Sherpa Auto Transport Review
Our experts give Sherpa Auto Transport a rating of 4.4 for its excellent industry reputation, locked-in pricing, and positive customer experience.
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Key Points:
- Sherpa Auto Transport stands out with its Price Lock Promise, meaning your original online quote will stand, which is not common in the industry.
- We received quotes from Sherpa Auto Transport for $625 to $1,675 to ship a Mazda CX-5 a range of distances and ways.
- 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.
Though the company has a short history, Sherpa Auto Transport is an established name in the vehicle transport industry. The company offers a range of shipping services in the contiguous U.S. and boasts positive customer reviews on multiple platforms. However, you might find a better offer by comparing your own quotes.
In this review, we break down everything you need to know about Sherpa Auto Transport. You’ll see how the company performed in our team’s provider review categories, what you can expect to pay when shipping your vehicle, and how shipping with Sherpa works. We’ll also list the best car shipping companies from our research to help you compare car shipping quotes.
Sherpa Auto Transport Ratings
While Sherpa has only been in business since 2017, the company earned a high score in our team’s reliability rating category thanks to its excellent rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and positive customer reviews.
The company’s score in our pricing category isn’t the highest among the providers we reviewed, but Sherpa Auto Transport offers a unique price guarantee benefit. Your quote price won’t change with Sherpa after you book your car shipment, unlike with many providers.
See all of Sherpa’s scores in our team’s rating categories below:
| Overall Rating | 4.4 |
|---|---|
| Reliability | 4.8 |
| Pricing | 4.3 |
| Services | 4.4 |
| Customer Experience | 4.6 |
Sherpa Auto Transport Overview
Founded: 2017
Headquarters: Charlotte, NC
Service Area: 50 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. You can have your car shipped anywhere in the U.S. on an open or enclosed carrier. Sherpa sets itself apart from the competition by offering locked-in quotes and a Clean Car Guarantee.
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
International shipping: No
Expedited transport: Available in some areas
Sherpa ships standard as well as exotic and classic vehicles, but you’ll want to consider booking an enclosed shipment to protect more valuable autos. As with most shipping companies, if your car is inoperable, you’ll pay a higher price since the carrier will need to winch it onto the 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 24/7 access to 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, which is the receipt that follows the car from pick-up to delivery, and car wash receipt.
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 Sherpa’s overall pricing, the table below reveals some of the quotes we received during our research in late 2023. These all apply to a 2019 Mazda CX-5. Distances range from short shipments to cross-country moves.
| Shipping Distance | Type of Transport | Sherpa Auto Transport
Price | Price
Per Mile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago to Nashville
(470 miles) | Open transport | $625 | $1.33 |
| Phoenix to Minneapolis
(1,640 miles) | Open transport | $1,075 | $0.66 |
| Phoenix to Minneapolis
(1,640 miles) | Enclosed trailer | $1,675 | $1.02 |
| Boston to Los Angeles
(2,985 miles) | Open transport | $1,500 | $0.50 |
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, through its online quote form, or by calling the company directly.
In August of 2023, we conducted a car shipping survey consisting 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 a variety of companies, in addition to Sherpa.
What Affects The Cost Of Auto Shipping?
According to our auto shipping experience consumer survey, 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, which require less labor, will cost less to ship than inoperable cars that require winching services.
- 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 too.
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 if paying in cash. Based on our team’s experience getting shipping quotes, this payment is around $199.
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 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 communicate a two- to four-hour window to let you know 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 as well as 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 $50 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, in order to have a stress-free shipment process, keep these things in mind:
- 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 only filed 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, for example, mention rude drivers. 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.
Other Recommended 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 car shipping to Alaska and Hawaii.
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 4.1 stars on Trustpilot from a combined total of almost 1,400 reviews. Positive Montway reviews often mention timely delivery and excellent communication.
You can learn more in our dedicated Montway Auto Transport review.
AmeriFreight: 4.6 Stars
As one of the largest car shipping companies, AmeriFreight works with more than 10,000 carriers across the U.S. In particular, AmeriFreight reviews mention the company’s strong customer service and shipping options.
AmeriFreight holds an A+ rating and accreditation from the BBB and 4.8 stars from over 500 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
Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Sherpa Auto Transport below:
Is Sherpa Auto Transport reliable?
Sherpa is a reliable vehicle transport company with a reputation for customer satisfaction. The BBB gives Sherpa Auto Transport an A+ rating, 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.
What is the most reliable auto transport company?
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.
Is Sherpa Auto Transport a broker?
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.
What are the benefits of choosing Sherpa Auto Transport?
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.
How do I know if an auto transport company is legit?
An auto transport company is legitimate if its motor carrier (MC) and USDOT numbers can be verified by 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.
How much is Sherpa Auto Transport?
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.
How long has Sherpa Auto Transport been in business?
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.
How much does enclosed auto transport cost?
Enclosed auto transport protects your vehicle from the environment but at a higher cost. We received a quote of $1,675 total for using enclosed shipping to transport a vehicle 1,640 miles. Enclosed transport is a good option for luxury or classic cars.
Where is Sherpa Auto Transport located?
Sherpa Auto Transport is located at 5960 Fairview Road, Suite 400 PMB# 4554, Charlotte, North Carolina 28210. It serves the U.S. and has a phone line available at all times.
How do auto transport brokers work?
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.
How We Rate Auto Shipping Companies
Our review team extensively researches car shipping providers to deliver informed and unbiased assessments of leading companies. We evaluate several key rating factors that are important to consumers to determine which providers are the best in the industry:
- Reliability: Providers that earn strong ratings from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and have a long history in the auto transport industry score well in this category.
- Services: We take a look at what types of transport services are available through each company, including open and enclosed transport, door-to-door shipping, and more. Those with wider service selections are more likely to meet consumers’ needs.
- Pricing: Our team performs a secret shopper analysis to get quotes for a variety of shipping routes and services. We compare each company’s costs to industry average prices to see how it stands up to the competition.
- Customer Experience: We consider customer reviews on sites like the BBB and Trustpilot to better understand the consumer experience. Car shipping companies with convenient quote processes also perform well in this category.
