Dirtyblueshirt
Award Winning Taste™
- Joined
- Jun 18, 2015
- Threads
- 33
- Messages
- 1,371
- Reaction score
- 579
- Location
- Anaheim, CA
- First Name
- Aaron
- Vehicle(s)
- 2022 Ford Ranger Lariat Tremor
Cross posted from: Here and Here
************************************************** *************************
What do you need to track my order?
************************************************** *************************
You need to post your Vehicle Indentification Number (VIN) - Ask your dealer for this 17 digit number
-OR-
On your order form you will find the following information:
1. Your Dealer Code: (the Dealer Number) Use 5 digits, drop the letter.
2. Model Year: (Year of your car, eg 2008).
3. Your Body Type: (T80 for V6 Mustang, T82 for V8 Mustang).
4. Your Order Number: Given to you by the dealer, should be on the order sheet.
************************************************** *************************
Can I track my own order?
************************************************** *************************
Short answer? Sure! As above, you will need a Vehicle Indentification Number (VIN) - Ask your dealer for this 17 digit number
-OR-
On your order form you will find the following information:
1. Your Dealer Code: (the Dealer Number) Use 5 digits, drop the letter.
2. Model Year: (Year of your car, eg 2007).
3. Your Body Type: (T80 for V6 Mustang, T82 for V8 Mustang).
4. Your Order Number: Given to you by the dealer, should be on the order sheet.
-THEN-
Once you know all that, give the Vehicle Order Processing Center (VOPC) a ring at this number 1-800-962-3746. This is the VOPC number and it's for Dealers only. Remember, you work for the Dealer... They may ask you for your name, so have your salespersons name handy!
************************************************** *************************
Some things learned from calling ERL so many times...
************************************************** *************************
- When ERL says your vehicle has been scheduled for production the week of '../../..'
It's always a Monday. Just basically giving that particular week a name. Don't get hung up on strange
date orders. You'll probably hear something like as of 12/21 your unit is scheduled for production on
12/19. Just be happy your car's birthday is near.
- When ERL says your vehicle is "locked in for production on '../../..'" that is your tentative production
date. Your Blend Date is a week before that (you can get your sticker then). (You've probably been
blended at least sequenced, I can't remember.)
************************************************** *************************
What are all the different Production Stages, and what do they mean?
************************************************** *************************
Receipt Date: The date that MS&S recorded the order.
When the order is received from the dealers
Serialize Date: The date that MS&S transfers the order to MP&L and the VIN is created.
When the order is received by Material Planning and parts are ordered
Segment Date: The date that MP&L determines which week the order will be built.
When they figure what week that parts will be able to be delivered to the plant to build the vehicle
Sequence Date: The date that MP&L determines which day the order will be built.
When they figure what day that parts can be at the plant to build the vehicle
Blend Date: The date that MP&L determines when the order will be built within the assigned day.
When they figure the specific order that vehicles will be built. This depends on options and line constraints.
Produced Date: The date that VO finished assembling the vehicle
Your unit has been built!
Gate Release Date: The date that VO transfers the vehicle to Transportation Carriers for shipping
Your unit has left the building, and is in the hands of the shipper (rail or truck)
Ship Date: The date the vehicle left the Assembly Plant
Your unit has left the load site, and is on it's way to the dealer
Arrival Date: The date the Dealership received the vehicle
Your dealer has the unit in hand, doing the dealer prep thingy
Sold Date: The date the Customer picked up the vehicle
You came in, looked it over, said, "I'll take it!" and signed the papers
************************************************** *************************
My vehicle has shipped, now what can I do?
************************************************** *************************
Once your vehicle gets to Ship Date you can call VOPC (1-800-962-3746) to get a Railcar Number (The bottom of your window sticker says "Method of Transp," convoy mean railcar). You must speak to an Analyst to get the railcar number. They may ask you for the following information:
1. Your Dealer Code: Found on your order sheet
2. Your Name: Use your salespersons First and Last name
3. VIN or Order #: (I chose VIN so I don't know what they ask for with the order #)
For VIN: They ask for the first 2 digits (Mustangs are 1Z) and the last 8.
