Speed Reads:
- Sherpa Auto Transport stands out with its Price Lock Promise, meaning your original online quote will stand, which is not common in the industry.
- The provider has received glowing reviews from customers, receiving a score of 4.7 in our customer service review category.
- When shipping a vehicle with Sherpa Auto Transport, you can receive 24/7 updates on its status, either by receiving automatic updates or calling a Sherpa representative.
Our expert review team conducts an in-depth analysis of the top car shipping companies every year. We mystery shop and survey consumers to understand the experience providers create for their customers. Our team also collects hundreds of quotes for popular shipping routes across the country and reads countless customer reviews. Backed by 300 hours of research, we rate Sherpa Auto Transport 4.6 out of 5.0 stars and laud the company for its locked-in prices.
At Motor1.com, we’re dedicated to supplying car owners with the well-researched information they need to make sound decisions about auto shipping. Our editorial team consists of experienced automotive researchers, writers, and editors that follow strict guidelines to ensure that our articles are unbiased and fact checked.
To compile our product reviews and rankings, our team continuously evaluates over 25 car shipping companies to compare costs, services, customer experience, and reliability. We verify each provider’s quality through our hands-on research process. We've spent hundreds of hours analyzing past customer reviews and mystery shopping top providers to gather 400 pricing quotes for various shipping routes. To learn what matters most to consumers when shipping a car, we sent surveys to 2,000 shipping customers to get their feedback. Lastly, to obtain first-hand product knowledge our team shipped three cars across the country to gather insight into the overall process.
Read our full car shipping review methodology and our editorial guidelines.
Our Sherpa Auto Transport Review And Methodology
When we review car shipping companies, we consider industry reputation, cost, services, and customer experience. The following sections provide further details on these criteria and how we rated Sherpa Auto Transport in each of them.
Reputation
We evaluate companies’ state availability, years in business, and Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings to determine reputation score. Sherpa is a relative newcomer to the industry, having been founded in 2017. However, the company has a strong A+ rating and accreditation from the BBB. Sherpa handles vehicle shipments in the contiguous 48 states. Overall, we give the company 4.6 out of 5.0 stars for reputation.
Cost
For this review, we gathered quotes for shipping an operable 2018 Toyota RAV4 various distances and along different routes. Our team received estimates for both open transport (shipping on an open-air trailer) and enclosed transport (shipping in a hauler with a roof and walls). Sherpa offers average costs for 1,500-mile shipments through open transport, although its rates for enclosed shipping are above average.
What sets Sherpa apart from its competitors in this category is the company’s Price Lock Promise. This means the price you’re quoted for won’t change after you book your shipment, which isn’t always the case in the auto shipping industry. It’s important to note that Sherpa requires a $250-$300 deposit when your shipment is assigned to a carrier.
Overall, we give the company a 4.5-star rating for cost.
Services
Sherpa offers open and enclosed shipping and can pick up your vehicle between one and five days after you schedule a shipment. The company offers door-to-door shipping that picks up and drops off your vehicle as close to your home address as possible. However, it doesn’t offer an option for picking up and dropping off your vehicle at centralized shipping terminals, which is typically the cheaper way to ship a car.
You also get the Clean Car Guarantee with Sherpa, which gives you a $20 reimbursement for a car wash after your vehicle is delivered. Overall, we give the shipping broker a 4.7 out of 5.0-star rating for services.
Customer Experience
Sherpa receives high marks from customers, including a terrific star rating of 4.9 out of 5.0 from over 350 reviews on the BBB. The company also holds a rating of 4.7 out of 5.0 stars based on over 1,000 Google reviews. Our team found the quote process with Sherpa to be fast and easy, taking about five minutes overall. All things considered, we give Sherpa Auto Transport a healthy 4.7-star rating for customer experience.
Sherpa Auto Transport Overview
Founded: 2017
Headquarters: Charlotte, NC
Service Area: Continental United States
Sherpa Auto Transport is a relatively young auto shipping company, but it has a reputation for providing top-of-the-line customer service. Sherpa sets itself apart from the competition by offering locked-in quotes and a Clean Car Guarantee. You can have your car shipped anywhere in the continental U.S. on an open or enclosed carrier with Sherpa.
