Shipping Your Vehicle Overseas

If you've received a new assignment and have decided to leave your personal vehicle (or POV as they say in the military) at home, there's a few insurance options available to you (see this article for more details). But if you're keen on taking your car with you to your new duty station, or bought a POV overseas while stationed there and want to ship it home, get familiar with the rules below -- you may be able to ship your vehicle at no cost to you.Hot Links:http://www.whereismypov.com - Official site for checking on the status of your POV during shipmentPOV Shipping Checklist and Forms - Our rundown of important details to keep track of during the POV process, and links to important forms.1. The Rules:You are eligible to ship a single POV if:- you are a member of the U.S. armed forces;- you are a DoD civilian and your orders authorize shipment of your POV; or- you are a retiree authorized to ship a POV.The entitlement to ship a single POV is limited to a permanent change of station to, from, or between places overseas; or upon official change in homeport of the vessel to which you are assigned.Only one POV owned or leased by you or your dependent and for your personal use may be shipped to your new duty station at government expense. If you want to ship an additional POV commercially, you should check with your sponsor and transportation office for any restrictions. You may have to pay an import duty on a second POV.2. Vehicle LimitationsOnly self-propelled, wheeled motor vehicles can be shipped. This includes automobiles, station wagons, jeeps, motorcycles, motor scooters, vans, and pickups. Other passenger-carrying, multipurpose motor vehicles designed for overland ground transportation not specifically listed above may qualify, but may require written certification stating the vehicle is for personal use as a passenger-carrying vehicle. POVs that are modified to be "low riders" must have at least 6 inches of clearance to prevent damage to POV during car carrier load/download. Also, POVs may not have a lift kit higher than 3 inches.Note: Host-country restrictions may apply; see your transportation office for details.You can ship a POV up to 20 measurement tons (exceptions could be granted for medical reasons). A measurement ton equals 40 cubic feet. Just for reference, a compact car averages about nine measurement tons and a full size car, about 15. If you ship a pickup truck with a camper, a recreational vehicle, a panel truck converted to a camper, or similar vehicle that exceeds 20 measurement tons, you'll be liable for extra transportation costs. Tip: Exterior dimensions are included in the size of a vehicle, so remove truck mirrors and other attachments that extend from the vehicle to help cut down on the vehicle's size.3. Insurance and LicensingReturning to the United States: In some U.S. states, armed forces or host-nation vehicle registrations, license plates, and licenses either are not valid or are valid for only a very short time. Arrange to obtain these items prior to taking delivery of your POV. Most state motor vehicle divisions will accept registrations of POVs by mail. If you are returning from overseas, make arrangements before leaving your old duty station for the continental United States. You should insure your POV before taking delivery. Coverage must meet minimum requirements prescribed by the state where your next duty station is located. Prior arrangements may save you money, as you will be able to compare prices offered by various insurance companies.Shipping Overseas: Insurance, taxes, and licensing vary from country to country overseas. The best sources of information are your local transportation office and your overseas sponsor. Remember, you're responsible for obtaining insurance and licenses and paying any taxes. Be sure to check on these items well in advance of making your shipment. Insurance is often much more expensive overseas, so be sure to do your research before making your shipment.4. When to Ship Your POVArmy and Air Force personnel: - POVs will be accepted for shipment if delivered to the port within 90 days after the member or dependent has departed for an overseas tour of more than one year, or within 30 days after the departure of the member on an overseas tour of duty of one year or less. - When delivery to the port is delayed beyond 90 days, the POV may be shipped only with the approval of the overseas commander. For overseas tours of more than one year, you must have a minimum of one year to serve on the current overseas tour when the POV is delivered to the port.For Navy/Marine Corps personnel: - POVs will be accepted when at least 12 months remain to be served at the servicemember's current