Does military pay for car shipping?

The military does provide support for car shipping, typically covering the transport costs of one privately owned vehicle (POV) for service members when relocating from a base outside the contiguous U.S. to a continental base and vice versa, as part of the extensive benefits offered to military personnel.

Transportation, specifically transportation in vehicles, is a significant benefit provided to military personnel. This advantage is essential to their job because it enables them to move and deploy seamlessly across various locations. This organized mode of moving significantly contributes to a more efficient and effective defense system because it is responsible for a sizeable portion of the overall effectiveness of the armed forces.

Eligibility Criteria for Military-Sponsored Vehicle Transport

To avail of Military-Sponsored Vehicle Shipping, one must meet certain eligibility criteria. First and foremost, active U.S. Armed Forces members, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and National Guard, are typically the primary beneficiaries. Dependents with the necessary permissions outlined in the service member's orders and Department of Defense civilians can qualify for military vehicle relocation benefits under certain circumstances.

However, it is critical to note that guidelines and specifics can vary based on individual service branches. While the number of vehicles eligible for transportation may differ, a common stipulation across the branches is that vehicles should be privately owned and meant for personal use. The vehicle must also meet Department of Defense legal and safety regulations standards. An integral part of eligibility pertains to the official orders; the reason for the move should be a Permanent Change of Station (PCS), Temporary Duty (TDY), or Temporary Additional Duty (TAD).

The Process of Military-Sponsored Vehicle Shipping

A few steps are involved in the logistics process before the transaction can be initiated in military-sponsored vehicle shipping. First, individuals must apply along with information such as their orders for Permanent Change of Station (PCS) and vehicle registration. During the verification process, it is necessary to have all of this information to decide whether or not the service member is qualified to receive the transportation benefit.

A provisional shipping date will be provided after the application has been reviewed and approved. After that, the service member is responsible for preparing the vehicle for shipment by removing all their personal belongings and ensuring that it only has the minimum fuel. After that, the vehicle is delivered to a vehicle processing center (VPC), where it undergoes a comprehensive examination to determine whether or not any preexisting damages have occurred and is then loaded onto a vessel in preparation for transport.