How Can You Track Your Vehicle During Auto Transport?

So you've arranged to ship your car. Maybe you're relocating to Florida, shipping a car from Texas. Or perhaps you're moving cross-country. You've probably picked an auto transport broker Texas residents trust. Questions will naturally pop up. "Where's my car?" is a big one. It's not sitting in your driveway anymore. This can cause some anxiety. Let's talk about how to keep tabs on your vehicle once it's on the road.

What Happens After Pickup?

First, understand the process. Once your vehicle is picked up, it's on its way. This is usually within a 72-hour window. The driver will inspect your car. They'll perform a VIN scan for accurate record-keeping. You'll get a Bill of Lading. This document is crucial. It details the condition of your vehicle at pickup.

At AMG Transport Co., we work with vetted, insured carriers. We're a Texas based auto transport broker nationwide. We make sure they understand the importance of communication. They also have a job to do. Driving a multi-ton vehicle across hundreds or thousands of miles. That's a demanding task. They have enough on their plate. That's why folks like us exist.

Basic Tracking: Real-Time Isn't Always Realistic

Unlike shipping a small package, real-time, minute-by-minute GPS tracking isn't always standard for auto transport. Why not? Several reasons. Drivers are focused on the road. Their priority is safe delivery. Constant updates can be a distraction. Also, many carriers operate with older equipment. Not all trucks have advanced GPS transmitting capabilities that are accessible to the public.

Some brokers offer a basic tracking portal. This might show general status updates or approximate locations. Don't expect to see your car on a map like a pizza delivery. That's not how this particular industry works.

The Role of Communication: Your Primary Tool

Your most reliable tracking method is communication. A good auto transport broker, like AMG Transport Co., will be your primary point of contact. We handle the coordination. We get updates from the carriers. Then we pass that information along to you.

How AMG Transport Co. Facilitates Tracking:

• Regular Updates: We provide updates as your vehicle progresses. This includes pickup confirmation and status checks along the route. We'll also give you an estimated delivery window.
• Direct Access (When Appropriate): Sometimes, closer to delivery, we might provide you with the driver's direct contact. This is for coordinating final drop-off. Not for daily check-ins. Remember, these drivers are busy. They're on the open road. Safety first.
• Proactive Communication: We aim to minimize your anxiety. We'll reach out if there are any significant delays or changes to the schedule. Things happen, like weather or truck breakdowns. That's just a fact of shipping anything cross-country.

What to Expect During Transit

Your vehicle will travel on an open car carrier or an enclosed auto transport. The type of carrier depends on your choice. An open car carrier transport cost is typically less. Enclosed auto transport for luxury cars or classic car transport enclosed carrier is pricier. It offers more protection. Either way, the journey is similar.

• Stops and Transfers: Your car might not be on the same truck the entire journey. Sometimes vehicles are transferred between trucks. This is common, especially for multi-car transport for families. It helps carriers maximize efficiency. It doesn't mean your car is lost.
• Estimated Delivery Windows: We provide a delivery window, not an exact time. How long does car shipping take cross country? It varies. Factors include distance, weather, road conditions, and other pickups/deliveries on the route. Shipping a car from Houston to Los Angeles, for example, has various transit times compared to shorter routes.
• Pre-Delivery Call: The driver will usually call you 12-24 hours before delivery. This gives you time to prepare for arrival. This call is crucial for coordinating the final drop-off. This is also why having good contact information is vital.

Why Brokers Are Essential for Tracking and Peace of Mind

You might think about dealing directly with a carrier. But most people couldn't work with them even if they wanted to. Carriers don't have the resources or the desire to deal with individual customer support. They're focused on driving. They handle the hard miles. We handle the paperwork, the frontend sales, and the coordinating.

Think about it. The roads are a dangerous place. Truckers have enough problems to deal with. They rely on brokers to solve the customer service problems. Reliable auto transport brokers like us act as a buffer. We get information. We translate it for you. This saves you hassle and keeps rates reasonable. Carriers also know we guarantee payment. That's a big deal for them. A lot of people don't pay. That's why some carriers don't like brokers, but they need us. We ensure they get paid. This helps foster good relationships. It means they're invested in taking care of our clients.

We provide you with clear communication. We handle the legwork. We ensure you feel informed. This eases that anxiety of not seeing your vehicle. This is part of being the best auto transport company for out-of-state moves. Or for that matter, any move that requires a vehicle shipment. Whether it's shipping an SUV vs sedan cost difference. Or shipping a non-running vehicle what to know.

Conclusion: Your Vehicle, Our Expertise

You're trusting someone with your vehicle. We understand that. At AMG Transport Co., we simplify the process. We use Stripe for secure deposits. We vet our carriers thoroughly. We provide honest quotes without hidden fees. All of this contributes to a smooth, transparent experience. We take the stress out of vehicle transport by being your experienced car shipping broker you can trust. We make sure you're informed every step of the way.

Ready to get your vehicle shipped? Get a free quote today. We're here to guide you.

Written by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.\n