According to the U.S. The Department of Defense reports service members and their families are typically relocated every two to four years. The moves are sometimes more often than that as well. The reasons may include promotions, educational opportunities, medical support, additional training and more. Such frequent relocation makes properly planning military auto transport for their Privately Owned Vehicles (POVs) essential.
This article dissects the process for shipping POVs during Permanent Change of Station (PCS) for CONUS and how it differs from OCONUS.
What is CONUS vs OCONUS Military Auto Transport?
CONUS are the contiguous United States. They include all of 48 US states on the continent of North America and Washington, D.C.
On the other hand, OCONUS is a broad term used for any location outside of the 48 US States. It could be Foreign OCONUS which means any other country; or non-foreign OCONUS - which includes areas not part of continental U.S., such as Hawaii, Guam, Alaska, American Samoa, Saipan, Puerto Rico and more.
Instinctively, military auto transport for POVs during PCS is much smoother and flexible for CONUS. For OCONUS it typically includes limitations, customs and host nation rules.
Here is how they compare:
| Point of Comparison | CONUS (Inside the U.S.) | OCONUS (Outside the U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical government-paid POVs | Up to 2 POVs authorized | Usually 1 POV between between CONUS and OCONUS locations or between OCONUS locations |
| Who arranges the move | Members can drive and claim mileage or TMO assigns government carriers. PPM is also an option if rules allow | TMO arranges government carrier, member may choose PPM if eligible |
| Customs / import rules | Minimal; standard U.S. state rules | Host-nation import restrictions, quarantine, taxes |
| Delivery window & storage | Generally flexible scheduling & storage options | Fixed delivery windows; host-nation rules may affect storage |
| Common exclusions | Oversize vehicles, specialty modifications may require waivers | Additional host nation restrictions on vehicle condition, modifications |
Full forms for abbreviations:
- TMO: Transportation Management Office
- PPM: Personally Procured Move
CONUS and OCONUS vehicle moves both follow the same foundation of military auto transport via your TMO and the DTR. The major differences arise in customs, entitlement limits, and host-nation rules.
Verify your orders, follow the documentation checklist and prepare your vehicle carefully to make the process smooth.
When you elect a PPM with a military car shipping service instead of a GBL, you retain control, but also take the documentation risk. Proper planning keeps your car rolling to your next station, not stuck at the port.
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Eligibility and Entitlements for Military Vehicle Shipping
Military PCS vehicle shipping depends on your order, branch regulations and your specific situation. The Transportation Management Office (TMO) is responsible for reviewing your order, confirming your eligibility, guiding you based on standards set by Defense Transportation Regulations (DTR) and Joint Travel Regulations (JTR).
Here’s what you need to know to determine whether the government makes the shipping arrangements or if you need to handle military auto transport yourself.
Who can Ship the Vehicle?
- Active-duty uniformed members with PCS orders moving to/from or between OCONUS/CONUS are eligible.
- Department of Defense (DoD) civilian employees, under certain government-approved conditions may also be entitled. Approval is subject to rules outlined by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS).
- Eligibility for family members is tied down to the service member’s order. Some branches allow government vehicle transport, while others don’t. This must be approved in advance.
Type of Vehicle Eligibility
- Eligible vehicles include standard passenger cars, motorcycles, or small recreational vehicles that meet size restrictions in the DTR.
- According to the standard allowance, the government pays for vehicles under 20 MTON.
- POVs over the 20 measure ton (MTON) size limits such as oversize trucks, heavy equipment, RVs, and commercial vehicles often require special waiver or separate commercial transport arrangements.
- All vehicles must be in operable condition unless otherwise approved.
- Non-operable vehicles, those with major modifications or cars that violate host-country regulations might be denied for OCONUS moves.
Key Notes
- Read your orders carefully. They are official documents that mention everything you have to do, need to be mindful of, and are entitled to do.
- Double check for eligibility with the TMO. Even if you believe you qualify, it is up to them for final confirmation and approval.
- Oversized, specialty and family member vehicles sometimes require more time for approval and shipment arrangement.
A combination of your orders, rules branch’s policies, vehicle type, and whether the move is CONUS or OCONUS. Confirming all of these with your TMO before scheduling a shipment avoids surprises and ensures you get the government-authorized benefits you’re entitled to.
How to Prepare for PCS Vehicle Shipping: CONUS
To ship your POV during a CONUS move you have two options - Government- Arranged Move (GOV) and Personally Procured Move (PPM).
Here’s how you prepare your vehicle for both:
Government-Arranged Move
- TMO counseling: Make sure your orders are correct, confirm you’re eligible to ship your vehicle, and get your shipping approval.
- Scheduling: TMO is responsible for all the administrative details. They will handle the paperwork and assign you a GBL and carrier. They will also schedule when you need to drop off the vehicle at the Vehicle Processing Center.
- Vehicle Preparation & Drop-Off: Vehicles must meet all VPC and carrier requirements before drop off. You are most likely required to clean it inside and out, adjust the fuel as per requirement and remove batteries if needed. Once you check in at the VPC, they will complete the inspection and your POV will be ready to ship.
- Shipment & Tracking: Vehicle moves via surface transport; you can track status via systems like PCSmyPOV.
