10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Rhode Island (2026 Cost Guide)
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Quick answer: After comparing costs, services, and customer satisfaction, our team rated Nexus Auto Transport as the best car shipping company in Rhode Island, giving them 4.7 out of 5 stars. While there are several factors that will impact cost, the average range is between $684 to $1,317 to ship your car out of Rhode Island.
Rhode Island Car Shipping Facts
- 83% of auto transport providers in Rhode Island use open carriers, the most common and affordable way to move a vehicle.
- 66% of Rhode Island car shipping companies offer enclosed transport for added protection.
- Just 28% of auto shippers nationwide provide guaranteed delivery. If your move requires a set arrival date, we recommend Nexus Auto Transport.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Best car shipping companies in Rhode Island
Our research team has analyzed 613 auto transport providers nationwide, putting in more than 400 hours of work. That includes 6 companies serving RI. Using this extensive dataset, we create accurate, fact-driven recommendations so you can confidently choose from the best car shipping companies nearby.
Need to ship a car from Providence or anywhere else in Rhode Island? Check out our top choices for auto transport in the area:
Nexus Auto Transport
http://www.nexusautotransport.com
Nexus Auto Transport, established in 2015, has rapidly become a trusted name in vehicle shipping across the US. With a network of more than 30,000 carriers, they offer services in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. They offer open and enclosed transport, expedited shipping, and door-to-door delivery, as well as discounts for multi-vehicle shipments, cash payments, students, military members, and seniors, among others. Their Moving Season Package includes special deals and services catered to residential and commercial relocations. Customers appreciate their transparent pricing, real-time tracking, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Nexus boasts high customer satisfaction ratings, with an average of 4.7 stars across various platforms. Their user-friendly online quote system provides instant estimates, and a refundable $25 deposit secures your booking.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Live shipment tracking
- Fast, no-hassle quotes
- Door-to-door pickup
- Competitive discounts
Cons
- No international shipping
- Pay more with debit/credit card
Services Offered
- Door-to-door deliveries
- Open and enclosed trailers
- Hawaii/Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Sherpa Auto Transport
https://www.sherpaautotransport.com
Sherpa Auto Transport is known for providing competitive pricing and strong communication throughout the car shipping process. Available in the Lower 48, Sherpa guarantees you won’t pay more than you are quoted, so you don’t have to worry about any hidden fees or other price changes. The company ships standard passenger cars, trucks, and SUVS, and can provide expedited transport, if needed.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- $100k in cargo insurance
- Will ship inoperable vehicles as long as they can brake, roll and steer
- Ship cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans
Cons
- Online instant quote not available
- Cars only. Cannot ship boats, motorcycles, RVs, or trailers
- No international shipping
- No shipping to Alaska or Hawaii
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Insured shipping
Navi Auto Transport
https://naviautotransport.com
Navi Auto Transport is an experienced vehicle shipping company offering nationwide service across the US, including door-to-door delivery and both open and enclosed transport options. Known for its reliable scheduling and attentive customer support, Navi has earned strong customer satisfaction ratings, with many reviewers highlighting the company's transparent pricing and consistent communication. They offer instant online quotes, and their expedited shipping option makes them a solid choice for time-sensitive moves.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price match policy
- Quick turnaround
- Discounts
- White-glove transport
- 24/7 tracking
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- No guaranteed pickup date
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
SGT Auto Transport
http://sgtautotransport.com
SGT Auto Transport is a top-rated long-distance vehicle shipper available in every state except Alaska. SGT Auto offers open or enclosed carriers for cars and motorcycles, and provides door-to-door service standard in the contiguous U.S. Get a free quote easily and quickly online, and be sure to ask about SGT’s price-matching guarantee and discounts for military members, students, and senior citizens.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open and enclosed auto transport options available
- Car shipping to Hawaii
- Motorcycle shipping available
- Free cancellation
