Tennessee Car Shipping

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

• Remove personal belongings: Clear out any personal items from the interior. 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 a quarter full: A full tank adds unnecessary weight. A quarter tank is enough for loading, unloading, and short drives at pickup and delivery.
• Disable your alarm: If your car has an alarm, disable it or provide clear instructions to the driver. An alarm that triggers during transport can cause delays and frustration.
• Ensure the car is operable: Make sure your vehicle starts, drives, and the brakes work properly. If your car is inoperable, notify your carrier in advance — special equipment may be needed.
• Retract or secure antennas and accessories: Fold in mirrors, lower convertible tops, and secure or remove any external accessories that could be damaged or cause clearance issues on the carrier.
• Give it a quick wash: A clean car makes it much easier to spot any pre-existing damage during the inspection process.

For more helpful advice, check out our vehicle shipping tips. When you’re ready to ship, 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 from the moment it’s loaded onto the truck until it’s delivered to you in Tennessee (or wherever your destination may be).

Here’s what you should know:

• Carrier insurance: All carriers in our network must maintain active cargo insurance as a condition of working with us. This coverage applies to your vehicle while it’s in the carrier’s possession.
• Sherpa’s added protection: On top of the carrier’s policy, Sherpa provides an additional layer of coverage for extra peace of mind. You’re not relying on a single policy alone.
• Before pickup: We recommend doing a thorough walkaround of your vehicle and noting any pre-existing damage on the Bill of Lading (the inspection report signed at pickup and delivery). This document is your best protection if you ever need to file a claim.

For more helpful tips on preparing your vehicle for shipping — including how to document its condition — check out our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. You can also find answers to more common questions on our FAQs page.

Ready to get started? Get a free quote today and ship your vehicle to or from Tennessee with confidence.

For most Tennessee auto transport shipments, we recommend booking at least 1–2 weeks in advance. This gives carriers enough time to plan their routes and ensures you have flexibility on your pickup window.

That said, timing can vary based on a few key factors:

• Peak seasons: Summer and the snowbird season (fall/winter) see a surge in demand. Book 3–4 weeks ahead during these periods to lock in better availability and pricing.
• Last-minute shipments: Need to ship quickly? Rush transport is possible, but it often comes at a higher cost and with fewer carrier options.
• Flexible pickup dates: The more flexible you are with your pickup window, the easier it is for carriers to match your route — which can also help lower your rate.

One thing to keep in mind: auto transport prices can fluctuate with fuel costs and carrier availability. Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise protects you from surprise rate changes after you book — a big advantage when planning ahead.

Ready to get started? Get a free quote today and secure your spot early for a smoother, stress-free shipment to or from Tennessee.

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 Tennessee, you’ll need to choose between two main transport options: open and enclosed auto transport.

Open 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 works well for most standard vehicles. The trade-off is that your car is exposed to weather and road debris during transit.

Enclosed transport ships your vehicle inside a fully covered trailer, protecting it from the elements. This option is ideal for luxury cars, classic vehicles, or anything with high sentimental or monetary value. It does cost more — typically 30–40% higher than open transport — but the added protection is often worth it for high-value vehicles.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Open Transport: More affordable, widely available, great for everyday vehicles
• Enclosed Transport: Premium protection, best for luxury, exotic, or classic cars

Not sure which is right for you? Check out our in-depth Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping Guide for a full comparison. 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 car shipping service throughout Tennessee, including major cities like Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga.

Here’s how it works: instead of dropping off or picking up your vehicle at a terminal or depot, our carrier comes directly to your home, office, or any other address you specify — and delivers your car to the exact destination address you choose.

There is one important thing to keep in mind. In some cases, a driver may need to meet you at a nearby alternate location — such as a large parking lot — if your street is too narrow or has low-hanging trees that make it difficult for a large transport truck to safely maneuver. This is common in dense urban neighborhoods or rural areas with tight roads. If that happens, your driver will always communicate with you in advance to arrange a convenient nearby spot.

Door-to-door service is the most popular option for Tennessee auto transport because it saves you time and hassle. You won’t need to arrange extra rides or coordinate drop-offs at a distant terminal.

Ready to get started? Get a free quote today and see how easy shipping your car to or from Tennessee can be. You can also check out our vehicle shipping tips to help you prepare for pickup day.

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!