- Delivery or Storage at Destination: Vehicle released at destination terminal or moved into authorized government storage if needed.
Personally Procured Move
- Select Your PPM: Elect PPM during PCS counseling at your TMO. You’ll be responsible for arranging the carrier and submitting a reimbursement claim.
- Get Quotes: Obtain commercial quotes, contract the carrier, keep all receipts and weigh tickets
- After Delivery: Submit a claim to DFAS for reimbursement based on what the government would have paid under a GBL, subject to JTR/DFAS rules.
Whether you opt for a government vehicle transport or PPM, book early because during peak PCS season carrier slots fill early. Also, inspect all damage beforehand and take pictures at drop-off. Keep a copy of the inspection sheet to retain evidence to make claims later, if need be.
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How to Prepare for PCS Vehicle Shipping: OCONUS
When your PCS is overseas, vehicle moves involve more steps. You would deal with additional regulations, host-nation rules, fixed windows, and customs import procedures.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Eligibility & Host-Nation Rules: Confirm your entitlement and check the OCONUS Personal Property Consignment Instructions Guide (PPCIG) for destination-specific instructions.
- Scheduling: TMO assigns the GBL and carrier. Some countries require that vehicle arrive at the port within 90 days of the customer or dependent’s departure for tours over 1 year.
- VPC Drop-Off & Transit: You must depart the POV from an authorized VPC. The vehicle must be fully prepared. Empty the interior and clean thoroughly. It must be free of organic debris, pests, and soil per USDA requirement. Fuel level must often be at or below ¼ tank and aftermarket accessories must be removed or disconnected.
- Customs/Host-Nation Compliance: Once your POV reaches destination, it will undergo inspection for emission and safety checks, along with other important import rules.
- Restrictions: If it doesn’t meet requirements, you may be asked to sell it or export it. Aftermarket items such as lift kits and specialty exhausts may violate host-nation rules. If so, those must be removed or waived before shipment.
- Destination Pickup: Once cleared, you or a designated agent must pick up the vehicle. Since delivery window is often fixed and shorter, appointments are required and delays can incur storage or port fees. Storage options are also limited, so prior planning is required.
- Compliance: International import may require DOT and EPA compliance stickers, especially when the vehicle re-enters the U.S. from overseas.
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Key PCS POV Shipping Documentation Checklist
For both CONUS and overseas military car shipping, the following documents are needed. But check with the TMO before scheduling the move.
Orders & Authorization
Bring original PCS orders and amendments showing POV entitlement. TMO uses these to validate your shipment.
Vehicle Title or Registration
Have proof of ownership or lease authorization. Many carriers/ports will reject vehicles without lienholder clearance.
Government ID or Dependent ID with Power of Attorney
If someone else such as a spouse or agent handles drop-off or pickup, you must provide a notarized Power of Attorney and valid ID.
Proof of Insurance and Vehicle Inspection Photos
Insurance must be up-to-date. Take exterior and interior photos at drop-off documenting condition as that helps expedite any damage claims.
PPM receipts and Weight Tickets
If you are using a PPM, you must submit any commercial contracts, receipts, weight tickets, and other supporting documentation. Claims may be denied if incomplete.
Cost, Reimbursements and Mileage: What You Need to Know
When a POV is shipped or the member drives the vehicle to the new duty station rather than using a government-arranged carrier, reimbursement rules apply.
Mileage Allowance
The Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation (MALT) covers authorized POV mileage for a military PCS vehicle shipping.
According to the DFAS, the authorized rate is $0.21 per mile for an authorized vehicle (effective January 1, 2025).
PPM Reimbursement
If you choose a military PCS vehicle shipping option under PPM, you may be reimbursed up to the cost the government would have incurred using government carriers. Documentation must be submitted to DFAS including weight tickets, receipts, and prior approval.
Storage & Delay Entitlements
If delivery is delayed or storage is needed because of shipment scheduling, the government may authorize short-term storage at origin or destination. For OCONUS, host-nation rules may limit this.
Easy Auto Ship Offers Fully-Managed CONUS & OCONUS POV Moves
If you are looking to move your POV(s), within the US or internationally, you can count on us for fast, reliable, and affordable military auto transportation. We offer discounts to military personnel as a thank you for their sacrifices for the nation. Please dial (888) 687-3243 for a free military car transport quote in minutes. Let Easy Auto Ship serve you!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can retirees use the same POV shipment entitlements?
Eligibility for retired POV shipment differs. Check service-specific rules and local TMO for authorizations when separating or retiring.
What do I do if my vehicle arrives damaged?
Document immediately. Note the damage on the DD Form 788 at pick-up, then submit a claim via the GBL carrier through your destination PPSO.
Can I ship a vehicle I just purchased just before my PCS?
Yes, you can. You need to notify the TMO, have title and registration ready, and your orders authorize it. Host-nation import rules still apply.
Does the government pay for shipping a leased vehicle overseas?
Possibly. If lease documents show more than 12 months remaining and export/import requirements are met. Always check with TMO.
How long does a CONUS or OCONUS POV transit usually take?
Typical transit for CONUS POV move takes 7-14 days. For OCONUS, the transit time is usually 3-6 weeks.
