SAKAEM Logistics: Military Car Shipping Made Simple

If you are in the military and have to move to a new duty station, you will likely have to ship your vehicle. And if you want your car to be shipped safely and quickly, you should use a military car shipping service.

Over 400,000 military personnel make a PCS move or permanent change of station every year. A PCS move can involve the transfer of an individual member or an entire unit.

There are many reasons why the military might need to reassign personnel or units. For example, members might be transferred to take advantage of their particular skillset. It may be because changes in global politics necessitate changes in deployment or to withdraw the unit from one country and send it to another. In some cases, members may be rotated out after serving at a location for an extended period to have some respite and avoid career burnout.

When reassignment orders come down, it falls on those being transferred to get themselves quickly – and often their families – ready for the move.  

SAKAE Logistics specializes in helping active or retired members of the military ship their vehicles. We understand that moving can be stressful, especially when you have to worry about your car. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to make car shipping simple and stress-free for our clients. We offer door-to-door service, so you don’t have to worry about getting your car to us. We also provide tracking information so you can always see where your vehicle is.

But before you hop in to hire us, we would like you to familiarize yourself with some of the most important things related to the military car shipping process. Discover in this blog

What Is Military Car Shipping?

Military car shipping is transporting a vehicle from one location to another, whether across the country or overseas. People in the military moving for active duty service or transfer assignments often use this service. It’s also a popular option for retired military members who need their vehicles shipped back home.

There are a few different ways to ship a vehicle, and each has its benefits and drawbacks. The most common method is via road transport using an enclosed trailer. This offers protection from the elements and potential damage during transit but can be more expensive than other methods. Other options include rail transport or ocean freight, depending on the distance involved in the shipment.

Types Of Auto Transport Service For Military Personnel  

When you are in the military, you have to move around a lot. This can be not easy when you have a family and pets. You also have to worry about your car getting to your new duty station. Different auto transport services for military personnel can help make this process easier for you.

You have a few options when you need military auto shipping, whether across town or the country. You can drive it yourself, of course. But if you’re not up for a long road trip or your car isn’t in driving condition, you can always ship it via auto transport. Here are the various services these companies offer.

Door-To-Door Shipping 

With this service, professional truckers pick up your vehicle at your current location and deliver it to your new duty station. This is the most convenient option but also the most expensive.

Terminal-To-Terminal Shipping 

With this service, military auto transport experts will deliver your vehicle to a terminal near your new duty station. You will then have to pick it up and drive it to your new home. This option is less expensive than door-to-door shipping, but it is not as convenient since you must arrange transportation from the terminal.

Guaranteed Auto Pick Up

Most auto transport services will give you a date range for the pickup of the vehicle. However, if you want us to pick up on a specific date, you can request guaranteed auto pick up. This means that we will pick up your vehicle on the date of your choice, but it may cost an additional fee.

Express Shipping Service

You can request express shipping if you need your car delivered as soon as possible. This service is more expensive than standard shipping, but it will guarantee your vehicle delivery within a specific time frame.

Open Carrier Auto Transport

Open carrier auto transport is just what it sounds like—the military auto transport company ships your vehicle on an open trailer. The downside is that it exposes your car to the elements (but also protected by straps and other safety measures). This type of shipping is typically less expensive than enclosed carrier shipping because it requires less fuel and fewer resources overall. This makes it an excellent option for people on a budget or need to ship multiple vehicles simultaneously. Open carriers can also typically accommodate larger vehicles, so if you have an SUV or truck that needs to be shipped, this may be the best option.

Enclosed Carrier Auto Transport

As the name suggests, experts will ship your car in a fully enclosed trailer, protecting it from the elements (and prying eyes). Enclosed carrier shipping is typically more expensive than open carrier shipping because it requires more resources (fuel, labour, etc.). But for many people, the extra cost is worth knowing that their car will arrive at its destination in the same condition as when it left. This is especially the best option to choose when transporting a classic vehicle.

When Do You Need To Hire An Auto Transport Company?

