Sherpa Auto Transport Reviews
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After combing through Sherpa Auto Transport reviews, average costs, and services, it’s easy to see why people turn to Sherpa for car shipping. With excellent customer reviews, a stress-free shipping process, and locked-in pricing, Sherpa Auto Transport has a proven track record of reliability.
No matter which car shipping provider you choose, the cost of transporting a vehicle largely depends on your needs. While Sherpa Auto Transport reviews show Sherpa to be a solid choice for auto shipping, it’s smart to get quotes from several of the best car shipping companies to compare pricing and shipping options.
Pros | Locked-in pricing, positive customer reviews, Clean Car Guarantee |
Cons | Higher rates on average, limited availability |
Bottom Line | We give Sherpa Auto Transport 4.6 out of 5.0 stars for its guaranteed rates and the standout service revealed in Sherpa Auto Transport reviews. |
Table of contents
Sherpa Auto Transport Rating: 4.5 Stars
Sherpa Auto Transport stands as a solid choice among vehicle shippers, as seen by its outstanding customer service and guaranteed pricing structure. We award the provider 4.5 out of 5.0 stars overall.
Some Sherpa Auto Transport reviews mention slightly higher prices, but the majority believe that excellent customer service standards and the assurances of the Price Lock Promise make it a worthwhile investment.
Industry Standing | 4.5 |
Cost | 4.5 |
Services | 4.6 |
Customer Service | 4.6 |
Sherpa Auto Transport Overview
Founded: 2017
Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina
Availability: 49 states excluding Alaska
Sherpa Auto Transport is one of the more recently established car shipping providers, but it has become a premier vehicle transporter in its short life. According to Sherpa Auto Transport reviews, drivers rarely find the cheapest prices from the shipper but receive high-quality service.
One feature that stands out in Sherpa Auto Transport reviews is the Price Lock Promise, which guarantees the price given in your initial quote. The Clean Car Guarantee, which reimburses customers up to $20 for a car wash within seven days of delivery, is also routinely mentioned.
How Popular Is Sherpa Auto Transport?
Our 2021 auto shipping survey of 1,000 customers found that about seven percent used Sherpa Auto Transport to move their cars. That makes the company a moderately popular car shipping option, though there are larger providers available. The specifics of our auto transport survey can be found below:
Sherpa Auto Transport may not be the largest car shipping company available, but it's a highly reputable choice. This is evidenced by the vast majority of Sherpa Auto Transport reviews, which speak of the provider's quality customer service and efficient services.
Sherpa Auto Transport Cost
Sherpa Auto Transport reviews say the company's rates trend slightly above the industry average. When we reached out to Sherpa about the cost of shipping an operable SUV from Los Angeles to Houston, we received a quote of $1,300.
While this may seem higher than other companies' car shipping rates, the price you’re quoted from Sherpa Auto Transport is the price you’ll pay. Other providers may be cheaper at first but add fees after sending your initial quote.
Sherpa Auto Transport Sample Rates
Below are some car shipping quotes online for a 1,547-mile shipment from Los Angeles to Houston. Many Sherpa Auto Transport reviews state that the Price Lock Promise keeps rates as originally quoted, so these prices would not increase during vehicle transport.
- SUV, open shipping: $1,300
- SUV, enclosed shipping: $1,800
- Sedan, enclosed shipping: $1,450
You may not always get the cheapest car shipping quotes from Sherpa Auto Transport, but you'll receive accurate pricing that won't increase mid-shipment. Many people find that the prices from Sherpa are worth it for the peace of mind that comes from using such a high-quality car transporter.
What Factors Affect Car Shipping Costs?
Various factors can affect your car shipping costs with Sherpa. According to Sherpa Auto Transport reviews, those factors include:
- Distance: How far you need to ship your car is a giant variable in your auto shipping cost. The price per mile goes down as transport distance increases, so you’ll pay more per mile for shorter moves than for cross-country car shipments such as Florida to Washington or New York to California.
