When shipping a vehicle, you want to have peace of mind knowing that your valuable investment is in good hands. From the moment you hand over the keys to the delivery, you might want to keep an eye on the car’s whereabouts and make sure it’s delivered safely, efficiently, and legally.
Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions that surround the auto transport industry, and these myths might lead to confusion and worry.
In this article, we’ll examine some of the most common misconceptions about auto transport, tracking, and delivery and provide you with accurate information.
I. GPS Navigation Tools for Auto Transporters
Many drivers assume that auto transporters USA use the same GPS tools as individual drivers. However, this is far from the truth. Professional truck drivers use premium GPS services that cater to their needs, including the length, height, weight, fuel consumption, and average speed of their vehicles. These services provide specific and safe routes that are legal for truckers to navigate.
II. Auto Transporters Take the Same Routes as Other Drivers
The route a truck driver takes might seem different from what you would expect, and there’s a good reason for that. Auto transporters are limited to certain highways, and some roads and bridges have specific weight and height restrictions that prevent truckers from using them.
For example, some bridges might not be high enough for the average 13.5-inch height of a car carrier, and the truck would have to take a detour to avoid damaging the cargo. Additionally, some roads and bridges can’t accommodate the weight of a car hauler that could weigh tens of thousands of pounds.
III. Auto Transporters Take the Shortest Route to Your Destination
Although you might think that auto transporters would take the shortest route to your destination, this isn’t always the case. The driver takes the most efficient route that takes into account the law, roads, and bridges to avoid, and other pickups and deliveries along the way.
For instance, the car hauler transporting your vehicle might have another delivery in the state next door, and if you’re tracking the shipment, you might wonder why the carrier is stopping in a place that seems irrelevant to your delivery. The carrier could be picking up another car in that location, which would extend the time they spend there.
IV. Auto Transporters Can Pick Up and Deliver Vehicles Anytime
Another myth is that auto transporters can pick up and deliver vehicles at any time. This isn’t the case. Auto transporters require someone to be present for vehicle pickup and drop-off, and many commercial businesses only operate during certain hours.
The delivery timeline could be affected depending on the driver’s route and their customers’ operating hours. The most efficient route might involve downtime while the driver waits for their customer to become available to complete vehicle pickup or drop-off before moving on to their next destination.
V. Tracking Devices Provide Accurate Information
Some drivers believe that their own tracking devices, such as Tiles or AirTags, will provide accurate information about their vehicle’s location. Unfortunately, these products are unreliable when it comes to long-distance tracking. The location reporting could easily become delayed or interrupted when loaded onto a car hauler and driven thousands of miles. The most accurate information will come directly from your carrier or broker.
VI. Understanding Car Shipping Timelines
Finally, to avoid any confusion or worry, it’s essential to have a good understanding of car shipping timelines. Knowing the total distance your car has to travel and the average time it takes to complete the journey will help you set realistic expectations around
Maximizing Auto Shipping Efficiencies: Key Strategies Besides GPS Tracking”
Auto shipping can be a complicated and stressful process, especially when you’re not sure what’s happening with your vehicle during transit. In addition to utilizing GPS tracking systems, there are several other strategies you can employ to ensure the smooth and efficient shipping of your car.
Understand Car Shipping Timelines
Having a good understanding of the shipping timeline is crucial in setting realistic expectations for your vehicle’s arrival. The shipping timeline depends on the total distance your car has to travel, and the average time it takes to complete the journey. Before you send your car on its way, make sure to ask for an estimated delivery date from your shipping company. Keep in mind, however, that the estimate is subject to change due to weather conditions, road construction, or other unexpected delays.
Get a Guaranteed Pickup Date
If you want to speed up the beginning of the shipping process, consider setting up a guaranteed pickup date instead of a “pickup window.” This can ensure that your car is on its way based on your scheduling preferences, but it’s important to note that a guaranteed pickup date can come at an extra cost and doesn’t always mean faster delivery.
Contact Your Broker or Transporter
If you don’t have access to GPS tracking, you can always reach out to your broker or transporter for more information on your vehicle’s whereabouts. Your sales representative or customer service can directly contact the driver to provide you with the most recent and accurate location updates.
Auto Transport GPS Tracking: FAQs
Q: Can I track my vehicle shipment?
A: Yes, if your driver is actively using GPS tracking. If you’re working with a broker, you can ask if GPS tracking is available. Keep in mind that GPS tracking is still new in the auto-shipping world, so not all carriers may offer it. For the most accurate updates, it’s best to contact your driver or broker directly.
Q: How much does it cost to track my car shipment?
A: Tracking your car shipment is typically free. You can reach out to your carrier or broker for updates, or use a tracking number if one is provided. Phone and email are the most common methods for auto transporters to provide updates.
Q: What does it mean if my vehicle is “in transit?”
A: “In transit” means that your vehicle has been picked up by a car transporters in USA and is on its way to its destination. You should receive an estimated shipping time while your car remains in transit. For real-time updates, reach out to your carrier or broker.
By keeping these strategies in mind, you can maximize the efficiency of your auto shipping process and ensure that your vehicle arrives at its destination in a timely and stress-free manner.
