Abstract: A method includes applying a brake system of a multi-vehicle system using an onboard controller device and receiving grade input at the onboard controller device from a remote controller device. The grade input indicates a grade of a surface on which the multi-vehicle system is disposed. The method further includes starting movement responsive to receiving a speed command signal at the onboard controller device from the remote controller device. The movement started by initiating release of the brake system and/or generating tractive effort from a propulsion system of the multi-vehicle system stretches the multi-vehicle system. The method further includes, responsive to the movement reaching a designated speed, switching to a closed loop control process of controlling the movement based on one or more of the speed command signal or a brake command signal received at the onboard controller device from the remote controller device.