How Clean Does Your Car Have to Be to Ship?
If you’re planning to ship your car—whether it’s for a cross-country relocation, an overseas move, or a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) military move—you might be wondering: how clean does your car need to be before transport?
The answer matters more than most people realize. Auto transport companies, military shipping programs, and international customs all have requirements about vehicle cleanliness that can affect insurance coverage, inspection accuracy, and even whether your car is accepted for shipment.
This guide covers why a clean car is essential, how clean it actually needs to be, and the extra steps military families should take before shipping.
Can You Bring Your Car Overseas in the Military?
If you’ve received overseas PCS (Permanent Change of Station) orders, one of the first questions on your mind is likely: Can I bring my car with me? The short answer is yes—military members can often ship one personally owned vehicle (POV) overseas at government expense. But there are rules, exceptions, and logistics that you need to know before making plans.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything from eligibility and costs to requirements, timelines, and tips to make the process as smooth as possible.
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.
How to Prepare Your Car for Overseas PCS from Fort Carson
If you’re stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs and have received overseas PCS (Permanent Change of Station) orders, you’ve likely got a million things on your to-do list. One of the most overlooked—but critical—tasks is preparing your vehicle for shipment or storage.
Here’s a practical guide on how to get your car ready for an overseas PCS, especially if you're moving from Fort Carson.