Finding a reliable car shipping company can feel overwhelming. You want someone trustworthy to transport your vehicle without breaking the bank — and Sherpa Auto Transport might be exactly what you’re looking for.
They’ve quickly become a leading name in the auto transport industry, known for transparent pricing and exceptional customer service since their founding in 2017.
Let’s dive into our Sherpa Auto Transport review to help you make an informed decision about your vehicle transport needs.
How Much Does Sherpa Car Shipping Cost?
Sherpa car price averages around $1,010 for standard vehicle transport — about $100 less than the industry average of $1,108. You might pay as little as $375 to ship a mid-size car a few hundred miles on an open carrier. For cross-country shipping in an enclosed carrier, prices can reach up to $2,000 for larger vehicles like a Ford F-150.
Sherpa is unique compared to other car shipping companies because of their Price Lock Promise. They’ll contribute up to $300 to cover any price increases between your quote and final bill — something that’s pretty rare in the auto transport industry. This commitment to transparency helps explain why they maintain such high customer satisfaction ratings.
When you’re comparing auto transport companies, you’ll find that many offer tempting initial quotes but then hit you with significant price increases before delivery.
Sherpa’s approach eliminates this common frustration. Their upfront pricing model means you can budget confidently, knowing your final cost won’t spiral out of control.
Sherpa Vehicle Transport Average Shipping Price
| Transport Type | Open Transport | Closed Transport |
| Car | $891 | $1,339 |
| SUV | $1,032 | $1,591 |
| Truck | $1,107 | $1,695 |
As of now, these are the estimated costs to transport cars, SUVs, and trucks via open and closed transport, and these costs are subject to change.
Pros and Cons of Sherpa Auto Transport
Before we break down the specific advantages and drawbacks of choosing Sherpa auto transport, it’s worth noting that they’ve maintained an impressive 4.8 out of 5-star customer rating for the past two years. That’s no small feat in an industry known for customer service challenges. Let’s examine what makes them stand out — and where they could improve.
Pros
- Price Lock Promise guarantees no surprise costs (up to $300 covered)
- Free car wash after delivery with Clean Car Guarantee
- Door-to-door delivery service
- High customer satisfaction ratings
- Services available in all 50 US states
- Both open and enclosed transport options
- Military and student discounts available
- No upfront payment required
- Great insurance coverage
Cons
- Newer company (established 2017)
- Cash or certified check required for final payment
- No guaranteed pickup dates
Sherpa Auto Transport Review: Shipping Quotes Compared to Final Prices
In the auto transport industry, final prices often exceed initial quotes by up to 25%. But Sherpa’s doing things differently. Their initial quotes average $1,010, and thanks to their Price Lock Promise, that’s typically what you’ll pay.
Compare this to the industry average, where a $1,108 quote can balloon to $1,385 at delivery.
This pricing stability isn’t just good for your wallet — it’s good for your peace of mind. You won’t spend your time worrying about unexpected costs or negotiating with carriers over price increases. Sherpa handles all that behind the scenes, absorbing up to $300 in potential price hikes.
Cost Factors to Consider
Your final shipping cost depends on several key elements. Distance plays a major role — shipping to neighboring states costs less than coast-to-coast transport. Vehicle size and weight affect pricing too, with larger vehicles requiring more fuel and space.
The condition of your car matters — non-running vehicles incur extra charges since they require special equipment for loading and unloading. Your choice between open or enclosed transport impacts the final price, with enclosed offering more protection at a higher cost.
Seasonal timing can affect your shipping costs as well. Summer months typically see higher prices due to increased demand, while winter rates might be lower but come with potential weather-related delays. Planning ahead and being flexible with your shipping dates can help you secure better rates.
Liability and Transit Coverage
You’ll be glad to know Sherpa takes insurance seriously. They require all carriers to maintain $1 million in liability coverage and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
What’s unique is that Sherpa requires carriers to list them as a policy certificate holder — making it easier for you to file claims if needed. They also closely monitor carrier safety records to minimize risk.
This comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle throughout its journey. Before transport begins, you’ll receive detailed documentation of your car’s condition, and any existing damage will be noted. This thorough documentation process helps ensure any transport-related damage can be properly identified and addressed.
What Services Does Sherpa Offer?
Sherpa vehicle transport services cover most automotive shipping needs. They handle family vehicles, personal cars, luxury automobiles, and classic cars. Both open and enclosed transport options are available, with door-to-door delivery as standard. Plus, they ship to all 50 US states.
Open transport is their most popular and economical option, perfect for daily drivers and standard vehicles. Enclosed transport provides extra protection from weather and road debris, making it ideal for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles.
Their door-to-door service means your car will be picked up and delivered as close to your specified locations as possible. In some urban areas with restricted access, they’ll work with you to find the nearest accessible location for safe loading and unloading.
Facts About Sherpa Auto Transport
| Description | Company Information |
| USDOT # | 3053476 |
| MC # | 51106 |
| Carries Basic Insurance | Yes |
| Broker or Carrier | Broker |
| Availability in the US | All 50 states |
| Years in Business | 7 |
| Average Customer Service Rating | 4.8/5 |
Sherpa Vehicle Shipping Quotes vs. Final Costs
| Description | Initial Estimate | Expected Final Cost | Difference Between Initial Estimate and Final Cost |
| Sherpa Auto Shipping | $1,010 | $1,010 | $0 |
| Industry Average | $1,108 | $1,385 | $277 |
These costs are up to date, but are subject to change.
Need Movers? Your Move, Your Choice
Instant Exact Cost for Your Specific Move
Agoyu’s AI technology give you quick, precise estimates. Scan your room, receive instant quotes from multiple movers, and confidently select the best option for you.
STEP 1 OF 3
or Have a Top Mover Call Me Now!
Do it the old fashion way! A top mover will call you to provide an instant quote over the phone or at your house!
Sherpa Auto Transport Shipping vs. Competition
When choosing a car shipping company, it’s smart to see how Sherpa stacks up against other major vehicle shipping companies in the industry. While Sherpa’s newer to the scene, they’ve quickly established themselves as a leading auto transport broker through their innovative pricing guarantees and stellar customer service.
Sherpa Auto Transport Shipping vs. AmeriFreight
AmeriFreight stands out for its military discounts and varied payment plans, but Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise often results in lower final costs. AmeriFreight’s gap coverage plan provides additional protection, though Sherpa’s standard insurance requirements offer robust coverage.
Both companies excel in carrier vetting, but Sherpa’s Clean Car Guarantee adds extra value to their service.
Sherpa Auto Shipping vs. Montway
Montway and Sherpa both excel in customer service, with each maintaining high customer satisfaction ratings. While Montway offers international shipping options that Sherpa doesn’t, Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise gives them an edge in pricing transparency.
Montway provides real-time GPS tracking, something Sherpa hasn’t implemented yet. Both companies require carriers to maintain comprehensive insurance coverage — Montway requires $100,000 in cargo insurance, matching Sherpa’s requirement.
Sherpa Auto Shipping vs. Ship A Car Direct
Ship A Car Direct shares Sherpa’s commitment to customer satisfaction, both holding impressive BBB ratings. Ship A Car Direct offers service to Hawaii but not Alaska, and Sherpa offers services to all 50 US states.
The main difference lies in payment processing — Ship A Car Direct offers more electronic payment options, while Sherpa typically requires cash or certified check for final payment. Both companies use door-to-door delivery models, getting your vehicle as close to your location as possible.
What We Like About Sherpa Auto Transport
There are many things we like about Sherpa, which is why we recommend them for auto shipping:
Unmatched Price Transparency
The Price Lock Promise isn’t just marketing — it’s a genuine commitment to honest pricing. When other companies might surprise you with higher fees, Sherpa absorbs up to $300 in price increases. This policy shows their dedication to building trust with customers and maintaining long-term relationships.