There are a few instances when it might be necessary for military personnel to hire military car shipping services. For example, you are deployed and need to have your car shipped to your new duty station. Another instance might be if you are going on temporary duty and will need your car transported back home.

If you find yourself in either of these situations or any other situation where you need to ship a car, it’s essential to choose the right auto transport company. Be sure the company is experienced in shipping cars for military personnel, which will help ensure a smooth process.

How Does Military Vehicle Shipping Work?

When you need to move your vehicles from one location to another, it’s important to use a shipping company specializing in military vehicle transport. Here are five steps to take when using this type of service:

1. Choose the right company: Not all shipping companies are created equal. Some specialize in military vehicle transport, while others lack the required experience or expertise. Be sure to research and choose a reputable company like SAKAEM with a solid track record.
2. Get an estimate: Once you’ve picked a military car shipping company, get estimates. Make sure all estimates include insurance coverage in case of damage during transit.
3. Select the correct type of service: There are two main types of military vehicle shipping services – door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal. Door-to-door is more expensive but offers convenience and peace of mind knowing your vehicles will be picked up and delivered directly to your doorstep. The terminal -to- terminal is less costly but requires you to drop off and pick up your vehicles at designated terminals. Choose the option that best suits your needs and budget.
4. Book transport: Once you’ve compared rates and selected the type of service, i.e., open or enclosed, it’s time to book transportation for your military vehicles. Most shipping companies will require a deposit to secure your spot on their schedule.
5. Track your vehicles: Once they are in transit, track them using the shipping company’s online tracking system. This will give you peace of mind and allow you to plan for their arrival.
6. Prepare for delivery: When your vehicles arrive at their destination, prepare the necessary paperwork and have a designated area cleared out for them. Then, sit back and relax.

The Benefits Of Military Shipping Services 

There are a lot of benefits that come with using military car shipping services. Here are just a few of them:

• Convenience: You can have your vehicle picked up from virtually any location and shipped directly to your destination, whether an APO/FPO address or a civilian address. This eliminates the need to drive your vehicle long distances or coordinate complex logistics.
• Flexibility: Military car shipping services offer scheduling and delivery options flexibility. You can choose express shipping for time-sensitive shipments or more economical standard shipping if you have some flexibility in timing. Delivery options include door-to-door, terminal-to-terminal, and port-to-port services for international shipments.
• Safety: When entrust your vehicle to a professional military car shipper, you can rest assured that professionals will handle it with care every step. Your car will be transported safely and securely, minimizing the risk of damage or accidents.
• Peace of mind: Using a military car shipping service gives you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your vehicle is in good hands. You can relax and focus on other things, safe knowing that your car will arrive at its destination on time and in perfect condition.

How Much Does Military Vehicle Shipping Cost?

The average cost to ship a car domestically within the United States is between $1,000 and $3,000. For international shipments, prices start at around $2,500 but can increase significantly depending on the destination country’s import taxes and duties. Here are the factors that determine the shipping cost:

1. Size and weight of vehicle: The dimensions will affect how much it costs to ship your car overseas. If you’re shipping a Hummer, expect to pay more than if you were shipping a VW Jetta.

2. Mode of transport: There are three primary ways your car can be shipped internationally: by container, RoRo (roll-on/roll-off), or airfreight. Container shipping is the most expensive option, while RoRo is the cheapest.

3. Origin and destination countries: For example, in the case of overseas shipping, countries with higher import/export taxes will be more expensive to ship to/from than others. Additionally, some countries have agreements that make shipping between them cheaper (e.g., the US has agreements with several European countries).

4. Distance: The further the distance, the more it will cost to ship. This is because long-distance shipments require more fuel and time, which increases the overall cost

5. Timing: Military auto shipping rates are generally lower during slow seasons (like winter) and higher during peak seasons (like summer).

How Long Does Military Vehicle Shipping Take?

When you want a military vehicle shipped, some primary factors will determine how long the process may take.

