Sherpa Auto Transport: Reviews, Costs and More (2022)
Sherpa Auto Transport is a recent newcomer to the car shipping industry, but it gets high marks from customers for its locked in pricing and other benefits. This article will showcase Sherpa Auto Transport reviews, shipping services and costs to aid you in making the most informed decision possible when choosing an auto shipping provider.
With so many car transport options available, deciding on the best one for your situation can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve reviewed the best car shipping companies to help you compare services from leading providers across the nation.
Best Car Shipping Companies
The Detroit Bureau reviewed the top car shipping companies to find the best.
Sherpa Auto Transport Pros and Cons
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Locked in pricing through the Price Lock Promise
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Vetted and licensed carriers
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Many positive reviews
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Clean Car Guarantee
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No terminal-to-terminal shipping
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No instant online quotes
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Limited expedited shipping
Sherpa Auto Transport: Our Rating
| Overall Rating | 8.4 |
|---|---|
| Industry Reputation | 9.0 |
| Shipping Cost | 8.0 |
| Services | 7.5 |
| Customer Experience | 9.0 |
Sherpa Auto Transport Overview
Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina
Founded: 2017
Service Area: All 50 states
Sherpa Auto Transport is a car shipping broker that connects its customers with an extensive network of licensed shipping carriers. The car shipper holds accreditation and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), with only seven complaints in the past three years.
What We Like About Sherpa Auto Transport
Unlike most vehicle shipping companies, Sherpa Auto Transport guarantees shipping prices through what it calls a Price Lock Promise. This simply means that when you reach out for a free, no-obligation quote from the company, the quote you receive will be the actual price you pay for your car shipment. With many auto shipping companies, you end up paying higher prices by the time you’re actually shipping your car than your initial quote may have suggested, so this is a big benefit.
In addition, Sherpa only uses vetted carriers for transporting vehicles. The company maintains a “do not use” list to help ensure quality, no-hassle shipping services.
Sherpa Auto Transport also offers a Clean Car Guarantee to customers. This is said to be a free car wash, but it’s really a car wash reimbursement of up to $20.
Is Sherpa Auto Transport Worth It?
Yes, Sherpa Auto Transport offers shipping services in all 50 U.S. states, plus locked in pricing through its signature Price Lock Promise. We always recommend sourcing car shipping quotes from multiple providers to compare, but Sherpa Auto Transport is worth considering as one of your options.
How Much Does Car Shipping With Sherpa Auto Transport Cost?
Based on quotes we received, the average cost of shipping with Sherpa Auto Transport is about $1,513. Sherpa Auto Transport’s Price Lock Promise means that you won’t pay more than the company quotes you. If the carrier assigned to you increases car shipping costs, Sherpa Auto Transport will pay up to $300 to cover bait and switch pricing.
Sherpa Auto Transport Shipping Costs
Here are a few other examples of car shipping quotes we received for a 2018 SUV:
| Route | Distance | Type of Transport | Sherpa Auto Transport Quote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver, CO, to Washington, DC | 1,663 miles | Open | $975 |
| New York, NY, to Los Angeles, CA | 2,790 miles | Open | $1,650 |
| New York, NY, to Los Angeles, CA | 2,790 miles | Enclosed | $2,775 |
Sherpa Auto Transport does not charge you until a carrier is secured for shipping. When a carrier is assigned, you’ll make an initial payment using a major credit card. Any outstanding balance is due on the day of delivery and paid to the driver in the form of cash or a certified check.
You can cancel your order at any time before the carrier picks your vehicle up. If you cancel prior to assignment, you’ll be charged a $25 dispatch fee. When you cancel after a carrier has been assigned, you’ll be charged the initial payment amount, which can vary from shipment to shipment.
Factors that Influence Shipping Costs
Several key factors affect vehicle transport costs, including:
- Vehicle type: If you have an SUV, its size will likely make it more expensive to ship than a standard car or sedan. Vehicle clearance also affects the cost of shipping.
- Distance: If you ship your vehicle cross-country, you will typically receive better rates per mile. However, your shipment will cost more overall than if you were transporting it a much shorter distance.
- Shipping type: Enclosed trailer transport is more expensive than open trailer transport. Door-to-door delivery generally costs more than terminal-to-terminal shipping. Sherpa Auto Transport does not offer terminal-to-terminal shipping or expedited shipping options.
