POV Shipment and Mileage

Start Here If You Are New to POV Shipment and Mileage

Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) handling at PCS depends on whether the move is CONUS or OCONUS. For OCONUS PCS, the Government ships ONE POV at no cost (additional POVs with approval). For CONUS PCS, the Government pays MALT (Monetary Allowance In Lieu of Transportation) at a per-mile rate when the Marine drives the POV. POV storage applies for unaccompanied OCONUS tours where the POV stays in CONUS at Government expense. Multiple POV authorization is rare but possible in specific circumstances.

This page walks you through POV from your seat as a General Marine. By the end you will know.

• POV shipment for OCONUS PCS (one POV at Government expense)
• MALT mileage for CONUS PCS
• POV storage during unaccompanied tours
• Multiple POV authorization framework
• The DTMO POV Shipment Locator
• Insurance and import requirements at OCONUS destinations

Every fact on this page comes from JTR Chapter 5 paragraphs 053302 and 050805, DTR 4500.9-R Volume 4, and the DTMO POV Shipment Locator.

POV Shipment (OCONUS PCS)

Per JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 053302, the Government ships ONE POV at no cost to the Marine for OCONUS PCS.

Eligibility

The Marine on PCS to or from an OCONUS PDS qualifies for POV shipment. The POV must be.

• Owned by the Marine or the Marine's dependent.
• Properly registered and insured.
• Within the size and weight limits for the shipping carrier.

One POV Standard

The standard authorization is ONE POV. Marines requiring shipment of additional POVs submit a request through the chain of command.

Multiple POV Authorization

Per JTR Chapter 5, multiple POV shipment is authorized in specific scenarios.

• Joint-spouse PCS where each spouse has a vehicle.
• Specific operational needs (e.g., DOD Schools dependents requiring transportation).
• Service Secretary approval for unique circumstances.

The Marine submits the multiple POV request through the chain of command to MMEA/MMOA before PCS execution.

POV Shipment Process

1. The Marine schedules POV shipment through the DTMO POV Shipment Locator at https://www.pcsmypov.com/.
2. The Marine drops off the POV at the designated origin VPC (Vehicle Processing Center).
3. The Government carrier ships the POV by ocean vessel (most common) or air (rare).
4. The Marine picks up the POV at the destination VPC.

Typical shipment time is 30 to 60 days depending on origin and destination.

POV Insurance and Registration

The Marine maintains insurance during shipment. The carrier provides limited liability coverage but the Marine's insurance is the primary coverage.

The destination country's POV registration and inspection requirements apply upon arrival. Common OCONUS destinations require.

• Local registration with the host nation.
• Local insurance per the host nation requirements.
• Vehicle inspection (often more rigorous than U.S. standards).
• Specific emissions or safety modifications in some countries.

The PPSO and the Marine's gaining unit S-1 provide host nation specifics.

MALT (Monetary Allowance In Lieu of Transportation)

Per JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 050805, MALT is the per-mile reimbursement for the Marine driving the POV during a CONUS PCS.

MALT Rate

The MALT rate is published by GSA and updates periodically. The current rate is approximately $0.18 per mile (verify the current GSA rate).

Authorized Mileage

The Marine receives MALT for the official distance between the old PDS and the new PDS per the official military distance lookup. The route does not have to be the most direct route, but MALT pays only the official distance.

MALT for Multiple Drivers

The Marine may receive MALT for one POV per family driving group. A second POV driven by another family member may not generate additional MALT under standard PCS rules.

MALT Plus Per Diem

Marines driving a POV during PCS receive MALT for mileage AND per diem for travel days. The PCS Per Diem page covers per diem during PCS travel.

POV Storage

Per JTR Chapter 5, POV storage at Government expense applies in specific scenarios.

Unaccompanied OCONUS Tours

A Marine on an unaccompanied OCONUS tour where the POV stays in CONUS receives Government-funded POV storage. The storage is administered through the PPSO.

