North Carolina to California Car Shipping

Preparing your vehicle for shipping from North Carolina to California is simple. Follow these key steps:

Clean your car inside and out. This helps you spot any damage before shipping and makes the inspection process easier.

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

Remove or secure loose parts. Take off custom accessories, spoilers, bike racks, and toll passes. Secure or remove antennas that could break during transport.

Check fluids and battery. Make sure your car has enough gas (about 1/4 tank), oil, and brake fluid. Your battery should be charged and secure.

Document your car’s condition. Take photos of any existing scratches, dents, or damage. This protects you during the final inspection.

Provide working keys. Give the driver a spare key. Make sure your car starts and runs properly.

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

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from North Carolina to California. All carriers in our network must carry a minimum of $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 Auto Transport as a Certificate Holder on their insurance policy for extra protection.

This insurance covers your vehicle from pickup in North Carolina through delivery in California. You’ll receive a copy of the carrier’s insurance certificate before transport begins, so you have peace of mind throughout the entire shipping process.

Important: While our carriers provide comprehensive coverage, we recommend checking with your personal auto insurance provider about coverage during transport, as policies can vary.

For car shipping from North Carolina to California, 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.

Here’s why early booking matters:

• Better pricing: Carriers can plan efficient routes and bundle shipments
• More flexibility: You’ll have more pickup date options
• Peak season planning: Summer months (May-September) book up faster

If you need faster service, we offer expedited shipping options. However, last-minute bookings may cost 20-30% more and have limited availability.

Pro tip: Book as soon as you know your moving date. You can always adjust your pickup window if plans change.

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 uses open trailers that expose your car to weather and road debris. It’s the most common and affordable option, costing about 50% less than enclosed transport. Your car travels safely secured on a multi-level trailer with other vehicles.

Enclosed transport protects your car inside a covered trailer, shielding it from weather, dust, and road debris. This premium service costs more but offers maximum protection for luxury cars, classics, or vehicles with custom paint jobs.

For most North Carolina to California shipments, open transport works perfectly fine. Choose enclosed transport if you’re shipping a high-value vehicle that needs extra protection during the 2,500+ mile journey. See our open vs enclosed auto transport guide for detailed comparisons and pricing.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service from North Carolina to California. This means our carrier will pick up your vehicle directly from your home, office, or any address you choose in North Carolina and deliver it right to your specified location in California.

When you book your shipment, simply provide us with your preferred pickup and delivery addresses. Our assigned carrier will coordinate with you to schedule convenient times for both pickup and delivery. This service eliminates the need for you to drive to a terminal or depot, saving you time and hassle during your cross-country move.

In some cases, large trucks may not be able to access certain residential areas due to low-hanging branches, narrow streets, or local restrictions. If this happens, our carrier will work with you to find a safe, nearby meeting spot like a shopping center or gas station. We always prioritize the safety of your vehicle and our drivers while ensuring maximum convenience 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!