When it comes to military personnel and their vehicle needs, questions often arise like "Will the military ship my car stateside?" The direct answer is yes - the military does offer a Personal Procured Move (PPM) program that includes shipping privately owned vehicles for service members who receive Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders. However, certain conditions apply and there are limitations you need to be aware of. This article will provide an in-depth examination of military car shipping services, costs, and what military members can expect when they need to move their vehicle.
Understanding the Military's Personal Procured Move (PPM) Program
The PPM program is a special provision provided by the military to facilitate the movement of military members' goods, including their privately owned vehicles, during a PCS move. A military car shipping company is typically involved in the process, ensuring the safe transportation of the vehicle from one station to another. This program is designed to ease the transition for military personnel, reducing the burden of moving and allowing them to focus on their assignments. While the PPM program offers many benefits, it's important to understand its application and who can take advantage of it. Specifically, the PPM program applies to active-duty military members who are undergoing a PCS move.
Conditions for Shipping Your Privately Owned Vehicle Stateside
While the PPM program provides for car shipping, it's not as simple as making a request. There are specific conditions under which your vehicle would be eligible for shipment stateside. first of all, the service member must be relocating due to PCS orders. Secondly, the vehicle being shipped must be a privately owned vehicle. Additionally, the military car shipping costs are covered based on the weight of the vehicle and the distance of the move. Be sure to check with your transport office to understand the specific limitations and conditions that may apply to your situation.
The Process of Shipping Your Car Stateside
Embarking on the process of military PCS vehicle shipping can seem daunting, but understanding the steps involved can make it more manageable. first of all, ensure you have your PCS orders and all necessary documentation for your vehicle. Next, reach out to a reputable military car shipping company for a quote and schedule your vehicle for pickup. The company will inspect your vehicle, load it onto the transport, and begin the journey stateside. You'll be provided with tracking information so you can monitor the progress of your shipment. Upon arrival at the destination, your vehicle will be inspected again before being released to you. It should be pointed out that while the military covers some costs, you may be responsible for certain charges, so always check with your military transport office and the shipping company for detailed information.
Choosing the Right Military Car Shipping Company
When it comes to car shipping for military personnel, finding the right auto transport company is crucial. Look for a company that specializes in military car shipping, as they'll have a deeper understanding of the unique needs and challenges of military moves. Check their reputation online and ask for testimonials from other service members. Most importantly, ensure that they offer a military discount. Many auto shipping companies recognize the sacrifices made by our armed forces and offer military discounts as a small way of saying thank you.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Shipment
Before your vehicle is picked up by the military auto transport company, there are several steps you should take to ensure a smooth process. in the first place, remove all personal items from your car. The military only allows for the shipment of one privately owned vehicle, so any additional items could lead to extra costs or complications. Secondly, ensure your car is in good working order. If there are any mechanical issues, these should be addressed prior to shipping. Lastly, document the condition of your car through photos or video. This will be useful in the unlikely event of any damage during transport.
Arriving at Your New Duty Station
Upon arriving at your new duty station, you'll need to collect your vehicle from the designated pick-up location. Be sure to inspect your vehicle thoroughly for any potential damage that may have occurred during transport. If everything is in order, you can then proceed to register your vehicle at your new duty station. Remember, while the military car transport process can be complex, it's designed to alleviate some of the stress of relocating, allowing you to focus on settling into your new home and duties.
Call to Action
If you're a military member preparing for a PCS move and need to ship your vehicle stateside, don't hesitate. Reach out to reputable auto shipping companies that specialize in military car shipping. Make sure to ask about their military discounts and services tailored specifically for service members like you. Remember, when it comes to moving to a new duty station, you have enough on your plate. Let the professionals handle the logistics of getting your vehicle safely to your new home. You've dedicated yourself to serving our country. Now let us serve you.