Best Car Shipping Companies in Rhode Island (August 2026)
Nexus Auto Transport consistently ranks as the best car shipping company in Rhode Island because they blend fair pricing, reliable carrier networks, and helpful customer support. In most cases, shipping a vehicle in Rhode Island costs around $834–$1124.
Nexus Auto Transport
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Sherpa Auto Transport
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Navi Auto Transport
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Why Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint?
We do the deep digging so you don’t have to. At FreightWaves Checkpoint, our mission is to make the car shipping process clearer, smarter, and easier to navigate.
We’ve rated 2,400 companies using a detailed methodology that considers pricing, customer experience, service offerings, and availability. Then we cross-reference that with real reviews to understand what actually happens when customers book.
All our findings go through a thorough editorial review to ensure every detail we share is correct, current, and helpful to you.
The Best Car Shipping Companies in Rhode Island
With a wider reach and stronger infrastructure, national car shipping companies often stand out for value and reliability. These are the trusted choices we recommend for Rhode Island.
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 started after the founder had a negative experience shipping his own car. Unlike most of the auto transport industry, the company is deeply customer focused and prides itself on providing accurate pricing and excellent communication throughout the shipping process.
Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise, personalized support, and multiple discounts are just a few reasons the company is raising the customer service bar when it comes to auto shipping.
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 highly-rated car shipping broker that works with more than 25,000 carriers to transport vehicles. They offer long-distance car shipping to 49 states. With the exception of Hawaii, all services are door-to-door and you can choose from open or enclosed shipping options. Get free quotes online in minutes and book an exact pick-up date for a seamless vehicle move.
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 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
- Open and enclosed transport
- Hawaii and Alaska shipping
- Insured shipping
- Online instant pricing
Local Auto Transport Options in Rhode Island
While we’ve vetted and rated these local auto transport companies in Rhode Island, they may have limited availability or service offerings compared to our top picks listed above.
Beacon Shipping Logistics Inc
Beacon Shipping Logistics Inc (DOT: 2268269) is a versatile car shipping company offering a wide array of transportation services, including specialized options for inoperable cars, motorcycles, trailers, RVs, and heavy equipment. The company is well-rated, boasting a 4.0 on Yelp and a 4.2 on Google, with an A+ accreditation from the BBB. Despite the many services they provide, a potential downside is that they do not offer a damage-free guarantee. Additionally, they offer international shipping and are fully insured, ensuring peace of mind for those shipping vehicles across borders.
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 such as classic car shipping, electric vehicle shipping, and enclosed transport. They boast high customer satisfaction with a Google rating of 4.9 and an A+ rating from the BBB, although their Yelp rating is notably lower at 1.4.
Customers can benefit from discounts if they are students or military personnel. However, some might find the lack of services like inoperable car transport or expedited delivery to be a drawback. The company allows for flexible payment options, including credit card, cash, and money orders, but they do not accept cryptocurrency or offer international shipping.
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 car shipping business that primarily focuses on interstate transport. While they have a strong Google rating of 4.3 and an A+ rating with the BBB, their Yelp rating is notably low at 1.0, indicating mixed customer satisfaction.
The company offers open transport services and efficiently handles multi-car shipping, catering to customers looking to move more than one vehicle at a time. However, potential clients may find the lack of services such as inoperable car transport and enclosed transport a downside.
Virginia Transportation Corp accepts payments by credit card, which adds convenience for its customers, though it does not support payments by money order, cash, or cryptocurrency. Despite the variety of services, the company does not provide options such as detailed inspection reports or guaranteed delivery, which could be important for some shippers.
Services Offered
- Multi Car Transport
- Open Transport
- Pay by Credit Card
- Interstate
United Road Services: Davisville
United Road Services: Davisville (DOT: 2234402) offers a range of specialized car shipping services, including classic car shipping and enclosed transport. Despite a low Yelp rating of 1.8, the company maintains a strong presence with a Google rating of 4.6 and a BBB rating of A-, reflecting their commitment to customer satisfaction.
The company is fully insured and provides services for electric vehicles and motorcycles, but does not offer RV or heavy equipment shipping. A potential downside for some customers is the absence of a damage-free guarantee, which could be a concern for those seeking added peace of mind. While international shipping is not available, United Road Services: Davisville continues to serve clients effectively with interstate options and secure storage solutions.
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 reputable car shipping company with a commendable Google rating of 4.7. Although the company has yet to establish ratings on Yelp and BBB, it offers a range of specialized services including enclosed transport, classic car shipping, and inoperable car transport, catering to a variety of customer needs.
They also transport motorcycles, ATVs, and electric vehicles, ensuring diverse transport solutions. While Natales Transport provides a military discount and does not require a deposit, a potential downside is the lack of a damage-free guarantee. Despite this, their fully insured service could provide peace of mind to customers worried about transit damages.
