Shipping your car can stress you because you don’t know where your vehicle travels during transport. That’s why many customers ask, “Do companies offer tracking dashboards at all?”
The short answer is: yes, some companies do, some don’t.
Though becoming more common in auto transport, real-time tracking dashboards depend on the carrier’s technology, the transport service you choose, and the culture of transparency in the carrier company.
This guide will cover how to choose a transport company that offers them. Whether you move your car across the country or just a few states over, you can track your shipment during the process in real-time or near real-time. This makes the transport process considerably more predictable and stress-free.
Understand What a Tracking Dashboard Is (and What It’s Not)
It is useful to know what a tracking dashboard can do before deciding which transportation company to work with based on its tracking features.
A tracking dashboard typically includes:
- Live or semi-live location updates
- Estimated pickup and delivery windows
- Driver contact information
- Shipment status indicators (in transit, delayed, delivered)
- Route overview or map display
- Inspection report access (pickup/delivery)
What tracking dashboards are not:
- A constant live GPS stream like rideshare apps
- A tool to monitor the exact speed, angle, or behavior of the truck
- A substitute for direct communication with the driver
Most dashboards refresh every few hours, based on when routes are checked in or dispatched.
These tracking dashboards can help monitor progress, but are not meant for micromanaging the driver.
Learn Which Companies Offer Tracking Dashboards—and Why Some Do Not
Not all car transport companies offer an online tracking dashboard, and there are reasons for this.
Companies that do offer dashboards typically:
- Use advanced logistics software
- Have larger fleets or integrated carrier networks
- Prioritize customer experience and transparency
- Use dispatch systems that sync with GPS tools
Companies that do not offer dashboards often:
- Work with independent owner-operator drivers
- Use manual dispatch systems
- Operate in rural or low-signal regions
- Keep costs low by avoiding expensive technology
Why tracking dashboards aren’t universal:
- Many carriers operate independently without fleet-wide systems
- GPS sharing requires driver consent and compliance
- Dispatch systems vary significantly by company
- Not all carriers have the equipment or software for tracking integration
Though dashboards provide additional information, many professional carriers continue to succeed in delivering safe and efficient performance without it.
What to Expect When a Company Provides a Tracking Dashboard
If you choose to go with a company that offers a dashboard, here’s what it might look like.
Access via link or login
You’ll typically receive:
- A secure link
- A username and password
- Or a mobile-friendly tracking page
Real-time or periodic updates
Updates may occur:
- Every few hours
- At key route checkpoints
- After overnight stops
- When delays occur
Delivery countdowns or estimated arrival windows
Dashboards often display:
- Current location
- Next expected stop
- Estimated delivery date and time
Communication tools
Some dashboards include:
- Messenger options
- Dispatch contact forms
- Driver phone number
- Support chat
Inspection access
Some systems allow you to view:
- Pickup inspection photos
- Delivery inspection notes
- Vehicle condition summaries
Dashboards make the entire process more transparent and usable for all.
How to Track Your Shipment Without a Dashboard (Step-by-Step)
Shipments can be tracked manually by following the steps below if your company does not provide a tracking dashboard.
Step 1: Get the driver’s contact information
- Such information should accompany the pickup or be provided via dispatch.
- Texting is preferred because drivers are unable to answer the phone while driving.
Step 2: Ask for estimated route and timeline
Drivers can provide:
- Planned highways
- Stopover cities
- Projected delivery windows
Step 3: Follow up every 24–48 hours
It ensures you stay informed.
Step 4: Request a pre-delivery call
Most drivers will call to you when they’re:
- 2–4 hours away
- One stop away
- The evening before delivery
Step 5: Communicate with dispatch if needed
- The dispatchers can usually reach the drivers on their breaks and will update you.
- This method will keep you informed, even without a digital tracker.
Choose a Reliable Auto Transport Service With Excellent Tracking Options
If a company doesn’t use dashboards, that’s not really a problem. The important thing is that they can efficiently coordinate dispatch and have responsive customer service and reliable drivers.
Why Car-Transport.org is a trusted choice:
- They maintain consistent communication with customers
- They work with carriers that provide regular status updates
- Their team proactively informs customers about delays or schedule changes
- They offer helpful guidance throughout the entire transport process
- They value transparency and customer trust above all
Even though you don’t have a dashboard, Car-Transport.org gives you up to the minute information about your vehicle.
Real-world example
Examples: one customer shipped a BMW from New Jersey to California. The carrier didn’t have a dashboard, but Car-Transport.org called frequently (dispatch called every 48 hours), and the driver called twice on delivery day, so the process was easy and stress-free.
Yes, Some Companies Offer Tracking Dashboards—But Communication Matters Most
So, do auto transport companies have tracking dashboards? Yes, most modern auto transport companies have tracking systems. While not all companies have one, dashboards can be very helpful, giving you more visibility and extra peace of mind while your vehicle’s in transit. It’s definitely possible to have a smooth and stress-free experience without one, though, thanks to regular updates, well-organized dispatch and reliable drivers. If you are looking to hire car transport services who keep you informed whether their company uses dashboards or not, then check out Car-Transport.org and their staff will make you feel assured about the journey your vehicle will take.
