Shipping Your Car from San Diego to Hawaii: What PCS Families Need to Know

Quick answer: If you PCS from San Diego to Hawaii, the government may ship one of your vehicles. Your car then waits at the Hawaii port for 45 days, and one missed scratch on the DD-788 inspection form can put a damage claim at risk. Here is how to protect yourself.

How does shipping a car to Hawaii work?

Hawaii counts as an overseas duty station, so your orders may authorize shipping a privately owned vehicle (POV). The shipping is run by U.S. Transportation Command and its contractor, International Auto Logistics (IAL). Your transportation office makes the final call on what you are authorized to ship.

As a general rule, a POV is a licensed vehicle with four or more wheels that you or a dependent have owned or leased for at least 12 months and do not use commercially. For overseas moves, the Navy's personal property guidance says the service member should have 12 months remaining at the overseas duty station when the vehicle reaches the loading port. Please confirm your own situation with your transportation office.

Before you drop off your car in San Diego

Step 1: Book your appointment. After you receive orders, schedule your turn-in appointment at pcsmypov.com.

Step 2: Gather your documents. You will generally need proof of ownership or registration (or a lease) and a copy of your PCS orders. A leased vehicle needs the lessor's permission, and a vehicle with a loan needs the lienholder's authorization for overseas shipment.

Step 3: Get the car ready. Clean it inside and out and make sure it is safe to operate. Check for unresolved electrical or fire-related recalls. Bring no more than a quarter tank of fuel and a full set of keys. Remove valuables, but leave the jack and spare tire, and keep a written list of anything else you leave inside.

The DD-788: the form that protects you

At drop-off, you and a terminal inspector inspect your car together, and both of you sign the DD-788, the Private Vehicle Shipping Document. Note every dent, scratch, chip and crack on it. The Navy's guidance is direct: failing to note all damage on the DD-788 jeopardizes your claim.

Take your time. Walk around the car in good light and check the roof, bumpers, wheels and glass. Take your own dated photos too, and ask for a legible copy of the signed form before you leave. That copy is what you will compare against when your car arrives in Hawaii.

When your car arrives in Hawaii

The destination port holds your vehicle for 45 days. After that, it may be moved to storage at your own expense, so do not let the clock run out.

Wait for the Vehicle Processing Center (VPC) to notify you that your car is ready. Seeing it arrive in tracking is not enough. Army Hawaii's guide says to then schedule your pickup appointment online within 21 days of that notice. Please check pcsmypov.com for the current rule.

The Honolulu VPC has been located at Pier 1 on Forrest Avenue, with weekday daytime hours. Confirm the address, hours and appointment rules before you go. Bring your ID, proof of ownership, your copy of the DD-788, and a power of attorney or letter of authorization if someone else is picking it up for you.

At pickup, do not let anyone rush you. Bring a flashlight. Start the car, shift through the gears, and test the wipers, lights, sound system, air conditioning and heater. Note any new damage on the form. If you disagree with the inspector, ask for the VPC agent. One caution from the Coast Guard's claims guidance: accepting an on-site settlement for an item bars further government recovery for that same item, so check local repair costs first.

If you find hidden damage after you leave, return to the VPC right away if you can. Otherwise, report it to the VPC and the Military Claims Office within 24 hours of delivery and pickup. File your claim with IAL first. If it is not resolved, the Military Claims Office at (757) 628-4212 can act as a liaison.

Government liability has been capped at $20,000 per vehicle, and $200 for tools shipped in the vehicle. Check current limits with your transportation office.

Questions military families ask

Can I ship more than one car? In general, the government ships one vehicle per member on orders, and a motorcycle counts only if you do not ship a four-wheeled vehicle on the same orders. Ask your transportation office about a second vehicle.

What if my vehicle is large? A vehicle over 20 measurement tons can incur excess costs. You calculate measurement tons by multiplying length, height and width in feet, then dividing by 40.

Will my car work in Hawaii right away? Hawaii has its own insurance, registration and safety requirements. Ask your counselor, or message me and I will point you in the right direction.

Is it worth shipping my car at all? It depends on its age, its value and what a replacement would cost on Oahu. What would you do if you had to replace it here?

It sounds like a lot to juggle in the middle of a PCS. What is the one part of your move that worries you most? Message me, and I will walk through it with you. No pressure.

Official POV site and tracking: https://www.pcsmypov.com

Learn more: https://www.coastalhe.com

Ana-Maria Contis (B)

Coastal Homes & Estates, brokered by eXp Realty

808-800-7821

This is general information, not legal or claims advice. Rules, hours and limits change, so please confirm with your transportation office and pcsmypov.com. Not affiliated with the government or International Auto Logistics.

Sources: Navy Postgraduate School Personal Property Office, POV Shipment Information; U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii, Understanding how to ship your privately owned vehicle to Hawaii; U.S. Coast Guard, Shipped Vehicle Claims.