POV Shipping During PCS: Complete Vehicle Transport Guide (CONUS & OCONUS)
Bottom Line Up Front: POV (Personally Owned Vehicle) shipping is authorized FREE for OCONUS PCS (Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, Asia). CONUS PCS = you drive or pay yourself ($1,000-$2,000 to ship cross-country). Book POV shipping 60-90 days before PCS (high demand in summer PCS season). Preparation: 1/4 tank gas, remove personal items, clean interior, document pre-existing damage. Shipping time: 6-12 weeks OCONUS, 1-2 weeks CONUS (if you pay). Most issues: minor scratches/dings during loading (file claim within 75 days). Alternatives: Sell car before PCS, buy at new location.
POV Shipping Eligibility & Entitlements
Who Gets Free POV Shipping?
FREE (government pays):
- ✅ OCONUS PCS (Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, Europe, Asia)
- ✅ CONUS to OCONUS (ex: California → Japan)
- ✅ OCONUS to CONUS (ex: Germany → Virginia)
- ✅ OCONUS to OCONUS (ex: Korea → Germany)
YOU PAY (government does not reimburse):
- ❌ CONUS to CONUS PCS (ex: Texas → California)
- Exception: Alaska is considered OCONUS (free shipping from/to lower 48)
How Many Vehicles Can You Ship?
Standard entitlement:
- Without dependents: 1 POV
- With dependents: 1 POV
- Married (both military): 2 POVs (one per service member)
Exception - 2 POVs authorized if:
- ✅ Married (both PCSing, dual military)
- ✅ Family size requires 2 vehicles (usually 4+ dependents)
- ✅ Command sponsorship for dependents
Not authorized:
- ❌ Motorcycles (separate process, sometimes allowed)
- ❌ RVs, trailers, boats (not POV)
- ❌ Vehicles >20 years old (case-by-case)
- ❌ Inoperable vehicles (must drive onto/off ship)
POV Shipping Timeline
OCONUS POV Shipping Schedule
90 Days Before PCS:
- ✅ Book POV shipping (use PCSmyPOV.com or call Transportation Office)
- ✅ Verify vehicle eligibility (drivable, not too old, meets destination requirements)
60 Days Before:
- ✅ Confirm shipping appointment
- ✅ Get vehicle inspection (some destinations require)
- ✅ Verify insurance coverage (what happens if damaged in transit?)
30 Days Before:
- ✅ Clean vehicle (inside + outside)
- ✅ Document pre-existing damage (photos from all angles)
- ✅ Remove personal items (nothing in car during shipping)
7-10 Days Before:
- ✅ Drop off vehicle at VPC (Vehicle Processing Center)
- ✅ Drain gas to 1/4 tank (fire safety requirement)
- ✅ Disable alarm (or ship will disable it, possibly damaging electrical)
- ✅ Get paperwork (vehicle accepted, condition documented)
During Shipping:
- Vehicle sits at VPC: 1-2 weeks
- Ocean transit: 3-6 weeks (Asia), 2-4 weeks (Europe)
- Customs clearance: 1-2 weeks
- Total: 6-12 weeks (be patient!)
