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

Clean and inspect your car: Wash your vehicle inside and out. Take photos of any existing damage for your records.

Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, including toll passes, GPS devices, and fragile items. Most carriers don’t allow personal items during transport.

Check fluids and battery: Make sure your car has enough gas (about 1/4 tank) and that the battery works. Fix any fluid leaks before pickup.

Secure loose parts: Remove or tighten any loose exterior accessories like spoilers, antennas, or bike racks that could get damaged.

Have keys ready: Make sure you have working keys to give the driver. Test that all keys start the car.

For complete details, check our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps will help ensure your car arrives safely in California.

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Missouri to California. 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 shipment, we verify that your carrier’s insurance is active and valid. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their policy, giving you extra protection.

This insurance covers your vehicle for the entire journey from Missouri to California at no extra cost to you. All insurance costs are included in your shipping quote.

We recommend scheduling your car shipping service from Missouri to California at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This gives you the best chance to secure competitive rates and preferred pickup dates.

Here’s why early booking matters:

• Better pricing: Carriers can bundle your vehicle with other shipments heading to California
• More flexibility: You’ll have multiple pickup date options to choose from
• Peak season planning: Summer months (May-September) are busiest, so book even earlier during these times

Need faster service? We offer expedited shipping options, but expect higher costs for rush orders. Last-minute bookings (under one week) may face limited availability and premium pricing.

The bottom line: book early for the best rates and service on your Missouri to California car shipment.

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. Your car rides on an open trailer with other vehicles, exposed to weather and road debris. It’s safe and reliable for most cars.

Enclosed transport protects your vehicle inside a covered trailer. It costs 40-60% more than open transport but shields your car from weather, dust, and debris during the long trip from Missouri to California.

Choose open transport if: You have a standard daily driver and want to save money. Most cars ship this way without problems.

Choose enclosed transport if: You own a luxury car, classic vehicle, exotic car, or have custom paint work that needs extra protection.

For the 1,500+ mile journey from Missouri to California, both options are reliable. Your choice depends on your car’s value and your budget. Learn more in our complete open vs enclosed transport guide.

Yes, Sherpa Auto Transport offers convenient door-to-door auto transport service from Missouri to California. This means we’ll pick up your vehicle right from your home, office, or preferred location in Missouri and deliver it directly to your destination in California.

When you book your Missouri to California car shipment, simply provide us with your pickup and delivery addresses. Our carrier will come to you, making the process as easy as possible. If your location has tight streets, low-hanging branches, or other access issues, don’t worry – our driver will work with you to find a safe nearby spot like a shopping center or gas station.

Door-to-door service eliminates the hassle of driving to terminals or drop-off points. This is especially valuable for long-distance moves like Missouri to California, saving you time and effort during your relocation.

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!