California Car Shipping

Preparing your vehicle for auto transport is simple. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth shipment to or from California:

• Remove personal belongings. Carriers are not licensed to transport personal items, and loose objects can shift and cause damage during transit.
• Document existing damage. Take clear photos of your vehicle from all angles before pickup. This protects you if any disputes arise after 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 system. An alarm that triggers during transport can cause delays and complications for the driver.
• Ensure the vehicle is in running condition. Let your carrier know in advance if your car is inoperable, as special equipment may be required.
• Retract or remove accessories. Fold in side mirrors and remove roof racks, spoilers, or any custom accessories that could be damaged in transit — especially important for California routes where open vs. enclosed transport is a key consideration.
• Check for fluid leaks. Carriers can refuse a vehicle that is actively leaking fluids, so address any leaks beforehand.

For more helpful advice, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. When you’re ready to ship, get a free quote from Sherpa Auto Transport and experience our Price Lock Promise — the price you’re quoted is the price you pay.

Yes — your vehicle is insured during transport. Every carrier in Sherpa’s network is required to carry cargo insurance, so your car is protected from the moment it’s loaded until it’s delivered to you in California (or shipped out of it).

Here’s how the coverage works:

• Carrier cargo insurance: All carriers we work with must meet minimum insurance requirements before they can move your vehicle. This coverage handles damage caused during transit.
• Sherpa’s added protection: On top of the carrier’s policy, Sherpa provides an extra layer of coverage for additional peace of mind — something not every auto transport broker offers.

Before your vehicle is picked up, we recommend doing a thorough walk-around inspection and noting any pre-existing scratches, dents, or damage on the Bill of Lading. This document is your official record and is essential if you ever need to file a claim.

Want to learn more about preparing your car for a safe and smooth shipment? Check out our Vehicle Shipping Tips or visit our FAQs page for more answers. When you’re ready, get a free quote in minutes.

For most California auto transport shipments, we recommend booking at least 1–2 weeks in advance. This gives carriers enough time to plan their routes and ensures you get a competitive rate.

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

• Peak seasons: Summer (June–August) and snowbird season (fall and spring) are the busiest times for car shipping to and from California. During these periods, book 2–4 weeks ahead to lock in availability and pricing.
• Last-minute shipments: Need to ship sooner? It’s possible, but you may face higher costs and fewer carrier options.
• Enclosed transport: If you’re shipping a luxury or classic vehicle using enclosed transport, book earlier — these carriers fill up fast.

One more tip: once you book with Sherpa, our Price Lock Promise guarantees the quote you’re given is the price you pay — no surprise fees at delivery.

Ready to get started? Get a free quote today and secure your spot early.

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 California, you’ll have two main transport options: open and enclosed auto transport. Here’s what you need to know about each:

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

Enclosed Auto Transport ships your vehicle inside a fully covered trailer. This provides maximum protection from weather, dust, and road debris. It’s the preferred option for luxury cars, classic vehicles, exotic sports cars, or any vehicle with high monetary or sentimental value. The added protection does come at a higher price — typically 30–40% more than open transport.

Which should you choose?

• Choose open transport if you want the most affordable option and are shipping an everyday vehicle.
• Choose enclosed transport if you’re shipping a high-value, classic, or exotic vehicle and want the highest level of protection.

Not sure which is right for you? Check out our in-depth Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping Guide for a full breakdown. When you’re ready, get a free quote from Sherpa Auto Transport today.

Yes! Sherpa Auto Transport offers door-to-door auto transport service throughout California 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 drop your car off at a terminal or arrange extra transportation. Our carrier comes to you.

A quick note on “door-to-door”: In some cases, large car carriers cannot access narrow streets, gated communities, or low-clearance areas. If that happens, your driver will coordinate with you to find the closest safe and accessible meeting point — typically just a short distance away, like a nearby parking lot or main road.

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

• Flexible pickup and delivery locations across California and beyond
• Direct communication with your assigned carrier driver
• No terminal fees or extra drop-off hassles
• Protection backed by Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise — the price you’re quoted is the price you pay

Ready to get started? Get a free, instant quote today and see how easy shipping your car to or from California can be.

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!