Track My Car Shipment by VIN: What You Need to Know

It's hard not to worry when you are shipping your car to a new location, especially if it's long-distance or if you are moving a car overseas. Even if you trust the carrier, you can still find yourself wondering if your car is in good hands or if there's any way that you can track the shipment.

Luckily, there is.

You can use your car's VIN number to track your shipment with ease. What's that, how does it work, and where do you find it?

Keep reading to find out.

What Is a VIN Number?

A VIN number, short for a Vehicle Identification Number, is a code that is unique to each car. Think about it as your car's fingerprints as no two vehicles have the same VIN.

The VIN code has 17 characters, both letters, and digits, that give specific information about your vehicle, such as the manufacturer, where it was built, engine size and type, the model year, and so on.

Don't worry if your VIN code is shorter than 17 characters. If your car is older than the 1980s, then that's likely the reason as the code was shorter back then.

Why Knowing the VIN Is Important

In addition to the unique features of your car, the VIN code can also provide very valuable information about your vehicle's history. It can tell, for example, if and where it was registered if there were any warranty claims or insurance coverage issues. It's a powerful tool, especially if you are in the process of buying a vehicle and want to ensure that the seller has given you all the right details.

It's also an essential piece of information if you didn't manage to register the car before needing to ship it. Carriers will ask for a list of documents before shipping a vehicle, such as the original registration and title, ID, and so on. If, for some reason, your car is not registered in your name yet or if you need to move it on someone else's behalf, such as your girlfriend or family member, then you can use the VIN code to do so.

• VIN numbers cannot track active car shipments — carriers use order numbers and dispatch systems, with status updates provided every 24–72 hours during transit.
• Domestic shipments typically deliver within 1–9 days depending on route distance; international RoRo and container shipments average 2–6 weeks port to port.
• FMCSA hours-of-service regulations govern carrier driving schedules, meaning weather, traffic, and mandatory rest stops can affect pickup and delivery windows.

Where Can I Find the VIN Code?

If this is the first time you've heard about the VIN code, then you may be wondering where you can find it.

The number should be in your insurance policy, so check there. It can also be found on your car's title and registration documents. If you don't have any of these documents with you, but the car is still in your possession, then you can check the dashboard on the driver's side or the driver's side door, next to the doorpost.

You Can Always Trust Us with Your Shipment

Finding an auto shipping company that you can trust can be extremely difficult. And understandably so as there are many things to consider, such as their experience, if they are licensed, their insurance coverage, rates, and so on.

At A-1 Auto Transport, we've tried to make this process as simple as possible for you. With just a few clicks on our website, you can find all the information you need, from details about our company to estimates about your delivery. And, if you still have questions, don't hesitate to contact us or fill out the online form to ask for a free quote.

We're waiting for your call!