Sherpa Auto Transport Cost
Sherpa guarantees its prices, so rates won’t go up after you book. Other car transport companies may quote a lower price and then raise the final cost.
When you visit the company’s website for a quote, you’ll fill in certain details about your vehicle. To finalize the quote, you’ll need to call the company, where a representative will confirm your vehicle details and walk you through the entire shipping process. They’ll also thoroughly explain the company’s Price Lock Promise and how it compares to other companies’ pricing.
To give you a sense of overall Sherpa pricing, the table below reveals some of the quotes we received during our research in late 2022. These all apply to a 2018 Toyota RAV4. Distances range from short shipments to cross-country moves.
Shipping Distance | Type of Transport | Sherpa Auto Transport Price |
---|---|---|
Chicago to Kansas City, Missouri (503 miles) | Open transport | $700 |
Los Angeles to Houston (1,556 miles) | Open transport | $1,575 |
Los Angeles to Houston (1,556 miles) | Enclosed trailer | $1,750 |
New York City to San Francisco (3,036 miles) | Open transport | $2,650 |
For added context, here are the prices we received from Sherpa for the same shipments in 2021:
Shipping Distance | Type of Transport | Sherpa Auto Transport Price |
---|---|---|
Chicago to Kansas City, Missouri (503 miles) | Open transport | $675 |
Los Angeles to Houston (1,556 miles) | Open transport | $1,000 |
Los Angeles to Houston (1,556 miles) | Enclosed trailer | $1,475 |
New York City to San Francisco (3,036 miles) | Open transport | $1,700 |
If you’re looking for a relatively cheap car shipping option with accurate pricing, Sherpa is a smart choice. However, it’s best to shop around and compare free quotes. You can get a Sherpa quote on this page or by calling the company or using its online quote form.
In August of 2023, we conducted a car shipping survey of 1,000 consumers who had shipped their cars. Of the 1,000 respondents, 61 percent reported paying less than $1,500 for their auto shipment. Our survey included customers from many companies, not only Sherpa.
What Affects The Cost Of Auto Shipping?
According to our consumer survey on the auto shipping experience, 21 percent of respondents said cost was the most important factor in choosing a shipping company. We recommend Sherpa because your final car shipping cost will not rise as it could with other competitors.
The following factors will influence your Sherpa Auto Transport cost:
- Car size: Trucks and SUVs can be more expensive to ship than sedans.
- Vehicle condition: Operable cars will cost less to ship than inoperable cars because they require less labor.
- Shipping distance: Longer trips cost more overall but usually less per mile than shorter trips.
- Type of transport: Open car shipping is more common and cheaper than enclosed shipping.
- Season: Certain months, including January and the summer months, are more costly for car shipping.
- Fuel prices: When fuel costs go up, carriers typically raise their prices.
Inoperable vehicles are a hassle to load onto a truck, so they cost more to ship.
The further in advance you book, the lower your price is likely to be. Sherpa also offers a military discount that can reduce your cost if you’re an active-duty member of the armed forces.
After you book with Sherpa, you will need to make a partial advance payment. Based on our team’s experience getting shipping quotes, this payment is around $300.
Sherpa Auto Transport Car Shipping Services
Door-to-door shipping: Yes
Terminal-to-terminal shipping: No
Enclosed shipping: Yes
Open shipping: Yes
Motorcycle/ATV shipping: No
Expedited transport: Available in some areas
Sherpa ships standard as well as exotic and classic vehicles, but you’ll want to book an enclosed shipment to protect more valuable autos. If your car is inoperable, you’ll pay a higher price since the carrier will need to winch it onto a truck.
