You will probably relocate, deploy and get assigned quite a bit as an active-duty military member. You’ll need to move fast! Moving your vehicle during military moves is one of the many military life challenges to try to navigate. Fortunately, members of the military on active duty have the option to transport their vehicles. Shipping a vehicle isn’t the same for everyone, especially for military personnel.
This auto transport for military members guide explains how active-duty military members can use these services. Also, find out how best to ship your vehicle and tips to make the process easier. We will highlight extra benefits and services available to military men.
Why Auto Transport for Active-Duty Military Is Important
Whether it is a national or international assignment, moving for the military can be quite a hassle. Transporting cars is important for many reasons:
Convenience During Relocation
As a military member, you may have to move on short notice which does not leave you with enough time to schedule vehicle transport. Candidly, it takes a lot of time to drive your car to a new location. After all, if it’s a move far away or overseas, the driving distance can be quite long. The service allows you to ship your car quickly and efficiently so you can save time and effort.
Protection for Your Vehicle
When you hire professional transport services to ship your vehicle, you rest assured that it won’t get damaged. Car transport companies ensure that your car arrives in one piece. Whether you need your car transport across the country or to a military base, these companies help get the job done perfectly.
Cost-Effectiveness
Depending on your circumstance, it could be cheaper to ship your vehicle than to drive it across the country or overseas. The fuel costs and depreciation of your vehicle can be pretty high when you drive long distances. You will also have to get hotels on the way as well. If you are serving in military, the auto transport for military members is a great way to transport your car.
Steps to Transport Your Car as an Active-Duty Military Member
If you are on active duty with the military and you need to ship your car take the following.
Choose an Auto Transport Company That Specializes in Military Relocation
The first step in transporting your car is finding a company that you can trust. Choose a company that has experienced shipping military vehicle shipments. Many businesses have special rates and special services for men and women who are on active duty in the military. Search for a provider who has an understanding of military members’ needs.
Tip: Car Shipping Center is a reliable firm that provides military discounts and a wealth of experience in shipping cars.
Provide Accurate Information for Pickup and Delivery
For a quick quote and intelligent scheduling, share the correct pickup and destination locations with the auto transport company. The military base or installation where you live may impose restrictions on transport companies. Confirm with the transport company as to whether they have base access before booking their services.
Shipping to military bases or military housing? Be aware that military bases restricted access which is not allowed by certain carriers. So, check with the shipping company.
Prepare Your Vehicle for Transport
Before your vehicle is picked up, it’s essential to properly prepare it for transport. Here’s what you need to do:
- Make sure to clean your car so that the transporter is able to notice any existing damages.
- Most auto transport companies recommend that you don’t leave personal items in your car while it is being transported. Your items are safe and there is no damage during shipping – Worry no more.
- Ensure your car has enough fuel and other fluid levels but don’t fill it completely because this can cause overload.
- Capture your vehicle’s condition by taking photos from different angles.
Most auto transport companies request that customer’s cars have no more than a quarter tank of gas when shipping. When preparing for transport, the vehicle is usually emptied of personal items and the fuel tank is also filled to low levels to lighten the vehicle’s weight. This is done to improve safety during transport due to the reduced weight of the vehicle. However a simple task but an important safety measure.
Choose the Right Transport Type (Open or Enclosed)
Open transport as well as enclosed transport are the two main types of auto transport.
- Open transport is the most common and economical solution. An open carrier is utilized to transport your vehicle with others in a shipment.
- The car gets extra protection as it is shipped in a completely enclosed trailer when you use enclosed transport. The option is typically available for luxury, classic or exotic vehicles, though the design used for military vehicles requiring extra protection.
As a rule of thumb, open transport is sufficient for most military vehicles. Unless you have a unique car with higher value, that would have a better protection.
Review Your Military Benefits and Discounts
Several auto transport companies provide special rates and discounts for military personnel. Check, before booking, if the transport company provides discounts for active-duty military. The costs of shipping reduced with discounts offered by some companies.
The shipping company may have military discounts, and when negotiating, be ready to show proof of your active duty status.
What to Expect During the Shipping Process
Once you have arranged for auto transport for your military vehicle, here’s what it will be like.
Pickup
The driver will reach you (military base, house, or another address) at whatever time window you agreed on. The driver inspects the car and records the condition at this point.
Transport
Efficiently fastening your vehicle to the carrier so it moved to safety. While your vehicle is en route, most auto transport companies provide you with tracking facilities.
Delivery
The driver will call you upon arrival for delivery arrangements. In the event that your vehicle is deliver to a military base, you need to meet the driver at a pre-arranged location.
On delivery, sign a inspection report on the condition of the vehicle when it arrives.
Tips for Military Members Shipping Cars Overseas
If you are on overseas assignment shipping your car abroad gets complicat. Let’s check out some tips for overseas auto transport.
Research International Shipping Regulations
Since they are locals, they help you abide by the local laws. They will also help you in ensuring that your vehicle meets all import laws. All of this will make your car shipping process smooth, making you stress-free.
Get Assistance from the Military
Several military bases provide help with transporting a vehicle when relocated. The military may have contract agreements with auto transport companies or procedures in place to streamline the shipping process.
Check for Import Taxes
Many nations impose charges on vehicles like taxes and customs. Investigate the transportation policies and charges of the host country.
Why Choose Car Shipping Center for Your Military Car Transport?
The Car Shipping Center knows that active duty military has different needs. We can arrange services according to your schedule and location. Here’s why we’re the best choice for your car shipping.
- We provide special military discounts to ease shipping costs for the Armed Forces.
- Our extensive experience shipping vehicles for military personnel means we have everything handled in order to get it deliver to base.
- International auto transport can make ship your car overseas easier once you’re station abroad.
- Keep an eye on your vehicles journey with real-time tracking system.
Conclusion
Moving your vehicle as military personnel shouldn’t be a long and stressful affair. When you use the appropriate planning with a competent shipping company, and a good understanding of the process, your vehicle gets there safely and on time. Do the processes mentioned in this guide to make things easier for you and save on transport costs through military benefits.
At Car Shipping Center, we offer the military fast and affordable shipping services without any hassle. Get in touch with us now to learn more about our services and begin your vehicle transport!