-THEN-
With a Railcar#, we can track your vehicle through several rail systems to let you know when to clean the garage. It is also helpful if you think your dealer may sell your vehicle out from under you, as we have all witnessed here. Information just seems to help keep them honest...
************************************************** *************************
Rail Info:
************************************************** *************************
Here is a list of what the different rail codes mean:
Departure - Railcar has departed the city listed enroute to next big city along the way.
Arrive In Transit - railcar has arrived city listed
Junction Recieved - railcar has arrived at a junction to be handed off to the next railroad to haul it
Hold or Delayed - self explanatory, could be many reasons. This is usually less than 24 hours
Release from Customer -railcar was released from customer (could be GM or the receiver at the other end)
Placed Actual - railcar is actually placed at the location it will be unloaded
Bad order - railcar has a mechanical problem and needs repaired (usually less than 48 hour delay)
Bad Order Release - railcar has been repaired and is ready to move again
Arrive Destination - railcar has arrived at its current destination
Pulled from customer - railcar was pulled from the customer's location (GM or receiver)
Placed Construct - railcar has arrived its final desination but there is not room to unload it yet (will move to placed actual when the room is available)
Storage - railcar has been emptied and is now being moved to storage
Railyard dist. center info; Please read!
When the cars finally start moving, most of them will move by rail. They will be transported to a railroad distribution center, where they will be offloaded and parked, and then be parked, awaiting over-the-road hauling.
These rail distribution centers are all over Canada and the U.S.
I've compiled the web addresses of the railroads and their distribution centers:
CSX Transportation (formerly Conrail):
http://www.csx.com/?fuseaction=customers.tdsi_gis
CPR (Canadian Pacific Railroad):
http://www8.cpr.ca/cms/English/Custo...ve/default.htm
UP (Union Pacific):
UP: Automotive Facilities
NS (Norfolk & Southern):
http://www.nscorp.com/nscportal/nsco...ve/Facilities/
BNSF Railway:
BNSF Prospective Customer - Consumer Products - Automotive
CNR (Canadian National Railway):
http://www.cn.ca/en/shipping-map-wor...e-autoport.htm
KCS (Kansas City Southern Railway):
http://www.kcsouthern.com/SiteCollec...system_map.pdf
A&S (Alton & Southern; switching railroad company in St. Louis)
Alton & Southern
When your car is finally loaded onto a train car (called AutoRack), a railcar number will be assigned. Your dealer can call the Dealer Business Center and get the actual railroad company and the railcar number. The DBC can also provide the railyard that will receive your car. Once you have those pieces of info, you will be able to track your car as it moves thru the country.
All of the railroads listed have a tracking system in place. An online one for customers and a phone-in one for everybody else. The phone numbers are in the links I provided. You can call them up, give them your railcar number, and they can tell you where your car is and what the ETA is.
Once the vehicle reaches the railyard, it will be unloaded and "bayed", awaiting over-the-road transport. The phone numbers to the distribution centers are in those links as well.
AND, the over-the-road haulers that serve the particular distribution center you're looking at are listed as well. You can take the name of the hauler listed, Google them, and come up with a phone number if you desire.
************************************************** *************************
Other Frequently Asked Question
************************************************** *************************
Q: I heard I can get a .PDF of my Window Sticker, when and how?
A: Usually a day after Blend Date has been reached the Window Stickers are available. Just post your request, and if it's in the system, we'll post it for you.
Q: What does CONVOY mean on the Window Sticker under Shipping?
A: Shipped via train, on a railcar
Q: Why do some window stickers have someone's name on it?
A: A/X/Z/D 'plan' ordered cars get names on the stickers if 'Plan' ordered from the beginning. You'll see
names like 'X00name00X'
Q: How long will it take from start to finish or from one production stage to the next?
A: They vary! Receipt to Serialize depends on allocation/priority. Serialize to Segment is typically the same day. Blend Date to Produced Date typically takes a week. Typically, Production to Gate Release is the same or one day apart. Gate Release and Ship are usually the same day. Production from start to finish is usually within 24 hours.
