Alright, so my MA faxed me over a copy of the "Vehicle Inquiry: Status" sheet (aka, Crystal Ball). It is now showing the vehicle as "In Transit To Final VPC". The detail here shows a Bill of Lading number for Norfolk Southern.

Here are my questions:
1)

 

Alright, so my MA faxed me over a copy of the "Vehicle Inquiry: Status" sheet (aka, Crystal Ball). It is now showing the vehicle as "In Transit To Final VPC". The detail here shows a Bill of Lading number for Norfolk Southern .

Here are my questions:
1) Do they ship the cars from port to the VPC via rail?
2) Does anyone have experience with the Vehicle Inquiry system and is it real time?
3) I've always heard the Mini's are shipped via truck after leaving the VPC but is part of the trip via rail?
4) Has anyone figured out how to track a shipment on Norfolk Southern?

I guess I've got an incurable case of MOCD!

 

Oops....doik!

 

"in transit to VPC" means in transit to Greer, SC's BMW/MINI vehicle processing center. They're loaded onto rail cars at Charleston for the trek across South Carolina. If you look at satellite images of the Port of Charleston's UD port you can see the rail yards.

From the VPC (aka VDC) in Greer, SC they're loaded onto trucks that look somewhat similar to the usual car carriers you've seen all your life except they have a canvas top and big plastic "sides" pulled across the exterior. They look quite like a standard 18-wheeler trailer until you're looking at it close or driving past it; you can see the plastic piece is more of a curtain than anything. These trucks transport the cars to dealerships. Your MINI and mine will likely share a truck.

I've read in other posts here on NAM that the "Crystal Ball" program runs about a day behind. I'm willing to wager that our vehicles left the VDC yesterday and are around Kentucky right now. Just a hunch.

 

btw; what's the bill of lading # you got?

edit: hmm... I'm reading through some stuff about Norfolk Southern on their web site and they have a huge hub here in Kansas City. I wonder if they do just send them rail to this area.... *taps chin*

 

I just heard from my MA that my ETA is the 9th and that they'll need a couple days after that to get it ready...

 

i called ask mini today and it said my mini is in transit, it didn't say where it was in transit to though.

 

My MA confirmed that my MINI is at the dealer...I pick it up Thursday or Monday, depending on when they can get it ready.

 

Miss Saffron is due for p/u the end of the week...NLT Sat according to our MA. We're getting all the paperwork ready!!!! YAY.....the wait is almost over.

 

did you pick yours up?


what state are you located in, if you don't mind saying?

 

Had to call for a manager at my dealer as my MA didn't return phone calls. He said the car was released from the VDC to the truck today and should arrive at the dealership Monday the 6th. That's a long 14 hour drive.

 

confirmed: picking my Mini up this friday!!!!!!!!!

can't wait!!
this will be 6 weeks on the day from the day i ordered it.

 

Ahalibut,
Got the same answer. MA says truck due at dealership on Sunday which really means Monday. Unfortunately, I won't be able to pick the car up until the 13th. You'll have to take some pictures of it for me. Hopefully, they put the sport stripes on right away so that you don't drive off in my car .

 

Well, I'd be hard-pressed to learn how to drive a manual, but damned if I wouldn't try.

 

You know, I bet those cars are in KC on Friday.

 

I bet my wife the exact. same. thing. lol

 

SC, if you cant tell. Close to all of the logistics, which helps you get your car ASAP.

Previous post is correct. They go from the boats to rail and up to Greer, SC to the VPC. OF NOTE: my best buddy was near the docks yesterday (Monday) at noon and called me saying he was looking at MINIs being loaded on the rail cars. I dont know if any more boats have unloaded since the Emden & Integrity, but I hope so. I hope none of the ones he was seeing was any of yours and that yours are all on their way to their new homes!

Man, I cant tell you HOW MUCH FUN THIS CAR IS! I have never enjoyed driving so much. I get to take her on a road trip tomorrow. Satellite radio, sunroof, ... Wow! The pickup even in the top gears. Wow!

Well, here SHE is....

Name to follow. And then there are the mods....

PS - be prepared for the run flat tire ride. Harsher than expected. Dont remember the test drive being so. Of course, the turbo was making me wet my pants then so I may have been distracted. Anyway, fun regardless!!!

 

Wow, looks great. I really like the stripes!

I guess they're getting closer for the rest of us

 

great looking MINI!!!

Congrats

 

I'm in SC. The car is at MINI of Charleston...hoping to get it on Saturday, but definitely by Monday--which lets count the weeks....5 weeks from order to delivery. Not too bad.

 

nice car Aonach. I'm jealous you got yours first

 

Well, our MA has lost his mind!!!!! I emailed to verify all the paperwork is in order and he informed he is "too busy to update me every free moment". Etc. Needs a refresher course in customer service which he'll undoubtedly get when I critique him to the business manager AFTER I get my car and free stuff. We are repeat customers for crying out loud!!! Still hope to get her on Sat.

 

My MA simply stopped returning my phone calls! bah!

 

I know they don't make a LOT per car but they won't make anything with attitudes!!!!! Makes for bad "car"ma.

 

Alright, so what are the "goodies" that I keep hearing about at the time of delivery?...plane tickets, season passes, cruises...what?