MetroGistics, a full-service vehicle transportation company, has developed a texting solution designed to allow customers to obtain quotes and check on shipment statuses, and allow drivers/carriers to provide updates on their loads, all in real time on their mobile phones.

The new texting technology allows mobile phone users to obtain a vehicle shipping quote by texting “QUOTE” to 35819. The system will respond with a series of prompts, and an official quote will be sent to the user’s mobile phone. MetroGistics customers also can text “STATUS” to 35819 and receive an instant status report on their shipment.

Likewise, drivers and carriers can provide the most up-to-date status when they pick up or deliver shipments. They can text “UPDATE” to 35819 and follow a series of prompts to update the status of a particular shipment. The system automatically will generate an e-mail to MetroGistics’ central dispatch.

“As a technology-driven company, we are constantly looking for ways to tailor solutions to our customers’ and drivers’ needs,” says Scott Naz, a managing partner with MetroGistics. “With the prevalence of mobile phones, it just made sense for us to develop systems to accommodate that mode of communication.”

This latest texting solution comes on the heels of MetroGistics’ introduction of new online tools and an iPhone app available from the iTunes app store by searching “Car Shipping.”

“We now support multiple platforms and communications channels for accessing and updating shipment information to provide the most accurate and positive experience in the industry,” says William Billiter, MetroGistics’ other managing partner. “We hope that our services, custom solutions and experience will earn the trust of even more customers.”