Storage Duration

The storage typically covers the duration of the unaccompanied OCONUS tour. The PPSO coordinates the storage location and arrangements.

Storage Restrictions

Storage at Government expense is for one POV. Storage of additional POVs is at the Marine's expense unless special authorization applies.

DTMO POV Shipment Locator

The DTMO POV Shipment Locator at https://www.pcsmypov.com/ is the central portal for POV shipment.

Functions

• Schedule POV shipment.
• Locate the nearest VPC.
• Track the shipment status.
• File claims for damage or loss.

Marine Interaction

The Marine creates an account, schedules pickup, drops off the POV at the VPC, tracks the shipment, and picks up at the destination VPC.

POV Mileage Reimbursement Submission

The Marine submits the MALT mileage claim through the Defense Travel System (DTS) on DD Form 1351-2DD Form 1351-2 (Travel Voucher) at the new PDS.

Required Documentation

• Mileage from official military distance lookup.
• Travel dates.
• Route taken (if non-standard, with justification).

The AO approves the voucher. DFAS processes the payment.

Common Questions Marines Ask

Will the Government ship my car to Japan?

Yes per JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 053302. The Government ships ONE POV at no cost for OCONUS PCS. Schedule shipment through the DTMO POV Shipment Locator at https://www.pcsmypov.com/.

I have two cars. Will the Government ship both?

Standard authorization is one POV. Multiple POV shipment requires approval through the chain of command to MMEA/MMOA. Common scenarios include joint-spouse PCS or specific operational needs.

I am driving from Camp Lejeune to Camp Pendleton. Will I get mileage reimbursement?

Yes per JTR Chapter 5 paragraph 050805. MALT pays per-mile reimbursement at approximately $0.18 per mile (verify current GSA rate). The mileage is based on the official military distance.

I am going OCONUS unaccompanied. Where does my car go?

The Government provides POV storage at Government expense for unaccompanied OCONUS tours. The PPSO coordinates the storage location. Storage covers the duration of the unaccompanied tour.

How long does POV shipment take?

Typically 30 to 60 days for ocean shipment between CONUS and OCONUS. Track through the DTMO POV Shipment Locator.

Do I need insurance during POV shipment?

Yes. Maintain your standard insurance during shipment. The carrier provides limited liability but your insurance is the primary coverage. The destination country may require local insurance upon arrival.

Will my MALT cover all my driving expenses?

MALT is the per-mile rate for moving expenses. It does NOT cover gas, lodging, or meals separately. The PCS Per Diem framework covers travel-day expenses (lodging, meals).

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• POV shipment scheduling. The DTMO POV Shipment Locator at https://www.pcsmypov.com/.
• VPC location. Through the DTMO POV Shipment Locator.
• Multiple POV authorization request. Through chain of command to MMEA/MMOA.
• POV storage during unaccompanied OCONUS tour. The Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO) at your installation.
• MALT mileage submission. Through DTS at the new PDS.
• POV damage or loss claims. The DTMO POV Shipment Locator or the carrier directly.
• DFAS Marine Corps Pay direct contact. Phone 1-888-332-7411 (DSN 312-571-9450 from overseas).

Where to Go Next on This Site

• PCS landing page lists all the PCS topics.
• PCS Orders and Overview covers the foundational PCS framework.
• Household Goods and PPM covers HHG shipment (separate from POV).
• PCS Per Diem covers travel-day expenses including driving days.
• Member and Dependent Travel covers the broader travel mode framework.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Marines on the OCONUS POV shipment 60-day lead time and storage planning for unaccompanied tours.
• Admin at S-1 supports DD Form 1351-2DD Form 1351-2 voucher submission for MALT.
• Commanders endorse multiple POV authorization requests for specific operational needs.

POV shipment at Government expense for OCONUS PCS (one POV standard). MALT pays per-mile mileage for CONUS PCS POV driving. POV storage for unaccompanied OCONUS tours. The DTMO POV Shipment Locator is the central portal. Plan 60 days for OCONUS POV shipment.