Massachusetts Car Shipping

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

• Remove personal belongings: Clear out any 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 reliable record in case any disputes arise after delivery.
• Keep the gas tank about ¼ full: A full tank adds unnecessary weight. A quarter tank is enough for loading, unloading, and short drives at pickup and drop-off.
• Disable or deactivate alarms: An alarm that triggers during transport can cause delays and complications for the driver. Make sure it is turned off or provide clear instructions for disabling it.
• Ensure the vehicle is operational: Your car should be able to start, drive, and brake normally. If your vehicle is inoperable, let your transport company know in advance so they can arrange the right equipment.
• Retract or remove accessories: Fold in side mirrors, remove roof racks, spoilers, or any aftermarket add-ons that could be damaged or could interfere with loading.
• Check for leaks and tire pressure: Make sure your tires are properly inflated and there are no active fluid leaks. Carriers may refuse a vehicle that poses a safety risk.

For more helpful advice, check out our vehicle shipping tips. When you’re ready to move your car to or from Massachusetts, 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, so your car is protected while it’s on the road — whether it’s heading to or from Massachusetts.

Here’s how the coverage works:

• Carrier cargo insurance: All carriers in our network must meet minimum insurance requirements before they can move your vehicle. This coverage applies for the duration of the shipment.
• Sherpa’s added protection: On top of the carrier’s policy, Sherpa provides an additional layer of coverage for extra peace of mind.

Before your car is picked up, we recommend doing a thorough walkaround inspection and noting any pre-existing damage on the Bill of Lading — the official condition report signed by both you and the driver. This document is your best protection if a damage claim ever needs to be filed.

For more helpful tips on preparing your vehicle for shipment, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. And if you have more questions, check out our full FAQs or get a free quote today.

We recommend booking your Massachusetts auto transport at least 1–2 weeks in advance. This gives carriers enough time to plan their routes and ensures you get the best available options for your shipment.

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 car shipping. During these periods, book 2–4 weeks ahead to lock in your preferred dates and avoid delays.
• Enclosed transport: Enclosed carriers are less common than open carriers, so they tend to fill up faster. Book early if you need extra protection for a luxury or classic vehicle.
• Last-minute shipments: Need to ship on short notice? It’s still possible, but your options may be more limited and costs can be higher.

One more tip: once you book, make sure your price doesn’t change on you. Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise guarantees the quote you receive is the price you pay — no surprise fees at pickup or delivery.

Ready to get started? Get a free quote today and secure your spot before the schedule fills up.

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 Massachusetts, you’ll have two main transport options: open and enclosed auto transport. Here’s what sets them apart:

Open Auto Transport is the most popular and budget-friendly choice. Your vehicle is loaded onto an open-air carrier — the same type of truck you’ve seen hauling cars on the highway. It’s safe, reliable, and used for the vast majority of shipments. The trade-off is that your car is exposed to the elements, like rain, wind, and road debris. For most standard vehicles, this is a perfectly fine option.

Enclosed Auto Transport places your vehicle inside a fully covered trailer, shielding it from weather and road conditions. This is the preferred choice for luxury cars, classic vehicles, exotic sports cars, or anything with high monetary or sentimental value. The added protection does come at a higher cost — typically 30–40% more than open transport.

Which should you choose?

• Shipping a standard everyday vehicle? Open transport is the smart, cost-effective pick.
• Shipping a high-value, classic, or exotic car? Enclosed transport gives you the extra peace of mind.

Not sure which option is right for your situation? Check out our in-depth Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping Guide for a full breakdown. 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 auto transport service throughout Massachusetts and across the country. That means we pick up your vehicle directly from your home, office, or any other specified address — and deliver it straight to your destination. No need to drop your car off at a terminal.

Here’s how it works:

• You choose the pickup location — your driveway, your workplace, or anywhere convenient.
• We send a licensed, vetted carrier to collect your vehicle on your scheduled date.
• Your car is delivered directly to the address you provide — no detours, no terminals.

Keep in mind that in densely populated areas of Massachusetts — like Boston or Cambridge — large transport trucks may not always be able to access narrow streets or tight neighborhoods. In those cases, your driver will coordinate with you to find the closest safe and legal meeting point, such as a nearby parking lot or wider road. It’s still as close to door-to-door as possible.

Want to know what it costs? Use our instant quote tool to get a fast, transparent price. And with Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise, the price you’re quoted is the price you pay — no surprises at pickup or delivery.

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!