Best Rhode Island Car Shipping Companies (2024 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: After comparing costs, services, and customer satisfaction, our team rated Easy Auto Ship as the best car shipping company in Rhode Island, giving them 4.75 out of 5 stars.
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Key takeaways
- While there are several factors that influence the cost of transporting your vehicle, the average cost of shipping your car out of Rhode Island ranges from $667 to $1,289.
- 79.7% of Rhode Island auto transport companies offer open transport options, which is the most common (and cheapest) method of shipping your vehicle out of state.
- Only 20% of car shipping companies in Rhode Island offer guaranteed delivery. If you need your vehicle delivered on a specific day, we recommend using Easy Auto Ship.
Why trust moveBuddha?
Our mission at moveBuddha is to make every aspect of moving easier, and we use our firsthand knowledge of the industry to simplify and streamline what can often be a stressful process.
Since moveBuddha’s foundation in 2015, our team has talked to thousands of consumers and analyzed 4,400 moving companies and 2,400 car shippers across the U.S. We’ve collected detailed car shipping experiences through our Better Moves project, and we routinely dig deep into online consumer reviews to identify the most common complaints and compliments companies receive.
We created our own system for analyzing and rating car shipping companies on important factors like pricing, variety of services, customer feedback, and availability. Our experienced editorial team fully fact-checks all content to ensure it is accurate, informative, and up-to-date.
Best car shipping companies in Rhode Island
Our data team has spent more than 400 hours collecting and analyzing information unique to vehicle transport, including pricing quotes. We routinely evaluate that data to give you relevant, accurate, and unbiased recommendations for the best car shipping companies in your area.
If you need to ship a car out of Providence, or another location, here are our top picks for car shippers in Rhode Island:
- Easy Auto Ship
- Sherpa Auto Transport
- Ship A Car Direct
- AmeriFreight
- SGT Auto Transport
- Beacon Shipping Logistics Inc
- East Coast Auto Transport
- Virginia Transportation Corp
- United Road Services: Davisville
- Natales Transport
SGT Auto Transport
https://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
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
AmeriFreight
https://www.amerifreight.net
AmeriFreight Car Transport is a true auto shipping broker. They work with a network of licensed, insured, and verified auto carriers to try and find you the best price to ship your car. AmeriFreight acts as an intermediary between you and the car carrier to ensure any problems are quickly resolved. If you’re looking for the most affordable option to ship your car, definitely check out AmeriFreight.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last minute car shipments
- Offer guaranteed and expedited shipments
- Offer AFta PLAN gap insurance coverage
- Boat, trailer, RV, and motorcycle shipping available
Cons
- Must contact to receive a formal quote
- Require deposit at booking
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
Easy Auto Ship
https://diytransport.com
Founded in 2012, Easy Auto Ship has built a stellar reputation in the industry, with excellent ratings on the BBB, Google reviews, and other consumer feedback sites. The company ships cars, SUVS, RVs, boats, and heavy equipment nationwide and provides guaranteed pickup dates and expedited shipping. If your shipment is delayed for more than 14 days, Easy Auto will reimburse you for the cost of a rental car.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free contingency cargo insurance
- No deposit upfront to schedule
- Expedited Shipping Available
- Ship an additional 100lbs in the car for Free
- Guaranteed pick-up and delivery available
- Military, Senior, and Student discounts
- Free car wash on delivery
- Free rental car should transport take more than 14 days
Cons
- Do not ship boats or heavy equipment
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Long-distance and international shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
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 a variety of vehicles, including standard cars, trucks, and SUVs, as well as RVs, motorcycles, and boats. This highly rated company offers free online quotes with an extra $500 in gap insurance to cover any potential dings or dents during transport. 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
- Ships all vehicle types
- 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
- Website lacks information
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
- Open and enclosed transport
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. They’ll even give you a free car wash if your vehicle arrives at its destination dirty.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price Lock Promise keeps pricing fixed
- Pay by credit card available
- Free car wash at delivery
- 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
- Insured shipping
- Open and enclosed transport
Beacon Shipping Logistics Inc
Beacon Shipping Logistics Inc (DOT: 2268269) offers a wide range of car shipping services, including transport for inoperable vehicles, electric vehicles, classic cars, ATVs, motorcycles, RVs, heavy equipment, and boats. Customers can choose from open or enclosed transport and are assured their shipments are fully insured.
