Nexus vs Montway vs Sherpa comparison: Choosing between these comes down to your priority: Nexus wins for overall value and real-time pricing (4.8/5 rating), Montway dominates long-distance shipping at $0.95/mile, and Sherpa excels with price guarantees (Price Lock Promise). All three are legitimate, A+ BBB rated, and widely available across 50 states. This comprehensive comparison breaks down pricing, reliability, unique features, and customer experiences so you can choose the best fit for your car shipping needs.
🚚 How Do Nexus, Montway & Sherpa Stack Up? Comparison Overview
Quick Comparison Overview:
Nexus Auto Transport, Montway Auto Transport, and Sherpa Auto Transport are three of the most popular national car shipping brokers. Each operates differently:
- Nexus: Uses real-time market pricing for lowest available rates
- Montway: Focuses on long-distance cost leadership ($0.95/mile on 1,500+ mile routes)
- Sherpa: Prioritizes price certainty with 30-day Price Lock Promise
All three maintain A+ BBB ratings, serve all 50 states, and offer customer satisfaction ratings between 4.5-4.8 out of 5 stars.
💰 Pricing Comparison: Which is Actually Cheapest?
Nexus Auto Transport Pricing
- Average Cost: $1,500-$2,200 (varies by distance)
- Per-Mile Rates: Competitive market-based pricing
- Initial Quote: Often lowest starting price
- Price Changes: Can increase if market rates rise
- Guarantee: No price lock (quotes valid 7-10 days)
- Key Feature: Nexus uses real-time pricing data, often matching or beating competitors on standard routes. Their $0 upfront deposit makes booking affordable.
- Best for: Budget-conscious shippers with flexible timelines.
Montway Auto Transport Pricing
- Average Cost: $1,200-$2,000 (excellent long-distance)
- Per-Mile Rates:
- Under 500 miles: $1.96/mile (most expensive per-mile)
- 500-1,500 miles: $0.93/mile (competitive)
- Over 1,500 miles: $0.95/mile ✅ CHEAPEST LONG-DISTANCE
- Price Changes: Can increase; quotes expire in 7 days
- Guarantee: No formal price lock
- Key Feature: Montway’s 30,000+ trucker network creates competition, driving down long-distance pricing. Cheapest for coast-to-coast moves.
- Best for: Cross-country shipping on a budget. Compare all best car shipping companies to see other budget options.
Sherpa Auto Transport Pricing
- Average Cost: $1,600-$2,300 (premium service)
- Per-Mile Rates: Competitive but higher than Montway on long distance
- Price Guarantee: 30-day Price Lock Promise ✅ UNIQUE FEATURE
- Additional Perks: Free car wash ($20 value) after delivery
- Key Feature: Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise means your quoted price is guaranteed for 30 days. No surprise increases if market rates spike. Premium pricing for peace of mind.
- Best for: Customers who prioritize price certainty over lowest initial quote. Military families (military discount available).
📍 Real-World Pricing Example: LA to NYC (2,800 miles)
Route: Los Angeles → New York
Vehicle: Standard sedan
Transport Type: Open carrier
| Company | Quote | Per-Mile | Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nexus | $1,680 | $0.60 | None (market rate) |
| Montway | $1,540 | $0.55 ✅ | None (expires 7 days) |
| Sherpa | $1,850 | $0.66 | 30-day Price Lock ✅ |
Analysis: Montway cheapest upfront, but price could increase. Sherpa most expensive but guaranteed. Nexus middle ground with flexibility.
Reliability & Customer Satisfaction: Who Delivers On Time?
Montway Auto Transport Reliability
- Customer Rating: 4.7/5 average (53,000+ reviews)
- BBB Rating: A+ (4.5/5)
- Google Reviews: 4.7/5 (22,749 reviews)
- Yelp Rating: 2.3/5 ⚠️ (rating gap issue—see Sherpa article for details)
- Delivery Performance:
- Standard: 1-10 business days
- Cross-country (1,500+ miles): 5-10 days
- Expedited available (extra cost)
- Common feedback: “On-time delivery, good communication, professional drivers.” Learn more about Montway customer reviews and the Yelp rating mystery.
- Pickup Guarantee: NOT guaranteed, only estimated window.
Sherpa Auto Transport Reliability
- Customer Rating: 4.8/5 average
- BBB Rating: A+ (4.9/5 from 1,000+ reviews)
- Google Reviews: 4.8/5 verified
- Yelp Rating: Unknown (brand newer than competitors)
- Delivery Performance:
- Standard: 1-10 business days
- Estimated window provided
- 24/7 customer support (365 days)
- Common feedback: “Great communication, professional service, price lock worked as promised.”
- Pickup Guarantee: NOT guaranteed, only estimated. However, customers report better communication during delays.
Nexus Auto Transport Reliability
- Customer Rating: 4.8/5 average
- BBB Rating: A+ rating
- Customer Satisfaction: “Best overall value” rating
- Delivery Performance:
- Multiple service tiers available
- Guaranteed pickup dates available (with higher tier)
- Real-time GPS tracking (when available)
- Common feedback: “Competitive pricing, responsive customer service, modern tracking features.”
- Pickup Guarantee: Available on premium tiers (cost extra).
Unique Features: What Sets Them Apart?
Nexus Auto Transport Advantages
- ✅ Real-time GPS tracking (driver dependent)
- ✅ Multiple service tiers (economy to expedited)
- ✅ $0 upfront deposit
- ✅ International shipping available
- ✅ Instant online quotes
- ✅ Flexible scheduling options
- ❌ Downside: Price can increase if market rates spike (no guarantee).
