Plainfield, IL Car Shipping

Preparing your vehicle for transport from Plainfield, IL is simple. Here’s what you need to do:

Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, toll passes, and fragile items from your vehicle. Carriers are not insured for personal property left inside.

Clean your vehicle: Wash the exterior so you can document its condition with photos before shipping.

Check fluid levels and battery: Ensure your car has enough fuel (about 1/4 tank) and the battery is charged so the carrier can load and unload it.

Remove or secure accessories: Take off any exterior items like bike racks, spoilers, or antennas that could get damaged. Secure or remove loose interior accessories.

Document the condition: Take clear photos of your vehicle from all angles before transport.

Provide a working key: Make sure you have a key ready for the driver.

For complete preparation guidelines, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps will ensure a smooth pickup from Plainfield and safe delivery to your destination.

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Plainfield, IL. All carriers in our network must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.

Before your shipment begins, we verify that the carrier’s insurance is valid and current. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa Auto Transport as a Certificate Holder on their policy for added protection.

This coverage protects your vehicle throughout the entire journey from Plainfield. You’ll receive a copy of the carrier’s insurance certificate before pickup, so you have complete peace of mind.

We recommend scheduling your pickup from Plainfield, IL at least 1-2 weeks in advance. However, booking earlier gives you the best results.

Here’s why early booking helps:

• Better pricing: Carriers can plan routes and combine shipments, which often lowers costs
• More carrier options: You’ll have access to more available drivers in the Plainfield area
• Flexible scheduling: You can choose pickup dates that work best for you

If you need faster service, we can often arrange pickup within 2-5 days, though this may come with higher rates. For the most affordable and stress-free experience, book as soon as you know your moving dates.

Peak season tip: During summer months (May-September), book 3-4 weeks ahead if possible, as this is the busiest time for car shipping.

No payment is due at the time of booking. We do require a payment method on file so that it is available to charge once a carrier is secured. We accept all major debit and credit cards, including Mastercard, Visa, Discover and American Express. The most convenient option is to pay for your shipment in full by credit card at the time a carrier is secured.

We also allow you to pay for your Initial Payment via credit or debit card and then pay the outstanding balance on delivery day via cash or a certified check made out to the carrier.

Your Sherpa shipment includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If you are shipping to or from a port or your shipment includes ocean transit, your vehicle must be emptied of all items. Sherpa and your assigned carrier cannot be responsible for personal items left inside the vehicle. See our Vehicle Shipping Tips for more details.

Yes. It is important that you, or another adult that you trust, is there for pickup and delivery of your vehicle. This designated person plays an important role in the shipping process including documenting the state of the vehicle and signing the Bill of Lading, which acts as a receipt of the vehicle’s condition.

Open auto transport uses open-air trailers that carry multiple vehicles at once. Your car is exposed to weather and road debris during transit. This is the most common and affordable option, used for about 90% of vehicle shipments.

Enclosed auto transport ships your vehicle in a fully covered trailer, protecting it from weather, dust, and road debris. This premium service costs 40-60% more than open transport.

Which should you choose? Most Plainfield residents choose open transport—it’s safe, reliable, and budget-friendly for everyday vehicles. Consider enclosed transport if you’re shipping a luxury car, classic vehicle, exotic sports car, or any car with custom paint or modifications. The extra protection is worth the cost for high-value vehicles.

Learn more in our open vs enclosed auto transport guide.

Yes! We offer door-to-door auto transport service for Plainfield, IL residents. This means we’ll pick up your vehicle from your home or business and deliver it directly to your destination address.

When you book with us, simply provide your preferred pickup and delivery locations. Our carrier will come right to your door in Plainfield, making the process as convenient as possible.

What if the truck can’t access my street?

Large car carriers may face challenges on narrow residential streets, areas with low-hanging trees, or neighborhoods with tight turns. If your Plainfield location isn’t accessible for a full-size carrier, don’t worry. Our driver will contact you to arrange a safe, nearby meeting spot—like a grocery store parking lot, gas station, or main road. This is still considered door-to-door service.

We work with you every step of the way to ensure smooth pickup and delivery, no matter where you’re located in or around Plainfield.

Many Auto Transport companies try to tease customers with lower rates, only to surprise you with “hidden costs” later. At Sherpa Auto Transport, we do things differently. We provide one locked-in price upfront and stick to it. If unexpected costs arise, we pay them out of our own pocket.

While we may not always be the cheapest option at first glance, our commitment to transparency and reliability offers exceptional value. As a premium service, we ensure an stress-free experience from start to finish.

We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, vans and motorcycles across the nation, including service to Alaska and Hawaii. At this time, we do not service boats, golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship both operable and inoperable vehicles so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. We can also ship electric vehicles.

Visit Sherpa’s FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!