POV Storage and Shipping

If you are moving OCONUS, you may be authorized to ship one privately owned vehicle (POV) at government expense, or to store it while you are overseas. All shipping and storage is handled through Vehicle Processing Centers (VPCs), and the contractor’s website, PCSmyPOV, is the place to schedule, track and check the latest requirements.

What is authorized

• Only one (1) vehicle may be shipped at government expense.
• You can only ship to the authorized port or destination on your orders. If you choose an alternate port, you may be charged extra.
• Vehicles over 20 measurement tons are considered oversized and your branch may charge you the difference. To check: multiply length x width x height (in inches), divide by 1,728, then divide by 40.
• RVs (motorhomes, campervans, truck campers) can only be shipped or stored when approved by your service HQ in a memo, and may have oversize charges.
• Some countries restrict certain vehicles or have extra import and licensing rules. Ask your transportation office and check the Personal Property Consignment Instruction Guide (PPCIG) for your destination.

Before your appointment

• All VPCs are appointment only. Schedule your turn-in on PCSmyPOV from a personal device, since DoD computers often block the scheduler.
• Choose the FASTPASS option and upload your documents ahead of time to cut down your time at the VPC.
• Documents: a full set of orders with any amendments, the Pre-Shipping Instruction Form, the Shipper or Storage Acknowledgment form, proof of ownership (registration, title, a bill of sale if bought within 90 days, or written approval from your lienholder or leasing company), and a recall printout.
• You must show documented proof of NO open recalls. Print or screenshot your report from NHTSA.
• Registration and licensing are your responsibility. The VPC does not issue temporary plates.
• Watch your email for an invite to the VPC’s 30-minute virtual briefing about two weeks before your appointment.

Prepping your vehicle

• Fuel: 1/4 tank or less. This is one of the top reasons for delays at turn-in.
• Clean, inside and out: wash the exterior and wheel wells, and vacuum the interior so it is free of dirt, sand, leaves, food, pet hair and dander. Coming back to the US, the agriculture inspection is zero tolerance, so clean the engine compartment, door jambs, under the seats and the spare tire well too.
• Keys: bring a complete set (ignition, door, trunk, gas cap, wheel lock and lug nut keys). Valet keys are not accepted, and fobs must be in good condition.
• Remove: all personal items, anything hanging from the mirror (including air fresheners), loose electronics, GPS and Bluetooth trackers like AirTags, anything with a lithium battery, and loose audio, video or CB radios.
• Safety: brakes and parking brake working, no leaks, no major windshield cracks, and the auto-lock feature turned off.
• EVs and plug-in hybrids: most lanes want at least a 75% charge. To or from Alaska and Hawaii it must be between 30% and 50%. EVs and plug-in hybrids cannot currently ship to or from Guam.
• Roof racks that are not permanently mounted should be removed and shipped inside the vehicle. Cargo carriers must be removed and cannot ship inside.
• If you are shipping a motorcycle, call the origin VPC before your appointment since it may need to be crated.

Turn-in day

Expect a pre-inspection, sign-in and document check, a joint inspection of the vehicle with you, your departure paperwork, then sign out. Review the inspection form carefully, since it is your record of the vehicle’s condition. Your Shipping Instruction (SI) number is in the top right corner, and you can use it to track your vehicle on PCSmyPOV.

Storing your vehicle

• Install a fresh battery if yours is more than two years old. Batteries are tested and may be replaced at your expense if they read below 11.5 volts.
• Fluids must be fresh and at the proper levels.
• Keep insurance on the vehicle while it is in storage. You may qualify for a lower storage rate, so call your insurance company.
• Once a vehicle comes out of storage, it can only go back into storage at government expense with new orders.

Picking up your vehicle

You have 21 days from the availability date to pick up your vehicle. The destination VPC will notify you by email or postcard within 24 hours of it being available, and you can track it on PCSmyPOV. Inspect it before you leave.

If there is damage

• Site settlement: settled at the VPC at pick-up, based on repair guide parts pricing plus local labor rates. This is usually the fastest option.
• Contractor claim: submit your inspection form (front and back), an estimate in English, and photos. They have 40 days to respond.
• Military claims office: contact your local claims office for guidance.
• Inconvenience claim: if your vehicle is late, submit the inconvenience claim form with receipts for your out-of-pocket costs.

Requirements change, so always check PCSmyPOV and the FAQ before your appointment. Customer service: 1-855-389-9499 or customerservice@ialpov.us.