- Seasonality: You can usually expect to pay more for auto transport services in January and the summer because these are peak seasons for moving.
- Vehicle condition: An inoperable vehicle will cost more to transport because of the extra resources and effort required to move it.
Sherpa Auto Transport Auto Shipping Services
Compared with other competitors, Sherpa Auto Transport offers basic car shipping services. Here’s a closer look at what the vehicle transport company can provide:
- Open transport: This service is the most affordable car shipping option, but your vehicle will be exposed to the elements and road debris.
- Enclosed transport: If you want your car to be more protected during shipment, you can choose to pay more for enclosed transport. Your vehicle is placed in an enclosed trailer or shipping container to prevent damage. This is a popular shipping option for exotic or classic cars.
- Door-to-door delivery: This shipment method transports your vehicle as close to your home as possible.
Sherpa Auto Transport does not ship RVs, motorcycles, ATVs or any other kind of specialty vehicle. It also does not offer terminal-to-terminal drop-off.
How to Ship a Car with Sherpa Auto Transport
To ship your car with Sherpa Auto Transport, you will first have to provide the company with some information so you can be connected with a carrier. You should have the following info handy when you place a phone call for a free quote:
- Your vehicle’s make, model, age and operability
- Your pickup location and destination
- Your preferred timeframe and shipment
- Your name, email address and phone number
You’ll then coordinate with a Sherpa agent to arrange the exact time, date, and location of the pickup and other shipping details. Once those are settled, you can pay the initial fee with a credit card.
After you book your transport, note your car’s condition and be sure that your car is free of all personal belongings. On the day of delivery, you’ll inspect your vehicle with the carrier, sign off on the bill of lading and pay the remaining balance to the driver.
You’ll repeat that process when the car arrives at its destination. Be sure to inspect the car and note any damages before signing off on the bill of lading.
Does Sherpa Auto Transport Provide Vehicle Insurance?
All carriers that work with Sherpa Auto Transport are licensed and must have a minimum of $1 million in liability coverage and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Sherpa Auto Transport Reviews from Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport has a largely positive customer service reputation. The company holds a 4.9-star average customer rating out of 5.0 across more than 200 BBB reviews and a 4.7-star average customer rating out of 5.0 based on 600-plus Google reviews. Overall, the company was diligent in responding to both positive and negative reviews with a company response to 49% of reviewers.
Below are some customer reviews that stood out to our research team:
Positive Sherpa Auto Transport Reviews
Positive Sherpa Auto Transport reviews highlight a stress-free shipping experience, transparent pricing and excellent customer service. Overall, 21% of reviewers explicitly mention recommending this provider to others.
“Great experience, the car was picked up and delivered without incident. Great feedback from the auto transporter. Thanks for such a painless process.”
– Mike J. via BBB
“Very good at keeping you informed during the process. Provides specific steps for one to take during each phase of the transport. Fair pricing.”
– Todd H. via Google Reviews
Negative Sherpa Auto Transport Reviews
Negative Sherpa Auto Transport reviews tend to mention issues with the carriers but not Sherpa itself. However, some customers did say they were charged a different price than what they were originally quoted. It should be noted that only 2% of reviewers rated this company 1 out of 5-stars.
“I used Sherpa to transport two vehicles across the country. Their rates were better than others, and they were on time for pickup and met the promised delivery date. My problem is when my wife met the driver in California, he was very threatening to her and strong-armed her into giving him a better tip.”
– Damon O. via BBB
“Wow, what a bait-and-switch scam. There was a difference of $300 from their preliminary quote to the final price, in just a matter of days – how can you justify that? [It] really felt like their process is just a ploy.”
– Dean R. via Google Reviews
Car Shipping Customer Experience Research
To better understand customer experience within the auto shipping industry, our research team polled 1,000 consumers that previously purchased auto transport services. Here are some of our top findings from the study:
- Approximately 22% of respondents paid between $1,500 and $2,000 for auto shipping, while 19% of consumers paid between $1,000 and $1,500 for transport.
- Customer satisfaction in the auto shipping industry is around 69%, with 56% of customers saying they would recommend the shipping provider they used to another person.
- Customer satisfaction for Sherpa Auto Transport was around 60%, according to respondents in our study. This was on average with most auto transport companies.
