New Jersey Car Shipping

Preparing your vehicle for auto transport in New Jersey is simple. Follow these key steps to ensure a smooth pickup and delivery:

• Remove personal belongings: Take out all personal items from the interior and trunk. Carriers are not licensed to transport personal property, and loose items can shift and cause damage during transit.
• Document existing damage: Take clear photos of your vehicle from all angles before pickup. This gives you a solid record in case any disputes arise at delivery.
• Keep the gas tank about ¼ full: Enough fuel is needed to load and unload the vehicle, but a full tank adds unnecessary weight.
• Disable your alarm: An alarm that goes off during transport can cause major delays. Disable it or leave instructions for the driver.
• Ensure the vehicle is operable: Make sure your car starts and drives. If your vehicle is inoperable, notify your carrier in advance, as special equipment may be required.
• Retract or secure loose parts: Fold in mirrors, remove spoilers or custom accessories if possible, and secure any loose parts that could be damaged by wind or road debris.
• Give it a wash: A clean car makes it much easier to spot any pre-existing scratches or dings during the inspection process.

For more helpful advice, check out our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. And if you’re ready to move your car to or from New Jersey, get a free quote from Sherpa Auto Transport today.

Yes — your vehicle is insured during transport. Every carrier in Sherpa Auto Transport’s network is required to carry cargo insurance as a condition of working with us. This means your car is protected from the moment it’s loaded onto the truck until it’s delivered to you in New Jersey.

Here’s what you should know:

• Carrier cargo insurance covers damage that occurs during transit. Coverage limits vary by carrier, but all carriers in our network meet minimum federal insurance requirements.
• Sherpa’s added protection goes a step further. We provide additional coverage on top of the carrier’s policy for extra peace of mind.
• Before transport, a Bill of Lading is completed at pickup. This document records the current condition of your vehicle. Always review it carefully and note any pre-existing damage before signing.
• At delivery, inspect your vehicle thoroughly before signing the final Bill of Lading. If you notice any new damage, note it on the form immediately.

For more helpful tips on preparing your car for shipment, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. You can also check out our FAQs for answers to other common questions about the auto transport process.

For most shipments to or from New Jersey, we recommend booking at least 1–2 weeks in advance. This gives carriers enough time to plan their routes and ensures you have flexibility in your pickup window.

That said, timing can vary based on a few key factors:

• Peak seasons: Summer and the snowbird season (fall/spring) are the busiest times for auto transport. During these periods, book 2–4 weeks ahead to secure the best rates and availability.
• Last-minute shipping: Need to ship on short notice? It’s possible, but expedited options typically cost more and offer fewer carrier choices.
• New Jersey traffic and logistics: The tri-state area is one of the busiest corridors in the country. Booking early helps carriers navigate dense pickup and delivery schedules more efficiently.

The earlier you book, the more control you have over your schedule — and your price. With Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise, the quote you receive is the price you pay, so locking in early protects you from rate fluctuations.

Ready to get started? Get a free quote today and we’ll help you find the best shipping window for your needs.

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.

When shipping your car to or from New Jersey, you’ll choose between two main transport methods: open and enclosed auto transport.

Open transport is the most popular and budget-friendly option. Your vehicle is loaded onto an open-air carrier — the same kind you’ve likely seen hauling cars on the highway. It’s safe, reliable, and works great for most standard vehicles. The trade-off is that your car is exposed to the elements, like weather and road debris, during transit.

Enclosed transport places your vehicle inside a fully covered trailer, shielding it from weather, dust, and road hazards. This option costs more — typically 30–40% higher than open transport — but it’s the preferred choice for luxury cars, classic vehicles, exotics, or any car with high sentimental or monetary value.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Open Transport: Lower cost, widely available, ideal for everyday vehicles
• Enclosed Transport: Higher cost, added protection, best for high-value or classic cars

Not sure which option is right for your New Jersey shipment? Check out our in-depth Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping Guide for a full comparison. When you’re ready, get a free quote and see pricing for both options side by side.

Yes! Sherpa Auto Transport offers door-to-door car shipping service throughout New Jersey — and across the entire country. That means we pick up your vehicle directly from your home, office, or any other specified address and deliver it as close to your destination as safely and legally possible.

Door-to-door service is the most convenient option for most customers. You don’t have to drive your car to a terminal or worry about arranging extra transportation. We come to you.

Keep in mind that “door-to-door” doesn’t always mean the carrier will pull directly into your driveway. Large car haulers sometimes need to meet you at a nearby open area — like a parking lot or wide street — due to size and road restrictions. But our team will always work with you to find the most convenient pickup and drop-off spot possible.

Here’s what you can expect with Sherpa’s door-to-door service:

• Flexible pickup locations — your home, workplace, or another address of your choice
• Direct delivery — your vehicle goes straight to your destination, not to a storage terminal
• Price transparency — thanks to our Price Lock Promise, the quote you receive won’t change at pickup

Ready to get started? Get a free quote today and see how easy it is to ship your car to or from New Jersey.

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!