Superior Carrier Vetting
Sherpa’s thorough vetting process stands out in the industry. They review government records, analyze carrier performance data, and maintain a strict “do not use” list for underperforming carriers. This attention to detail helps ensure your vehicle’s safe journey from pickup to delivery.
Safety ratings, insurance coverage, and service history all factor into their carrier selection process. They only work with drivers who meet their stringent requirements, and they’re not afraid to cut ties with carriers who fail to maintain their high standards.
Customer Service Excellence
Founded by people who experienced car shipping frustrations firsthand, Sherpa prioritizes customer satisfaction. Their Clean Car Guarantee and straightforward communication show they understand what matters to customers. Their support team remains available throughout the shipping process to answer questions and provide updates.
Online Convenience
Their recently added online quote tool provides estimates in under two minutes, with the option to book entirely online. This modern approach saves time while maintaining their high service standards. The digital platform makes it easy to manage your shipment, though you can always speak with a representative if you prefer.
Multiple Vehicle Discounts
Shipping multiple vehicles? Sherpa offers competitive discounts for multi-car transport. While they don’t advertise specific discount amounts, customers report saving between 5-10% when shipping more than one vehicle.
These savings, combined with their Price Lock Promise, can add up to significant cost reductions for families or dealers moving multiple cars.
Specialized Transport Options
Sherpa’s enclosed transport service stands out for its attention to detail. If you’re shipping a luxury, classic, or high-value vehicle, their enclosed carriers offer superior protection from weather and road debris.
They also accommodate non-running vehicles with specialized equipment and experienced handlers — though keep in mind this service comes with additional fees.
Final Thoughts
Sherpa auto transport has earned its spot among top car shipping companies. Their combination of competitive pricing, transparent practices, and strong customer service makes them a solid choice for vehicle shipping needs. While they’re relatively new to the industry, they’ve quickly proven themselves through innovation and reliability.
From their Price Lock Promise to their Clean Car Guarantee, every aspect of their service is designed with the customer in mind. Their high customer ratings and positive reviews reflect this dedication to service excellence.
When you’re choosing a car shipping company, reliability and transparency should top your priority list. Sherpa shipping consistently delivers on both counts, making them a trustworthy choice for your vehicle transport needs.
Are you looking to move your vehicle? If so, check out the free Agoyu app to make the move much easier!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sherpa Auto Transport legitimate?
Yes, Sherpa is a legitimate auto transport broker with USDOT #3053476. They maintain an A+ BBB rating and average 4.8/5 stars in customer reviews. Their business practices and transparency have earned them a strong reputation in the industry.
What’s included in Sherpa’s Clean Car Guarantee?
Sherpa provides a $20 reimbursement for car washing after delivery, ensuring your vehicle arrives clean despite transport conditions. This guarantee applies to all shipments and can be claimed easily with a receipt from any car wash service.
Does Sherpa offer vehicle tracking?
Yes, you can track your vehicle’s location and estimated delivery time by calling their customer service line at 1-877-850-1231. While they don’t offer real-time GPS tracking, their team provides regular updates throughout the shipping process.
What happens if I need to cancel my shipment?
Cancellations before carrier assignment incur a $50 dispatch fee. If you cancel after carrier assignment, you’ll forfeit the initial payment. It’s best to be certain about your shipping needs before booking to avoid any cancellation fees.
How far in advance should I book with Sherpa?
While Sherpa can accommodate last-minute bookings, they recommend scheduling as far in advance as possible to secure your preferred dates and best pricing. This is especially true during peak moving seasons or for specialized transport needs.
What’s the typical delivery time frame for Sherpa Auto Transport?
Standard delivery typically takes 1-10 business days, though exact timing depends on distance and route. Cross-country shipments might take up to 10 days, while shorter routes could be completed in 1-3 days.
Weather conditions and seasonal factors can impact delivery times, so it’s best to maintain some flexibility in your schedule. Sherpa keeps you updated throughout the process with regular status updates.
