If there is a group of people who regularly relocate due to postings or transfers, it is military personnel. Depending on the assignment, they are usually on the move, sometimes relocating entire families to new states or countries. That means they also need to move personal items, including their vehicles.
Often, the notice to move comes suddenly, especially for those on active duty or assignments, and the personnel have no time to plan their move. What happens to items they cannot take on such short notice?
Items like vehicles can be transported to the new location after the owners, and they will have to cover it out of pocket. The military will pay for shipping one privately owned car for the personnel, but if they have more than one, the rest depend on them for transportation. That means they must pay for it themselves.
Fortunately, vehicle shipping does not need to add to short-notice relocation or deployment stress. Several military auto shipping experts can handle the movement without hassles, allowing these vehicle owners to focus on more pressing or personal matters. This article outlines the steps for transportation and other vital aspects of military vehicle transport.
What are the Requirements for Transporting a Military Vehicle?
The requirements for this type of car shipping are similar to regular ones, except they are stricter and require more careful attention. The owner must produce specific documents to ensure the move is smooth and there are no obstacles. These documents include:
- A valid photo ID, such as an international passport or a driver’s license. It must be a government-issued ID
- Permanent change of station (PCS) documents to prove the military approves of and knows of the movement
- Auto insurance proof, which is a policy that shows the vehicle is insured to cover any damage
- Proof of ownership to show you are the owner; a vehicle registration or title works, in this case
- Details of the vehicle, including the model, make, and VIN
- Proof of operability to show the car can move and is roadworthy
As the owner, you can also bring other necessary documents to facilitate the transportation of the vehicle to the desired destination. It is worth noting that personnel who drive their vehicles to the new location or station within the contiguous US will get a reimbursement for gas. However, the cost comes from their pockets if they use a shipping service.
Many decide to use a service because it is less stressful and leaves them time to do other things, even if they must pay for it. Personnel transferred outside the contiguous US will have one vehicle shipped to their new location at the expense of their employer, which is the US military. If there are more, the shipment of the rest of the vehicles will depend on the owners.
Military Vehicle Transportation: Step-by-Step Process
As stressful as it sounds, moving your cars or motorbikes across or outside the country is relatively easy. The detailed process below gives you an overview of what to expect to help you understand. The experts will take the bulk of the assignment off your hands and ensure a quick and seamless delivery.
Step 1: Select the Shipping Company
This step is the most important because you must get it right. Thorough research will reveal which companies expertly handle military auto transport so you can narrow your list. In other words, only some car shipping companies can professionally handle this assignment.
Consider checking the reviews from past users or asking for recommendations from close friends and family. You should ensure that the reviews are real and not fake. You can use this site for such confirmation.
Choose one with full insurance coverage and must be connected with other trusted vehicle carriers within the industry. Ensure the service is appropriately licensed, has the permits to operate within your locality, and has a high rating from bureaus like the Better Business Bureau.
A trustworthy history of service is crucial to helping you decide. In addition, do not settle for one; pick multiple credible choices to compare services and quotes for the most suitable option.
Step 2: Book for the Transport
Picking the most affordable or cheapest option is almost a knee-jerk move for everyone, regardless of the service or product. We always want to save money where possible. However, top-quality goods and services cost money, and car shipping is no exception.
Choosing a cheap option may not be ideal for this assignment because of its sensitivity. Consider insurance and service quality. Once done, you can use other parameters to narrow your choices and settle for one. Then, book an appointment to discuss the terms of the shipment.
Step 3: Get Prepared
Clean the vehicle and prepare it for pickup. Ensure all the documents listed above are ready, and remove all personal belongings from the automobile. If the tank is full, reduce the gas to only a quarter before movement.
Also, have a spare key to the automobile after handing the main key to the company for pickup. If the agreement is that the company will pick it up from your current location, it may cost more, but it is also convenient. Otherwise, drive it to their office closest to you for check-in.
Step 4: Pickup
The last step is the pickup from the company’s office closest to your new location. If you pay for home delivery, you can rest assured that the vehicle will arrive at your doorstep. However, if the arrangement is for you to pick the automobile up from the office, you will be notified when it arrives and is ready to go.
It is as simple as that; the only hassle is the wait time between pickup from the old location and delivery to the new one. This resource: https://medium.com/ has more details about military car shipping.
Conclusion
Military vehicle transport is less stressful than it appears. Many expert car shipping service providers exist, and thorough research with the proper criteria will help you narrow your choices. Once you pick one suitable for your needs, prepare your documents as listed above and prepare the vehicle for pickup.
A trusted company will provide a way to track the movement until your item arrives safe and sound. While expensive services may seem unnecessary, remember that cheap options may not provide the required coverage for the shipment.
Keep an eye for more latest news & updates on Mystories List!
Eamon