overseas duty station at the time the vehicle is delivered to the loading port. An exception is allowed if the overseas area commander or your commanding officer certifies the vehicle is necessary in performance of official duties.5. What You Can and Can't Ship in Your POVOnly authorized personal articles can remain in your POV when it is turned in for processing. All household items and camping equipment must be removed. What you can ship in your POV:- Tools under $200 in total value- Items such as jacks tire irons, tire chains, fire extinguishers, nonflammable tire inflators, first aid kits, jumper cables, and warning triangle/trouble lights- One spare tire and two snow tires with wheels (either mounted or unmounted)- Portable cribs, children’s car seats, and strollers- Luggage racks and supports- Small items such as thermos bottles, bottle warmers, and car cushions if they can be packed entirely within one carton provided by the Vehicle Processing Center (VPC). If your POV is going to be containerized at the port, these articles can be placed in the trunk without a carton- Factory or non-factory stereo, speakers and audio/video equipment in POV or trunk must be bolted down or permanently fixed as part of the POVWhat you can't ship in your POV:- TVs, VCRs and DVD players, except factory or permanently installed- Accessories not permanently installed- Flammable or hazardous substances such as waxes, oils, paints, solvents, or polishes- Any liquids (i.e., antifreeze or air fresheners) that may be spilled and leave stains- Any pressurized cans- Citizen Band (CB) radios -- importation and operation of CB radios are prohibited in most overseas areasFailure to comply with these restrictions may result in your POV being held at the port of discharge until such equipment has been removed and shipped out of the country. All costs associated with removing your CB radio from your POV and shipping will be at your expense.For more details and to get your shipment process started, contact your nearest Vehicle Processing Station:CONUS Vehicle Processing CentersVPC Operating Hours For POV processing are 0800-1600, Monday-Friday, except federal holidays. Members are encouraged to arrive at the VPC by 1530 hrs to insure processing is completedon time.Atlanta, GA VPC2579 Campbell BoulevardEllenwood, GA 30294Telephone number: 404 363 4449/3753Fax number: 404 363 1858Toll-free number: 800 965 9155Baltimore, MD VPC2501 Broening HighwayBaltimore, MD 21224Telephone number: 410 631 5751Fax number: 410 631 5756Toll-free number: 800 631 5751Charleston, SC VPC1510 Meeting Street RoadCharleston, SC 29405 (Updated 4/04/07)Telephone number: 843 805 6667 (Same #)Fax number: 843 805 6671 (Same #)Toll-free number: 800 747 9223 (Same #)Dallas, TX VPC500 North Stemmons FreewayLake Dallas, TX 75065Telephone number: 940 497 1036Fax number: 940 497 1076Toll-free number: 866 438 2046Los Angeles, CA VPC23803 South Wilmington AvenueCarson, CA 90745Telephone number: 310 549-8277Fax number: 310 549 7438Toll-free number: 800 887 3344NY/NJ Metro VPC260 Meadow RoadEdison, NJ 08817Telephone number: 732-339-0591Fax number: 732-339-0595Toll-free number: 877 269 3702("877" is toll-free)New Orleans, LA VPC5481 Crowder BoulevardNew Orleans, LA 70127Telephone number: 504 246 2102/0770Fax number: 504 246 2111Toll-free number: 800 721 9632Portsmouth, VA VPC3015 Airline BoulevardPortsmouth, VA 23701Telephone number: 757 465 4127Fax number: 757 465 3970Toll-free number: 800 810 7480Richmond, CA VPC1200 Wright AvenueRichmond, CA 94804Telephone number: 510 231 6831Fax number: 510 237 4046Toll-free number: 800 704 2444Orlando, FL VPC1934 McCoy RoadOrlando, FL 32822Telephone number: 407 854 8771/8772Fax number: 407 854 8774Toll-free number: 800 758 5998San Diego VPC4334 Sheridan LaneSan Diego, CA 92120 (Updated 4/04/07)Tel: 619 5636321Fax number: 619 5636320Toll-free number: 8773448972Seattle, WA VPC2302 Ross WayTacoma, WA 98421Telephone number: 253 272 1712Fax number: 253 272 2375Toll-free number: 800 597 1833St. Louis, MO VPC4236 Crescent Industrial DrivePontoon Beach, IL 62040Tel # 618 931 2888Fax number: 618 931 2892Toll-free number: 800 275 3706OCONUS Vehicle Processing CentersOCONUS VPC operating hours are Monday-Friday, excluding all federal, local and host nation holidays. Members are encouraged to arrive at the VPC by 1530 to insure processing is completed on time. Hours of operation are as follows:BENELUX (Chievres, Belgium/Schinnen, Netherlands) 0800-1630ENGLAND 0800-1630GERMANY 0800-1700GUAM 0800-1600HAWAII 0800-1500 (For POV Processing)ALASKA 0800-1700ITALY 0830-1630PUERTO RICO 0800-1600SOUTH KOREA 0800-1700TURKEY. 