Arrival:
- ✅ Check email (notification when vehicle arrives)
- ✅ Pick up at VPC within 7 days (or storage fees start: $50-$100/day)
- ✅ Inspect for damage (document immediately if found)
CONUS POV Shipping (If You Pay)
You drive: 2-5 days (cross-country)
Private shipping company: 7-14 days, $1,000-$2,500
Popular companies:
- Montway Auto Transport
- AmeriFreight
- uShip (bid system)
POV Shipping Preparation
Required: Vehicle Must Be Drivable
Must:
- ✅ Drive onto shipping vessel (own power)
- ✅ Drive off vessel (own power)
- ✅ Pass safety inspection (brakes, lights, steering)
If not drivable:
- Get it fixed OR
- Sell it (can't ship inoperable vehicle)
Pre-Shipping Checklist
30 Days Before Drop-Off:
1. Clean vehicle (inside + out)
- Wash exterior (bird poop = paint damage during transit)
- Vacuum interior (roaches/pests = rejected at customs)
- Clean trunk (must be empty except spare tire, jack)
2. Document pre-existing damage
- Photos from ALL angles (front, back, sides, roof, undercarriage)
- Close-ups of scratches, dings, dents
- Timestamp photos (proves pre-existing before shipping)
3. Remove all personal items
- Nothing in glove box, center console, trunk
- Remove: GPS, radar detector, phone chargers, sunglasses, CDs
- Exception: Spare tire, jack, owner's manual (allowed)
4. Disable car alarm
- Or provide instructions to VPC on how to disable
- If alarm goes off on ship, they cut wires (your problem)
5. Drain gas to 1/4 tank
- Fire safety regulation
- More than 1/4 tank = rejected at VPC
6. Disconnect battery (sometimes required)
- Check with VPC (depends on destination)
7. Fix minor issues
- Broken mirrors, loose bumpers = may get worse during transport
- Better to fix before shipping
What NOT to Ship in Vehicle
Prohibited items (will get you in trouble):
- ❌ Weapons, ammunition (separate shipping required)
- ❌ Hazardous materials (cleaning supplies, propane, gasoline)
- ❌ Alcohol, tobacco (customs violation)
- ❌ Personal belongings (household goods go in HHG shipment)
- ❌ Cash, valuables, documents
If found during inspection:
- Items confiscated
- Possible customs fine ($500-$5,000)
- Vehicle delayed
Destination-Specific Requirements
Japan POV Requirements
Left-hand drive OK (but inconvenient on right-side roads)
Must meet Japanese safety standards (JCI):
- Emissions standards (most newer cars pass)
- Size restrictions (oversized vehicles = expensive inspections)
- Modifications (lowered, lifted, tinted = often fail)
Documents needed:
- Bill of sale (or title)
- EPA form (emissions compliance)
- SOFA plates (apply through base)
Popular cars in Japan:
- Compact cars (Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla)
- NOT popular: Full-size trucks, SUVs (expensive gas, narrow roads)
Recommendation: Sell US vehicle, buy Japanese car (better for local driving)
Europe POV Requirements
Left-hand drive = PERFECT (Europe drives on right like US)
Must meet European safety standards:
- Headlights (may need adjustment for right-side traffic)
- Emissions (most newer US cars pass)
Popular cars in Europe:
- Compact cars (Volkswagen, Ford Focus, Honda Civic)
- NOT: Full-size trucks (huge, expensive gas)
Gas prices:
- $6-$8/gallon (vs. $3-$4 US)
- SUVs/trucks = $400-$600/month in gas
Recommendation: Ship small fuel-efficient car OR buy European car
Hawaii POV Requirements
Safety inspection required:
- Hawaii state inspection within 10 days of arrival
- $25 fee
- Most cars pass (stricter than some states, easier than others)
Registration:
- Surrender out-of-state plates
- Get Hawaii plates ($45-$75)
Insurance:
- More expensive than mainland (island = limited driving = higher theft/accident rates)
Alaska POV Requirements
No special requirements (Alaska is a US state)
Considerations:
- Winter tires essential (October-April)
- Remote areas = vehicle reliability critical
- Rust from road salt (common issue)
POV Shipping Costs (If You Pay)
CONUS PCS (Government Doesn't Pay)
Private auto transport:
- Coast-to-coast (CA to VA): $1,200-$2,000
- Shorter (TX to CA): $800-$1,400
- Expedited (7 days): Add $300-$500
Drive yourself:
- Gas: $300-$600 (cross-country)
- Hotels: $100-$150/night × 3-4 nights = $300-$600
- Food: $100-$200
- Total: $700-$1,400 (cheaper than shipping)
Sell & buy:
- Sell car in TX: $15,000
- Buy car in CA: $15,000
- Net cost: $0 (maybe even upgrade)
OCONUS (Government Pays)
You pay $0 (government covers shipping)
Hidden costs:
- Inspection fees at destination: $100-$300
- Registration: $50-$150
- Insurance increase: $20-$100/month (international)
Damage Claims (What If Your Car Gets Damaged?)
