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.
One passenger POV (car or light truck) ships free via the Vehicle Processing Center (VPC).
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).
Motorcycles over weight limits
ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, jet skis, snowmobiles
Trailers hauling any of the above
Late VPC turn-in or after-thought add-ons
| 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 |
| 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. |
ISPM-15 heat-treated lumber stamped for global acceptance
2 × 4 base runners to fit forklift tines and container lash points
Wheel chocks & soft straps rated 1,500 lbs each
Breathable wrap preventing mold without trapping moisture
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.
TÜV requires EU-approved exhausts; revert loud pipes to stock.
Bikes must have E-marked lighting—install converters if needed.
101 dB noise cap; aftermarket pipes often fail.
Undercarriage rust triggers quarantine cleaning fees.
AFI plates issued after ACI inspection verifying emissions and lights.
Helmets must meet ECE 22.06—update gear before arrival.
Import duty waived for first POV motorcycle under SOFA paperwork.
KVI tests emissions; carbureted ATVs may require jet adjustments.
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.
Team-Up Crating – Two dirt bikes in one crate save $300 in lumber and labor.
Off-Peak Sailings – Fall & winter rates are 15% lower than summer PCS.
Use On-Base Group Pickups – WCS monthly runs shave $150–$250 per shipment.
Leverage Duty Waivers – First non-car POV often qualifies for SOFA duty-free treatment; file forms early.
Bundle With Household Goods – Same container means one port handling fee instead of two.
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.
Custom crating shop in Oakland for bikes, ATVs, and jet skis
On-base pickups at major installations—no extra leave days
Weekly sailings from California, Florida, and New Jersey to Europe and Asia
Military paperwork mastery—SOFA waivers, EPA/DOT forms, and quarantine pre-approval
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.
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.