Q: What the heck is an ERL?
A: Evil Robot Lady. The voice on the VOPC auto system.
************************************************** *************************
What do you need to track my order?
************************************************** *************************
You need to post your Vehicle Indentification Number (VIN) - Ask your dealer for this 17 digit number
-OR-
On your order form you will find the following information:
1. Your Dealer Code: (the Dealer Number) Use 5 digits, drop the letter.
2. Model Year: (Year of your car, eg 2008).
3. Your Body Type: (T80 for V6 Mustang, T82 for V8 Mustang).
4. Your Order Number: Given to you by the dealer, should be on the order sheet.
************************************************** *************************
Can I track my own order?
************************************************** *************************
Short answer? Sure! As above, you will need a Vehicle Indentification Number (VIN) - Ask your dealer for this 17 digit number
-OR-
On your order form you will find the following information:
1. Your Dealer Code: (the Dealer Number) Use 5 digits, drop the letter.
2. Model Year: (Year of your car, eg 2007).
3. Your Body Type: (T80 for V6 Mustang, T82 for V8 Mustang).
4. Your Order Number: Given to you by the dealer, should be on the order sheet.
-THEN-
Once you know all that, give the Vehicle Order Processing Center (VOPC) a ring at this number 1-800-962-3746. This is the VOPC number and it's for Dealers only. Remember, you work for the Dealer... They may ask you for your name, so have your salespersons name handy!
************************************************** *************************
Some things learned from calling ERL so many times...
************************************************** *************************
- When ERL says your vehicle has been scheduled for production the week of '../../..'
It's always a Monday. Just basically giving that particular week a name. Don't get hung up on strange
date orders. You'll probably hear something like as of 12/21 your unit is scheduled for production on
12/19. Just be happy your car's birthday is near.
- When ERL says your vehicle is "locked in for production on '../../..'" that is your tentative production
date. Your Blend Date is a week before that (you can get your sticker then). (You've probably been
blended at least sequenced, I can't remember.)
************************************************** *************************
What are all the different Production Stages, and what do they mean?
************************************************** *************************
Receipt Date: The date that MS&S recorded the order.
When the order is received from the dealers
Serialize Date: The date that MS&S transfers the order to MP&L and the VIN is created.
When the order is received by Material Planning and parts are ordered
Segment Date: The date that MP&L determines which week the order will be built.
When they figure what week that parts will be able to be delivered to the plant to build the vehicle
Sequence Date: The date that MP&L determines which day the order will be built.
When they figure what day that parts can be at the plant to build the vehicle
Blend Date: The date that MP&L determines when the order will be built within the assigned day.
When they figure the specific order that vehicles will be built. This depends on options and line constraints.
Produced Date: The date that VO finished assembling the vehicle
Your unit has been built!
Gate Release Date: The date that VO transfers the vehicle to Transportation Carriers for shipping
Your unit has left the building, and is in the hands of the shipper (rail or truck)
Ship Date: The date the vehicle left the Assembly Plant
Your unit has left the load site, and is on it's way to the dealer
Arrival Date: The date the Dealership received the vehicle
Your dealer has the unit in hand, doing the dealer prep thingy
Sold Date: The date the Customer picked up the vehicle
You came in, looked it over, said, "I'll take it!" and signed the papers
************************************************** *************************
My vehicle has shipped, now what can I do?
************************************************** *************************
Once your vehicle gets to Ship Date you can call VOPC (1-800-962-3746) to get a Railcar Number (The bottom of your window sticker says "Method of Transp," convoy mean railcar). You must speak to an Analyst to get the railcar number. They may ask you for the following information:
1. Your Dealer Code: Found on your order sheet
2. Your Name: Use your salespersons First and Last name
3. VIN or Order #: (I chose VIN so I don't know what they ask for with the order #)
For VIN: They ask for the first 2 digits (Mustangs are 1Z) and the last 8.
-THEN-
With a Railcar#, we can track your vehicle through several rail systems to let you know when to clean the garage. It is also helpful if you think your dealer may sell your vehicle out from under you, as we have all witnessed here. Information just seems to help keep them honest...
