Category Archives: Shipping your Car

How to Get Road-Ready for the Military in Hawaii after a PCS

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After moving your entire life across the pacific for a hawaiian PCS, the military in Hawaii must begin checking off things on the to-do list.  One of the many important things that must be done, is making sure that you’re cleared to legally get behind the wheel of your car.  Fortunately for the military in Hawaii, you can keep your main-land driver’s license assuming that it is current.  If you’ve brought your car form the mainland, you’ve got to be quick to get it registered with the Hawaiian DMV.  Because our most popular base, Hickham AFB is located on Oahu, here is a list of local DMV’s that you might find useful.

Shipping a Car Overseas: Is it Worth It?

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Moving is such a dynamic thing. It’s exciting, it’s thrilling, it’s a change of scenery.  But sometimes, moving is ill-timed, intimidating and down right stressful.  When a PCS (Permanent Change of Station) drops into your lap, the planning must begin.  In the midst of all the concerns that you must address before your move, you eventually have to think about what to do with your car(s).  In most cases, moving within the continental U.S. makes moving multiple vehicles quite manageable.  However, if your duty takes you overseas, it is decision time.  Fortunately, the government typically accommodates the expense of moving one of your vehicles.  For those with families, one vehicle sometimes just won’t cut it.  If your needs require more than one vehicle at your destination, then the best place to start looking for information would be with the relocation service at your base.  Now, do you have to sell your secondary car because of an overseas PCS?  No.  Should you?  That depends.  When it comes to shipping a car overseas, it’s time to consider some simple cost-benefit-analysis.  First, consider everything that you have invested in your car.  No one will better understand or appreciate your car more than you!  If you should choose to sell it, will potential buyers appreciate these investments that you’ve made?  I’m not talking sentimentally, but financially.  Secondly, keep in mind that you have already paid the sales tax on your current car.  By selling your car with the intention of buying a different one at your new base, you will be inheriting a new expense (It helps to know the sales tax of where you’re moving too).  Perhaps the most obvious factor in the consideration of shipping a car overseas, is how much will it cost for the boat ride?  If you’re thinking about shipping your car to Hawaii, expect to spend around $1,000 give or take.  If you anticipate coming back to the mainland some day, then multiply that number by two if you intend on having your car for the next few years.  While you’re considering all of this, shop around!  Check out as many different shipping companies that you can find for shipping a car overseas.  Some companies, like Budget Auto Shipping, provide military discounts.  If you happen to be paradise-bound with no intention of shipping your secondary car, Hickam AFB in Oahu is one of the most popular bases at Military Car Lot.  As people PCS to and from Hickam often, there are always plenty of postings on our website.  If you buy a car in Hawaii, chances are it’s in great shape and with relatively low mileage.