When you have to move your car somewhere, one of the most vital stages is to be assured that your vehicle is taken care of rightly and that its journey is traceable. Is driver communication offered during shipping? This question is quite common among car owners when they are about to book an auto transport service. The thing is that the driver communication is usually accessible, however, it may vary depending on the particular shipping company and the service.
This is a complete guide which enables us to figure out how driver communication works during car shipping, the importance of driver communication and what you might expect when it comes to keeping in touch with the driver during the entire shipping process. The primary objective of this article is to present the reader with a clear notion of the way to be informed and what to expect during the vehicle transport.
1. The Importance of Driver Communication
The interaction between you and the driver forms the basis for a successful, transparent, and stressless transportation of your vehicle. The occasion of a car shipment is, in fact, a big one, and thus it is quite understandable customers’ wish to be kept abreast of their car’s condition. Proper communication allows you to:
Know the status of your shipment: Having the exact time of your car’s arrival enables you to prepare necessary steps for the handover and the delivery.
Resolve the issues in a timely manner: If there will be any delays or alterations of the schedule, thus the possibility of your contact with the driver will find out the situation immediately by way of getting the real-time information.
Plan your schedule: Here, it is quite possible that the shipment process is dealing with some difficult locations to be negotiated or some requirements to be met, so that the simple and easy way to do this is through direct communication with the driver.
At Automobile Shipping, we are well aware of the fact that you require tranquility during the whole transport process, and this is the reason why we make it our first priority that you and your driver have a clear and uninterrupted communication.
2. How Driver Communication Works in Auto Shipping
Driver communication is a must-have in every situation, however, the way it is carried out might be different from one company to another as well as whether the transport service is local or long-distance. The following is the driver communication that you can experience from reliable auto transport companies:
2.1 Communication Before Pickup
Communication between you and the driver may have already started even before the vehicle is picked up. When you book your shipment, you will get the driver’s contact details which then allow you to connect with the driver directly in order to confirm the pickup time, clear up any last-minute questions or give instructions if the vehicle is special in any way.
Automobile Shipping keeps you informed with the driver’s name and contact details before the vehicle is picked up. This direct communication not only eliminates any confusion but also allows you to be prepared for the pickup.
2.2 During Transit
Transit updates are usually given by the driver at certain stages of the trip. In general, communication between the client and the driver, is organized in different ways by Automobile Shipping and other car transport companies:
Phone calls: The driver may contact you directly to ask for a confirmation of the shipment, to provide an update, or to notify you in case there is a problem or a delay in the delivery.
SMS/Email Updates: There are companies that generate automatic updates which are sent as texts or e-mails, thus, the owner of the vehicle is kept up to date on the vehicle’s progress during the way.
Real-Time Tracking: In case your shipping company is equipped with tracking services, an online platform or application position of the vehicle in real time will be available to you. This type of communication is less intrusive than regular telephone calls with the driver; however, it is still helpful if direct contact can be established should there be an emergency.
2.3 Communication at Delivery
Generally, the driver will call you earlier to confirm the time of delivery and sort any last details. You will then be able to receive the car and at the same time solve any potential logistical issues-double check delivery instructions or parking. In this way, you will be available to receive the car.
In such a case, if you are not at the place of delivery, then you may authorize a person you trust, who will pick up the car and hold it on your behalf. The driver will need identification to verify the recipients identity, and any instructions, such as a Power of Attorney, should be given in advance.
2.4 Limitations to Communication
Even though communication between the driver and the management is generally supported, there are also a few limitations mentioned in the text.
Privacy and Security: Drivers for safety purposes will not be always available for communication at all times. Excessive contact might be prohibited to ensure that the driver is concentrated on the road.
Transport Delays: In case the driver is going through a heavy traffic area or an area that is new to him, he will probably not be able to give a live update if the schedule changes unexpectedly.
Carrier Schedules: The situation is that the carrier is managing several vehicles simultaneously, so in that case the driver will be more engaged in the scheduling and coordinating logistics rather than communicating constantly.
Despite those potential obstacles, Automobile Shipping is working hard to make sure that you are given the necessary contact details of the driver and that you are briefed with the vital information during the trip.
3. How to Ensure Smooth Communication with Your Driver
It is possible for you to take certain steps and enjoy a smooth communication situation, although companies in the field of auto transport usually make it as easy as possible for you while communicating with them.
3.1 Confirm Contact Information Before Pickup
Make sure you have the contact details of the driver before shipping your vehicle. In case you have this information within easy reach, you can get any last-minute issues solved or check on the status of your vehicle before the pickup.
3.2 Set Clear Expectations
While you are booking your car shipment, talk about your special needs or concerns relating to timing, pickup, and delivery. For instance, if you happen to be available for a pickup within a specific period, inform the shipping company ahead so that they can make your request. By clear communication at the start of the journey halves the chances of most misunderstandingsuite later you have.
3.3 Use Tracking Services When Available
In case the company transporting your car provides you with real-time tracking, do not hesitate to check where your vehicle is at any time. This will give you the opportunity to make fewer calls or send fewer messages to the driver, but still, the possibility to contact them if they require it.
3.4 Remain Open
Although drivers try their best to give themselves the necessary time, delays may be there due to weather, traffic, or other unexpected issues. Be gentle to your expectations and keep in touch with the driver directly if something that may affect him, happens to you.
3.5 Remain Available at Delivery
Make sure it is either you or someone you have authorized to receive the vehicle at the time that has been mutually agreed upon. If you are not there to assist the driver, take the initiative in organizing the delivery with someone else and make sure you know the details in advance.
Easier Communication with Your Driver
Vehicular driver communication greatly contributes to the successful and trouble-free car shipping process. For example, the driver confirmation you get just before the pickup, timely updates during the journey, etc., keeping in touch with the driver is what guarantees your car getting there safe and on time.
At Automobile Shipping, we treat customer communication as our top priority in every stage of the process and we provide you with all the necessary information to help you feel confident and stay updated during the whole shipping process. Whether it is a local or interstate car shipping, our team is always ready to give you a clear line of communication and a service that you can trust.
