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.
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.
| Days Out | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| –7 | Schedule detailing | Book a steam wash undercarriage & engine bay. |
| –5 | Gather documents | Title, lien letter, PCS orders, EPA 3520-1, DOT HS-7, power of attorney. |
| –4 | Remove personal items | Everything except factory jack, spare, child seat. |
| –3 | Mechanical check | Top off fluids, set tire pressure, verify battery health. |
| –2 | Photo inventory | 360° exterior, interior, odometer; upload to the online portal. |
| –1 | Fuel & battery | Reduce fuel ¼ tank, disconnect aftermarket alarms. |
| 0 | Turn-in / pickup | Hand keys to VPC or West Coast Shipping driver; receive condition report. |
Undercarriage Steam Wash
Focus on wheel wells and suspension links—top rejection point for EU and Japan.
Engine Bay Degrease
Wipe residual oil; avoid high-pressure spray on sensors.
Wheel/Tire Treatment
Remove curb-rash debris and embedded gravel between treads.
Tar & Sap Removal
Ports flag sticky residues as quarantine risk.
Glass & Light Lenses
Repair cracks or replace bulbs; customs can hold cars with “unsafe lighting.”
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.
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.
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.
Fully charged, terminals clean. If shipping air, secure a non-spillable battery certification—or swap to a dry cell.
Tread depth: ≥ 1.6 mm (Germany) or ≥ 2 mm (Japan rainy season).
Pressure: Factory spec; under-inflation risks flat-spots during 30-day voyages.
All bulbs functional, beams aligned for destination driving side (left vs. right).
Horn must work; KVI (Korea) and TÜV (Germany) fail silent horns.
Bring originals or notarized copies for handover.
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Title / Lien release | Ownership proof |
| PCS orders | Duty-free clearance for first POV |
| Power of Attorney | Allows WCS to sign export docs |
| EPA 3520-1 (Box 7) | Emissions exemption |
| DOT HS-7 (Code C) | Safety exemption |
| Military ID copy | Confirms SOFA status |
No mud flaps dragging: Trim or secure.
Stickers & decals: Offensive images violate local regs—remove.
Fluid leaks: Zero tolerance; TÜV inspection will fail drips.
Undercarriage rust: Light surface rust okay; scaling rust = quarantine cleaning fee.
Interior odor: Strong smoke smells delayed for fumigation—use ozone treatment.
Front tint strip: Windshield shades over 15 cm rejected.
EU beam pattern: Headlight adapters or switchable settings required.
| Mistake | Consequence | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Leaving toll transponder | Lost device, battery drain | Remove and pack separately |
| Ignoring undercarriage mud | Port quarantine fee €200+ | Steam wash before turn-in |
| Fuel ¼ tank | VPC rejection, reschedule | Siphon excess safely |
| Missing second key | Port fine $50-$150 | Have duplicate cut early |
| Unresolved recalls | Registration delay | Check NHTSA VIN tool, complete before shipping |
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.
Begin the seven-day checklist no later than a week before turn-in; earlier if dealer repairs or recall fixes are needed.
Yes—approved factory-mounted seats may remain, but strollers and loose items must be removed.
Soft indoor covers are fine; tarp-style covers trap moisture—skip them.
Possibly not. Germany, Japan, and Italy use decibel meters; revert to stock if unsure.
Yes—provide them with a notarized power of attorney and their ID copy.
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.