Tracking Your Vehicle Once It Has Been Picked Up
The internet and digital technology have enabled it to follow your vehicle after it has been picked up until it reaches its destination, provided that the auto shipping firm uses up-to-date tracking equipment. Yet several auto transport businesses have adopted cutting-edge tracking technology, which has allowed them to offer faster, more engaging service to their clientele. Some potential methods of chasing your car are as follows:
GPS Tracking
Most auto transport carriers have GPS devices in their automobiles or vehicles. While this is mainly to help the driver with their routes, many modern automobile carrier companies provide a service to their customers where they can view this GPS location in real time.
However, because of the software and constant internet connectivity requirements, only some motorcar conveyance companies currently provide this service. The number who do, though, is rapidly growing. Within a few years, most will probably be offering it.
Check-in Points
Drivers will report where they are in the country directly to the auto transport company based on pre-determined times or locations. If the route is relatively short, this may not be necessary, but if you're shipping your vehicle a great distance, it can be helpful for your own peace of mind.
Many companies will automatically provide you with an update via text, phone call, or e-mail within 24 to 48 hours. This usually occurs when the driver has stopped at either a rest area during the journey or a loading or unloading terminal (assuming he or she is transporting more than one vehicle).
Other companies may provide status updates via their website, in which you log in and can view a page, similar to how FedEx or UPS does it with their orders.
Call or E-mail the Company
The companies that are not well run or do not provide much in the way of customer service will lead to you having to actually call or e-mail the company to get an update as to where your vehicle is. This can, of course, be a cumbersome process, and it's not something that you should have to deal with.
The Future of Tracking
In the future, the majority of auto transport companies should have a vehicle tracker as an app or on a portion of their website that allows you to log on and instantaneously track where your vehicle is from your smartphone, computer, or tablet. Unfortunately, not all conveyance companies have adopted this technology yet, but many are trying to do so. While following your vehicle is friendly and convenient, the most essential thing that you should look for in a company is its ability to provide reliable, safe service.
Do you still have questions about tracking your vehicle? Contact A-1 Auto Transport today and let us help you out with your needs! We promise outstanding customer service at every step of the process.
Relevant Statistics
- Over 95% of car shipping companies provide real-time tracking services for their customers.
- The average time it takes for a motorcar to be delivered using search technology is 7 days.
- More than 80% of car-hauling search systems use GPS technology for accurate location updates.
- Approximately 4 out of 5 customers report increased satisfaction when they can track their vehicle during the moving process.
- Car shipping companies that offer tracking services experience a 10% reduction in lost or delayed deliveries compared to those without tracking capabilities.
General Facts
- Automobile shipping tracking is a service that allows individuals to monitor the location and status of their vehicles during the transportation process.
- It provides real-time updates on the vehicle's whereabouts, including departure and arrival times.
- Car delivery search services often utilize GPS technology to provide accurate location information.
- Customers can access tracking information through online platforms or mobile applications.
- This service offers peace of mind by ensuring transparency and visibility throughout the motorcar shipping journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I track my car after it’s been picked up?
Use our online tracker for real-time status and ETAs. You’ll see milestones like picked up, in transit, and out for delivery, plus your driver’s contact details when available. Updates come from carrier dispatch systems, GPS pings, and driver check-ins, so visibility continues even when the truck stops for hours-of-service breaks. Start here: our car shipping tracker.
What information do I need to track my shipment?
Have your A-1 order/booking number (sometimes called a “PRO” number), pickup and delivery ZIP codes, and the vehicle’s year/make/model. If a dealer or auction booked transport for you, ask them for the order number under your name—tracking is tied to that record. If you ever need to confirm pickup or delivery arrangements while tracking, this quick overview explains how handoffs work in our door-to-door transport service.
Will I see the truck’s live GPS location? How often are updates?
Many carriers share live or near-real-time location, while others provide checkpoints every 4–12 hours plus text/email updates at key events. Continuous GPS isn’t always available because not all carriers expose ELD/GPS data to customers and signal can drop in tunnels, mountains, or rural corridors. Either way, you’ll still receive timely status and refreshed ETAs. If your vehicle needs extra care (high value/low ground clearance), consider enclosed auto transport with tighter coordination.
My tracking hasn’t updated for several hours. Is something wrong?
Usually not. Pauses happen during driver rest periods (hours-of-service rules), scheduled multi-stop loading, weather or traffic holds, or when the truck is in a cell dead zone. Systems also queue data and push it when connectivity returns. If your status hasn’t changed for 12+ hours during business days, message support with your order number for a manual ping to the driver/dispatch. Need faster arrival on future shipments? Expedited auto transport prioritizes loading and route planning.
When will I get my delivery ETA—and how long do shipments usually take?
You’ll receive a first ETA at pickup and refreshed ETAs as the truck clears each waypoint. As a guide, short regional moves typically arrive in 2–5 days, while cross-country routes commonly take 7–14 days, depending on the distance, route, season, and carrier stops. Weather, traffic, and truck capacity can cause ETAs to be adjusted earlier or later; your tracker automatically reflects these shifts. If you’re comparing routes or seasons, this cost & distance estimate guide can help you gauge timing inputs.
Can I track a new car delivery from a dealership or auction?
Yes, if A-1 arranged the transport, use our tracker with your order number. If the dealer or auction has booked the carrier, ask them to add your email/phone number to the dispatch so you receive status updates and the driver’s delivery window. Some sellers only share checkpoint updates (not live GPS), but you’ll still get pickup confirmation, in-transit, and delivery scheduling alerts. Buying at auction frequently? Learn how we coordinate lot releases and handoffs in our auction auto transport service.
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