All Sherpa carriers are registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and are required to maintain a satisfactory U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) safety rating. (This is standard in the auto transport industry.) Sherpa carriers also must maintain the following minimum levels of insurance coverage:
- No less than $100,000 in cargo insurance coverage per shipment
- Commercial automobile liability insurance with a combined single limit of no less than $1 million per occurrence
While your vehicle is being shipped with Sherpa, you’ll have access to 24/7 real-time updates through Sherpa customer support. You can receive automatic updates or call Sherpa to inquire about your vehicle status. Many Sherpa Auto Transport reviews mention this as a helpful service.
As mentioned, Sherpa Auto Transport includes the Clean Car Guarantee with all shipments. This means you’ll receive a $20 reimbursement for a car wash after your vehicle is delivered. To get this rebate, just mail Sherpa your bill of lading and car wash receipt.
Sherpa Auto Transport Car Shipping Process
Sherpa Auto Transport is an auto transport broker, meaning the company will arrange car shipment services with a carrier from its network. For most people, working with a broker is the best way to find an auto shipping carrier.
Here’s an overview of how to ship a car with Sherpa Auto Transport:
- Call for a quote or request a quote online. After you complete the quote request, a Sherpa agent will contact you by phone call or email.
- Book your order and make the initial payment. You can pay with a credit card, and the amount depends on the total shipping cost.
- Clean your car and remove any personal belongings and accessories. Leave a quarter of a tank of gas. Sherpa will give you a two- to four-hour window for when to expect your driver.
- After the driver arrives, you and they will inspect the vehicle for damage. Your car then gets loaded onto the carrier.
- During transport, a Sherpa agent will contact you with general updates and an updated two- to four-hour window for your driver’s arrival.
- After you inspect the car to ensure it didn’t incur any damage during the shipping process, you’ll sign a bill of lading and pay your remaining balance to the driver. You must make the final payment with cash or a certified check.
If you cancel any time prior to the assignment of a carrier, Sherpa will charge a $25 dispatch fee. If you cancel after Sherpa assigns your carrier, you must forfeit your shipping deposit.
What To Know For A Successful Auto Shipment
When utilizing the services of an auto transport company, keep these things in mind to have a stress-free shipment:
- Be flexible: Car shipping is a complex process with many moving parts. The more flexible you can be with pricing and pickup and drop-off dates, the better your experience will be.
- Finding a carrier can take time: Be aware it can take some time to secure a carrier, depending on supply and demand.
- File claims with the carrier: If you notice new damage on your vehicle after shipment, note it on the bill of lading and have the driver sign off on it. You’ll then file a claim with the carrier, not Sherpa. You can reach out to Sherpa for help in contacting the carrier.
Sherpa Auto Transport Customer Reviews
Sherpa Auto Transport reviews praise the company for excellent customer service. The company has an A+ rating and accreditation from the BBB. Customers have filed only six complaints against Sherpa through the BBB in the last three years.
Sherpa Auto Transport also deserves credit for its diligence in responding to 49 percent of its reviews. Additionally, 21 percent of reviewers explicitly mention recommending this provider to others.
Positive Sherpa Auto Transport Reviews
Those happy with Sherpa Auto Transport often mention a smooth pickup and delivery process. Customers also highlight top-notch customer service and how quickly the process moves from booking to delivery. Overall, 91.5 percent of reviews we analyzed from the BBB and Google rate the provider 5.0 out of 5.0 stars.
Negative Sherpa Auto Transport Reviews
Of course, not every customer has a positive experience with Sherpa. Some reviews mention rude drivers, for example. However, only two percent of reviewers give the company a one-star rating.
With such a large network of carriers, not every driver will be perfect. Sherpa appears to make a strong effort to address all customer complaints. Among auto transport companies, Sherpa has a stellar customer reputation.
Sherpa Auto Transport Review: Conclusion
Sherpa Auto Transport is an excellent choice for auto shipping, thanks in large part to its Price Lock Promise and robust network of vetted and insured carriers. According to Sherpa Auto Transport reviews, the company has a knack for high-quality customer service.
