Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders can appear faster than a TDY alert, forcing service members to decide how to move a privately owned vehicle (POV) across oceans. Two options dominate: air freight and containerized sea transport. Each delivers your car to a new duty station, yet differences in cost, speed, and paperwork can make or break your relocation timeline.
| Factor | Air Freight | Sea Freight (Container) |
|---|---|---|
| Transit Time | 3-10 days door-to-door | 25-40 days port-to-port |
| Typical Cost Range | $10,000–$22,000 | $2,200–$4,500 |
| Vehicle Prep | ⅛ tank fuel, battery disconnected, crate or pallet | ¼ tank fuel, battery disconnected, soft-strap tie-down |
| Weight/Size Limits | Aircraft door height 2.28 m max | 2.58 m container door height, longer wheelbase accepted |
| Ideal For | Tight report-by dates, high-value or show cars | Budget-minded PCS moves, multiple POVs or household goods |
| Departure Points | Major hubs (LAX, ATL, JFK) | Ports near WCS yards: Oakland, Fort Lauderdale, New Jersey |
Receiving amended orders two weeks before you must sign in at Ramstein? Air freight bridges the gap. Our typical timeline:
Day 0-1: On-base pickup with enclosed truck
Day 2: Crating, hazmat sign-off, and export filing
Day 3: Wheels-up on a commercial cargo flight
Day 6-9: Arrival, customs clearance, and delivery to Vehicle Processing Center (VPC)
Rally cars headed to overseas races often require same-month delivery. High-performance vehicles with custom modifications need specialized handling that air freight provides through controlled environments and minimal handling points.
Classic Corvettes, restored Mustangs, or European exotics benefit from air freight's reduced handling and climate-controlled environment. While costs run 3-4 times higher than sea freight, the protection justifies the premium for irreplaceable vehicles.
Emergency leave extensions, medical situations, or family emergencies that compress your PCS timeline make air freight the only viable option. When report-by dates cannot be extended, paying premium rates beats explaining a late arrival to your new command.
Most military families choose sea freight for good reason: costs run 60-70% lower than air transport. A typical CONUS-to-Germany shipment costs $4,200 via container versus $15,000 by air.
Dual-car families benefit from container consolidation services that allow shipping two vehicles in a shared 40-ft container. This approach cuts per-vehicle costs dramatically while maintaining secure transport.
Standard PCS timelines with 60-90 days notice work perfectly with sea freight schedules. Planning ahead enables you to secure the best rates and sailing dates without rush charges.
Some military families coordinate vehicle shipping with household goods shipments, though DoD contractors and private shipping companies operate separately. However, timing alignment can simplify your overall move logistics.
Base air freight rate: $8,000-$15,000 depending on route
Crating and preparation: $800-$1,200
Airport handling fees: $400-$800
Customs clearance: $300-$600
Final delivery: $200-$500
Total typical range: $10,000-$22,000
Ocean freight (shared container): $2,500-$4,000
Inland trucking to port: $300-$800
Export documentation: $200-$400
Port handling fees: $300-$500
Destination charges: $400-$700
Final delivery: $200-$600
Total typical range: $3,200-$6,500
Storage fees accumulate if your vehicle arrives before you clear customs or if pickup delays occur. Fuel surcharges fluctuate with oil prices, affecting both methods but especially air freight. Peak season premiums during summer PCS season can add 15-25% to base rates.
PCS orders with authorized overseas assignment
Original vehicle title or notarized lien letter
Power of attorney permitting shipping company to act on your behalf
EPA Form 3520-1 declaring emissions compliance status
DOT Form HS-7 declaring safety standard compliance
Military ID copy for customs verification
Hazardous materials declaration for battery and fuel
Aircraft loading certification for vehicle dimensions
Cargo protection documentation for high-value items
Emergency contact information at destination
Container stuffing certificate for loading verification
Bill of lading for ocean transport
Destination port notification for arrival coordination
Week 1: Receive orders, contact West Coast Shipping for quote
Week 2: Complete documentation, schedule pickup
Week 3: Vehicle pickup, crating, and preparation
Week 4: Flight departure and arrival
Total time from contact to delivery: 3-4 weeks
Week 1-2: Receive orders, reserve container space
Week 3-4: Complete documentation and vehicle preparation
Week 5: Vehicle pickup and container loading
Week 6: Vessel departure
Week 10-12: Destination arrival and customs clearance
Total time from contact to delivery: 10-14 weeks
Summer PCS season (May-August) creates capacity constraints and higher prices for both methods. Hurricane season (June-November) can disrupt Atlantic shipping schedules, making Pacific routes more reliable during these months.