Our Verdict on Sherpa Auto Transport: 8.4 / 10.0
We’ve rated Sherpa Auto Transport an 8.4 out of 10.0. The auto transport broker offers locked in prices, which many car transport companies do not offer. The company also provides relatively affordable pricing and vehicle shipping insurance.
Sherpa Auto Transport reviews are mostly positive, showing the company has a top-notch shipping process and a strong customer service team. If you’re seeking to get a lower price by terminal-to-terminal shipping, or want to compare quotes instantly, check out if other providers fit your shipping needs.
Best Car Shipping Companies
The Detroit Bureau reviewed the top car shipping companies to find the best.
Other Top Recommendations for Car Shipping
You should always reach out to several auto transport companies to get quotes and compare cheap car shipping options. Our review team examined every major provider in the auto transport industry, taking a look at services, costs, customer reviews and more.
Based on this, we recommend also contacting Montway Auto Transport and AmeriFreight, both of which ranked highly in our review of the best car shipping companies.
Montway Auto Transport: Best Provider
Montway Auto Transport typically ships over 100,000 vehicles a year through its network of around 15,000 carriers nationwide. The auto transport broker provides open transport, enclosed transport and door-to-door delivery, as well as expedited shipping for an extra fee.
The company is known for its overall positive reputation. Montway Auto Transport holds accreditation and an A+ rating from the BBB, with 4.5 stars out of 5 based on over 1,700 customer reviews. Positive reviews highlight the company’s accurate pricing, excellent customer service and insurance coverage. Negative reviews note issues with transport availability and the refund process.
When considering all factors (industry reputation, shipping cost, services and customer experience), we give Montway 9.0 out of a possible 10.0 points. Read more about the company in our Montway Auto Transport review.
AmeriFreight: Best for Discounts
AmeriFreight stands out from competitors due to its wide range of discounts. Students, military members, first responders, medical personnel, senior citizens and returning customers can all receive shipping discounts from the company. In addition, AmeriFreight offers open and enclosed transport, door-to-door delivery, terminal-to-terminal car transport and expedited shipping.
AmeriFreight holds an A+ rating and accreditation from the BBB, with a 4.9 star rating based on over 1,100 reviews. Positive customer service reviews praise the company for its timeliness and fast shipping process, while negative reviews discuss issues with initial quotes and carrier availability.
In consideration of all factors, we give AmeriFreight the same score as Montway: 9.0 out of a possible 10.0 points.
FAQ: Sherpa Auto Transport Reviews
Is Sherpa Auto Transport legitimate?
Yes, Sherpa Auto Transport is a legitimate auto transport company that offers locked in pricing for customers.
Is Sherpa Auto Transport a broker?
Sherpa Auto Transport is a shipping broker that matches customers with carriers that provide car transport services.
What is the best auto transport company to use?
In our car shipping companies review, we named Montway Auto Transport, AmeriFreight, Sherpa Auto Transport, uShip and Bargain Auto Transport the nation’s leading providers based on reputation, services, costs and customer experience.
Is Sherpa expensive?
Sherpa Auto Transport does show higher prices compared to some other providers our research team has profiled. However, many providers only offer locked in pricing as a premium shipping option.
Is Sherpa auto transport reliable?
Our research team found that issues reported by Sherpa Auto Transport customers are similar to other hassles with major auto shippers. The overall reliability of an auto shipping company depends more on the car carriers it contracts with, along with factors such as road conditions and the cost of transport.
How do auto transport brokers work?
Instead of operating their own fleet of car carriers, most companies in the auto shipping industry contract work out to independent drivers across the country. Each car shipper is responsible for vetting drivers, and some may have lower standards than other transport companies.
How do I find a good auto transport company?
Finding the right auto transport company involves doing research on customer experience, reading reviews and comparing prices. Our research team recommends checking with at least three different transport companies to find the best rates on auto shipping.
Methodology
The Detroit Bureau collects data from every major car shipping provider to formulate rankings of the best auto transport companies. Our in-depth rating system takes into account pricing, services, customer satisfaction and ratings from industry experts. Each provider is given a weighted score in four categories, as well as an overall score out of 10.0.
We recommend car shipping companies based on these rankings, but we also encourage you to perform your own research and compare quotes to find the best service.
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