does the army pay to ship your car
Relocating for military duty, known as a PCS move (Permanent Change of Station), often involves significant logistics and planning․ Among the many considerations, one pressing question for service members and their families is: “Does the Army pay to ship your car?” The answer involves understanding the policies and benefits associated with military relocation․
Understanding Military Relocation: PCS Move and Vehicle Transportation
A PCS move is a transition in which a service member is assigned to a new duty station; The military provides various relocation assistance benefits to ease this transition, and one such benefit addresses the challenge of moving vehicles․ The need to relocate vehicles is common, especially when the new duty station is overseas or across the country․
Vehicle Transportation Options
When it comes to vehicle transportation, service members generally have a few options:
- Personally driving the vehicle to the new location․
- Arranging for commercial transport at their own expense․
- Utilizing military-provided transportation services, if eligible․
Government Contracts and Auto Shipment
For overseas PCS moves, the military often covers the cost of shipping one privately owned vehicle (POV)․ This is facilitated through government contracts with approved auto logistics companies․ The vehicle shipment process is managed with precision to ensure timely delivery․
Transportation Allowance and Shipping Reimbursement
For stateside PCS moves, the Army provides a transportation allowance to help cover travel costs, which can include mileage reimbursement if the service member chooses to drive․ However, this allowance does not typically cover the cost of car transport by a commercial carrier․
Defense Travel System and Shipping Cost Coverage
The Defense Travel System (DTS) is instrumental in managing travel-related expenses during a PCS move․ While DTS handles reimbursements for travel expenses, it does not directly cover commercial auto shipment costs unless specified under certain orders․
Eligibility for Vehicle Shipment
Eligibility for having the Army pay for vehicle shipment depends on several factors, including the destination and the service member’s assigned orders; For instance:
- Overseas PCS moves often include one POV shipment as part of the relocation benefits․
- For moves within the continental United States, the Army typically does not cover the cost of vehicle shipping, but may offer other forms of financial assistance․
Military Benefits and Relocation Assistance
The Army provides a host of military benefits aimed at easing the burden of relocation․ These benefits extend beyond vehicle shipping and include housing allowances, temporary lodging expenses, and more․
Planning Your Military Move
To efficiently navigate a military move, it’s crucial to plan well in advance․ Understanding the entitlements and benefits available can significantly reduce stress:
- Consult with your installation’s transportation office to get detailed guidance on your specific situation․
- Consider the shipping reimbursement options available to you, especially if your move is overseas․
- Explore whether your move is covered under any special provisions or exceptions that might allow for additional support․
