How To Track My Vehicle While In Transit

Many buyers experience stress throughout the time it takes to deliver an item. This is due in part to the fact that they have no idea when to expect delivery of their car. You can better plan your day and rest easy knowing that your package is making progress. Yet, you might not be completely convinced and the process of calling your carrier can be too time-consuming. Furthermore, the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Agency prohibits drivers from taking calls while operating a commercial motor vehicle (FMCSA). Hence, tracking your vehicle is the most reliable technique to predict when you may expect delivery. Find out where your car is at all times using this guide!

Ask your auto transport company for their tracking system

The first thing is to make sure that your transporting consultant has a tracking system. Then, you need to get your tracking number. Fortunately, it is almost impossible to find shipping companies without a tracker as most of them have embraced the Global Positioning System (GPS) technology.

The GPS is a way of tracking the location of an object. When placed in a vehicle, a computer, or a mobile phone, a GPS gives the exact location of that item by reading satellite signals. These signals provide users with a range of information such as road traffic, fuel level, trip coverage, parking, towing, and location. As a customer, the most important information which will be accessible to you is the location of the vehicle and the time.

The tracking systems vary with shipping companies. Here are some common methods.

GPS satellite tracking system

1. This system is mostly used by vehicles plying remote areas. Here, automatic information is sent to the central tracking system in real-time.
2. Passive GPS tracking system: The system captures and stores information at certain periods. Here, infrequent data is sent to the central tracking system.

Depending on your company, you may have different options of accessing the data.

• Online tracking: Some companies will ask you to use their website for tracking information. On the website, you will enter your tracking number and the progress report of your shipment will be displayed.
• Frequent notifications: Your company may opt to send you frequent updates without your request. Normally, these are automated so that you can track your automobile effortlessly.
• Mobile tracking: This is a convenient method where you use your mobile device to track your shipment. Here, you may have to install the tracking app for easier monitoring. The apps are available both for iOS, Blackberry, and Android phones.
• Email notifications: For some companies, you may not track your automobile as frequently as you want. They prefer to send you e-mail notifications once you request for such data. Allow for a 24-hour period before getting your report.
• Calls: Although not common, a shipper may opt to provide you with transit information when you make a call. This is tedious as the contact person will have to call the driver before getting back to you.

Basically, you want to go with the method that works best for you. Luckily, most companies will provide their method of tracking on their website for you to assess. However, like any other technology, the tracking system may fail. Here are some of the things you can do when the technology fails.

• Ensure that you are connected: Most of the shipping companies prefer for you to track your vehicle online. If you are unable to access their website, check your internet connection. Some sites may be slow to load due to traffic.
• Ensure that you are within the provided tracking time: Your company may provide specific periods during which you can track your vehicle. If they only allow tracking during business hours, make sure you observe the time.
• Re-check the tracking number: The tracking number is specific to your delivery trailer and cannot accommodate errors. Try re-checking the number or copy paste it to the website.
• Contact your shipping company: Some tracking system failures may be caused by a power cut, antennae failure, or other interruptions from the central tracking system. An efficient company should address such failures as they happen. However, if you try severally and the system is down, you may contact them with your concerns.

The tracking device is put in place for the peace of mind of both you and your company. It is good practice to avail yourself at the delivery location in time for your vehicle. This will allow other customers to receive their cargo in time as well.