For straightforward pricing and steady communication when shipping your car, Sherpa Auto Transport is a great option. With a Price Lock Promise, door-to-door service nationwide, and consistently strong customer feedback, Sherpa Auto Transport earned a spot on our list of the best car shipping companies.
Nexus Auto Transport
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Sherpa Auto Transport
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Navi Auto Transport
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Sherpa Auto Transport Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise prevents last-minute price bumps
- Clean Car Guarantee reimburses up to $20 for a wash after delivery
- Covers all 50 states
- High customer ratings across multiple platforms
- Discounts for military families, first responders, and repeat customers
Cons
- No international shipping
- Doesn’t ship boats, RVs, or trailers
- Lack of guaranteed pickup/delivery dates
How Much Does Sherpa Auto Transport Cost?
Sherpa lists some of its average car shipping costs to give customers an idea of what to expect. Based on our cost data, these estimates line up with industry averages.
- Trips under 500 miles: $1.60–$2.60 per mile
- Trips of 501–1,500 miles: $0.85–$1.25 per mile
- Trips of 1,501 miles or more: $0.60–$0.95 per mile
As a rule of thumb, enclosed transport costs around 50% more than open transport, but it’s the best choice for high-value, classic, or low-clearance vehicles.
For real-time pricing across multiple shippers, you can get instant car shipping quotes with our calculator. Read our deep-dive on car shipping costs to see what moves the price up or down.
What Affects Car Shipping Prices
- Distance and route: Common routes are cheaper, while remote pickups tend to cost more
- Transport type: The added protection you get from enclosed transport adds to the cost
- Vehicle size/weight: SUVs and pickups generally cost more to transport than sedans
- Operability: Moving inoperable vehicles takes extra equipment and time, yet Sherpa moves inoperable vehicles (some competitors don’t)
- Timing & flexibility: Expedited moves or tight shipping windows raise costs, while being flexible with timing lowers them
- Pickup/delivery locations: Urban locations near the interstate attract more carriers and better pricing
- Alaska/Hawaii/ocean legs: Ocean logistics and port fees add to the cost of your move
Sherpa Auto Transport Services
- Door-to-door shipping: Pickups and deliveries are made as close to your addresses as safely possible
- Open & enclosed transport: Choose a protection level based on your vehicle’s value, your location, and the timing of your move
- Expedited pickup: Pay more to tighten your pickup window
- Alaska & Hawaii shipping: You can ship cars to and from Alaska and Hawaii
- Motorcycle shipping: Sherpa partners with a network of trusted carriers to offer premium motorcycle shipping
- Inoperable vehicle shipping: Sherpa coordinates its services on a case-by-case basis with carriers equipped to move non-running vehicles
- Price Lock Promise: This feature locks in your initial quote, covering up to $300 if a carrier’s price comes in higher
- Clean Car Guarantee: Sherpa reimburses up to $20 for a car wash after delivery
- Discounts: Discounts for military members, veterans, first responders, and returning customers
Sherpa Auto Transport Reviews at a Glance
| Review Platform | Rating Snapshot | What Customers Say |
|---|---|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) | A+ | Praise for communication and smooth deliveries; complaints tend to focus on carrier-related issues like delays or damage claims |
| Trustpilot | 4.3 / 5 | Reviewers highlight easy booking and reliable updates; negative reviews mention damage disputes and frustration with follow-up |
| ConsumerAffairs | Mixed to positive | Customers praise punctual pickups, clear communication, and upfront pricing; some note issues with customer contact or messaging alone |
| Google Reviews | Varies | Because reviews are often tied to local listings and partners, ratings can vary widely depending on which profile a user finds |
Real Customer Feedback
★★★★★ (Trustpilot): “We had a wonderful experience with Sherpa Auto Transport. They were very accommodating and very helpful. I would not hesitate to use them again. Easy pick up of car and easy delivery. Highly recommend.”
– Linda
★★★★★ (BBB): “Great experience throughout! Very informative with the quote. No hidden fees. Delivery was quicker than expected and vehicle delivered without any issues. Very satisfied with the service and highly recommend Sherpa Auto Transport. I will use them again if ever needed.”
– Doug
★★★☆☆ (ConsumerAffairs): “My experience was positive. Their customer service made a strong impression by thoroughly explaining what to expect, which alleviated concerns about potential damage during transit. Though their quote was slightly higher than others, the assurance of a closed container, coupled with excellent online reviews, made me comfortable choosing them. However, communications with their subcontractor presented challenges due to a language barrier.”
– Jonathan
Sherpa Policies and “Fine Print”
- Service areas: Sherpa Auto Transport operates nationwide and ships vehicles to and from all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, using a network of vetted carriers.
- Transport methods: Offers both open and enclosed auto transport. Open transport is the most common and cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury, classic, or low-clearance vehicles.
