Sherpa Auto Transport: Price-Guaranteed US Shipping

About Sherpa Auto Transport

Sherpa Auto Transport aims to transform the car shipping industry by offering a more reliable and customer-centric car shipping experience. The company specializes in shipping cars, SUVs, trucks, and vans across 48 continental states, excluding Alaska, and between the mainland and Hawaii. They will transport anything from well-running family cars, to collectible or vintage cars, electric cars (EVs), and even inoperable vehicles. Whether you are relocating or a seasonal traveler, buying or selling cars online, operating a car dealership, or need to ship to Hawaii, they strive to help you ship your vehicle safely and efficiently with targeted solutions. Keep in mind that they are essentially brokers that work with reputable third-party carriers, who then take care of the actual transportation of your vehicles. Their dispatch team thoroughly vets carrier companies to ensure they meet high standards. These standards include a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability coverage and $100,000 in cargo insurance.

Sherpa Auto Transport guarantees a fixed price to their customers with their Price Lock Guarantee. Additionally, they offer a Clean Car Guarantee, which provides each customer with a car wash voucher upon drop-off. Additionally, they offer many discounts to their clients, such as to those in the military, those shipping many cars, and returning clients. Their priority is to offer meticulous service and customer-centric care to enhance the car shipping experience. You can get a free quote online on their website in two minutes by filling out their form, so that you have an idea of your costs before calling.

Sherpa is licensed and bonded by the Department of Transportation with USDOT number 4085166 and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) number MC-1555035. They enjoy a great reputation among their peers in the industry, and are accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with an A+ rating.

Sherpa Shipping Options

They provide multiple shipping options, such as open transport, enclosed trailers, local shipping, long-distance shipping, expedited shipping, and luxury and classic vehicle shipping. The amount and depth of services you'll be offered depends on many factors, like your location, shipping distance, types of vehicles, and so on. That said, Sherpa may offer you the following:

• Door-to-door shipping: They'll pick up your car directly from your home or origin location, and deliver it as close as possible to your final destination. However, restrictions may apply based on local regulations or accessibility. This eliminates the hassle and expense of driving your car to a central terminal, saving you valuable time and energy, especially during a relocation
• Open transport: They will find you transportation on open-air trailers alongside other vehicles, which is the most common and budget-friendly method. This is a good choice for standard cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans in good condition
• Enclosed transport: If you desire added protection— particularly for your high-value, classic, or mint-condition vehicles— enclosed trailers are available. This option shields your car from weather elements, road debris, and potential theft during transport
• Expedited pickup: Sherpa understands the urgency of some moves. Their expedited pickup service prioritizes getting your car loaded and on its way sooner, for an additional fee
• Cross-country shipping: They can help you transport your car long distances across the continental United States. This eliminates the wear and tear, fatigue, and potential dangers associated with driving long distances yourself
• Hawaii shipping: As previously stated, they also offer specialized services for shipping your vehicles to and from Hawaii. The features of this service include navigating island logistics, inland transport, and ocean freight
• Military vehicle transport: Military relocations come with unique challenges. Sherpa offers services tailored to military timelines and understands the importance of secure and reliable vehicle transport for service members

Sherpa Shipping Costs

They do not advertise their prices online, and you would have to request a quote tailored to your specific needs. However, they state that their car shipping costs are determined by a variety of factors, including the mileage of your transport, vehicle size, operability, pickup and delivery locations, trailer type, and time of year. Prices are generally higher during peak season— summer and January— and for expedited shipping options.

Here are some example costs they have on their website, based on shipping an operable sedan using an open trailer:

• 0 to 500 miles: $1.50 to $2.50 per mile
• 501 to 1,000 miles: $0.95 to $1.30 per mile
• 1,001 to 1,500 miles: $0.75 to $1.05 per mile
• 1,501 to 2,000 miles: $0.60 to $0.85 per mile
• 2,001 to 2,500 miles: $0.50 to $0.76 per mile
• 2,500+ miles: $0.45 to $0.68 per mile

Keep in mind that enclosed transport is typically 50% more expensive than open transport, and that inoperable vehicles also cost more to ship. Also, Sherpa offers a variety of ways to save money on car shipping, including getting quotes early, being flexible with shipping dates, and avoiding peak times. They also provide their exclusive price lock promise, wherein the quoted price is the amount you pay; they will cover up to $300 of the difference if your costs change.

Payment involves two steps: an initial credit card payment and the rest paid in cash or certified check to the driver on delivery. Sherpa may accommodate full credit card payments, and accept all major credit cards. However, they may not refund shipments, and cancellations before carrier assignment may require a $50 dispatch fee. No refunds may be granted for cancellations after carrier assignment.

As previously stated, they offer multiple discounts for snowbirds, seniors, multi-car transports, students, military members, and repeat customers. Additionally, you get refunded for your car wash after your move, with a value of up to $20.

