Preparing for a Permanent Change of Station Move
Shipping Special Items
Privately Owned Vehicles
You can ship one privately owned vehicle (POV) for use by you or your dependents at the military's expense if you are authorized to do so (some overseas assignments will not allow POVs). The vehicle must be under 20 measurement tons (800 cubic feet), but exceptions may be granted if a medical reason warrants a bigger vehicle. If you want to ship a vehicle larger than 20 tons, you will be responsible for paying the excess fees.
The following types of vehicles can be shipped:
- Cars
- Pickup trucks
- Vans
- Station wagons
- Motor scooters
- Motorcycles
If you have a low-riding POV you want shipped, be sure that you have at least six inches of space between the vehicle and the ground to avoid damage. Other types of POVs can be cleared for transport as long as they are intended for overland ground transportation and can carry passengers. If you ship your POV you can track its progress 24 hours a day on the 'Where is my POV?' website.
Pets
The Air Mobility Command will transport two pets (cats and dogs only) for a fee. With its carrying case, each animal must weigh 99 pounds or less. Shipping fees are the servicemember’s responsibility. Pets between 0 and 70 pounds cost $80 to ship and those between 70 and 99 pounds cost $160. Animals must be in compliance with all applicable state, national and international laws.
Both you and your pets will most likely be flying to your new station on Patriot Express, the military chartered airline, but you may fly with a regular commercial carrier. Flying with a commercial carrier during PCS season could be tricky, as many airlines will not fly pets during the summer months. You should make sure that your animal has proper identification. Attach an identification tag to your pet with its destination address, your contact information and an alternate emergency contact.
Be sure that your pet is up-to-date with all vaccines, especially if you are moving abroad. Some countries have strict animal policies. If your pet is not properly vaccinated, it can be placed in quarantine anywhere from 30 days to six months, depending on the country. Quarantining a pet can cost money, but the service gives grants of $275 to help with the cost. You will need DD Form 2208 and DD Form 2209 completed by a military veterinarian to move a pet.
