ST. LOUIS -

MetroGistics on Wednesday rolled out a texting solution geared to allow its vehicle-transportation customers to obtain quotes and check on shipment statuses.

The company added the solution also is meant to cater to drivers and carriers by providing updates on their loads, all in real time, on their mobile phones.

Executives explained the new texting technology asks mobile phone users to obtain a vehicle shipping quote by texting “QUOTE” to 35819. The system is designed to respond with a series of prompts, and an official quote can be sent to the user’s mobile phone.

MetroGistics customers can also 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. MetroGistics pointed out the system can then automatically generate an e-mail to its central dispatch.

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

These solutions were demonstrated to attendees at the recent National Remarketing Conference in San Diego.

“As a technology-driven company, we are constantly looking for ways to tailor solutions to our customers’ and drivers’ needs,” explained 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,” Naz noted.

William Billiter, MetroGistics’ other managing partner, elaborated about the array of technologies the company now offers.

“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,” Billiter stressed.

“We hope that our services, custom solutions and experience will earn the trust of even more customers,” he added.

For more information on MetroGistics, visit www.metrogistics.com, send e-mail messages to info@metrogistics.com or call (877) 571-6235.