• The Vehicle’s Size – One of the most significant influencers on shipping time is the size of your vehicle. Larger vehicles generally take longer to ship than smaller ones, requiring more space and resources to transport.
• The Vehicle’s Weight – Heavier vehicles often require special accommodations and can take longer to load and unload from transport trucks.
• Your Shipping Location – If you are located far away from either port, it will likely take longer for your shipment to arrive than if you were closer. Additionally, if you live in a remote area, arranging for additional transportation services that could further extend transit times may be necessary.
• The time of year: Shipping times may be slower during peak seasons when demand is higher.
• The urgency of the shipment: Routine shipments may have a lower priority than time-sensitive or critical shipments
• Security clearance: Shipments destined for sensitive locations or involving sensitive materials may require additional security measures, which can add time to the shipping process.
• Special handling requirements: If a vehicle requires special handling due to its size, weight, or contents, this can also delay shipping.

How To Find The Best Company For Military Car Shipping?

Here are some tips to help you choose the right military car shipping company for your needs:

1. Get quotes from multiple companies: This will allow you to compare prices and services between different companies to find the best deal. Make sure that you get quotes for both door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal services, as these can vary significantly in price.

2. Ask about insurance coverage: All reputable car shipping companies will be insured if something happens to your vehicle during transport. However, it’s crucial that you understand what type of coverage is included in their policy and whether or not there are any additional costs associated with it.

3. Get everything in writing: Once you’ve chosen a company, be sure to get all your shipment details in writing before agreeing to anything. This should include the price quote, insurance coverage, pickup and delivery dates/times, and any other special instructions or requests you have.

4. Make sure you understand the company’s policy on damages: Most car shipping companies will have a policy in place in case of any damages that occur to your vehicle during transport. Before agreeing to anything, you must understand what this policy is and how it works.

5. Ask about their tracking system: Most car shipping companies will have a tracking system in place so that you can see where your car is at all times during transport. This is a significant feature, so ask about it before choosing a company.

6. Get everything scheduled in advance: Once you’ve chosen a military auto transport company and gathered all the necessary information, plan everything. This includes things like your pickup and delivery dates/times and any other special requests or instructions. Do it to ensure everything goes smoothly and according to plan.

What Are The Documents Required To Ship Military Vehicles?

There are a few documents required to ship military vehicles:

• The Bill of Lading: This document starts the shipping process. It lists all pertinent information about the military vehicles being shipped, such as origin and destination, type of vehicle, makes and model, VINs, etc.
• The Insurance Policy: Shipping insurance is necessary when dealing with high-value items like military vehicles. This policy will protect against any damages or losses during transit.
• Shipper’s Letter of Instruction: This letter must be signed by an authorized representative of the shipper, and it should include detailed instructions for loading, unloading, and handling the shipment.

If you are unsure whether or not your shipment requires any other documentation, it is best to reach out to your transportation company and customs broker. Failing to include the proper documentation can result in delays, fines, and even seizure of your vehicle. So make sure you’re fully prepared before shipping!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Do I Prepare My Car For Shipping? 

You must clean your car before it is shipped, making it easier for the shippers to do their job and help protect your vehicle from dirt and grime during transport. You should also remove all personal items from your car’s interior, as these could be damaged or lost during transit. Finally, ensure that there is enough fuel in your tank so that the shippers can quickly drive your car onto and off the transport truck. Generally, the fuel shouldn’t exceed one-fourth of the total tank capacity.

What is the best time to ship my car? 

 Many people choose to ship their cars during the spring or summer months, as this is typically when weather conditions are most favorable. However, it is crucial to remember that shipping companies tend to be very busy during these times of the year, so you may have to wait longer for your car to be shipped if you choose one of these seasons.

Can you ship any additional baggage with military car shipping?

We can ship additional baggage with military car shipping, but there may be an additional cost depending on the size and weight of the items. For more information, please call us or visit our website!

Do shipping companies offer any discount on their services to military personnel?

Yes, we offer discounts to military personnel! Please mention this when you call us or fill out our online quote form so that we can apply the discount to your shipping order.

What are the various payment methods that military vehicle shipping companies accept?

We accept various payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, and bank wire transfers. Please visit our website or call us for more information on our payment policy.

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