- Type of shipping: Shipping your car via open transport—where your car gets exposed to road hazards and weather conditions—is typically much cheaper than shipping in an enclosed container. It's usually a better idea to opt for enclosed auto transport if you're transporting a luxury vehicle or a classic car.
- Pickup and drop off locations: Though it’s less of a hassle if your car arrives immediately at your home address, terminal-to-terminal shipping is generally more affordable. For many, the convenience of door-to-door shipping makes up for its higher overall costs.
- Type and size of car: The larger your vehicle, the more you'll likely pay to ship it. Trucks, SUVs, and vans will normally be pricier to ship than the average compact car or sedan. Expect luxury vehicles to cost more on average as well.
- Time of year: The cost of shipping a car fluctuates throughout the year. The summer months and January are extremely busy for auto transport providers, so choosing pickup dates during these times means you'll be paying more than average to transport your vehicle.
- Vehicle operability: Inoperable vehicles cost much more to ship than vehicles that are still in driving condition. It's added work for car shipping companies to move inoperable cars, so they usually charge extra for the hassle.
The easiest way to determine your rates from Sherpa Auto Transport is by comparing quotes from it and other auto transport providers. That way, you'll be able to tell what a fair price is for your specific shipment.
What Is Sherpa's Price Lock Promise?
While Sherpa Auto Transport reviews often speak of somewhat high upfront costs, you may end up paying less for services once the bill of lading arrives. As mentioned, the Price Lock Promise offers guaranteed pricing, so your quoted rate won't increase regardless of changes mid-shipment.
It's common in the auto transport industry to pay more than the amount in your original quote due to unexpected issues and delays in the shipping process. With the Price Lock Promise, you'll pay the original rate to Sherpa Auto Transport no matter how many problems arise.
When paying the bill of lading, be aware that you'll have to use cash or certified checks. Don't plan on paying your vetted carrier with a debit or credit card, as it won't be accepted.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?
The average driver spends between $1,000 and $2,000 when transporting vehicles through one of the best car shipping companies. Remember that prices typically hinge on your car's make and model, the distance you're moving it, and the shipping services you opt for. Below are the numbers we received in our 2021 auto shipping survey:
It's not usually tricky for drivers to find reasonable rates from Sherpa Auto Transport, but quotes can sometimes be higher than from some of the competition. According to Sherpa Auto Transport reviews, this is often balanced out by the Price Lock Promise and the exceptional customer service that the company is known for.
Remember that it's always a smart move to get car shipping quotes from multiple providers before selecting one. That way, you can make sure that you're receiving an excellent rate on auto transport services from Sherpa Auto Transport.
Sherpa Auto Transport Shipping Services
- Door-to-door shipping: Unlike some providers, Sherpa Auto Transport does not offer terminal-to-terminal shipping. For this reason, Sherpa prices aren't necessarily the cheapest you'll find.
- Enclosed transport: Shipping your vehicle in an enclosed trailer rather than with open transport helps ensure the car gets to you in perfect condition. Though easier on your vehicle, this type of transport is significantly more expensive.
- Expedited transport: If you need your vehicle to arrive somewhere in a hurry, Sherpa Auto Transport can offer an expedited shipping time frame in select regions. Just be prepared to pay extra.
- Foreign and classic car shipping: Not all auto transport companies ship high-value exotic vehicles, but Sherpa Auto Transport reviews speak favorably of the company providing this service.
- Status updates: You can choose to receive automatic status updates on your shipment or call Sherpa's 24/7 support line for details on your car’s location.
It's unlikely for drivers to desire services that Sherpa Auto Transport can't cover. The main exception is for transport to Alaska since it sits outside of its standard range. So, if you need to ship a vehicle to Alaska, you may want to check out our other recommended providers listed below. You may also look to the providers if you need to ship a motorcycle or a boat, as Sherpa Auto Transport only ships cars, sedans, SUVs, and trucks.