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The Advantages of Using Sherpa Auto Transport

• Shipping convenience: Their door-to-door shipping saves you time and effort, especially for long distances, compared to driving the vehicle yourself
• Cost-effectiveness: Their services can be more affordable than driving when factoring in your fuel, lodging, wear and tear, and the time you save; they also minimize your mileage and the risk of road-related damage to your vehicles
• Transparent pricing promise: The price-lock promise protects you from unexpected price increases and offers peace of mind
• Closed trailer protection: Their enclosed trailer transport option safeguards your high-value or classic cars from weather and debris
• Carrier vetting: Their thorough carrier screening ensures your vehicles are transported by reliable and insured drivers, meaning your car will arrive in the same condition it left
• Value-adds: Their free car washes, after refunds, and various discounts are a nice addition to their services

Why You Might Not Use Sherpa Auto Transport

• Broker model: As a broker, Sherpa doesn't have full control over all aspects of transport. Issues with the carrier can reflect negatively on Sherpa, even if it's not directly their fault
• Limited shipping options: You cannot transport your motorcycle, ATV, or boat with Sherpa. They also don't offer Alaska or international shipping
• Final payment restrictions: With carriers preferring the final payment in cash or certified check, it may be inconvenient for some customers

The Sherpa Auto Transport Customer Experience

They receive a predominantly positive reputation among customers online, with relatively high review scores on popular review sites. They hold a 4.8 out of 5 score on Google Reviews, and 4.3 out of 5 on Yelp. They receive very few complaints on the BBB, where they hold a 4.9 out of 5 review score and an A+ rating. Sherpa replies to those few complaints on the BBB with long, professional responses that explain their perspective on the issue, issuing refunds if necessary.

Positive Feedback

Many customers praised Sherpa for their reliability and commitment to customer satisfaction. They reported vehicles delivered on time, with consistent communication throughout the transport. Several customers expressed appreciation for Sherpa's friendly and helpful customer service, the price-lock guarantee, and the ease of booking and tracking their shipments. For some, their fair pricing was a significant positive, especially with the added convenience of door-to-door service. Additionally, numerous customers noted positive experiences with the professionalism and care demonstrated by the assigned drivers. Finally, the car wash guarantee was a minor but valued bonus for some customers.

Critical Feedback

While the majority of experiences are positive, there are some negative reviews. Some expressed concerns about Sherpa's role as a broker, because they don't handle shipments themselves. A few customers had negative experiences directly related to the contracted carriers, including unexpected price increases, communication issues, and even vehicle damage. Some also pointed out that despite Sherpa's price-lock promise, they encountered confusion around additional charges levied by the carrier upon delivery. In a few cases, customers experienced delays in pickup or delivery, with mismatched expectations regarding the transport timeline. These critical experiences highlight the potential downside of the brokering model, where Sherpa doesn't have direct control over all aspects of the transport.

Customer Support

Sherpa's customer service is available by calling 877-850-1231, which is the same number you'd call for a free quote. You may also email them at [email protected]. No specific times are detailed on their website, however. You may also make use of their FAQs and their online Help Center, which has many helpful topics.

Conclusion

Sherpa Auto Transport has emerged as a player in the auto transport industry since its establishment in 2017. They position themselves as reliable and customer-focused service providers that, as brokers, connect you with reputable third-party carriers to transport vehicles across the 48 contiguous US States and between the mainland and Hawaii. With a commitment to transparency, Sherpa offers a fixed pricing structure, a unique 'clean car' guarantee, and a variety of shipping options, including door-to-door transport, open and enclosed trailers, and expedited pickup; shipping your vehicles across long distances cross-country or overseas to Hawaii.

While Sherpa enjoys positive reviews, praising their convenient services, transparent pricing, and reliable transport, it's important to consider certain limitations. As an auto transport brokerage service, Sherpa may face challenges related to the performance of contracted carriers, leading to concerns about communication, unexpected charges, and vehicle damage. Additionally, the inability to transport motorcycles, boats, ATVs, and RVs, along with the exclusion of Alaska and international shipping, could be limiting factors for some customers. However, Sherpa's dedication to customer satisfaction, demonstrated by prompt responses to complaints and a high rating on the Better Business Bureau, suggests a commitment to addressing concerns and maintaining a positive customer experience. Ultimately, whether Sherpa Auto Transport is the right choice for you depends on your specific shipping needs and priorities.

Conducting your own research and exercising due diligence is crucial when looking for the right service provider. This includes evaluating their reputation, perusing customer feedback, and comprehending their fee structure and service terms. When considering an auto transport company, use our comparison tool to pit them against other providers and read our in-depth reviews to make a better-informed decision that aligns with your financial goals. If you want more background information, you can refer to our blog page, where we add articles on everything to do with shipping companies. We aim to provide you with enough information to make the best purchase decision!

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