Unmatched speed for urgent timelines
Climate-controlled environment protects sensitive vehicles
Minimal handling reduces damage risk
Flexible scheduling with multiple daily flights
Real-time tracking throughout the journey
Premium pricing often 3-4 times sea freight costs
Size and weight restrictions limit vehicle eligibility
Fuel quantity limits require extensive preparation
Airport access may require additional inland transport
Weather sensitivity can cause unexpected delays
Cost-effective pricing suitable for military budgets
No size restrictions for standard passenger vehicles
Consolidation opportunities for multiple vehicles
Proven reliability with established shipping schedules
Extensive destination network reaching remote duty stations
Extended transit times requiring advance planning
Weather dependency during hurricane season
Port congestion potentially causing delays
Limited schedule flexibility with weekly sailings
Ocean conditions affecting vehicle security
Start early by contacting shipping companies when you receive orders, not when you're ready to ship. Research destination requirements including vehicle registration and inspection procedures at your new duty station.
Create digital copies of all required documents and store them securely. Verify expiration dates on power of attorney documents, ensuring they remain valid through delivery completion.
Establish clear contact protocols with your shipping company, including emergency contact information and alternate communication methods. Coordinate with sponsors at your new duty station for vehicle pickup assistance if needed.
Budget for unexpected costs including storage fees, document replacement, or delivery delays. Consider timing your shipment to align with allowable travel expenses and reimbursement schedules.
Germany requires TÜV inspection for vehicle registration, potentially affecting older vehicles. Italy has restricted driving zones in city centers requiring special permits. United Kingdom involves right-hand drive conversion considerations for long-term assignments.
Japan offers excellent infrastructure but expensive vehicle registration and inspection processes. South Korea requires extensive documentation and modification compliance. Guam has limited vehicle service options requiring careful maintenance planning.
Remote assignments may require additional coordination for final delivery and customs clearance. Combat zones involve special procedures and timing restrictions. Diplomatic posts require coordination with embassy security and protocol offices.
Yes, both air freight and sea freight accommodate motorcycles either separately or consolidated with vehicles. Motorcycles require special preparation and securing methods regardless of transport mode.
Air freight offers more flexibility for mid-transit changes, while sea freight requires early notification for routing modifications. Both methods may involve additional costs for itinerary changes.
Performance modifications may require additional documentation for customs clearance. Visual modifications typically don't affect shipping but may impact destination country registration requirements.
Each duty station has specific requirements for vehicle registration and inspection. Your sponsor or in-processing office provides guidance on local procedures and required documentation.
Both methods include basic carrier liability, but additional cargo protection coverage is available and recommended for high-value vehicles. Coverage terms vary between air and sea freight options.
The decision between air freight and sea freight ultimately depends on your specific circumstances: timeline requirements, budget constraints, and vehicle characteristics. Air freight serves military families with urgent timelines or high-value vehicles requiring premium protection. Sea freight provides cost-effective transport for standard PCS moves with adequate planning time.
Consider your complete PCS timeline including household goods shipment, temporary lodging arrangements, and family travel plans. Budget realistically for the total cost including preparation, transport, and destination fees. Plan for contingencies including potential delays or additional requirements at your destination.
Working with an experienced military shipping specialist like West Coast Shipping ensures your vehicle transport integrates smoothly with your overall PCS timeline and budget. Our expertise in both air and sea freight options, combined with military-specific services, provides the support you need for a successful overseas assignment.
Ready to move your POV to your next duty station? Whether you need the speed of air freight or the value of sea transport, West Coast Shipping provides military families with transparent pricing and proven reliability. Use our instant calculator below to compare both options and make the best decision for your PCS timeline and budget.