0830-1630SPAIN 0900-1300, 1300-1400, 1400-1700BeneluxTranscar POV ShippingChievres, Belgium VPCChievres Air BaseBuilding 46BelgiumTelephone number: 32(0) 68665999Fax number: 32(0) 68665948800 number: 00 800 87267227Schinnen, Netherlands VPCTranscar POV ShippingBorgerweg 10Building 27, Room 116365 CW-Schinnen, NLNetherlandsTelephone number: 31(0) 464432851Fax number: 31(0) 464432735800 number: 00 800 87267227EnglandLakenheath/Mildenhall VPCLondon Road Industrial Estate40 Wimbledon AvenueBrandon, Suffolk IP27, 0NZCONTACT TRANSCARTelephone number: 44(0) 1842813999Fax number: 44(0) 1842812981800 number: 00 800 87267227Quality of Life VPCRAF FairfordTelephone number: See Brandon VPCQuality of Life VPCMenwith Hill StationHarrogate, YorkshireTelephone number: 44 (0)1423 777887Quality of Life VPCJoint Maritime ForceRaf JMF ST. MawganNewquay, CornwallTelephone number: 44 (0) 1637 853502London VPCRAF FairfordFor appointment: Contact Brandon VPCGermanyBaumholder VPCGebaeude 8716, Raum 1-3Smith BarracksAm Bahnof / Building 871655774 Baumholder, GermanyTelephone number: 49 6783 2455Fax number: 49 6783 3377800 number: 00 800 87267227Boeblingen VPCTranscar POV ShippingPanzer KaserneBuilding 293171032 Boeblingen, GermanyTelephone number: 49 7031 4Fax number: 49 7031 413408DSN# 431-2617Grafenwoehr VPCU.S. Grafenwoehr BaseSaratoga Avenue / Building 51592655 Grafenwoehr, GermanyTelephone number: 49 9641 8480Fax number: 49 9641 3597800 number: 00 800 87267227Kaiserslautern VPCKapaun Air StationBuilding 280667661 Kaiserslautern, GermanyTelephone number: 49 631 98517Fax number: 49 631 98518800 number: 00 800 87267227Mannheim VPCTaylor BarracksBuilding 34868309 Mannheim, GermanyTelephone number: 49 621 7140511Fax number: 49 621 7140711800 number: 00 800 87267227Schweinfurt VPCConn BarracksCuster Street / Building 3597421 Schweinfurt, GermanyTelephone number: 49 9721 803618Fax number: 49 6721 85224800 number: 00 800 87267227Spangdahlem VPCSpangdahlem Air BaseBuilding 193A54529 Spangdahlem, GermanyTelephone number: 49 6565 4484Fax number: 49 6565 4469800 number: 00 800 87267227Wiesbaden VPCTranscar POV ShippingMainz Kastel Housing AreaBuilding 751355252 Mainz Kastel, GermanyTelephone number: 49 6134 69303Fax number: 49 6134 63579800 number: 00 800 87267227GuamGuam VPCCOMNAVMAR Naval BaseBuilding 3179Santa Rita, Guam 96915Telephone number: 671 339 2205Fax number: 671 564 2105800 number: 877 716 7702HawaiiHonolulu VPCMatson-Honolulu TerminalSand Island ParkwayPier 51-BHonolulu, HI 96820Telephone number: 808 848 8383Fax number: 808 853 2116800 number: 800 896 7745AlaskaAnchorage VPC2945 Mountain View DriveAnchorage, Alaska 99501Fairbanks VPC904 Aurora DriveFairbanks, Alaska 99701Toll-free number: 1-866-848-7276Telephone number: 907-297-1133Fax number: 907-297-1198Toll-free number: 1-866-848-7277Telephone number: 907-451-1753Fax number: 907-451-1826ItalyAviano VPCTranscar POV ShippingVia Monte 20Zona Industrial Area33081 Aviano, ItalyTelephone number: 39(0) 434661419Fax number: 39(0) 434661420800 number: 800 053388 (in Italy)Sigonella VPCTranscar POV Shippingc/o Base Navale USA / NAS IIStrada Statale 417 Catania - Gela95030 Piano d' Arci /Sigonella (CT)Tel # 0039-095-86-5529Fax number: 0039- 434-661875800 number: 800-053733DSN# 624-5529Livorno VPCTranscar POV ShippingLeghorn Army DepotCamp DarbyGate 27, Building 5130SS 1 Aurelia56018 Tirrenia/Pisa, ItalyTelephone number: 39(0) 50579920Fax number: 39(0) 5037649DSN 633-7059Naples VPCVehicle Processing Centerc/o Naval Support ActivityBuilding 2081 Contrada Boscariello81030 Gricignano di Aversa (CE)ItalyTelephone number: 39-081-811-6521/6522Fax number: 39-081-811-6526DSN 625-4252Vicenza VPCTranscar POV ShippingVia Strada Della Pelosa Building 970Torri di Quartesolo36040 Vicenza, ItalyTelephone number: 39(0) 44431898Fax number: 39(0) 444263168DSN 634-7760Puerto RicoPuerto Rico VPCAvenida J. F. Kennedy, Km 2.5San Juan, Puerto Rico 00920Telephone number: 787 792 1233Fax number: 787 781 0688800 number: 888 872 6064South KoreaPusan VPCContact Seoul or Taegu VPCSeoul VPCBuilding C5721-A34th Support Group, Yongson TMPSeoul, KoreaTelephone number: 82 2 7916 7086 or 7088DSN 736 7086 or 7088Fax number: 82 2 7916 7091DSN 736 7091Taegu VPC20th Support GroupBuilding 1415Camp Henry, KoreaTelephone number: 82 53 470 8112Fax number: 82 53 470 8113TurkeyIncirlik VPCYenimahalle 33 Sokak #31TR-031340 AdanaTelephone number: 0090-322-332-7211Fax number: 0090 322 332 8921 or 7857DSN# 679-9964800 number: 0800- 521-1043Izmir VPCHacilarkiriCaddesi # 15/1TR-35040 BornivaTelephone number: 0090-232-478-2856Fax number: 0090 232-478-2859800 number: 0800-479-7644SpainRota VPCTransportes Internacionales Ferris, S.A.Avenida Crucero Baleares, #1811520 Rota (Cadiz), SpainTelephone number: 0034-956 -811044 / 0034956 840185Fax number: 0034 956-815077800 number: 0034-900-214304 Show Full Article