain states will have special requirements for shipping your car. If you’re an active military member, be sure to have your military ID ready when you speak to Montway about transporting your vehicle.
Start planning early
Timing is critical to planning a smooth relocation and Montway is here to help make your military move stress-free. The easiest way to do that is by arranging shipment as far in advance as possible. It’s always smart to add a few days of buffer time to your schedule for the unexpected. Refer to our transit guide for an estimate on how long you can expect your car shipments to take.
Arrange your shipment
Relocating for any reason can be stressful and overwhelming, but working with an auto transport broker can help make the process easier. If you’re PCSing and need to ship your vehicle, reach out to the experts at Montway to set up your shipment. A professional auto moving service can save you time and money while giving you the peace of mind that your POV will arrive safely at its new location.
Montway has earned its reputation as one of the top auto transport companies in the industry, moving nearly 200,000 vehicles in 2021. Over 60,000 customer reviews speak to our reliability and skills to move your car, truck, SUV or specialty vehicle. Call 888-666-8929 to speak with a vehicle shipping advisor, or visit us online for a free instant quote.
