Traverse City, MI Car Shipping

Preparing your vehicle for transport from Traverse City, MI is simple. Follow these key steps:

Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, toll passes, and loose items from the interior. Carriers typically don’t insure personal items during transit.

Clean your vehicle: Wash your car inside and out. This makes it easier to document any existing damage before shipping.

Document condition: Take photos of your vehicle from all angles. Note any scratches, dents, or other damage.

Check fluids and battery: Ensure your gas tank is between 1/4 and 1/2 full. Check that your battery is charged and there are no leaks.

Remove or secure accessories: Take off custom antennas, spoilers, or bike racks. Fold in side mirrors if possible.

Disable alarms: Turn off your car alarm to avoid issues during transport.

Provide a key: Have a working key ready for the driver.

For more detailed guidance, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Proper preparation ensures a smooth transport experience from Traverse City.

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Traverse City, MI. All Sherpa Auto Transport carriers 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 active and in good standing. This protects your vehicle throughout the entire journey from Traverse City.

For added security, all contracted carriers list Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their insurance policy. This means we monitor coverage and ensure your vehicle is protected every mile of the way.

Your carrier will provide insurance documentation at pickup, which includes the policy number and coverage details. We recommend reviewing this information and keeping it handy during transport.

We recommend scheduling your car shipment from Traverse City at least 1-2 weeks in advance. This gives carriers enough time to plan efficient routes and match your vehicle with other shipments heading in the same direction.

For the best rates and more carrier options, book 3-4 weeks ahead if possible. Traverse City’s location in northern Michigan means fewer carriers pass through compared to major metro areas, so extra lead time helps ensure availability.

Need to ship sooner? We can often arrange pickup within 2-5 days, though expedited service may cost more. During peak seasons (summer and early fall), book even earlier as Traverse City sees increased demand from seasonal residents and tourists.

The earlier you schedule, the more likely you’ll secure competitive pricing and your preferred pickup dates.

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 an open-air trailer that carries 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 all vehicle shipments.

Enclosed auto transport uses a fully covered trailer that protects your vehicle from the elements. Your car travels in a secure, climate-controlled environment away from weather, dust, and road debris.

The main difference is cost and protection. Enclosed transport typically costs 40-60% more than open transport. Most standard vehicles ship safely on open trailers. However, enclosed transport is worth considering if you’re shipping a luxury car, classic vehicle, exotic sports car, or any car with custom paint or modifications.

For most Traverse City residents shipping everyday vehicles, open transport offers excellent value and reliability. Learn more in our open vs enclosed auto transport guide.

Yes! We offer door-to-door auto transport service to and from Traverse City, MI. This means our carrier will pick up your vehicle from your home, business, or another address you choose and deliver it directly to your destination.

When you book your shipment, simply provide your preferred pickup and delivery addresses. Our driver will coordinate with you to schedule a convenient time for both pickup and delivery.

Important note for Traverse City residents: If your location has narrow streets, low-hanging trees, tight turns, or other access restrictions, the carrier may need to meet you at a nearby open area like a parking lot or gas station. Large car carriers need adequate space to safely load and unload vehicles. Don’t worry—your driver will work directly with you to find the most convenient alternative spot if needed.

Door-to-door service is our standard option and offers maximum convenience, saving you time and eliminating the need to drop off or pick up your vehicle at a terminal.

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!