Prepping Your Car for Military Shipment – 2025 PCS Checklist

PCS orders are on the horizon, and your privately owned vehicle (POV) must be export-ready long before movers pack the first box. Miss a single cleaning step or forget one document, and you risk VPC rejection, costly storage fees, or even port quarantine overseas. 

1. Why a Detailed Prep Routine Matters

• VPC Scrutiny: Vehicle Processing Centers reject dirty or non-compliant cars—forcing you to reschedule and pay late-turn-in penalties.

• Foreign Quarantine: Soil, seeds, or organic debris can trigger expensive cleaning fees at ports like Bremerhaven or Yokohama.

• Damage Claims: Clear photos and a spotless exterior document pre-existing dents, protecting you if damage occurs in transit.

2. Seven-Day Countdown: Complete Prep Timeline

3. Deep-Clean Checklist: Exterior

1. Undercarriage Steam Wash

   • Focus on wheel wells and suspension links—top rejection point for EU and Japan.

2. Engine Bay Degrease

   • Wipe residual oil; avoid high-pressure spray on sensors.

3. Wheel/Tire Treatment

   • Remove curb-rash debris and embedded gravel between treads.

4. Tar & Sap Removal

   • Ports flag sticky residues as quarantine risk.

5. Glass & Light Lenses

   • Repair cracks or replace bulbs; customs can hold cars with “unsafe lighting.”

6. Paint Sealant (Optional)

   • Adds a protective layer against salt mist during ocean transit but not mandatory.

For salvage or flood-title vehicles, use the specialized steps in Ship Salvage Auction Cars Overseas.

4. Interior Prep & Personal-Item Rules

• Empty glovebox, console, trunk—no GPS, toll transponders, or paperwork.

• Vacuum seats and carpets to remove pet hair and crumbs.

• Wipe hard surfaces with non-greasy cleaner; avoid scent bombs that trigger allergy flags.

• Document aftermarket electronics (dash cams, stereos) in your photo set; remove faceplates.

Tip: Pack loose parts and accessories in a clearly labeled box; list them on your bill of lading so customs treats car and parts as one unit.

5. Mechanical Readiness

Fuel & Fluids

• Fuel: Below ¼ tank for sea, below ⅛ for air freight.

• Oil & Coolant: Top off; leaks equal port detention.

• Brake Fluid: Ensure reservoir is full; low levels can fail VPC safety check.

Battery

• Fully charged, terminals clean. If shipping air, secure a non-spillable battery certification—or swap to a dry cell.

Tires

• Tread depth: ≥ 1.6 mm (Germany) or ≥ 2 mm (Japan rainy season).

• Pressure: Factory spec; under-inflation risks flat-spots during 30-day voyages.

Lights & Horn

• All bulbs functional, beams aligned for destination driving side (left vs. right).

• Horn must work; KVI (Korea) and TÜV (Germany) fail silent horns.

6. Mandatory Documentation Pack

Bring originals or notarized copies for handover.

7. Destination-Specific Cleaning Extras

Germany

• No mud flaps dragging: Trim or secure.

• Stickers & decals: Offensive images violate local regs—remove.

• Fluid leaks: Zero tolerance; TÜV inspection will fail drips.

Japan

• Undercarriage rust: Light surface rust okay; scaling rust = quarantine cleaning fee.

• Interior odor: Strong smoke smells delayed for fumigation—use ozone treatment.

Italy

• Front tint strip: Windshield shades over 15 cm rejected.

• EU beam pattern: Headlight adapters or switchable settings required.

8. Common Mistakes—and How to Avoid Them

9. Why West Coast Shipping Makes Military Car Prep Simple

• On-base pickups at major installations—no extra leave days burned on VPC trips.

• Photo-verified condition reports stored in our secure portal for peace of mind.

• Military paperwork pros—SOFA duty waivers, EPA/DOT forms, and port pre-clearance.

• Weekly sailings from Oakland, Fort Lauderdale, and New Jersey ensure flexible timing.

• Door delivery at destination—skip autobahn or Tokyo traffic on day one.

Explore our Europe and Pacific routes at the Ship Cars Worldwide hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I start prepping?

Begin the seven-day checklist no later than a week before turn-in; earlier if dealer repairs or recall fixes are needed.

Can I leave child seats installed?

Yes—approved factory-mounted seats may remain, but strollers and loose items must be removed.

What about a car cover in the container?

Soft indoor covers are fine; tarp-style covers trap moisture—skip them.

Will aftermarket exhaust pass foreign inspection?

Possibly not. Germany, Japan, and Italy use decibel meters; revert to stock if unsure.

Can someone else turn in my car?

Yes—provide them with a notarized power of attorney and their ID copy.

Get Your Military Car Shipping Quote Now

Ready to move your spotless, perfectly prepped POV overseas? Click below for an instant, all-inclusive quote—then let West Coast Shipping handle every mile, form, and port on your PCS journey.