- Full insurance coverage included in the price
- Nothing to pay up front
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Limited international shipping
- Doesn't ship RVs
- No digital tracking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Ship A Car Direct
https://shipacardirect.com
Ship A Car Direct works with a widespread network of carriers to provide long-distance auto transport with quick turnaround times for cars, trucks, and SUVs. This highly-rated company also provides a Damage-Free Guarantee, which is a free contingent insurance policy that covers up to $500 of your deductible if a carrier's cargo insurance falls short. Ship A Car Direct is a great choice if you’re in a rush, since they can easily handle last-minute requests.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Home of the industry’s only 'Damage Free Guarantee'
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Pay by credit card available
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- $500 complimentary damage or loss coverage
- Rental car assistance should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Quotes expire sometimes within 1 week
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
- No international shipping
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Beacon Shipping Logistics Inc
25 Messenger Dr, Warwick, RI, 02888
http://www.beaconshippinglogistics.com
Beacon Shipping Logistics Inc (DOT: 2268269) offers a comprehensive range of shipping services, including interstate transport, inoperable car transport, and specialized options for motorcycles, trailers, and heavy equipment. Customers can enjoy peace of mind knowing their vehicles are fully insured during transit. Despite the convenience and extensive service options, the company does not offer a damage-free guarantee, which may be a concern for some customers.
Beacon Shipping Logistics Inc is well-regarded, boasting a Yelp rating of 4.0, a Google rating of 4.2, and an impressive A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Although they provide options like international shipping and enclosed transport, they do not accept cryptocurrency or offer shipment tracking, which could be a disadvantage for those seeking modern payment methods or real-time updates.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- International Shipping
- Open Transport
- Deposit Required
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Money Order
- Trailer Shipping
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- RV Shipping
- Heavy Equipment Shipping
- Boat Shipping
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
East Coast Auto Transport
111 Amaral St, Riverside, RI, 02915
http://www.eastcoastautotransport.com
East Coast Auto Transport (DOT: 1625076) is a reputable car shipping company highly acclaimed with a Google rating of 4.9 and BBB rating of A+, despite a lower Yelp rating of 1.4. The company excels in providing services for classic and electric vehicle shipping, ensuring that these assets reach their destination safely with the benefit of being fully insured.
East Coast Auto Transport offers flexibility in payment options, including cash, credit card, and money order, and provides discounts for students and military personnel. However, a downside for some customers could be the lack of a damage-free guarantee and shipment tracking services.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Money Order
- Pay by Cash
- Student Discount
- Interstate
- Classic Car Shipping
Virginia Transportation Corp
141 James P Murphy Ind Hwy, West Warwick, RI, 2893
http://virginiatransportation.com
Virginia Transportation Corp (DOT: 643760) is a car shipping company that prides itself on offering affordable interstate transport options. While the company has a notably high Google rating of 4.3, its Yelp rating is a modest 1.0, and it holds an impressive A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Customers looking for multi-car transport can rely on the company’s capabilities to ship more than one vehicle at a time. However, a potential downside for some clients is the absence of services like inoperable car transport, and the company does not offer a damage-free guarantee.
Services Offered
- Multi Car Transport
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
United Road Services: Davisville
40 Thompson Rd, North Kingstown, RI, 02852
http://www.unitedroad.com
United Road Services: Davisville (DOT: 2234402) offers a variety of car shipping services, including interstate transport, classic car shipping, and motorcycle shipping. They also accommodate electric vehicles and provide fully insured services, ensuring peace of mind for their customers.
Despite its diverse offerings, United Road Services: Davisville does not support the transport of inoperable cars, which could be a limitation for some clients. Furthermore, while the company boasts a stellar 4.6 rating on Google, it holds a moderate B- rating on BBB and a less favorable 1.8 rating on Yelp, indicating mixed customer experiences.
