What Is a VPC and How Does It Affect Your Vehicle Transport during PCS?

Are you a member of the military moving from your current station and preparing to have your car transported? Then you might have heard about VPCs. If you haven't, now is the time to learn about it.

VPC stands for Vehicle Processing Center. It's fundamental to members of the military as they execute a vehicle transport of privately owned vehicles (POV).

This blog will inform you about what VPCs are and when you'll need to reckon with them in the vehicle transport process during a permanent change of station (PCS).

When Does a VPC Come Into Play?

Vehicle processing centers (VPC) are crucial. They act as a kind of auto supply chain. Military members looking to ship their POVs must drop them in a VPC before their vehicles get shipped.

Using a VPC works for OCONUS shipping. As you might have known, OCONUS means "outside [the] contiguous United States," meaning that you're shipping something to Hawaii, Alaska, other US territories, and other countries.

The military authorizes one car for each personnel to ship. That car will go through a VPC during transit.

VPCs are where military members drop off and pick up their personal vehicles to be shipped when they receive notice of a permanent change of station (PCS).

What Is a VPC For?

In terms of vehicle transport for PCS, a VPC accepts vehicles to be shipped and sends them to another local VPC, the destination VPC.

There, the service member will pick up his or her automobile.

VPCs are meant for military service members as vehicle storage as well.

Any car shipment for PCS vehicle owners is facilitated directly through a VPC.

Getting Started with POV Shipping via VPC

Most, if not all, VPCs are appointment only. Walk-ins are rarely accepted, so it's a good idea to make an appointment with one if you're looking to ship a car through a VPC.

Here is what usually happens when you ship a POV via VPC:

1) Sit through a virtual briefing

The virtual briefing is a great way for customers to get up-to-date information about the turn-in process for the shipment or storage of vehicles.

A VPC may hold virtual briefs to provide customers with all the necessary information and requirements they need to know. Invitations are sent out two weeks from a turn-in appointment date so customers can plan accordingly.

These briefings are an invaluable resource for customers who want to stay informed about their vehicle's turn-in process.

Customers can ask questions and receive answers directly from experienced professionals who understand vehicle shipment and the storage ins and outs.

With this knowledge, customers can make sure that their vehicle is properly taken care of during its journey. The virtual briefings also provide helpful tips and advice on how to best prepare for a successful turn-in experience.

2) Turning in

Turning in a vehicle is an important step in processing a PCS. It would help if you visited the nearest VPC to turn in the vehicle for shipment.

It is important to ensure all requirements are met when turning in the vehicle, as this will ensure the process runs smoothly and efficiently.

Inspection requirements may include the following:

• Having all personal items removed from the vehicle
• Ensuring that all fluids are at the proper levels
• Making sure that any necessary repairs have been completed

Additionally, it is important to bring along all relevant shipping documents, such as vehicle registration paperwork and insurance proof.

All necessary documents must be filled out and printed before shipping for a smooth transition. The documents include the following:

• Pre-shipping instruction form
• Shipper Acknowledgment form
• A printout showing no recalls
• A complete set of orders with all amendments
• Military ID or state-issued ID
• A legible copy of the title (front and back)
• Lien-Holder Authorization Letter (if applicable)
• Power of Attorney or Letter of Authorization (if applicable)

You must sort every document before any shipment can take place. Therefore, having all these documents ready beforehand will help ensure that your move goes as smoothly as possible.

Once at the VPC, a VPC personnel inspect the vehicle to ensure it meets all requirements before officially accepting it. If they find any issues during the inspection, you must address them before the VPC can accept the vehicle.

Once accepted, personnel will provide paperwork indicating that the vehicle has been turned in and processed correctly. This paperwork should then be kept for future reference if needed.

3) Picking up

Picking up your vehicle from the VPC can be a hassle-free experience. The VPC will answer your questions at the briefing.

Make an appointment with a VPC and ensure that your POV does not have any unresolved recalls before pickup. Cleaning your POV inside and out, making sure the interior is dry and having ¼ tank of fuel or less at turn-in are also important steps to take before arriving at the VPC.

When it comes time to pick up your vehicle, you can track its progress. Another tip is to avoid arriving late and on time for your appointment.

Furthermore, it's best to have all necessary documentation ready and inspections completed upon arrival.

With these simple steps, you can ensure that picking up your vehicle is as stress-free and efficient as turning it in.

Can I Find a VPC Nearby?

VPC locations facilitate the movement of military personnel and their families. Usually, the closest location to the user is used for the first move. After that, sites along the road trip route are also used.

Currently, there are fourteen VPC locations available across the United States, including Atlanta, GA; Anchorage and Fairbanks, AK; Baltimore, MD; Charleston, SC; Dallas, TX; Denver, CO; Los Angeles, CA; Norfolk, VA; NY/NJ Metro (Edison NJ); Orlando, FL; San Diego, CA; Seattle, WA; and St. Louis (Pontoon Beach, IL).

Ready to Transport Your Vehicle?

Now you know about vehicle processing centers and how they facilitate the auto shipment of POVs during a PCS.

Transporting military vehicles may sound daunting, but A-1 Auto Transport is ready to support your vehicle transport needs.

Thus, we offer a wide range of military transport services for all vehicles. Trust us to transport your car. Contact us today and visit our website for a quick, free quote.