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.
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.
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
| 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.
| 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 |
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)
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Yes, if overall height stays below 3 meters and headlights align to right-hand traffic. Large lifts may require lowering to pass inspection.
Begin 60 days before your report date to secure container space and avoid expedited fees.
Most lenders approve exports with a lienholder letter; secure it 10–14 days before VPC turn-in.
Only within 30 days. Obtain AFI plates at Pass & ID immediately after customs release.
Yes, door delivery is available throughout Italy for an added fee.
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.
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.