Richmond, CA Car Shipping

Preparing your vehicle for transport from Richmond, CA is simple but important. Here’s what you need to do:

Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, including items in the glove box, trunk, and console. Carriers are not responsible for personal property.

Clean your car: Wash your vehicle inside and out. This helps you spot any existing damage during the inspection.

Document condition: Take photos of your car from all angles, noting any scratches, dents, or damage.

Prepare for pickup: Remove or secure loose parts like spoilers, antennas, or bike racks. Take out toll passes and fragile accessories. Make sure you have a working key for the driver.

Check fluids and battery: Ensure your car starts and runs properly. Keep gas tank between 1/4 and 1/2 full.

For complete preparation details, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps ensures a smooth pickup from Richmond and safe delivery to your destination.

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured when shipping from Richmond, CA. Every carrier in our network must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.

Before we assign your Richmond shipment, we verify that the carrier’s insurance is active and valid. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their policy for extra protection.

This means your car is covered from pickup in Richmond through delivery at your destination. Our insurance requirements exceed industry standards to give you peace of mind during transport.

For car shipping from Richmond, CA, we recommend scheduling your pickup at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives you the best chance to secure competitive rates and preferred pickup dates.

Why book early? Carriers need time to plan efficient routes and group multiple vehicles heading to similar destinations. Richmond’s location in the San Francisco Bay Area means there’s good shipping volume, but popular routes fill up quickly.

If you need faster service, we offer expedited shipping options with as little as 3-5 days notice, though this typically costs more. For the most flexibility and savings, book as soon as you know your moving date.

Peak seasons like summer months require even more advance notice due to higher demand from families relocating.

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 transport is the most common and budget-friendly option where your car is loaded onto an open trailer with other vehicles. Your car is exposed to weather and road debris, but this method is safe and used for 90% of all car shipments from Richmond, CA.

Enclosed transport provides full protection inside a covered trailer. It costs 40-60% more than open transport but shields your vehicle from weather, dust, and road debris. This is ideal for luxury cars, classics, or vehicles with custom paint jobs.

Most standard vehicles shipping from Richmond do fine with open transport. Choose enclosed if you have a high-value car or want maximum protection. Both options are fully insured and reliable. See our open vs enclosed auto transport guide for detailed comparisons and pricing.

Yes, Sherpa Auto Transport offers convenient door-to-door auto transport service for Richmond, CA residents. When you book your car shipment, simply provide your preferred pickup and delivery addresses. Our assigned carrier will come directly to your Richmond location to collect your vehicle and deliver it right to your destination.

In some cases, large transport trucks may not be able to access certain Richmond neighborhoods due to narrow streets, low-hanging branches, or local parking restrictions. If this happens, don’t worry – our carrier will work with you to find a safe, nearby meeting spot like a shopping center or gas station within a few blocks of your home.

This door-to-door service saves you time and eliminates the hassle of driving to a terminal. You can stay comfortable at home while we handle the pickup and delivery process for you.

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!