R&L Carriers does not offer a public title transfer tracking system
R&L Carriers, a major trucking and logistics company, handles the physical transport of vehicles but does not manage title paperwork or provide a tracking portal for title transfers. If you shipped a vehicle through R&L and are waiting for the title to arrive at your destination, you are tracking the vehicle's arrival, not the title transfer itself. Those are two separate processes with different timelines and responsible parties.
The title transfer is handled by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency), not by the shipping company. R&L's responsibility ends when the vehicle is delivered to the consignee. What happens to the title document depends on whether it traveled with the vehicle, was mailed separately, or needs to be processed through your state's title office.
Understanding which process you actually need to track — the vehicle's arrival or the title's status — will determine where you look for information and how long to expect to wait.
Key Takeaways
- R&L Carriers tracks vehicle delivery but not title transfers; the title is managed by your state's DMV or equivalent agency.
- You can track your shipped vehicle's location through R&L's standard freight tracking system using your bill of lading number.
- Title transfer timelines depend on your state's DMV processing speed and whether the title traveled with the vehicle or was mailed separately.
- Contact R&L to confirm whether the title document was included in the shipment; if not, ask where it was sent.
- If the vehicle has arrived but the title has not, contact your state's DMV directly to check processing status.
How to track your vehicle's arrival through R&L
R&L Carriers uses a standard freight tracking system. To track your shipment, you will need your bill of lading (BOL) number, which appears on your shipping paperwork. Go to R&L's website and enter this number in their tracking tool. The system will show you the vehicle's current location, estimated delivery date, and any status updates.
The tracking information updates as the vehicle moves through R&L's network — when it is picked up, when it reaches distribution centers, and when it is out for final delivery. This tells you when the physical vehicle will arrive, but it does not tell you anything about the title document or the title transfer process.
If you cannot find your BOL number, check your shipping confirmation email or call R&L's customer service with your name and the pickup location. They can look up your shipment by those details.
Where the title document goes during transport
Before the vehicle ships, you and the shipper should have agreed on how the title travels. There are three common arrangements: the title travels with the vehicle in a sealed envelope, the title is mailed separately to the destination address, or the title stays with the seller and is mailed to the buyer after delivery.
Ask R&L directly whether the title was included in your shipment. Call their customer service line with your BOL number and ask them to confirm what documents were in the vehicle or attached to the paperwork. If the title was supposed to travel with the vehicle, R&L should be able to tell you whether it is still in transit or has already been delivered.
If the title was mailed separately, R&L will not have that information — you will need to contact whoever mailed it (usually the seller, the auction house, or the dealer) to get tracking information for that separate package.
Checking your state's DMV for title transfer status
Once the vehicle arrives and you have the title in hand, the title transfer process begins with your state's DMV. This is separate from R&L's delivery tracking. Each state has different processing times, ranging from a few days to several weeks.
Most states allow you to check title process status online through the DMV website. You will typically need your process number, vehicle identification number (VIN), or driver's license number. Some states do not offer online status checks and require you to call or visit in person.
If you have not yet submitted the title transfer paperwork to your DMV, do that as soon as the vehicle arrives. The longer you wait, the longer the overall process takes. Some states charge late fees if the transfer is not completed within a certain window (often 10 to 30 days of purchase).
What to do if the vehicle has arrived but the title has not
If R&L confirms the vehicle was delivered but you have not received the title document, first check with whoever was supposed to mail it. If the seller or dealer was responsible, contact them to ask for tracking information or a replacement title. If the title was supposed to travel with the vehicle, contact R&L again and ask them to check whether it was left at the delivery location or misplaced.
If the title is genuinely lost, you will need to request a duplicate or replacement title from your state's DMV. This usually costs a small fee (typically $10 to $50, depending on the state) and takes an additional 1 to 3 weeks. You may need to provide proof of ownership, such as the bill of sale or the original title process.
Do not delay this step. Driving a vehicle without a title transfer in progress can result in registration issues and fines in most states.
Understanding the difference between delivery and title transfer timelines
Vehicle transport typically takes 3 to 7 days depending on distance. Title transfer through your state's DMV typically takes 1 to 4 weeks after you submit the paperwork. These are two separate timelines, and one does not depend on the other.
A common source of confusion is expecting the title to arrive when the vehicle does. In most cases, the title takes longer because it has to go through your state's bureaucratic process. The vehicle can be sitting in your driveway for weeks while the DMV is still processing the transfer.
Plan for the title transfer to take the longest. Once the vehicle arrives, submit your transfer paperwork to the DMV when ready, even if you are still waiting for the physical title document to arrive (in some states, you can transfer ownership with a bill of sale and then update the title later).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive the vehicle while waiting for the title transfer to complete?
No. You should not drive the vehicle on public roads until the title transfer is complete and you have a new registration. Driving an untransferred vehicle can result in fines and impoundment. Some states allow a temporary permit during the transfer process — check your DMV's rules.
What if R&L lost the title during transport?
R&L's liability for lost documents is limited by their terms of service. Contact them when ready with your BOL number and request a claim. You will likely need to file a replacement title with your state's DMV and pay the replacement fee. Keep all documentation of your communication with R&L for your records.
How do I know if my state's DMV has received my title transfer paperwork?
Most states provide an online status check through their DMV website using your process number or VIN. If your state does not offer online tracking, call the DMV directly or visit in person. Processing times vary widely by state, so ask how long you should expect to wait.
Can I track the title document separately from the vehicle?
Only if it was mailed separately and has its own tracking number. Ask whoever mailed the title (the seller, dealer, or auction house) for the USPS, UPS, or FedEx tracking number. If the title traveled with the vehicle, it moves with R&L's shipment and has no separate tracking.
What should I do if the vehicle and title arrive at different times?
This is normal. Once the vehicle arrives, store it safely and do not drive it. Once the title arrives, submit your transfer paperwork to the DMV when ready. You do not have to wait for both to arrive at the same time to begin the transfer process.