Military Car Shipping To Italy – 2025 PCS Guide

Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders for Aviano, Vicenza, Naples, or Sigonella promise adventure—and plenty of logistics. Moving a privately owned vehicle (POV) across the Atlantic can feel overwhelming unless you have a clear roadmap and a dependable partner. This 2025 guide lays out every phase of shipping a military car to Italy, from DoD entitlements and transport choices to customs, registration, and final delivery. Throughout, West Coast Shipping demonstrates how our military-focused workflow delivers your POV on schedule and on budget.
1. Understand Your DoD Entitlement
What the Government Covers
-
One POV at no cost on the Defense Department’s contract carrier—turn-in at a U.S. Vehicle Processing Center (VPC) and pick-up at the VPC in Livorno, Italy.
-
Storage in lieu of shipment if you choose to leave your vehicle stateside.
-
Return shipment when you PCS out of Italy.
When You Pay Out-of-Pocket
-
Additional vehicles, motorcycles, or trailers
-
Late VPC turn-in (after 30- or 90-day service windows)
-
Upgrades such as enclosed on-base pickup, door delivery, or rapid air freight
-
Port fees for any POV shipped outside the DoD contract
2. Pick the Best Transport Mode
Method | Transit | Cost Range (USD) | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
Shared 40-ft Container | 24–34 days | 3,400–5,000 | Budget PCS, two POVs, extra parts |
Dedicated 20-ft Container | 20–30 days | 5,400–6,900 | High-value classics, flexible sail date |
Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo) | 18–28 days | 3,000–4,200 | Running vehicles, minimal extras |
Air Freight | 4–8 days | 12,000–18,000 | Urgent report-by dates, show cars |
Key Takeaways
-
Container service suits most timelines at one-third of air freight cost.
-
Shared containers let you split fees with a buddy and cut per-car rates nearly 30%.
-
Air freight is the lifeline for last-minute orders or mission-critical vehicles.
3. Timeline From Orders to Autostrada
Week | Milestone | Action Steps |
---|---|---|
0 | Receive PCS orders | Email orders to West Coast Shipping for route mapping |
1 | Book VPC & WCS pickup | Choose DoD carrier for first POV; schedule private shipment for extras |
2 | Prep documents | Title, lien letter, EPA 3520-1 (Box 7 PCS), DOT HS-7 (Code C), power of attorney |
3 | Vehicle prep & pickup | On-base pickup or deliver to VPC/New Jersey yard; condition photos in the online portal |
4 | Container loading | Fuel ¼ tank, battery disconnected, soft-strap tie-down |
5 | Vessel departure | Weekly New Jersey → Livorno service; tracking link issued |
8–10 | Port arrival | Italian customs clearance, ACI road-worthiness booking |
9–11 | On-base delivery | Enclosed truck to Aviano, Vicenza, or Naples |
4. Paperwork Essentials
Originals or notarized copies
-
PCS orders authorizing POV shipment
-
Vehicle title or lienholder permission letter
-
Power of attorney granting West Coast Shipping export authority
-
EPA 3520-1 (Box 7 for PCS exemption)
-
DOT HS-7 (Code C for non-resident military)
-
Military ID copy for customs duty waiver
-
Proof of Italian liability coverage quote (required for registration)
5. Preparing Your Car for the Atlantic Crossing
-
Steam-clean undercarriage—Italian customs rejects soil or seeds.
-
Remove all personal goods except OEM spare, jack, and child seat.
-
Check tire tread (≥ 1.6 mm) to pass ACI inspection.
-
Disconnect aftermarket alarms to prevent battery drain.
-
Two keys plus wheel-lock adapter taped to the steering wheel.
-
Document every scratch—West Coast Shipping photos show your exact pre-load condition, mirroring our Auction to Your Door workflow.
6. Arrival in Italy: Customs, ACI Inspection, Registration
Customs & Duties
-
First POV enters duty-free under Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) paperwork.
-
Additional POVs pay 10% EU duty plus 22% VAT on CIF value—budget accordingly.
-
West Coast Shipping’s Livorno agent pre-files entries to minimize port time.
ACI Technical Inspection
-
Checks emissions, brakes, lights, and Euro noise levels.
-
Vehicles > 6 years often need extra emissions testing.
-
Oversize wheels, loud exhausts, or tinted front glass may require stock conversions.
Registration & Road Tax
-
Obtain AFI plates (Allied Forces Italy) from your base’s Pass & ID.
-
Show customs stamp, title, and Italian liability coverage.
-
Pay annual bollo auto road tax based on kW rating (waived for first POV if duties are waived).
7. Typical Cost Breakdown – Shared Container
2019 Ford Explorer | Fort Liberty pickup → New Jersey yard → Livorno → Vicenza
Line Item | USD |
---|---|
Enclosed truck NC → NJ | 780 |
Shared container ocean | 3,900 |
U.S. port & documentation | 510 |
Italian clearance & handling | 630 |
Final base delivery | 460 |
Total | $6,280 |
Add €700–€900 for liability coverage and ACI fees.
8. Five Smart Savings Tactics
-
Share a Container – Team up with another service member; both save ~$1,000.
-
Ship Off-Peak – Fall sailings beat summer PCS premiums and avoid port congestion.
-
Group Pickups – West Coast Shipping’s monthly runs at Camp Pendleton, JBLM, and Fort Liberty trim inland costs $150–$250.
-
Use SOFA Duty Waiver – Ensure customs officer stamps the duty-free form for your first POV.
-
Confirm Mod Rules Early – Italian noise and emissions standards are strict; reverting to stock avoids costly port lot fixes.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I import a left-hand-drive truck with a lift kit?
Yes, if overall height stays below 3 meters and headlights align to right-hand traffic. Large lifts may require lowering to pass inspection.
How early should I start the process?
Begin 60 days before your report date to secure container space and avoid expedited fees.
Are leased vehicles allowed?
Most lenders approve exports with a lienholder letter; secure it 10–14 days before VPC turn-in.
May I drive on U.S. plates in Italy?
Only within 30 days. Obtain AFI plates at Pass & ID immediately after customs release.
Can West Coast Shipping deliver directly to my off-base residence?
Yes, door delivery is available throughout Italy for an added fee.
10. Why West Coast Shipping Leads PCS Moves to Italy
-
New Jersey yard only four hours from the Norfolk VPC for fast turn-in alternatives.
-
Weekly sailings to Livorno and Genoa guarantee schedule flexibility.
-
On-base pickups reduce leave days burned on logistics errands.
-
Real-time tracking and photo milestones in our secure portal.
-
Italian partner network handles customs, ACI, and final delivery seamlessly.
Calculate Your Italy PCS Shipping Quote
Ready to roll onto Italian roads? Click below for a transparent, all-inclusive rate, reserve container space, and let West Coast Shipping deliver your POV from driveway to the Dolomites—on schedule and stress-free.
You May Also Like
These Related Stories

How to Ship a Car to France: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

How to Import a Car from Germany to the USA in 2025
