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Relocation orders already mean coordinating a privately owned vehicle (POV), household goods, and family logistics. Add a motorcycle, ATV, jet ski, or side-by-side, and your PCS puzzle becomes even more complex.
1. Know Your Entitlement for "Other" Vehicles
What the DoD Covers
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One passenger POV (car or light truck) ships free via the Vehicle Processing Center (VPC).
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Motorcycles under 1,000 lbs may count as part of household goods if space and weight allow—check with your branch's Joint Travel Regulations (JTR).
When You Pay Out-of-Pocket
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Motorcycles over weight limits
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ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, jet skis, snowmobiles
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Trailers hauling any of the above
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Late VPC turn-in or after-thought add-ons
2. Transport Options at a Glance
| Mode | Transit Time | Typical Cost (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared 40-ft Container | 20–35 days | 2,000–3,500 per bike/ATV | Multiple units, budget PCS |
| Dedicated 20-ft Container | 18–30 days | 4,500–6,000 total | High-value or bulky combos |
| Wooden Crate in Car Container | Matches POV | +450–650 crate fee | Single bike with family car |
| Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo) | 18–28 days | 1,800–2,800 | Running street bikes only |
| Air Freight | 4–8 days | 6,000–9,000 | Urgent report dates, race bikes |
3. Prep Checklist: Seven Days to Turn-In
| Days Out | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| –7 | Book crate build | WCS constructs ISPM-15 certified wood or metal pallet crates. |
| –6 | Drain fuel & fluids | Under ¼ tank for sea; ≤ 1 L for air freight. |
| –5 | Clean & dry | Power-wash undercarriage, wipe frame—essential for EU & Japan quarantine. |
| –4 | Remove accessories | Saddlebags, mirrors, light bars packed separately. |
| –3 | Documentation | Title, lien letter, EPA 3520-1, DOT HS-7, POA— templates in our documents guide. |
| –2 | Photo inventory | 360° shots uploaded to the online portal. |
| –1 | Battery prep | Disconnect and secure terminals or remove for air freight. |
| 0 | Turn-in / pickup | Condition report verified; crate sealed, serialized, and photographed. |
4. Crating Standards That Pass Every Port
Key Construction Specs
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ISPM-15 heat-treated lumber stamped for global acceptance
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2 × 4 base runners to fit forklift tines and container lash points
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Wheel chocks & soft straps rated 1,500 lbs each
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Breathable wrap preventing mold without trapping moisture
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Shockwatch indicators documenting any mishandling en route
Tip: Pair a motorcycle crate alongside a household-goods lift-van inside the same 40-ft container for maximum cube efficiency.
5. Country-Specific Hurdles
Germany
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TÜV requires EU-approved exhausts; revert loud pipes to stock.
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Bikes must have E-marked lighting—install converters if needed.
Japan
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101 dB noise cap; aftermarket pipes often fail.
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Undercarriage rust triggers quarantine cleaning fees.
Italy
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AFI plates issued after ACI inspection verifying emissions and lights.
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Helmets must meet ECE 22.06—update gear before arrival.
South Korea
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Import duty waived for first POV motorcycle under SOFA paperwork.
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KVI tests emissions; carbureted ATVs may require jet adjustments.
6. Cost Breakdown Example – Two Sport Bikes
Pair of 2022 Yamaha R7s | Camp Pendleton pickup → Oakland yard → Yokohama → Yokota AB
| Line Item | USD |
|---|---|
| On-base enclosed pickup | 320 |
| Custom dual bike crate | 900 |
| Shared container ocean freight | 2,750 |
| U.S. port & docs | 480 |
| Japanese clearance & handling | 620 |
| Final base delivery | 380 |
| Total | $5,450 |
Add ¥40,000–¥60,000 per bike for Japanese Compulsory Coverage (JCI) before registration.
7. Five Proven Ways to Cut Costs
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Team-Up Crating – Two dirt bikes in one crate save $300 in lumber and labor.
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Off-Peak Sailings – Fall & winter rates are 15% lower than summer PCS.
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Use On-Base Group Pickups – WCS monthly runs shave $150–$250 per shipment.
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Leverage Duty Waivers – First non-car POV often qualifies for SOFA duty-free treatment; file forms early.
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Bundle With Household Goods – Same container means one port handling fee instead of two.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ship a jet ski with my car?
Yes—fuel must be drained, hull cleaned, and craft crated. It loads beside your POV inside a 40-ft container.
Are side-by-sides street-legal overseas?
Often not. They enter on recreational permits; check local base policies before shipping.
Do I need spare keys for motorcycles?
Mandatory—ports fine $50–$150 for missing duplicates. Provide two sets.
What about lithium batteries?
Allowed in sea freight if terminals protected; air freight demands UN 3481 labeling and often requires removal.
Can WCS deliver off-base in Europe or Asia?
Absolutely—door delivery available across Germany, Italy, Japan, and South Korea.
9. Why West Coast Shipping Is the Military's Powersports Specialist
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Custom crating shop in Oakland for bikes, ATVs, and jet skis
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On-base pickups at major installations—no extra leave days
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Weekly sailings from California, Florida, and New Jersey to Europe and Asia
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Military paperwork mastery—SOFA waivers, EPA/DOT forms, and quarantine pre-approval
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Real-time tracking with photo updates in our secure portal
Explore Pacific routes at our Japan hub or European options on the Ship Cars to Europe page.
Get Your Motorcycle & ATV Shipping Quote Now
Ready to move your two-wheel or off-road pride and joy overseas? Tap the button below for a transparent, all-inclusive rate—then let West Coast Shipping handle every crate, form, and port on your PCS adventure.
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