How to Ship Your Vehicle During a PCS Move: A Guide to PCSmyPOV, USDA Rules, and DTR Requirements

Preparing for a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move involves more than packing your home. If you're planning to ship your car—especially to an OCONUS (Outside Continental United States) location—you’ll need to follow specific military and USDA rules to ensure your vehicle passes inspection and ships on time.

This guide covers everything you need to know about military vehicle shipping requirements, including information from PCSmyPOV, the Defense Transportation Regulation (DTR), and USDA APHIS vehicle inspection standards.

1. Who Is Eligible to Ship a Vehicle?

Active duty military members, Department of Defense (DoD) civilians, and Department of State employees are typically allowed to ship one privately owned vehicle (POV) at government expense during a PCS move.

For OCONUS assignments, the host country’s import laws must permit the vehicle’s entry. Before making any arrangements, check with your local Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO) to confirm your eligibility and any restrictions that may apply based on destination.

2. Vehicle Requirements for PCS Shipment

To be accepted for shipping at a Vehicle Processing Center (VPC), your vehicle must meet strict standards related to safety, cleanliness, and documentation.

Operational Condition

Your vehicle must be safe, drivable, and free of any leaks. Brakes, lights, and all major systems must be fully operational.

Fuel Level

The gas tank should be no more than one-quarter full at the time of drop-off.

USDA-Approved Cleanliness

Cleanliness is one of the most critical factors for OCONUS shipments. Vehicles must be free of all soil, seeds, plant debris, and pests. This includes:

• A spotless undercarriage

• Debris-free engine compartment

• Completely vacuumed and cleaned interior

• No food, trash, or personal items inside the vehicle

These guidelines are enforced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prevent the spread of invasive species and pests to other countries.

Recalls

All safety recalls must be resolved before shipment. You’ll need proof that no open recalls exist on your vehicle at the time of drop-off.

Required Documentation

Bring the following to your vehicle appointment:

• Your PCS orders

• Vehicle title or current registration

• A valid government-issued photo ID

Missing any of these may delay or cancel your vehicle shipment.

3. Shipping Process via PCSmyPOV

Once your vehicle is ready, you’ll need to schedule a drop-off appointment at a designated Vehicle Processing Center (VPC). Here's what to expect:

• Schedule an Appointment: Use the PCSmyPOV platform to book a drop-off date and time.

• Drop-Off Inspection: Your vehicle will be inspected inside and out to document its condition.

• Pick-Up Inspection: Upon arrival at the destination VPC, another inspection will confirm the condition matches what was noted at drop-off.

• Track Your Shipment: You’ll receive a Shipping Instruction Number that allows you to check your vehicle’s status throughout the process.

4. POV Storage Options

In some cases, especially when OCONUS vehicle shipment is not permitted or desired, eligible personnel may opt to store their vehicle at government expense. This option requires:

• Approval from your Installation Transportation Office (ITO)

• Submission of required documentation

• Adherence to storage facility policies

If you remove your vehicle from storage before receiving new orders, you may forfeit future shipment or storage entitlements.

5. USDA Inspection Guidelines for Vehicle Exports

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) enforces agricultural regulations for any vehicle being shipped internationally. These standards aim to prevent the introduction of foreign pests and soil-borne diseases to other ecosystems.

Vehicles that fail USDA inspection due to:

• Excess dirt or mud on the undercarriage

• Plant debris in the engine bay or wheel wells

• Trash or food remnants inside the cabin

...will be denied for shipment until properly cleaned and re-inspected—delaying your PCS move and adding stress to an already busy time.

6. Important Resources to Understand

While PCSmyPOV is the primary resource for managing your vehicle shipment, these documents are also essential for understanding your responsibilities:

• Defense Transportation Regulation (DTR), Part IV, Attachment K3: Covers official DoD policies and procedures for POV shipment.

• USDA APHIS Guidelines: Outline cleanliness and inspection requirements for vehicles being exported from the U.S. to foreign duty stations.

Final Thoughts

Shipping your car during a PCS move doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding the requirements outlined by PCSmyPOV, the Defense Transportation Regulation, and USDA APHIS, you can avoid common mistakes and ensure your vehicle arrives at your new duty station on time and in compliance.

If you're in need of PCS-ready detailing, choose a service provider who understands these rules and has experience preparing vehicles to pass USDA inspections and meet VPC standards. The smoother the process, the sooner you can hit the ground running at your next duty station.