Can You Track Car Shipment by VIN?

Summary

1. What a VIN is and why it’s important.

2. How VIN-based tracking works.

3. Other common tracking methods used by car shipping companies.

4. Benefits and limitations of VIN-based tracking.

5. How to track your car using various methods.

6. AmeriFreight’s support and tracking services.

Introduction

When you’re shipping your car, it’s natural to want to track its progress to ensure it arrives safely and on time. Shipping a vehicle, especially across state lines or the country, can feel stressful if you’re left wondering where it is. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)-based tracking is one of the options people inquire about when looking to monitor their car's transport. But can you actually track a car shipment by VIN?

This article provides an in-depth look at how VIN-based tracking works, if it's possible, and what alternative methods are available for tracking your car shipment. We’ll also discuss the benefits and limitations of VIN tracking and offer insights on how AmeriFreight provides support for tracking your car shipment.

What Is a VIN and Why Is It Important?

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-character code assigned to every vehicle, serving as its fingerprint. No two vehicles have the same VIN, which makes it an ideal way to track and identify vehicles throughout their lifetime. The VIN is made up of letters and numbers and is divided into three sections:

• World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI): The first three characters that indicate the vehicle’s manufacturer.

• Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS): Characters 4-9, which provide details about the vehicle’s model, engine type, body type, and more.

• Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS): The last eight characters that give specific information about the vehicle's production, such as the year, plant of manufacture, and a serial number unique to each car.

Why Is the VIN Important? The VIN plays several critical roles:

• Tracking Ownership: A car's VIN is used in all legal documentation concerning the vehicle, including titles, registrations, and insurance policies.

• Accident & Repair History: The VIN is also used to check a car's accident history and repairs, making it crucial for second-hand car buyers.

• Security: It helps prevent fraud by ensuring that each vehicle’s unique history can be verified, such as confirming its theft status or lien information.

Because of its unique nature, many assume that the VIN can be used to track a car's whereabouts during shipping. However, the practicality of this depends on the transport company and its tracking technology.

How Does VIN-Based Tracking Work?

In theory, tracking a car shipment using the VIN sounds ideal. Since the VIN is a unique identifier for every vehicle, it could be incorporated into a system that tracks a car’s progress as it moves from one location to another. Some auto transport companies do indeed offer VIN-based tracking, but this isn’t universal.

How VIN-Based Tracking Works:

• Integration with GPS and Tracking Systems: In companies that offer VIN-based tracking, the VIN is linked to the GPS tracking system used by the transport trucks. Each car in the truck is logged with its VIN, and customers can use this number to check the status of their shipment online. By entering the VIN into the transport company’s portal, they can get real-time updates on the vehicle's location.

• Platform Compatibility: For VIN tracking to work efficiently, companies must have sophisticated software in place that can handle multiple VIN entries, update locations in real-time, and provide accurate delivery estimates. This is more common with larger, tech-savvy transport companies.

Why It’s Not Widely Used:

• Complexity: Integrating VIN tracking across a shipping fleet requires substantial technological infrastructure, which many smaller or regional companies may not have.

• Privacy Concerns: The VIN is a critical part of a vehicle’s history, and some companies avoid using it for real-time tracking to prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing sensitive information.

Other Common Tracking Methods Used by Auto Transport Companies

While VIN-based tracking offers a secure and reliable way to monitor your vehicle's shipment, it’s not the most common method used by auto transport companies. Here are some alternative tracking systems that are widely available:

1. Order or Booking Number Tracking:

• How It Works: Upon booking your car shipment, the transport company provides a unique order number or booking number. This number is often used to track the shipment status via the company’s website or mobile app.

• Pros: Simple and straightforward, it allows customers to track their shipment without needing to input sensitive information like the VIN.

• Cons: If you lose the order number, it can be harder to retrieve tracking information.

2. GPS Tracking:

• How It Works: Many transport companies now use GPS-enabled systems to track the truck carrying your vehicle. Customers may be given a link or access to a portal where they can see the vehicle's real-time location.

• Pros: GPS provides precise, real-time updates about the vehicle’s location, often down to the mile. This gives customers peace of mind about where their car is at any given time.

• Cons: Not all transport companies offer GPS tracking, and some may only provide intermittent updates rather than continuous tracking.

3. Manual Updates:

• How It Works: In many cases, especially with smaller transport companies, customers are updated via phone or email. The company or driver will contact the customer at key points in the journey, such as when the car is picked up, during transit, and upon arrival.

• Pros: Offers a more personalized service.

• Cons: It’s less convenient than automated tracking and relies on proactive communication from the shipping company.

Benefits of VIN-Based Tracking

For those companies that do offer VIN-based tracking, there are several key benefits:

• Secure and Accurate: The VIN provides a reliable, tamper-proof method of identifying and tracking your vehicle. Since each VIN is unique, there’s no chance of confusing your car with another, even in cases of large shipments.

• Avoid Miscommunication: Using the VIN eliminates confusion between vehicles, especially for customers shipping multiple cars. Each car can be individually tracked without relying on more general information like the truck’s location.