This company boasts a high Yelp rating of 4.4 and an A+ rating from the BBB, though it appears to have yet to establish a rating on Google. Despite these strong ratings, prospective customers should be aware that Beacon Shipping Logistics Inc does not provide a damage-free guarantee or guaranteed delivery timelines, which could be a downside for some individuals.
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
East Coast Auto Transport (DOT: 1625076) is a car shipping company offering a variety of specialized services. They provide enclosed transport, electric vehicle shipping, and classic car shipping, ensuring the safe and secure handling of these valuable vehicles. Additionally, they are fully insured and offer military and student discounts, which can be appealing for specific customer groups. Customers should note, however, that the company does not offer ATV shipping or terminal-to-terminal delivery, which might be seen as a downside for some.
Their Yelp rating is a low 1.5, which might signify customer dissatisfaction, but they have achieved an A+ rating with the BBB. The company has yet to establish ratings on Google. Despite some limitations, their comprehensive offerings and high BBB rating demonstrate a commitment to quality service.
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
Virginia Transportation Corp (DOT: 643760) is a reputable car shipping business known for its active status in the industry. With a commendable Google rating of 4.3 and an A+ rating from the BBB, they have a strong standing among their customers.
They offer notable services including multi-car transport and open transport, catering to clients who need to move multiple vehicles or prefer more cost-effective shipping methods. Additionally, they allow payment by credit card, enhancing convenience for their customers.
A potential downside for some clients might be their lack of services for transporting inoperable cars and absence of a damage-free guarantee. Furthermore, they do not provide services like expedited delivery or enclosed transport, which might be important for customers with specific needs.
Services Offered
- Multi Car Transport
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
United Road Services: Davisville
United Road Services: Davisville (DOT: 2234402) is a car shipping company that offers a variety of services, including enclosed transport, multi-car transport, electric vehicle shipping, and motorcycle shipping. They are fully insured and do not require a deposit. Despite a strong Google rating of 4.8, their Yelp rating is 1.7, and they hold an F rating with the BBB.
One drawback is that they do not offer guaranteed delivery or expedited delivery services, which might be a disadvantage for some customers needing faster service. Additionally, they do not provide inoperable car transport, so customers with cars that don’t run will need to look elsewhere.
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
Natales Transport (DOT: 1569601) is a comprehensive car shipping company offering a range of services to meet diverse customer needs. They provide specialized services such as transportation for inoperable cars, electric vehicles, and classic cars. Additionally, the company supports military personnel with exclusive discounts.
Despite their extensive offerings, a potential downside is the lack of a damage-free guarantee and expedited delivery options, which may be important to some customers. However, Natales Transport has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and Google, making it challenging to assess their overall customer satisfaction through these platforms.
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 vehicle to or from Rhode Island
The average cost to ship a car out of Rhode Island is about $1,020 but the exact amount you pay could be more or less, depending on factors like how far you are shipping your vehicle and whether you choose open or enclosed transport. For example:
- Short-distance shipments (under 500 miles): $380 to $834
- Medium-distance shipments (500-1,500 miles): $683 to $999
- Long-distance shipments (over 1,500 miles): $811 to $1,299
Here are some sample prices when shipping your car out of the Ocean State:
| Route | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island to Georgia | $968 | $1,430 |
| Rhode Island to Texas | $1,483 | $2,162 |
| Rhode Island to North Carolina | $882 | $1,226 |
| Rhode Island to Illinois | $950 | $1,415 |
| Rhode Island to Michigan | $899 | $1,440 |
| Arizona to Rhode Island | $1,521 | $2,372 |
| Florida to Rhode Island | $1,185 | $1,790 |
| Ohio to Rhode Island | $842 | $1,277 |
| New York to Rhode Island | $461 | $629 |
| California to Rhode Island | $1,734 | $2,653 |
When shipping your car out of Rhode Island, these factors can affect the price:
- Your move distance: Distance matters. Shipping a car within Rhode Island or to nearby states is usually cheaper than cross-country transport.