Sherpa Auto Transport Insurance Coverage
Sherpa Auto Transport reviews are mostly positive, so it’s rare for vehicles to get damaged during transport. If issues do arise, the company offers plenty of insurance coverage to repair your car.
All carriers that work with Sherpa Auto Transport must carry at least $100,000 in cargo insurance to pay for damages that occur on the road. They also hold a minimum of $1 million in commercial liability coverage to cover additional costs that could potentially come up.
As a reputable car shipper, Sherpa Auto Transport reviews routinely mention professional services. This may be because all carriers affiliated with Sherpa must be registered with the US Department of Transportation and need to hold a strong safety score.
Clean Car Guarantee
It's common for vehicles to get dirty on the road, especially if they're being shipped through open carrier transport. But as mentioned, Sherpa Auto Transport's Clean Car Guarantee offers a nice solution by way of a car wash reimbursement of up to $20. However, Sherpa Auto Transport reviews say customers must hold onto their receipt to receive a free car wash.
Sherpa Auto Transport Cancellation Policy
The cancellation procedures spoken of in Sherpa Auto Transport reviews aren't that unusual and make it a relatively hassle-free process. You should be able to get in contact with the company through a phone call to notify it of your decision.
If you need to cancel your shipment and Sherpa Auto Transport hasn't assigned your carrier, expect to only pay a $50 dispatch fee. If you cancel and Sherpa has assigned your carrier, you won't receive a refund of your initial payment.
Sherpa Auto Transport Reviews
Sherpa Auto Transport reviews online are overwhelmingly positive. The company holds a 4.7-star rating out of 5.0 on Google, based on over 800 reviews. On the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, Sherpa has an exceptional 4.9-star rating out of 5.0 from customers who've weighed in. The company also holds BBB accreditation and an A+ rating from the BBB.
Positive Sherpa Auto Transport Reviews
Positive Sherpa Auto Transport reviews consistently mention excellent customer experience, transparent pricing, and professional drivers. In fact, 27 percent of reviews positively mention the auto transport driver.
“Everything was as advertised. The driver was the best. [They were] nice, customer-focused, [and] helpful. [They] communicated clearly, [and] were precise in directions. Great experience from start to finish.”– Bill D. via BBB
“Their customer service person was thorough and professional. Once a driver was secured, he communicated with us and was clear on the schedule. He took his time inspecting the car prior to loading it on the truck.”
– Michael D. via Google
Negative Sherpa Auto Transport Reviews
Some Sherpa Auto Transport customers say they had a bad experience with a driver who was rude or otherwise unprofessional. However, 40.5 percent of Sherpa reviews explicitly mention the company's professionalism.
“I had a car shipped from Washington state to Georgia. I paid a significant amount of money to try to ensure the safety of the new vehicle. However, it arrived late, unloaded in the wrong location, with multiple points of damage.”– Sean M. via BBB
“I used Sherpa to ship my car across the country a few months ago. … The Sherpa customer service was kind and did their best to help me. I just hope they no longer use this [carrier], as they were rude, disrespectful, and horrible to work with.”
– Abby G. via Google
Negative Sherpa Auto Transport reviews are few and far between, however. Most Sherpa customers report being satisfied.
Is It Worth It to Ship a Car?
It's common for motorists to be unsure of whether shipping a car is the right move for their needs. There are certain situations when it's not worth shipping a vehicle, but drivers typically enjoy the reduced hassle and decreased wear and tear that comes with choosing a reputable provider.
Our 2021 auto transport survey asked 1,000 customers whether they were satisfied with services from their car shipping provider, and the results were quite positive. Below is a snapshot of our customer satisfaction findings:
Sherpa Auto Transport reviews tend to be among the highest in the industry, so it's likely that you'll also be satisfied with the company's offerings. It's a great choice for those who want to reduce potential vehicle damages and are hoping to find some peace of mind during the relocation process.
How to Contact Sherpa Auto Transport
Those who'd like to get in contact with Sherpa Auto Transport should call 1-877-850-1231. At that number, customers can receive free quotes, ask any pertinent questions about the company, or receive details about a shipment that's in progress.
