SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (USTCNS) --- Department of Defense personnel who want to ship vehicles overseas must gather and present key documentation at vehicle processing centers, according to U.S. Customs regulations.

Military and civilian personnel who want to ship vehicles overseas must present an original Certificate of Title or a certified copy of the title, according to U.S. Customs Service regulations.

If the vehicle is leased or has a lien, the shipper must also present a letter from the lien-holder authorizing shipment.

The regulation's purpose is to ensure compliance with the Anti Car Theft Act of 1992.

Shippers are encouraged to review the instructions in the Military Traffic Management Command Pamphlet, "Shipping Your POV" which is available at Personal Property Shipping Offices or on the web at http://144.101.37.133/property/gpov/POVnotice.htm

Effective October 1, 2000 VPCs will no longer ship POVs to overseas locations (outside the continental U.S.) without the title and a lienholder release letter.

The lienholder's release letter must be on the third party's letterhead paper, and contain a complete description of the vehicle, and the telephone numbers at which that owner or lienholder may be contacted. The shipper must also present a certified copy of the title.

VPCs have been instructed to hold POVs for no more than 30 days while the employee (military or civilian) secures the release from the lienholder.

These procedures will remain in effect until Dec. 31, 2000. Thereafter, VPCs will reject all POVs without the required letter of authorization from the lien-holder.

Service members are responsible for disposition instructions and transportation charges associated with the return of POVs not authorized for shipment by the lien-holder.

Members who are not able to obtain a lien-holder release letter are advised to contact their base legal office immediately for assistance.

For more information contact Howard Wick, at USTRANSCOM, phone (618) 229-1985 or DSN 779-1985.