How to Track Your Car During Auto Transport

Introduction

When you ship a car across the country or to another state, knowing where it is during transit can make the process less stressful. Car shipping tracking helps you stay informed about your vehicle's location, transportation progress, and estimated delivery.

Most auto transport companies coordinate tracking through the assigned carrier, driver, or shipping coordinator. Depending on the company's system, customers may receive live location information or periodic shipment updates by phone or through a tracking service.

Understanding how tracking works, what information you need, and how to request an update can help you follow your vehicle's journey from pickup to delivery.

How Does Car Shipping Tracking Work?

Car shipping tracking allows customers to monitor a vehicle while it is being transported by a carrier. The tracking method depends on the transportation company's system and the equipment or communication tools available to the assigned driver.

Some companies provide GPS-based tracking that displays a vehicle's current location. Others coordinate updates through the driver or a dedicated shipping coordinator who communicates the shipment's progress.

A typical tracking process includes:

Carrier assignment: The transportation company assigns a motor carrier and provides the relevant shipment information.
Vehicle pickup: The driver collects the vehicle and documents its condition on the bill of lading.
Transit updates: The customer receives location information or progress updates while the vehicle is on the road.
Delivery coordination: The driver or shipping coordinator provides an update as the vehicle approaches its destination.
Final delivery: The customer receives the vehicle and completes the delivery inspection.

Tracking availability and update frequency can vary. Ask the company how its tracking system works before booking if continuous location access is important to you.

How to Track Your Car During Shipping

The best way to track a shipped vehicle is to use the tracking service or communication method provided by the company handling your shipment. Here are the main ways to get updates.

Use the Company's Vehicle Tracking System.

Some auto transport companies provide GPS-based tracking that lets customers view their vehicle's location during transit. If this service is available, ask how to access it and whether it requires a tracking link, account, or shipment reference.

Confirm whether the system displays a live location or provides periodic updates. These are not necessarily the same: a shipment status update may show progress without displaying the truck's exact position.

Contact Your Shipping Coordinator

A shipping coordinator can help you obtain updates about your vehicle's progress, estimated arrival, and any changes to the delivery schedule.

If you cannot access a tracking system, contact the coordinator handling your order. Have your name, order number, vehicle details, and pickup or delivery locations ready, so the team can identify your shipment.

Contact the Assigned Driver.

Once your vehicle has been picked up, you may also be able to request an update directly from the assigned driver. The driver can provide information about the route, current progress, and expected arrival.

However, drivers may be on the road, handling other deliveries, or taking required rest breaks. Contact your coordinator if you cannot reach the driver or need assistance arranging an update.

Can You Track a Car Shipment by VIN?

A vehicle identification number (VIN) is a unique identifier assigned to a vehicle. It helps transportation companies identify the correct car in their shipment records, but it does not automatically provide access to its live location.

Unlike a tracking number for a parcel, a VIN is not a universal vehicle shipping tracking code. You generally cannot enter a VIN into a public tracking website and expect to see the vehicle's current location.

If you want to track your car using its VIN, provide it to the auto transport company along with your order details. The company can use the information to identify your vehicle and direct you to the appropriate tracking service or shipment coordinator.

What Information Do You Need to Track a Shipped Car?

The information required depends on the company's tracking process. Keeping the following details available can make it easier to receive an update:

Order or booking number: Helps the company locate your shipment record.
Vehicle identification number: Confirms which vehicle is being transported.
Vehicle details: Make, model, and year help identify the correct shipment.
Pickup and delivery locations: Help the coordinator confirm the route.
Assigned carrier or driver information: Useful when requesting a direct update after pickup.

You may not need every detail for each tracking request. An order number or the contact information used when booking may be sufficient.

What Do Car Shipping Tracking Updates Mean?

Tracking systems and transportation companies may use different status descriptions. However, most shipment updates relate to a few common stages.

Tracking status	What it generally means
Order confirmed	The shipment request has been accepted.
Carrier assigned	A motor carrier has been selected for the shipment.
Pickup scheduled	A pickup date or timeframe has been arranged.
Vehicle picked up	The driver has collected the vehicle.
In transit	The vehicle is being transported toward its destination.
Delivery approaching	The driver is nearing the delivery area or coordinating arrival.
Delivered	The vehicle has reached the destination, and delivery is being completed.

These descriptions are general examples, not standardized statuses used by every auto transport company. Ask your coordinator if a status is unclear or does not appear to match your shipment's progress.

What If Your Car Shipping Tracking Is Not Updating?

A tracking system may not display continuous movement throughout the journey. Updates can be delayed or temporarily unavailable because of network coverage, GPS signal interruptions, system refresh intervals, or changes in the driver's schedule.

If your tracking information has not changed, consider these steps:

Check the latest update time. Determine when the tracking system last recorded the vehicle's location.
Refresh the tracking service. If you use an online system, reload it or reopen the tracking link.
Contact your shipping coordinator. Ask for the latest confirmed shipment status and estimated delivery.
Request a driver update. If the vehicle has already been picked up, ask whether the driver can provide a location update.
Confirm any schedule changes. Weather, traffic, road conditions, and carrier scheduling can affect the estimated arrival.

A delayed tracking update does not automatically mean that your vehicle is lost or that the shipment has stopped moving. Contact the transportation company if you need confirmation.

Can You Track Your Car During Transport with All State-to-State Auto Transport?

All State to State Auto Transport provides real-time vehicle tracking and shipment updates to help customers follow their vehicles during transportation. The company also assigns a dedicated shipping coordinator who monitors the shipment from pickup through delivery.

Customers can use the available tracking service to check their vehicle's location. They can also contact their coordinator for shipment updates or assistance with tracking.

After the driver has been assigned, confirm how to access the tracking service and which contact method to use if you need an update. This helps you know where to get accurate information throughout the transportation process.

Whether you are shipping a sedan, SUV, truck, or specialty vehicle, Allstate coordinates transportation through its nationwide carrier network. Learn more about its vehicle shipping services or request a free quote.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Shipping Tracking

How do I track my car shipment?

Use the tracking service provided by your auto transport company, or contact your shipping coordinator for an update. Once the carrier picks up your vehicle, the driver may also be able to provide information about its location and delivery progress.

How do I track a car being shipped without a tracking link?

Contact the company that arranged your shipment. Provide your order number, vehicle details, or VIN so the coordinator can locate your booking and explain how to receive tracking updates.

Can I track a shipped car using its VIN?

A VIN identifies your vehicle but does not independently show its location. The transportation company can use it to locate your shipment record and provide the available tracking information.

How often can I check my car's shipping location?

This depends on the company's tracking system. GPS-based services may provide frequent location updates, while other companies share progress through scheduled or requested updates. Ask your coordinator about the available tracking frequency.

Does car shipping tracking show the exact delivery time?

Tracking may show the vehicle's current location or general progress, but it does not always provide an exact delivery time. Traffic, weather, road conditions, driver schedules, and other deliveries can affect arrival estimates. Confirm the latest delivery timeframe with your coordinator.

Track Your Vehicle During Transport

Knowing how to track your car during auto transport helps you stay informed from pickup to delivery. Before booking, ask the transportation company how tracking works, what information you will receive, and whom to contact if an update is unavailable.

All State to State Auto Transport offers vehicle tracking and dedicated shipment coordination to keep customers informed throughout the journey.

Request a free car shipping quote or call 1-(800)-550-1515 to discuss your vehicle transportation needs.