• Cross-System Functionality: VINs are universally recognized across various systems, including insurance companies, car manufacturers, and government agencies. This means your VIN can be used across multiple platforms for various purposes, including tracking the vehicle's shipment.

Limitations of VIN-Based Tracking

While VIN-based tracking sounds ideal, it does come with some significant limitations:

• Limited Availability: Not every car transport company offers VIN-based tracking. Smaller companies or those using older systems may not have the technology in place to integrate VINs into their tracking processes.

• Privacy and Security Issues: Because the VIN contains sensitive information about the vehicle, some companies opt not to make this data publicly accessible for fear of breaches or misuse.

• Cost and Complexity: Setting up a VIN-based tracking system requires a significant investment in technology and infrastructure. For smaller companies, the costs may outweigh the benefits, which is why many opt for simpler tracking methods like order numbers or GPS links.

How to Track Your Car Shipment

If you're shipping your car and want to track it, here are the main methods available:

1. VIN-Based Tracking:

• Step-by-Step:

• Check with the auto transport company if VIN-based tracking is available.

• Enter your vehicle’s VIN on the company’s tracking portal if supported.

• Receive real-time updates about your vehicle’s location.

2. Order Number or Booking Number:

• Step-by-Step:

• Use the booking or order number provided by the company.

• Access the tracking portal and input the order number for updates on your shipment status.

3. GPS-Based Tracking:

• Step-by-Step:

• If the company offers GPS tracking, log in to the portal or use the link provided by the shipping company to see the real-time location of your vehicle.

Why VIN-Based Tracking Isn’t Widely Available

Even though VIN-based tracking provides secure and precise vehicle identification, it’s not commonly offered. Here’s why:

• High Technology Costs: Implementing and maintaining a VIN-based tracking system requires significant investment. For many smaller or mid-sized transport companies, the cost of such technology can be prohibitive.

• Complex Operational Integration: Tracking vehicles by VIN requires sophisticated backend software that can process and update large amounts of data in real-time. Integrating this with existing logistics and GPS tracking systems is a complex process that not all companies are equipped to handle.

• Security Concerns: Given the amount of sensitive information tied to a vehicle’s VIN, some companies are cautious about exposing this data to the public, even in a secure online platform.

AmeriFreight’s Vehicle Tracking and Customer Support

At AmeriFreight, we understand how important it is to keep our customers informed about their vehicle shipments. While we offer various ways to track your car during transit, our commitment to customer service goes beyond technology. If you have any questions about your shipment, our dedicated support team is here to assist.

• AmeriFreight’s Support Services: Our customer service representatives provide real-time updates and can help with any tracking inquiries. Whether you need to know the status of your vehicle or estimated delivery times, AmeriFreight ensures you receive timely updates and complete peace of mind. Even if your shipment is handled by a third-party carrier, we’re always just a phone call away to provide you with the latest information.

• Instant Quote & Easy Access: Whether you’re shipping your car across the state or across the country, AmeriFreight makes the process simple. Our website offers an easy way to get an instant quote, helping you plan your shipment cost and start the process with confidence. Get a Quote Here.

Conclusion

Tracking your car during shipment is one of the key concerns for anyone moving a vehicle over long distances. While VIN-based tracking is an option with some companies, it’s not the most common method used in the industry due to the complexity and costs associated with the technology.

However, there are plenty of reliable alternatives, such as order number and GPS tracking, which provide real-time updates and give customers the visibility they need during shipment.

At AmeriFreight, we ensure that no matter what tracking system is used, you’ll always have access to the latest updates regarding your vehicle. Our commitment to top-notch customer service means you can rest easy knowing your vehicle is in safe hands.

FAQs

1. Can I track my car shipment with a VIN?

• Yes, but only if the shipping company offers VIN-based tracking. This service isn’t widely available across all auto transport providers.

2. What’s the difference between tracking with a VIN and an order number?

• VIN-based tracking uses the vehicle’s unique identification number, while order number tracking relies on the shipping company’s internal booking system. Both methods allow you to monitor your car’s status, but order number tracking is more commonly offered.

3. Does AmeriFreight offer VIN tracking?

• AmeriFreight primarily offers tracking through other secure methods, such as order number tracking and personalized customer service updates. For real-time updates on your car’s location, our customer support team is always available.

4. How do I get real-time updates on my vehicle during transport?

• Most companies, including AmeriFreight, offer real-time updates either via GPS tracking or manual updates from the carrier. You can also call our support team for up-to-the-minute information.

5. What do I do if my car shipment is delayed?

• Delays can happen due to traffic, weather, or unforeseen circumstances. If your shipment is delayed, contact the transport company or AmeriFreight for updated delivery estimates.

6. How secure is VIN-based tracking for my vehicle shipment?

• VIN-based tracking is secure, but some companies may avoid offering it due to privacy concerns or potential data breaches. Always check with the shipping company about their privacy policies if they offer VIN-based tracking.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about tracking your car shipment using a VIN, along with other common tracking methods. Whether you’re shipping your vehicle across the state or the country, AmeriFreight is here to provide the best customer support and ensure your car arrives safely at its destination.

Contact AmeriFreight today to get started with a reliable, stress-free car shipping experience!