- Location: Shipping costs depend on the location. Sending items from Providence to a small town in Rhode Island or out of state may vary. Urban areas might have lower rates, but remote places in Rhode Island could be more expensive.
- Your car’s make, model, and year: The size and type of your vehicle are important. Compact cars usually cost less to ship, but classic cars from Rhode Island may need extra care and result in a higher quote.
- Shipping options in the Ocean State: Choices range from open-air transport to enclosed shipping. While open-air is wallet-friendly, enclosed transport offers more protection for Rhode Island’s unpredictable weather, albeit at a higher cost.
- Gas prices: With changing fuel prices, your expenses can go up or down. Gas prices in Rhode Island could impact your shipping costs, especially for long distances.
- Delivery time frame: You’ll end up paying extra for car shipping if you need a guaranteed delivery date or faster service.
- Discounts: Some Rhode Island auto transport companies offer discounts like military, student, and multiple vehicle discounts. 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 of the popular Rhode Island car shipping routes.
| Company | Quote | Rating | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
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Get A Quote |
Easy Auto Ship
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(888) 259-6046 |
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Get A Quote |
Sherpa Auto Transport
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(833) 775-1461 |
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Get A Quote |
Ship A Car Direct
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(866) 563-0804 |
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Get A Quote |
AmeriFreight
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(770) 501-9057 |
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Get A Quote |
SGT Auto Transport
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(864) 492-1221 |
FAQs for shipping cars in Rhode Island
What is the most reliable car shipping company in Rhode Island?
Easy Auto Ship is the most reliable car shipping company in Rhode Island, based on our research. Using our in-house car shipping methodology, we rated Easy Auto Ship a 4.75 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 copmany 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’re relocating to Rhode Island from out of state, you have 60 days to get a Rhode Island driver’s license. You’ll need to show proof of your identity, residency, and legal status in the U.S. Acceptable documents include a birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card.
Does Rhode Island require a vehicle inspection?
All newly registered vehicles, except new ones, must pass a Safety and Emissions inspection or have a valid inspection certificate within 5 days of registration. Otherwise, the registration might be suspended. New vehicles do not need an inspection for 2 years or until they reach 24,000 miles. Various types of vehicles have different inspection requirements and must be inspected at a licensed station.
Does Rhode Island’s weather impact car shipping?
Severe weather can significantly influence the cost to ship your vehicle out of Rhode Island. Rhode Island experiences warm summers and cold winters. The southern coastal areas have hot summers and cool winters, featuring both rain and snow.
What is the estimated delivery time for shipping a car out of Rhode Island?
Delivery times for car shipping in Rhode Island depend on the distance and specific route. For in-state shipments, it typically ranges from one to three days. For longer interstate routes, especially those crossing the country, expect approximately seven to 14 days. Factors like traffic, weather conditions in Rhode Island, and the exact starting and ending locations can influence these time frames. Always check with your shipping provider for a more precise estimate based on your particular needs.
| Miles | Timeframe |
| 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 moving to Rhode Island, you must get car insurance that meets the state’s minimum requirements. This includes $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Also, Rhode Island requires drivers to have uninsured motorist coverage for complete protection.
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
MoveBuddha’s car shipping company reviews
For more in-depth information on each company, see our full company reviews:
- A-1 Auto Transport Review
- All America Auto Transport Review
- American Auto Shipping Review
- Amerifreight Review
- Diesel Auto Express Review
- Easy Auto Ship Review
- Guardian Auto Transport Review
- Montway Auto Transport Review
- Mr. Car Shipper Review
- Nationwide Auto Transportation Review
- Nationwide United Auto Transport Review
- Nexus Auto Review
- Roadrunner Auto Review
- Sakaem Logistics Review
- SGT Auto Transport Review
- Sherpa Auto Transport Review
- Ship-a-Car Direct Review
- Shiply Review
- United Routes Review
- Victory Worldwide Transportation Review
Other Rhode Island car shipping resources
Looking for a more local company to work with? Check out these resources:
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