Common Damage During Shipping
Minor (common):
- Small scratches from loading/unloading
- Dings from other vehicles shifting on ship
- Dirty (salt water exposure)
Major (rare):
- Cracked windshield
- Broken mirrors
- Theft (items left in car)
How to File Damage Claim
Step 1: Document damage at pickup
- Inspect vehicle BEFORE leaving VPC
- Take photos of all damage
- Note damage on pickup paperwork ("Scratches on driver door, dent in bumper")
Step 2: File claim within 75 days
- DD Form 1840 (Claim for Property Damage)
- Submit to base Transportation Office
- Include: Photos, repair estimates, proof of ownership
Step 3: Get repair estimate
- Take to body shop (2-3 estimates)
- Submit to claims office
Step 4: Settlement
- If approved: Reimbursement for repairs (up to $40,000 max)
- If denied: Appeal or file with carrier directly
Timeline: 30-90 days for claim resolution
Reality: Most minor damage ($500-$1,000 repairs) gets paid fairly quickly
Alternatives to POV Shipping
Option 1: Sell Before PCS, Buy at New Location
Pros:
- ✅ No shipping delays (6-12 weeks without car)
- ✅ No damage risk
- ✅ Buy car suited to new location (small car for Japan, AWD for Alaska)
Cons:
- ❌ Hassle of selling + buying
- ❌ May lose money on sale (if rushed)
- ❌ No car for first few weeks at new base
Best for: Older vehicles (>10 years), large trucks/SUVs going to Japan/Europe
Option 2: Store Vehicle (Keep in US)
When to consider:
- Short OCONUS tour (1-2 years)
- Vehicle has sentimental value
- Plan to return to US soon
Storage costs:
- Indoor storage: $100-$300/month
- Outdoor storage: $50-$150/month
- Over 2 years: $1,200-$7,200 (expensive!)
Maintenance:
- Battery dies (needs trickle charger or disconnect)
- Tires flat spot (inflate before storing)
- Fluids degrade (change oil before storing)
Option 3: Leave with Family/Friend
Pros:
- ✅ Free storage (if family drives it)
- ✅ Vehicle maintained (driven regularly)
Cons:
- ❌ Wear and tear
- ❌ If they wreck it (insurance/liability issues)
- ❌ May feel obligated to let them keep using it
Best for: Trustworthy family member, short tours
Common POV Shipping Mistakes
❌ Mistake #1: Booking Too Late
Reality:
- Book POV shipping 2 weeks before PCS (summer PCS season)
- No slots available
- Ship fills up, your car waits 4-6 weeks for next ship
Fix: Book 60-90 days ahead (especially May-August)
❌ Mistake #2: Leaving Personal Items in Car
Reality:
- Leave laptop, tools, clothes in trunk
- Customs finds it
- Vehicle quarantined, items confiscated, possible fine
Fix: EMPTY the vehicle (only spare tire, jack, manual allowed)
❌ Mistake #3: Not Documenting Pre-Existing Damage
Reality:
- Don't take photos before shipping
- Vehicle arrives with scratch
- Can't prove it wasn't there before
- Claim denied
Fix: Photos from ALL angles BEFORE drop-off (timestamp)
❌ Mistake #4: Shipping Car That's Not Worth It
Reality:
- Ship 2005 Tahoe to Japan (worth $5,000)
- Shipping value: $0 (government pays)
- Japan: Gas $8/gallon, can't fit in parking spaces, fail inspection ($2,000 to fix)
- Sell at loss
Fix: Consider selling + buying suitable vehicle for new location
Action Steps
90 Days Before PCS:
- ✅ Decide: Ship, sell, or store vehicle?
- ✅ Book POV shipping (PCSmyPOV.com)
- ✅ Research destination vehicle requirements
30 Days Before:
- ✅ Clean vehicle (inside + outside)
- ✅ Document pre-existing damage (photos)
- ✅ Remove all personal items
7-10 Days Before:
- ✅ Drain gas to 1/4 tank
- ✅ Disable alarm
- ✅ Drop off at VPC
At Destination:
- ✅ Pick up within 7 days of arrival notification
- ✅ Inspect for damage (document immediately)
- ✅ Register vehicle + get inspection (if required)
Related Guides
Remember: POV shipping for OCONUS PCS is free but requires planning (60-90 days ahead). Prepare vehicle properly (clean, empty, 1/4 tank), document pre-existing damage, and be patient (6-12 weeks transit). Consider selling if vehicle isn't suited for destination (large truck to Japan = headache). Thousands ship POVs successfully every year - you can too!