New MTMC program: service members' POVs eligible for long—term storage

Translog: Journal of Military Transportation Management, May-June, 2002

Military service members ordered to overseas assignments where they are prohibited from taking a personal vehicle may now take advantage of a new Military Traffic Management-sponsored storage program.

Since May 1, MTMC offers long-term vehicular storage for eligible service members' headed overseas. The new program will be administered by American Auto Logistics, Inc., the contractor that runs MTMC's Global Privately Owned Vehicle Contract, said Charlie Helfrich, Chief, Privately Owned Vehicle Storage Branch. An average of 75,000 privately owned vehicles move via the contract annually.

"The contractor has provided high-quality service under the contract since it began in 1998," said Helfrich. "We expect this level of service will now continue to be offered as a customer-focused privately owned vehicle storage service to military service members."

Previously, there was no standard storage system for privately owned vehicles. Service members made use of a variety of storage programs and policies, which varied by military installation.

Under the new program, service members may leave a vehicle for storage at any of 39 vehicle processing centers worldwide. Other transfer points include Department of Defense and American embassy vehicle processing centers. American Auto Logistics will store the vehicle until the service member returns from overseas duty. Owners may maintain complete visibility of their vehicles via the firm's Web site www.whereismypov.com. Information on the centers and other aspects of shipping a privately owned vehicle are available at www.mtmc.army.mil.

"Our contractor will maintain the operating condition of all stored vehicles, in accordance with recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer," said Helfrich.

Other contract provisions include:

* Single point of contact,

* Claims settlement within 45 days, and

* Streamlined settlement of small claims.

"We are delighted to offer this additional benefit to the Nation's service members," said Bill Antonelli, Vice-President. "This provides them with a uniform method for long-term storage of their personally owned vehicles."

For additional information, contact your nearest installation transportation office, or American Auto Logistics at (845) 783-6279.