If you prefer speaking with a representative, Sherpa Auto Transport reviews highlight friendly and helpful sales agents when you call the company’s phone number. Regardless of how customers reach out, Sherpa Auto Transport reviews show that good experiences are the norm.
According to Sherpa Auto Transport reviews, getting online quotes from the company is straightforward. On Sherpa's website, you can enter basic vehicle and route information to receive a free instant quote. Sherpa will then honor this number for the duration of your vehicle shipment.
Reliable Customer Service
Best Car Shipping Companies
Sherpa Auto Transport reviews reveal an excellent vehicle shipping company, but be sure to compare car shipping quotes online from multiple companies before making your decision. Two other vehicle shipping companies worth checking out are Montway Auto Transport and Easy Auto Ship.
Montway Auto Transport: Best Overall
With more than 16 years of auto transport industry experience, Montway Auto Transport seems to have nearly perfected the car shipping process. Expect quality service from the provider, as evidenced by its 4.6 stars out of 5.0 customer rating on the BBB website and positive assortment of Montway Auto Transport reviews.
Montway is also one of the industry's cheapest providers, so you'll likely receive a strong value when you pick the company. On the other hand, you won't receive guaranteed pricing from Montway, and the auto shipping company doesn't offer terminal-to-terminal transport services.
Our #1 Rated Provider
Easy Auto Ship
Easy Auto Ship reviews praise the provider for generally affordable costs and added benefits, which include rental car and car wash reimbursement as well as the company's free Contingent Motor Truck Cargo Policy that offers up to $100,000 of extra coverage for damage your car might incur during the shipping process.
Easy Auto Ship holds an A+ rating from the BBB and 4.3 out of 5.0 stars from customers. Thanks to its competitive rates, added benefits, and strong customer service, Easy Auto Ship is a superb choice for car shipping services.
Our Shipping Review Standards
- Industry Standing: Good auto shipping providers consistently provide quality experiences. Our team takes into account BBB ratings and the company’s history of reliable service when giving this score.
- Cost: Comparing providers can be difficult due to the many factors that influence cost. To determine this score, we employ a secret shopper analysis using different vehicles, distances, and routes.
- Services: A wide variety of services is essential to support the differing needs of customers. We take into account the types of services available, insurance coverage, and the ability to guarantee pickup and dropoff dates. We also consider whether a car transport company is a broker or a provider.
- Customer Service: The level of customer service and care provided by a shipping company is an important consideration. Our review team sifts through customer reviews and complaints from reputable sources such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot. We also consider the responsiveness of each company’s customer service team based on our secret shopper analysis.
Q & A
Is Sherpa Auto Transport legit?
Since Sherpa launched in 2017, Sherpa Auto Transport reviews show the company to be one of the country's highest-rated car transport providers. The BBB gives Sherpa accreditation and an A+ rating.
Is Sherpa a broker?
Sherpa Auto Transport is a fully licensed auto transport broker that will arrange services with a car carrier for you. Sherpa vets each of its auto transporter partners and holds them accountable to company standards.
What is the most reliable auto transport company?
Based on our research, we rate Montway Auto Transport as the Best Overall car shipping company. However, Sherpa Auto Transport, AmeriFreight, Easy Auto Ship, and uShip are also excellent choices for their auto transport services. It's always best to compare quotes from providers, as some companies will suit your needs better than others.
How do I choose a transportation company for my car?
A good auto transport company holds an established reputation in the shipping industry, avoids bait-and-switch pricing, offers comprehensive services, and boasts high customer service ratings. Make sure to read customer reviews and compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best shipper for you.
Stephen Kenney is a writer and editor who focuses on car insurance, auto financing, and vehicle shipping services. He's a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and has experience covering categories ranging from travel to sports to environmental sustainability. In his free time, Stephen enjoys going on long-distance runs, trying out new recipes, and exploring his adopted hometown of Cincinnati.
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