Services Offered
- Fully Insured
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Open Transport
- Storage Solutions
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Natales Transport
PO Box 2011, East Greenwich, RI, 02818
https://natalestransport.com
Natales Transport (DOT: 1569601) is a reliable car shipping company boasting a remarkable Google rating of 4.7, though it has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and BBB. The company provides a variety of services, including classic car shipping, motorcycle transport, electric vehicle shipping, and inoperable car transport. Customers can also benefit from the flexibility of payment options such as money orders, cash, and credit card payments, along with shipment tracking for added convenience.
Despite being fully insured and not requiring a deposit, Natales Transport does not offer certain services like a damage-free guarantee or expedited delivery, which may be a downside for some customers. Furthermore, the company does not provide international shipping or terminal-to-terminal delivery but does cater to specific discount needs with a military discount available.
Services Offered
- ATV Shipping
- Fully Insured
- Inoperable Car Transport
- Enclosed Transport
- Multi Car Transport
- Electric Vehicle Shipping
- Military Discount
- Open Transport
- Shipment Tracking
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Money Order
- Pay by Cash
- Interstate
- Motorcycle Shipping
- Classic Car Shipping
Average cost of transporting a car out of RI
If you're moving a car from Rhode Island to another state, you'll typically pay between $684 and $1,317. Your actual cost could vary depending on the total distance and whether your car travels on an open carrier or in an enclosed trailer.
- Short-distance shipments (under 500 miles): $547 and $848
- Medium-distance shipments (500–1,500 miles): $850 and $1,212
- Long-distance shipments (over 1,500 miles): $1,159 and $1,321
Check out these typical price ranges by distance:
| Route | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island to North Carolina | $929 | $1,289 |
| Rhode Island to Michigan | $1,006 | $1,592 |
| Rhode Island to Georgia | $950 | $1,567 |
| Rhode Island to Texas | $1,624 | $2,441 |
| Rhode Island to California | $1,899 | $3,029 |
| Florida to Rhode Island | $1,210 | $1,960 |
| Arizona to Rhode Island | $1,732 | $2,573 |
| New York to Rhode Island | $491 | $649 |
| Illinois to Rhode Island | $950 | $1,535 |
| Ohio to Rhode Island | $975 | $1,302 |
Cost factors for shipping your car from Rhode Island:
- Your move distance: Distance is key. Shipping your car within Rhode Island or to neighboring states is generally more affordable than longer treks across the country.
- Where you're shipping from and to: Starting and ending points affect your price. Moves between major cities like Providence tend to be more affordable, but rural or out-of-the-way areas in Rhode Island can bump up costs.
- Vehicle details: Your car's size and type affect the bottom line. Smaller cars tend to be more affordable to ship. If you own a classic or specialty vehicle in Rhode Island, expect to pay more for the extra attention and handling.
- Shipping style in the Ocean State: Want to save cash? Open-air transport is the most budget-friendly, but if you're worried about Rhode Island's unpredictable weather or need extra protection, enclosed carriers are worth considering, even if they bump up your total cost.
- Gas prices: Don't forget fuel costs. Gas prices in Rhode Island can change quickly and might bump your car shipping price up, particularly if you're moving long distance.
- Delivery time frame: You'll ultimately pay more for car shipping if you need a guaranteed delivery date or expedited service.
- Savings and discounts: Don't forget to ask about deals! Many Rhode Island auto shippers offer discounts for students, military, or people who are moving more than one vehicle. For more tips, see our guide to car shipping discounts.
Want the most accurate estimate for your move? Try our car shipping calculator. You can also compare all the popular Rhode Island car shipping routes here.
How to ship a car from Rhode Island
Follow these steps to compare auto transport companies and book a reliable car shipper in Rhode Island.
- Estimate your shipping cost — Use the moveBuddha car shipping calculator to estimate your route and vehicle type. Shipping a car out of Rhode Island typically costs $684–$1,317, though distance, transport type, and season all affect the final quote.