- Payment & deposits: Sherpa typically does not require an upfront deposit at booking. Payment is collected once a carrier is assigned, reducing your risk if plans change early in the process.
- Discounts: Available discounts include military members, veterans, first responders, and returning customers.
- Cancellation: Sherpa allows free cancellation before a carrier is assigned. Once a carrier has been secured, cancellation fees may apply depending on timing and carrier policies.
- Tracking options: Sherpa provides shipment updates through your assigned coordinator. Some carriers offer GPS tracking, but real-time tracking availability varies by route and carrier.
Sherpa vs. the Competition
We always advise readers to compare three or more quotes before hiring a car shipper. Here’s how Sherpa stacks up against some of the other best car shippers.
Sherpa vs. Nexus Auto Transport
Nexus Auto Transport is our pick for overall value thanks to competitive pricing, flexible service tiers, and strong customer satisfaction. Nexus offers expedited shipping options with guaranteed pickup windows, which can be appealing if you’re on a tight timeline.
Sherpa stands out for price certainty with its Price Lock Promise, while Nexus is better suited for customers who want faster pickups or more delivery flexibility. Both companies ship nationwide and maintain strong reputations across review platforms.
Sherpa vs. Navi Auto Transport
Navi Auto Transport is a good options for budget-focused customers looking for competitive open-transport pricing.
Navi may offer lower upfront quotes but it lacks Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise and post-delivery perks. Sherpa is generally the better fit if you value predictable pricing and proactive communication, while Navi can work well for cost-conscious, flexible moves.
Sherpa vs. Ship A Car Direct
Ship A Car Direct is known for its focus on damage prevention and claims support, including screening carriers based on historical damage data. This makes it a strong option for shipping high-value or classic vehicles.
Sherpa’s advantage is straightforward pricing and broader discount eligibility, while Ship A Car Direct appeals to customers who prioritize vehicle protection. Both companies offer nationwide door-to-door service and solid customer support.
Sherpa vs. Competitors at a Glance
| Sherpa | Nexus | Navi | Ship A Car Direct | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Price certainty | Overall value & speed | Budget-friendly shipping | Vehicle protection |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A+ | Not accredited | A+ |
| State availability | All 50 states | All 50 states | All 50 states | All 50 states |
| International shipping? | No | No | No | No |
| Guaranteed pickup? | No (expedited window) | Yes (expedited option) | No | No |
| Discounts | Military, first responders, repeat customers | Military | Occasional promotions | None advertised |
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Nexus Auto Transport
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Sherpa Auto Transport
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Navi Auto Transport
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Is Sherpa Right for You?
Choose Sherpa if you want dependable pricing, polite and proactive communication, and simple door-to-door shipping. The Price Lock Promise and Clean Car Guarantee are reassuring if you’re new to car shipping or just don’t want to play pricing games.
FAQ
Is Sherpa Auto Transport legit?
Yes, Sherpa Auto Transport is a registered motor carrier/broker entity in the FMCSA system, which means it’s operating under federal oversight for interstate transportation services. You can verify the company record directly in the FMCSA SAFER database.
What are the most common complaints about Sherpa Auto Transport?
The most recurring complaints we see across third-party reviews are pickup/delivery timing delays, communication gaps when a carrier is running late, and occasional frustration around the carrier dispatch process.
Are there any hidden fees with Sherpa Auto Transport?
Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise is designed to reduce surprise price increases, but your price can still change if your shipment details change.
What insurance coverage do I get with Sherpa Auto Transport?
Like most brokers, Sherpa works with carriers that provide cargo insurance as part of the shipment (coverage amounts vary by carrier). Sherpa states that it vets carriers and that shipments include carrier insurance, and it also references supplemental coverage/claims help depending on the situation—always confirm the carrier’s cargo coverage limits in writing before pickup.
What happens if my car is damaged during transport with Sherpa?
If damage occurs, the standard process is to note the damage on the bill of lading at delivery (before signing “clean”), take photos, and file a claim with the carrier’s insurance (the carrier is typically responsible for in-transit damage).
Is Sherpa Auto Transport a broker or a carrier?
Sherpa is a broker. It arranges your shipment with vetted motor carriers and oversees the process so you have a single point of contact.
How does Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise work?
Your initial quote will match the final price you pay. If a carrier requires more, Sherpa will cover the difference with a rebate up to $300, so your out-of-pocket cost doesn’t change.
Does Sherpa guarantee pickup or delivery dates?
No. Like most brokers, Sherpa offers estimated windows and an expedited pickup option to tighten timing, but dates aren’t guaranteed due to variables like carrier availability and weather.
Is enclosed transport worth it?
If you’re shipping a luxury, classic, or low-clearance vehicle, enclosed shipping is usually worth it for the added protection. Expect to pay up to 50% more versus open transport, sometimes 30–60% more on certain routes.
