Missouri Car Shipping

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

• Clean your car: Wash the exterior so you can clearly see and document any pre-existing scratches, dents, or dings.
• Take photos: Photograph all angles of your vehicle before the carrier arrives. This protects you if any damage dispute arises.
• Remove personal items: Carriers are not insured to cover personal belongings. Empty the trunk and interior of valuables.
• Keep the gas tank low: Fill it to about one-quarter full. A full tank adds unnecessary weight to the load.
• Disable your alarm: An alarm that triggers during transport can cause delays and headaches for the driver.
• Check for leaks and mechanical issues: Make sure your car starts, runs, and does not have any active fluid leaks. Inoperable vehicles require special equipment and may cost more to ship.
• Retract or remove accessories: Fold in mirrors, remove roof racks, and lower any raised antennas to prevent damage during loading and transit.
• Note the mileage: Record your odometer reading before pickup as an added reference point.

For more helpful guidance, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. And when you’re ready to move your car to or from Missouri, 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 truck.

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 additional coverage: For extra peace of mind, Sherpa also provides supplemental coverage on top of what the carrier carries.

Before your vehicle is loaded, we recommend doing a thorough walk-around inspection and documenting any pre-existing damage on the Bill of Lading. This is the official condition report signed by both you and the driver at pickup and delivery. It’s your best tool if you ever need to file a claim.

Want to learn more about what to expect during the shipping process? Check out our Vehicle Shipping Tips or browse our FAQs for more details. When you’re ready, get a free quote and ship your vehicle to or from Missouri with confidence.

We recommend booking your Missouri 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 depending on a few key factors:

• Peak seasons: Summer and snowbird season (fall/winter) are the busiest times for car shipping. If you’re moving during these periods, aim to book 3–4 weeks ahead to lock in your spot.
• Flexible pickup dates: The more flexible you are with your pickup window, the easier it is to match you with a carrier quickly.
• Last-minute shipments: Need to ship on short notice? It’s still possible, but you may have fewer carrier options or face higher rates.

At Sherpa Auto Transport, we make planning easier with our Price Lock Promise® — so the quote you receive is the price you pay, no surprises. You can also use our Car Shipping Calculator to get an instant estimate and start planning your Missouri shipment today.

Bottom line: The earlier you book, the smoother your experience. When in doubt, give yourself at least two weeks — and more during busy seasons.

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 Missouri, you’ll have two main transport options: open transport and enclosed 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 kind you’ve likely seen hauling 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 hazards. It’s the preferred choice for luxury cars, classic vehicles, exotic sports cars, or any vehicle with high sentimental or monetary value. Enclosed transport typically costs 30–50% more than open transport due to the added protection and limited carrier availability.

Which should you choose?

• Choose open transport if you want the most affordable option and are shipping an everyday vehicle.
• Choose enclosed transport if your vehicle is high-value, rare, or you simply want extra peace of mind.

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 and see pricing for both options for your Missouri shipment.

Yes! Sherpa Auto Transport offers door-to-door auto transport service throughout Missouri 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.

Here’s an important distinction: door-to-door service doesn’t always mean we pull directly into your driveway. Large car carriers need room to maneuver, so in some neighborhoods or tight streets, your driver may ask to meet at a nearby open area like a parking lot. Rest assured, your vehicle will never be far from your door.

Door-to-door shipping is the most convenient option for most customers shipping to or from Missouri. You won’t need to drop off or pick up your car at a terminal — we handle the logistics so you don’t have to.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Flexibility matters: Having a flexible pickup window (a few days rather than one specific day) can help ensure a smoother, faster pickup experience.
• Open vs. enclosed transport: Door-to-door service is available for both open and enclosed carriers. Not sure which is right for you? Check out our Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping Guide.
• Price transparency: With our Price Lock Promise®, the quote you receive is the price you pay — no surprises at pickup or delivery.

Ready to get started? Get a free quote today and see how easy shipping your car to or from Missouri 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!