Montway Auto Transport Advantages
- ✅ Cheapest long-distance pricing ($0.95/mile 1,500+ miles)
- ✅ 30,000+ trucker network (highest availability)
- ✅ Multi-vehicle discount available
- ✅ Free 100 lbs luggage in trunk (select routes)
- ✅ Covers all 50 states + limited international
- ❌ Downside: Quote expires in 7 days (pressure to book). GPS tracking varies by driver.
Sherpa Auto Transport Advantages
- ✅ Price Lock Promise (30-day guarantee—UNIQUE!)
- ✅ Free car wash guarantee ($20 reimbursement)
- ✅ Military discount available
- ✅ A+ BBB rating (highest overall)
- ✅ 24/7 customer support
- ✅ Loyalty discounts for repeat customers
- ❌ Downside: Higher pricing than competitors. No guaranteed pickup/delivery dates.
👥 Customer Experience: Who Treats You Best?
Communication & Support
- Nexus: 24/7 support, responsive chat, tracking updates
- Montway: 24/7 support, phone/chat, occasional communication gaps during delays
- Sherpa: 24/7 support (365 days), highly responsive, detailed updates
Winner: Sherpa (most responsive, best feedback on communication)
Dispute Resolution & Complaints
- Nexus: Few documented complaints, responsive to issues
- Montway: Yelp shows communication gaps (2.3/5 on Yelp vs 4.7 elsewhere), but resolves most issues
- Sherpa: Minimal complaints, strong resolution track record
Winner: Sherpa (fewest complaints, best resolution)
Special Circumstances
- For Military Families: Sherpa ($100 discount) vs Nexus (standard rates)
- For Budget Shippers: Montway (long-distance) vs Nexus (real-time pricing)
- For Price Protection: Sherpa (Price Lock) vs others (no guarantee)
When to Choose Each Company
Choose Nexus Auto Transport If:
- ✅ You want real-time lowest pricing
- ✅ You have flexible timeline (price can increase)
- ✅ You value modern tracking features
- ✅ You’re shipping internationally
- ✅ You want $0 deposit to secure booking
- Best Route: Any, but especially standard routes where competition drives prices down.
Choose Montway Auto Transport If:
- ✅ Shipping long distance (1,500+ miles)
- ✅ Budget is your top priority ($0.95/mile)
- ✅ You have flexible dates (7-day quote window)
- ✅ Multi-vehicle discount applies
- ✅ You want established 19+ year company
- Best Route: LA-NYC, TX-FL, cross-country moves. Compare other long-distance options.
Choose Sherpa Auto Transport If:
- ✅ Price certainty matters most (Price Lock Promise)
- ✅ Military/first responder family
- ✅ You want highest-rated company (4.9/5 BBB)
- ✅ You value excellent customer service
- ✅ 30-day protection fits your timeline
- Best Route: Any route where price guarantee is worth premium pricing.
📦 Shipping Methods: Open vs. Enclosed
- Nexus: Offers both open and enclosed
- Montway: Offers both (enclosed costs $500-$1,000 extra)
- Sherpa: Offers both
For Luxury Cars: Enclosed transport recommended—see our luxury car shipping guide.
For Standard Cars: Open transport sufficient and cheapest option.
🗺️ Regional Shipping: Does It Matter?
All three serve nationwide, but performance varies by region:
- Florida Shipping: Montway strong (high volume). See Florida-specific comparison.
- Texas Shipping: All three competitive. See Texas auto transport options.
- Hawaii Shipping: Sherpa strong (island expertise). See Hawaii shipping details.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ #1: Which is actually cheapest: Nexus, Montway, or Sherpa?
Answer: Montway is cheapest for long-distance ($0.95/mile on 1,500+ mile routes). Nexus often wins on shorter routes (real-time pricing competition). Sherpa is most expensive but offers price guarantee (Price Lock Promise). Always get quotes from all three—prices vary by route, season, and market conditions.
FAQ #2: Does Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise actually work?
Answer: Yes, verified by customers. If market rates increase during your 30-day protection period, Sherpa covers the difference. However, if rates decrease, you still pay your quoted price (no savings). Real customer feedback: “Price stayed exact as quoted, saved me $300 from others’ increases.”
FAQ #3: Can prices increase after I book with Nexus or Montway?
Answer: Yes, possible if market rates spike significantly. Nexus uses real-time pricing (most flexible). Montway’s quotes expire in 7 days. Neither guarantees pricing after booking. Sherpa’s 30-day lock prevents this, which is why they charge premium pricing.
FAQ #4: Which company has guaranteed pickup dates?
Answer: NONE of the three guarantee specific pickup dates. All offer “estimated windows” (1-10 business days). Nexus offers guaranteed pickup on premium tiers (extra cost). If guaranteed dates are critical, consider Ship A Car Direct or other carriers.
FAQ #5: How do customer service ratings differ?
Answer: Sherpa: 4.9/5 BBB, best communication feedback. Nexus: 4.8/5 BBB, modern tech, responsive. Montway: 4.7/5 BBB, but Yelp 2.3/5 (rating gap). Reality: All three have strong 24/7 support. Sherpa feels more premium and responsive. Read detailed Sherpa review for context.
FAQ #6: Which offers the best value for military families?
Answer: Sherpa ($100 military discount) is best for pure discount. However, Nexus’s real-time pricing often matches or beats Sherpa even without discount. Montway doesn’t emphasize military discounts. Winner for military: Sherpa for guaranteed savings + Price Lock Peace of Mind.
