10 Best Car Shipping Companies in Rhode Island (2026 Cost Guide)
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: Our team rated Nexus Auto Transport the top car shipping company in Rhode Island, earning 4.7 out of 5 stars. It stood out for its competitive pricing and consistently positive customer feedback. Distance and shipping method are the biggest factors in your final cost, which runs between $659 and $1,381 to ship a 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, and none in Rhode Island do. 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 612 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 domestic and international vehicle shipping, including open and enclosed transport, multi-car shipping, and transportation for inoperable cars.
It also ships boats, motorcycles, trailers, RVs, ATVs, classic cars, electric vehicles, and heavy equipment, with full insurance coverage available.
The company has a 4.0 rating on Yelp, a 4.2 rating on Google, and an A+ rating from the BBB.
Some customers may view the lack of shipment tracking, guaranteed delivery, and listed discounts as a downside.
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) offers interstate, fully insured vehicle shipping with enclosed transport and multi-car options.
The company ships classic cars and electric vehicles and provides discounts for students and military members.
East Coast Auto Transport has a 1.4 Yelp rating, a 4.9 Google rating, and an A+ BBB rating.
However, it does not transport cars that do not run or provide shipment tracking, which may be a downside for some customers.
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) offers interstate and open transport, along with multi-car shipping and credit card payment options. However, it does not provide enclosed transport, shipment tracking, guaranteed delivery, or transportation for cars that do not run, which may be a drawback for some customers. The company has a 1.0 Yelp rating, a 4.3 Google rating, and an A+ BBB rating.
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) provides interstate, fully insured vehicle transport with open and enclosed shipping options. It ships classic cars, motorcycles, electric vehicles, and multiple cars, while also offering storage solutions. A potential downside is that it does not transport cars that do not run, provide expedited or guaranteed delivery, or offer shipment tracking. The company has a 1.8 Yelp rating, a 4.6 Google rating, and an A- rating from the BBB.
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) provides interstate vehicle shipping with open and enclosed transport options, and is fully insured.
The company ships classic cars, motorcycles, ATVs, electric vehicles, multi-car shipments, and cars that do not run, while also offering shipment tracking and a military discount.
Natales Transport has a 4.7 rating on Google, but has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and BBB.
Some customers may find its lack of guaranteed delivery, expedited shipping, storage solutions, and damage-free guarantees to be a downside.
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 pay between $659 and $1,381. 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): $544 - $855
- Medium-distance shipments (500 - 1,500 miles): $863 - $1,203
- Long-distance shipments (over 1,500 miles): $1,134 - $1,297
Check out these price ranges by distance:
| Route | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island to Michigan | $927 | $1,426 |
| Rhode Island to Ohio | $830 | $1,301 |
| Rhode Island to Arizona | $1,613 | $2,542 |
| Rhode Island to Georgia | $968 | $1,460 |
| Rhode Island to Texas | $1,409 | $2,296 |
| North Carolina to Rhode Island | $902 | $1,235 |
| Illinois to Rhode Island | $912 | $1,460 |
| California to Rhode Island | $1,804 | $2,849 |
| Florida to Rhode Island | $1,197 | $1,790 |
| New York to Rhode Island | $417 | $617 |
What affects car shipping costs from Rhode Island
- Your move distance: Shipping within Rhode Island or to neighboring states costs less than a long cross-country haul.
- Location: Shipping from a rural part of Rhode Island often costs more, since carriers may need to detour off major routes to reach you. Pickups near Providence or other well-traveled corridors usually mean a lower rate.
- Your car's make, model, and year: Compact cars cost less to ship. Classic or specialty vehicles from Rhode Island cost more, since they need extra care in transit. Only 66% of Rhode Island shippers handle classic cars, so ask upfront if yours needs special handling.
- Shipping options in the Ocean State: 83% of Rhode Island auto transporters offer open transport, and 66% offer enclosed transport. Open-air costs less, but enclosed transport protects your car from Rhode Island's unpredictable weather for a higher price.
- Gas prices: Fuel costs in Rhode Island factor into your total price, especially on longer routes. The average price is about $2.92 per gallon right now.
- Delivery time frame: You'll pay more for car shipping if you need a guaranteed delivery date or expedited service.
- Seasonality: Prices tend to climb during peak car shipping season, roughly May through October, when demand is highest. Booking in the fall or winter can work in your favor, though weather-related delays are more common during those months.
- Discounts: In Rhode Island, 2 companies offer military discounts, 1 offer student discounts, 6 offer other discounts, and many also discount multi-vehicle shipments. Check out our full guide on car shipping discounts to learn more.
For a more accurate quote, use our car shipping calculator. You can also check out all the popular Rhode Island car shipping routes.
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 $659 - $1,381, 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. This is 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 cheapest company to ship your car in Rhode Island?
The cheapest company to ship your car in Rhode Island depends on the services and transport type you choose, so use our car shipping calculator to compare rates for your specific move. Remember that the cheapest option isn't always the best one. 9 car shippers in Rhode Island offer discounts like military, student, or AAA savings that can help lower your total cost.
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.
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 range of services, pricing accuracy, 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 estimated delivery time for shipping a car out of Rhode Island?
Delivery times for car shipping in Rhode Island depend on distance and route: in-state shipments typically take one to three days, while long interstate routes can take seven to 14 days. Traffic, weather, and your exact pickup and drop-off points can all affect these estimates, so confirm timing with your shipping provider.
| 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 |
Are Rhode Island car shippers insured against damage?
66% of car shippers in Rhode Island are fully insured, and none offer a damage-free guarantee. Always ask for proof of insurance before booking.
