Sherpa Auto Transport alternative: SelectDrive vs Sherpa
Competitor details and SelectDrive planning details reviewed: July 26, 2026.
Sherpa Auto Transport is an active broker known for its Price Lock Promise, which can absorb up to 300 USD of a carrier-fee shortfall. SelectDrive is planning a different model in which an identified driver would operate an approved car on its own wheels, using a preliminary published planning rate.
SelectDrive status: Quote and route-planning requests are open while required federal interstate operating authority is pending. No SelectDrive interstate for-hire move will begin unless and until that authority is granted and active and the specific vehicle, driver, insurance, route, and signed agreement are approved. Use an authorized provider if service is needed now.
This comparison explains Sherpa's active broker service and how SelectDrive's proposed driveaway model would differ if authority becomes active and a future trip is approved.
What Sherpa is
Sherpa Auto Transport is an active broker that arranges an independent carrier for open or enclosed trailer service. Sherpa says its Price Lock Promise keeps the quoted total fixed and contributes up to 300 USD from its initial payment if more carrier compensation is needed. Its current terms describe two payment installments and cancellation charges that vary by timing, including the full initial payment after a carrier has been designated. See Sherpa's Price Lock Promise and Terms and Conditions, retrieved July 26, 2026. Their terms apply and can change.
| SelectDrive | Sherpa Auto Transport | |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Planned driveaway; planning requests only | Broker: assigns a trailer carrier |
| Who handles your car | Driver would be identified for an approved future trip | An assigned carrier from the network |
| Price certainty | Would require active authority and an approved signed price | Price Lock Promise, capped at 300 USD of shortfall |
| Pricing | $450 per driver day, half-day increments, one-day minimum; itemized trip costs; preliminary only | Quote-based; compare the current written total |
| Tracking | Could be included in an approved future agreement | Confirm the assigned carrier's tracking method |
| On a shared trailer? | Planned model would drive the car on its own wheels | Yes |
| Miles added to car | Planned model would add the route distance | None, it rides on a trailer |
| Inoperable cars | Not included in the planned scope | Possible with the right carrier |
Where Sherpa fits
Sherpa is an active broker and the right tool in clear cases. If your car is inoperable, if you do not want any miles added, if you are moving a classic or luxury car and want an enclosed trailer, or if you specifically value a broker's published price-lock protection, Sherpa's model may fit. Compare the current written total and terms for your move.
How SelectDrive's planned model differs
For one operable passenger car, SelectDrive can prepare a preliminary plan. The preliminary model bills driver pay at $450 per day in half-day increments, with a one-day minimum. A planning day is about 8 driving hours or roughly 500 miles. It itemizes gas fuel at about $0.18 per mile where applicable, tolls at about $0.02 per mile, lodging at $120 per night, an insurance surcharge of 8 percent of driver pay, and assigned-driver positioning travel using the cheaper feasible option between a round-trip drop-off and a flight plus ground transport. Electric charging is billed at documented actual cost with receipts. Requests with less than 3 days notice add 5 percent. If authority becomes active and a trip is approved, a signed agreement would generally call for a 25 percent deposit and would identify the driver, final price, vehicle rules, insurance documents, and any private tracking terms. A pet that travels well may accompany the vehicle it belongs to, and ordinary belongings that fit safely below the window line may be accommodated, but both require advance disclosure and written approval in the trip agreement. Approval is separate from the price estimate and is never automatic. These accommodations are incidental to delivering the vehicle. SelectDrive does not offer household goods moving, standalone goods delivery, or standalone pet transport. No person may ever travel in the vehicle.
The honest trade-offs
The planned driveaway model would add the route distance to the odometer, require a safely operable car, have finite capacity from a Des Moines base, and exclude enclosed-trailer transport. SelectDrive cannot begin an interstate for-hire move while required authority is pending. If service is needed now, the car is inoperable, or enclosed transport is required, use Sherpa or another authorized provider.
Frequently asked questions
Is SelectDrive a broker like Sherpa?
No. Sherpa Auto Transport is an active broker that assigns an independent carrier to haul a car on a trailer. SelectDrive is planning a non-broker driveaway model in which an identified driver would operate an approved car on its own wheels. No SelectDrive interstate move will begin while required authority is pending.
How does Sherpa's Price Lock Promise work?
Sherpa says its Price Lock Promise keeps the quoted total fixed and contributes up to 300 USD from its initial payment if more carrier compensation is needed, subject to its terms. The vendor source was retrieved July 26, 2026. SelectDrive currently provides preliminary planning estimates only; a final price would require active authority and an approved signed agreement.
Does Sherpa offer live GPS tracking?
Tracking terms and tools may depend on the assigned carrier and booking. Confirm the exact tracking method before checkout. SelectDrive's planned model could include private tracking on a future approved trip, but SelectDrive currently accepts planning requests only.
Is Sherpa more expensive?
There is no universal price comparison because vehicle, route, timing, and service details vary. Compare current written totals for the same move. SelectDrive's preliminary model bills driver pay at $450 per day in half-day increments, with a one-day minimum. It itemizes gas fuel at about $0.18 per mile where applicable, electric charging at documented actual cost with receipts, tolls at about $0.02 per mile, lodging at $120 per night on multi-day trips, an insurance surcharge of 8 percent of driver pay, and assigned-driver positioning travel using the cheaper feasible option between a round-trip drop-off and a flight plus ground transport. Requests with less than 3 days notice add 5 percent. If authority becomes active and a trip is approved, a signed agreement would generally call for a 25 percent deposit. The planning estimate is not a final price or dispatch commitment.
When is Sherpa the better choice?
Choose Sherpa or another authorized provider when service is needed now, when the car is inoperable, when road miles are unacceptable, when enclosed trailer transport is needed, or when an active broker's price-lock protection is preferred.
More comparisons
Compare a possible future driveaway
Tell Pilot your route for a preliminary plan. No interstate dispatch occurs while required authority is pending.