************************************************** *************************
Rail Info:
************************************************** *************************
Here is a list of what the different rail codes mean:
Departure - Railcar has departed the city listed enroute to next big city along the way.
Arrive In Transit - railcar has arrived city listed
Junction Recieved - railcar has arrived at a junction to be handed off to the next railroad to haul it
Hold or Delayed - self explanatory, could be many reasons. This is usually less than 24 hours
Release from Customer -railcar was released from customer (could be GM or the receiver at the other end)
Placed Actual - railcar is actually placed at the location it will be unloaded
Bad order - railcar has a mechanical problem and needs repaired (usually less than 48 hour delay)
Bad Order Release - railcar has been repaired and is ready to move again
Arrive Destination - railcar has arrived at its current destination
Pulled from customer - railcar was pulled from the customer's location (GM or receiver)
Placed Construct - railcar has arrived its final desination but there is not room to unload it yet (will move to placed actual when the room is available)
Storage - railcar has been emptied and is now being moved to storage
Railyard dist. center info; Please read!
When the cars finally start moving, most of them will move by rail. They will be transported to a railroad distribution center, where they will be offloaded and parked, and then be parked, awaiting over-the-road hauling.
These rail distribution centers are all over Canada and the U.S.
I've compiled the web addresses of the railroads and their distribution centers:
CSX Transportation (formerly Conrail):
http://www.csx.com/?fuseaction=customers.tdsi_gis
CPR (Canadian Pacific Railroad):
http://www8.cpr.ca/cms/English/Custo...ve/default.htm
UP (Union Pacific):
UP: Automotive Facilities
NS (Norfolk & Southern):
http://www.nscorp.com/nscportal/nsco...ve/Facilities/
BNSF Railway:
BNSF Prospective Customer - Consumer Products - Automotive
CNR (Canadian National Railway):
http://www.cn.ca/en/shipping-map-wor...e-autoport.htm
KCS (Kansas City Southern Railway):
http://www.kcsouthern.com/SiteCollec...system_map.pdf
A&S (Alton & Southern; switching railroad company in St. Louis)
Alton & Southern
When your car is finally loaded onto a train car (called AutoRack), a railcar number will be assigned. Your dealer can call the Dealer Business Center and get the actual railroad company and the railcar number. The DBC can also provide the railyard that will receive your car. Once you have those pieces of info, you will be able to track your car as it moves thru the country.
All of the railroads listed have a tracking system in place. An online one for customers and a phone-in one for everybody else. The phone numbers are in the links I provided. You can call them up, give them your railcar number, and they can tell you where your car is and what the ETA is.
Once the vehicle reaches the railyard, it will be unloaded and "bayed", awaiting over-the-road transport. The phone numbers to the distribution centers are in those links as well.
AND, the over-the-road haulers that serve the particular distribution center you're looking at are listed as well. You can take the name of the hauler listed, Google them, and come up with a phone number if you desire.
************************************************** *************************
Other Frequently Asked Question
************************************************** *************************
Q: I heard I can get a .PDF of my Window Sticker, when and how?
A: Usually a day after Blend Date has been reached the Window Stickers are available. Just post your request, and if it's in the system, we'll post it for you.
Q: What does CONVOY mean on the Window Sticker under Shipping?
A: Shipped via train, on a railcar
Q: Why do some window stickers have someone's name on it?
A: A/X/Z/D 'plan' ordered cars get names on the stickers if 'Plan' ordered from the beginning. You'll see
names like 'X00name00X'
Q: How long will it take from start to finish or from one production stage to the next?
A: They vary! Receipt to Serialize depends on allocation/priority. Serialize to Segment is typically the same day. Blend Date to Produced Date typically takes a week. Typically, Production to Gate Release is the same or one day apart. Gate Release and Ship are usually the same day. Production from start to finish is usually within 24 hours.
Q: What the heck is an ERL?
A: Evil Robot Lady. The voice on the VOPC auto system.
Sponsored
addle::rant:
) 