Sherpa’s prices are decent despite the company not offering terminal-to-terminal shipping, which is often the cheapest way to move your vehicle. We believe Sherpa’s transparent pricing makes up for the lack of a terminal-to-terminal option, however.
Best Car Shipping Companies
Sherpa may be a wonderful auto transporter for your needs, but as mentioned, it’s always wise to get quotes from multiple providers before signing a contract. Up next are two other auto transport companies we highly recommend if you need to ship a car.
Montway Auto Transport: 4.7 Stars
Montway Auto Transport works with over 15,000 carriers across the nation that bid on customers’ shipments. The company can ship vehicles to and from anywhere in the U.S., offering Alaska and Hawaii car shipping.
Montway Auto Transport customer reviews indicate you can trust the company with your vehicle. Montway has an A+ rating from the BBB, which shows its commitment to service. It also has customer ratings of 4.6 out of 5.0 stars on the BBB and 4.5 stars on Trustpilot from a combined total of more than 3,000 reviews. Positive Montway reviews often mention timely delivery and excellent communication.
Montway offers competitive rates for various shipping services, including open and enclosed transport. The company has no listing fees but does have a cancellation fee of $199 minimum.
You can learn more in our dedicated Montway Auto Transport review.
AmeriFreight: 4.5 Stars
As one of the largest car shipping companies, AmeriFreight works with more than 10,000 carriers across the U.S. AmeriFreight reviews mention the company’s strong customer service and shipping options, in particular.
AmeriFreight holds an A+ rating from the BBB and 4.9 stars from over 600 BBB customer reviews. We recognized AmeriFreight as the shipper with the Best Discounts, which are available to several groups of people, including but not limited to active-duty military, first responders, and students.
You can learn more in our AmeriFreight review.
FAQ: Sherpa Auto Transport
Sherpa is a reliable vehicle transport company with a reputation for customer satisfaction. The BBB rates Sherpa Auto Transport an A+, and the car shipping company has a near-perfect customer review score of 4.9 out of 5.0. With its price-lock guarantee, Sherpa avoids bait-and-switch pricing tactics.
Our choice for Best Overall auto shipping company is Montway Auto Transport because of its wide service network and particularly excellent customer reviews. Montway Auto Transport had the highest customer satisfaction score in our shipping survey out of any provider. Of course, the best company for you depends on your auto shipping needs.
As a car shipping broker, Sherpa Auto Transport arranges pickup and delivery of your vehicle with a network of vetted carriers. Sherpa manages the booking and payment while a carrier will complete the delivery.
Sherpa Auto Transport’s main benefit is its Price Lock Promise, which ensures that your quoted price stays the same. If carriers raise their prices suddenly, Sherpa will add $300 of its own money into the payment to keep it down for you. On top of its thousands of positive reviews across various sites, Sherpa has a Clean Car Guarantee that reimburses you up to $20 if your car arrives dirty.
An auto transport company is legitimate if its motor carrier (MC) and USDOT numbers can be verified with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This shows that a company follows all regulations in shipping and cargo insurance as set by the U.S. Department of Transportation. You can also check a provider’s customer reviews and ratings on reputable sites like the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot.
According to our research, Sherpa’s prices are slightly cheaper than the market average. If you compare multiple companies, Sherpa’s initial quote may not be the cheapest, but the company guarantees your price won’t go up after you book the shipment.
Sherpa Auto Transport was founded in 2017. The company sets itself apart in the auto transport industry through its locked-in quotes and Clean Car Guarantee.
Enclosed auto transport protects your vehicle from the environment but at a higher cost. The quotes we received for enclosed shipping from Sherpa ranged from $1,450 to $1,800, depending on vehicle type and distance. Enclosed transport is a good option for luxury or classic cars.
Sherpa Auto Transport is located at 5605 Carnegie Boulevard Suite 250, Charlotte, NC 28209. It serves the contiguous U.S. and has a phone line available at all times.
Auto transport brokers work by matching customers with carriers who can best fulfill their car shipping needs. This is often the simplest way to secure an auto shipment, as most carriers don’t work directly with customers.