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Sherpa Auto Transport vs Ship a Car Direct

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Pros
  • Convenient door-to-door transport
  • Strictly vetted carriers
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Car wash refund after delivery
  • Safe and secure transport
Pros
  • Live chat option
  • Online quote calculator
  • Interstate and cross-country shipping
  • Hawaii transportation
Cons
  • Terminal-to-terminal transport not offered
  • Do not transport motorcycles, boats, ATVs, or RVs
  • No shipping to Alaska or internationally
Cons
  • Lack of international shipping
  • Limited discounts
  • No Alaska transportation
  • Limited vehicle types
Summary

Sherpa Auto Transport is a North Carolina-based vehicle transportation company established in 2017, aiming to revolutionize the car shipping industry by providing a more reliable and customer-focused service. They transport cars, SUVs, trucks, and vans within the 48 contiguous US states and between the mainland and Hawaii, including family cars, collectible and vintage cars, electric cars (EVs), and inoperable vehicles. They work with reputable third-party carriers who meet their standards, which include a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability coverage and $100,000 in cargo insurance. They offer a fixed price with their Price Lock Guarantee, Clean Car Guarantee, and discounts to military personnel, those shipping multiple cars, and returning clients. Get a free quote on their website in as little as two minutes. Sherpa is a licensed and bonded transportation company regulated by the DOT and FMSCA. They have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, and receive mostly positive customer feedback.

Summary

Ship a Car Direct, founded in 2008 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California, has redefined vehicle shipping with a focus on safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Initially known as Honesty First Auto Transport, the company has grown to include offices in Texas, Florida, New York, New Jersey, and Colorado. Their comprehensive service offerings cover open and enclosed transport, door-to-door delivery, and express auto shipping, making them suitable for various needs, from relocations to classic car shipments. Unique features like a user-friendly mobile app for documenting vehicle conditions and a damage-free guarantee provide added assurance for customers. Customer feedback highlights their reliable communication, professionalism, and adherence to promised delivery times. Accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating and authorized by the FMCSA and DOT, Ship a Car Direct's industry credentials underscore their commitment to quality and trustworthiness. Dive deeper into this review to explore the benefits, drawbacks, and user experiences that define Ship a Car Direct's reputation in the vehicle shipping industry.

Quick Stats
  • Price Range : Between $0.45- $2.50 per mile, depending on distance
  • BBB Rating : A+
  • Extra Insurance Coverage : Available
  • Money-Back Guarantee : Available
  • Door-to-Door Option : Yes
  • Discounts : For military, multi-car shipments, and return clients
  • Customer Experience : Excellent
Quick Stats
  • Price Range : $0.5 to $2.0 per mile, depending on the distance
  • BBB Rating : A+
  • Extra Insurance Coverage : Available
  • Money-Back Guarantee : Available
  • Door-to-Door Option : Available
  • Discounts : Available
  • Customer Experience : Good
Selling Points
  • Door-to-door shipping
  • Worry-free locked-in pricing
  • Free car wash service upon delivery
Selling Points
  • Damage-free guarantee
  • Refundable service fee
  • Express auto shipping
Shipping Service Options
  • Cross-Country
  • Door-to-Door
  • Expedited Shipping
  • International Shipping
  • Overseas/Hawaii
  • Undisclosed
    Standby Mode
  • Terminal-to-Terminal
Shipping Service Options
  • Cross-Country
  • Door-to-Door
  • Expedited Shipping
  • International Shipping
  • Overseas/Hawaii
  • Standby Mode
  • Terminal-to-Terminal
Customer Support
  • Email
  • FAQs
  • Help Guides
  • Live Chat
  • Mobile Application
  • Phone
  • Ticket
Customer Support
  • Email
  • FAQs
  • Help Guides
  • Live Chat
  • Mobile Application
  • Phone
  • Ticket
Payment Options
  • Cash
  • Check
  • Major Credit Cards
Payment Options
  • Cash
  • Check
  • Major Credit Cards
Transportation Type Offered
  • Enclosed
  • Flatbed
  • Open
  • Undisclosed
    Rail
Transportation Type Offered
  • Enclosed
  • Flatbed
  • Open
  • Rail

Sherpa Auto Transport vs. Ship a Car Direct

Choosing the right auto transport service can make a big difference in your experience when shipping a vehicle. Sherpa Auto Transport and Ship a Car Direct are two popular brokers in the industry, each offering reliable options with distinct features. 

While both companies aim to simplify the auto transport process, they differ in their service offerings, pricing structures, and overall approach to customer satisfaction. This comparison will explore their features, pricing, and key benefits to help you determine which provider best fits your needs.

Features and services

Sherpa Auto Transport and Ship a Car Direct offer a range of flexible shipping options, including door-to-door, open, and enclosed transport, making them suitable for various vehicle types and needs. Both companies provide expedited and cross-country shipping services, ensuring timely delivery for long-distance moves.

Sherpa set themselves apart with specialized services like military transport and dedicated Hawaii shipping, catering to specific customer needs. In contrast, Ship a Car Direct enhances the customer experience with a mobile app that documents vehicle conditions, adding transparency and peace of mind, especially for high-value shipments.

Plans and prices

Sherpa Auto Transport and Ship a Car Direct determine their pricing based on distance, vehicle type, and transport method. Both companies offer online quote tools to help customers estimate costs and provide personalized quotes based on their needs. Prices for both can vary depending on the season, vehicle operability, and transport type, with enclosed transport generally costing more than open carriers.

Sherpa Auto Transport offers a Price Lock Promise that guarantees the quoted price, with rates generally ranging from $0.45 to $2.50 per mile, depending on the distance and transport type. Ship a Car Direct provides similar rates; for instance, shipping a vehicle from Los Angeles to Boston typically costs between $1,525 and $1,725. Ship a Car Direct’s prices can vary widely based on distance and other factors, offering slightly more flexibility but without the price guarantee that Sherpa provides.

Benefits and drawbacks

Sherpa Auto Transport and Ship a Car Direct offer reliable door-to-door shipping and emphasize customer convenience. Sherpa’s key advantage is their Price Lock Promise, which provides clear pricing without unexpected costs. In addition, Ship a Car Direct stands out with a damage-free guarantee, ensuring extra protection for your vehicle during transit.

However, Sherpa’s limited options, such as no international shipping and restrictions on vehicle types, may not meet all customer needs. Ship a Car Direct also lacks services to Alaska and does not offer international or broader vehicle transport options, limiting their versatility compared to other providers.

Conclusion

Sherpa Auto Transport and Ship a Car Direct provide reliable vehicle shipping services, but each caters to different needs. Sherpa excels with their Price Lock Promise and transparent pricing, making them ideal for those who value financial predictability. Meanwhile, Ship a Car Direct focuses on customer protection with a damage-free guarantee and offers easy-to-use tools like their mobile application. 

However, both companies have limitations in vehicle types and locations served, which may influence your choice depending on your specific transport requirements. Your decision should hinge on which aspects—cost certainty or added protection—are most important to you.

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