- Choose open vs enclosed transport — Open transport is the most affordable option for standard vehicles. Enclosed transport costs more but protects luxury, classic, or high-value cars from weather and road debris — especially relevant given Rhode Island's weather patterns.
- Verify MC/DOT licensing — Ask every carrier for their motor carrier (MC) and USDOT numbers, then verify them on the FMCSA carrier lookup. Legitimate auto transport companies must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
- Compare shippers and get 3+ quotes — Compare at least three of the 6 car shippers moveBuddha tracks in Rhode Island. Request written quotes that specify open vs enclosed transport, pickup windows, and insurance coverage before you book.
- Book an off-peak ship date — Off-peak booking (fall through spring, mid-week dates) typically saves on total cost. From Rhode Island, local shipments arrive in 1–3 days; coast-to-coast routes commonly need 7–14 days.
FAQs
What is the most reliable car shipping company in Rhode Island?
Nexus Auto Transport is the most reliable car shipping company in Rhode Island, based on our research. Using our in-house car shipping methodology, we rated Nexus Auto Transport a 4.7 for its wide range of services and pricing accuracy, which includes fixed rates and comprehensive insurance. The company also maintains an excellent customer satisfaction score across sites like the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and Google reviews.
What is the cheapest company to ship your car in Rhode Island?
The cheapest company to ship your car in Rhode Island will depend on the services and transport type you select. The best way to determine the most affordable rate based on your specific needs is to use our car shipping calculator. Remember that the cheapest isn't always the best, and paying a little more for reliable service can be worth it. Also, most highly-rated car shipping companies offer ongoing deals that can help you save on your total costs. Among our top car shippers in Rhode Island, AmeriFreight has the most discounts, including those for military personnel, senior citizens, and early-bird bookings.
How long do I have to update my drivers license in Rhode Island?
If you are moving to Rhode Island from another state, you have 60 days to obtain a Rhode Island driver's license. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and legal presence in the U.S. This can include documents such as a birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card.
Do Rhode Island car shippers offer discounts?
In Rhode Island, car shippers do not offer discounts for police or law enforcement. Military members will find 2 car shippers with discounts for active service and veterans in Rhode Island. Students moving a car will have 1 option for discounted pricing. There are no AAA membership rebates available from car shipping providers in the state.
Does Rhode Island require a vehicle inspection?
All newly registered vehicles (except new vehicles) must pass a Safety and Emissions inspection or have a valid inspection certificate within 5 days of registration. If not, the registration may be suspended. New vehicles are exempt from inspection for 2 years or until they reach 24,000 miles. Different categories of vehicles have different inspection requirements and must be inspected at a licensed station.
Does weather in Rhode Island impact car shipping?
Severe weather can significantly influence the cost to ship your vehicle out of Rhode Island. Rhode Island has warm summers and cold winters. The state's southern coastal portions have hot summers and cool winters with a mix of rain and snow.
What is the estimated delivery time for shipping a car out of Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, car shipping durations are largely governed by the shipment's distance and path. Deliveries that remain within state lines typically occur within one to three days. On the other hand, shipments that cover a greater distance, particularly cross-country routes, often require seven to 14 days.
Elements such as traffic patterns, local weather in Rhode Island, and the definite starting and destination points can impact these time estimates. It's advisable to talk to your shipping provider for an estimation that closely fits your precise needs.
| Miles | Time frame |
| 250 | 1-4 days |
| 500 | 1-6 days |
| 750 | 2-7 days |
| 1000 | 2-8 days |
| 1250 | 3-8 days |
| 1500 | 3-9 days |
| 1750 | 3-11 days |
| 2000 | 4-12 days |
| 2250 | 5-13 days |
| 2500 | 7-15 days |
What is the minimum car insurance required in Rhode Island?
When relocating to Rhode Island, it's essential to secure car insurance meeting the state's minimum requirements, which include liability coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Additionally, Rhode Island mandates all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage for comprehensive protection.
