As a car owner, your vehicle is one of your biggest investments and maybe even your most prized possession. Many auto transport customers like to track their vehicle's status while it's in transit. After all, having visibility on your car’s location goes a long way in maintaining peace of mind while you wait for delivery.
What you might not know is that there are dozens of unseen processes to ensure your vehicle is delivered safely, efficiently, and legally. These processes determine the optimal route your vehicle will take. If you’re following your shipment closely, some of these routes might seem confusing, especially if you have limited experience with logistics.
In this blog, we break down some common misconceptions to help you better understand auto transport tracking and delivery. You’ll also find tips on how to get the most accurate tracking and status updates on your car shipping order.
Common misconceptions:
Auto transporters use the same navigation tools as other drivers
GPS is a vital tool that truck drivers use for navigation. However, it’s not the same GPS you might rely on for everyday directions.
Professional truckers use specific GPS tools that factor in everything from their truck’s length, height, and weight to their fuel consumption and average speed. The system uses that information to create unique trucking routes that are safe, efficient, and legal for the driver to navigate. In addition, many professional truck drivers use trucker-specific navigation apps like Trucker Path and Hammer to assist with their routing and navigation.
Auto transporters take the same routes as other drivers
The safest legal route for a truck driver will likely be different than the one you would take to the same destination. Not only are truck drivers limited to certain highways, but some roads and bridges also have specific weight and height limits that prevent truckers from using them.
The average car carrier is 13.5” in height. The most direct route to your destination might pass under a bridge that is only 12” high, meaning the truck would have to take a detour to avoid damaging the cargo on top. Additionally, car haulers can weigh tens of thousands of pounds before there are even any vehicles loaded onto them. Some bridges and roads can’t accommodate that much weight, forcing the driver to take an alternative route.
If you’re tracking your car shipment and notice that your driver appears to be taking a long detour or roundabout way to your destination, this is one likely reason.
Auto transporters take the shortest route to my destination
The shortest route for a car transporter could be longer than the one you might see on your own GPS or navigation app. The route they follow will account for roads and bridges that must be avoided, while also accommodating other pickups and deliveries along the way.
For example, the car hauler transporting your vehicle might have a delivery in the state next door to your destination. If you’re tracking your shipment, you might wonder why the carrier is stopping in a place that doesn’t seem relevant to your delivery. They could also be picking up another car in that location, which would extend the time they spend there. Be sure to refer to your estimated delivery window as it accounts for these factors.
Auto transporters can pick up and deliver vehicles at any time
People shipping their vehicles have a wide range of availability and time constraints, and the truck drivers often need to work around many different schedules. The driver's route and their customers' availability can affect the delivery timeline.
If you see that your shipment has been stopped in the same location for a while, there are several reasons why this could be happening. Logistics like loading and unloading vehicles, meeting with customers, refueling, taking mandatory breaks, and even sleeping are all part of a truck driver’s day at work. The most efficient route could involve a bit of downtime while the driver waits for their customer to become available and complete the vehicle pickup or drop off.
How can I track my car shipment?
Use Montway’s real-time vehicle shipment tracking
Montway Auto Transport offers free, real-time tracking for select shipments. If your shipment is eligible, you’ll receive a custom link to track your shipment after your order has been booked.
You’ll be able to access shipment information quickly, eliminating the need to call drivers or customer service for updates. In addition to your order status, you’ll also be able to view your carrier and driver information, estimated delivery date, and inspection documents (also referred to as the Bill of Lading).
Contact your broker or transporter
For more information on your vehicle's whereabouts, your auto transport broker or carrier service will be available to help. Montway customers can speak with a representative via Chat or by calling 888-666-8929. They’ll be able to provide the most recent and accurate information on your vehicle’s shipment status.
Use personal tracking devices like AirTags or Tiles
Consumer tracking devices like Tiles and AirTags are great for keeping tabs on your luggage or finding your keys, and some car owners use them to monitor their vehicle while it's in transit. Keep in mind that these tracking devices will not always align exactly with an auto transporter’s location update. This is because carriers use general milestones along their route to report locations rather than exact GPS coordinates. Between your auto transporter’s resources and your own personal tracking device, you’ll have no trouble getting an accurate update on your vehicle’s location at any time.
Understand car shipping timelines
Before you send your car on its way, it’s helpful to have a good understanding of how long it takes to ship a car.
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 when your vehicle will arrive. You will also receive an estimated delivery date when you book your transport, but it’s important to remember that the arrival timeframe is subject to change based on weather conditions, road construction, or unexpected delays along the way.
Auto transport tracking: FAQs
Can I track my vehicle shipment?
Yes. Montway offers real-time tracking for select shipments. Customers will receive a unique tracking link that provides real-time location status updates for their shipment. Additionally, you can contact your broker or carrier directly for updates on your shipment status.
How much does it cost to track my car shipment?
Tracking your car shipment is free. When you choose Montway as your auto transport provider, you’ll receive a link to a dedicated order status page after your order is booked. With that link you’ll have access to real-time visibility of your order status, free of charge. You may also contact your carrier or broker directly for updates via phone, email, or Chat.
What does it mean if my vehicle is “in transit?”
“In transit” means your vehicle has been picked up by an auto transporter and is currently being shipped to its destination. Keep in mind that “in transit” also includes downtime while the truck driver loads and unloads vehicles or performs routine maintenance. For overseas shipments, you may see your vehicle sitting in a parking lot or loading zone, waiting to board the boat.
Top-rated auto transport
Montway arranges transport for over 250,000 vehicles annually while delivering award-winning customer service to vehicle owners in all 50 states, every day of the year. No matter what kind of vehicle needs to be shipped, from cars and motorcycles to trucks and SUVs, customers all around the country trust Montway to safely deliver their vehicles.
We’ve proudly served over 1 million customers, earning our reputation as a trailblazer in the auto transport industry. When you’re ready to get started, click for a free instant quote or speak with a shipping advisor at (888) 666-8929.