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
Local Car Shippers In Rhode Island
Looking for a local company to work with? Check out these resources:
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Find the Best Car Shipping Option for You
Popular Car Shipping Routes from Rhode Island
- Rhode Island to Alabama
- Rhode Island to Arkansas
- Rhode Island to Arizona
- Rhode Island to California
- Rhode Island to Colorado
- Rhode Island to Connecticut
- Rhode Island to Delaware
- Rhode Island to Florida
- Rhode Island to Georgia
- Rhode Island to Iowa
- Rhode Island to Idaho
- Rhode Island to Illinois
- Rhode Island to Indiana
- Rhode Island to Kansas
- Rhode Island to Kentucky
- Rhode Island to Louisiana
- Rhode Island to Massachusetts
- Rhode Island to Maryland
- Rhode Island to Maine
- Rhode Island to Michigan
- Rhode Island to Minnesota
- Rhode Island to Missouri
- Rhode Island to Mississippi
- Rhode Island to Montana
- Rhode Island to North Carolina
- Rhode Island to North Dakota
- Rhode Island to Nebraska
- Rhode Island to New Hampshire
- Rhode Island to New Jersey
- Rhode Island to New Mexico
- Rhode Island to Nevada
- Rhode Island to New York
- Rhode Island to Ohio
- Rhode Island to Oklahoma
- Rhode Island to Oregon
- Rhode Island to Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island to South Carolina
- Rhode Island to South Dakota
- Rhode Island to Tennessee
- Rhode Island to Texas
- Rhode Island to Utah
- Rhode Island to Virginia
- Rhode Island to Vermont
- Rhode Island to Washington
- Rhode Island to Wisconsin
- Rhode Island to West Virginia
- Rhode Island to Wyoming
Understanding Car Shipping Costs in Rhode Island
Here are some sample prices when shipping a car in or out of Rhode Island:
| Shipping Route | Open Trailer | Enclosed Trailer |
|---|---|---|
| From Rhode Island to Ohio | 1219 | 1585 |
| From Rhode Island to Arizona | 2222 | 2889 |
| From Rhode Island to North Carolina | 1139 | 1481 |
| From Rhode Island to Georgia | 1333 | 1733 |
| From Rhode Island to California | 2558 | 3325 |
| From Illinois to Rhode Island | 1323 | 1720 |
| From New York to Rhode Island | 591 | 768 |
| From Michigan to Rhode Island | 1284 | 1669 |
| From Texas to Rhode Island | 2043 | 2656 |
| From Florida to Rhode Island | 1638 | 2129 |
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Nexus Auto Transport
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Sherpa Auto Transport
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Navi Auto Transport
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Factors Affecting Car Shipping Costs
These are factors have the biggest impact on the cost of shipping a car out of Rhode Island:
- Distance and location: Shipping costs increase with longer distances. Remote locations or difficult-to-access areas add to the expense.
- Vehicle type and condition: Shipping costs from Rhode Island can rise for oversized vehicles, classic cars, or any that need special care. Non-running cars may also be more expensive due to the equipment needed to move them.
- Transport type: Open car shipping is less expensive and uses an open trailer, so your car is exposed to Rhode Island's weather and road conditions. Enclosed car shipping costs around 30% more but keeps your car safe inside a covered trailer, making it ideal for high-end or classic cars. Due to the lower cost, roughly 90% of people opt for open transport.
- Seasonality: Weather extremes like cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers in Rhode Island complicate vehicle shipping logistics, potentially increasing costs due to scheduling challenges and demand fluctuations.
- Additional services Extra services like door-to-door delivery and expedited shipping make car shipping more expensive. Door-to-door means the car gets picked up and dropped off at specific locations, which adds to the cost. Faster shipping requires more resources, so that bumps up the price too.
The cost to ship your vehicle from Rhode Island depends on several key details. To find the right match for your needs and budget, use the form below to get quotes from car shipping companies in Rhode Island and compare what each one offers.
What To Know Before You Book
To ensure your experience is a relatively seamless one, there are some key things you should understand about car shipping companies in Rhode Island:
- Final costs may be higher than your initial quote. Some car shipping companies provide fixed rates, so your quoted price remains the same on delivery day. However, not all companies do this. Unforeseen events or last-minute route changes can affect your final bill with other shippers.
- Delivery dates aren't guaranteed. Many car shipping companies provide a guaranteed delivery option and strive to meet that set date. Without paying for this, the delivery timeline they give is only an estimate. Remember that factors such as bad weather and heavy traffic can cause unexpected delays, even with "guaranteed" deliveries, which are beyond the car shipper's control.
- It's important to review insurance coverage. It's important to know what is and isn't covered by a car shipping company's insurance in case your car gets damaged during transport. Compare this with your current auto insurance policy, as it might cover your car while it's being shipped.
- Don't just sign off on your car delivery. Make sure to read your bill of lading when your car is delivered, as you'll need to sign it. This document is more than just a receipt; it details the services you received and confirms your car's condition upon arrival. Before signing, ensure all services are listed and any damage to the vehicle is noted. If not, you might face difficulties if you need to file a damage claim later.
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Nexus Auto Transport
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Sherpa Auto Transport
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Navi Auto Transport
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How We Chose the Best Rhode Island Auto Transport Companies
We rank the top car shippers in Rhode Island by analyzing five important factors: licensing status, customer feedback, range of services, pricing transparency, and online reputation.
- Licensing ensures companies meet Rhode Island and federal regulations, offering peace of mind.
- Customer satisfaction is gauged through reviews and feedback, highlighting reliability and service quality.
- The variety of services offered caters to different shipping needs, from classic cars to heavy equipment.
- Factoring in pricing ensures the company offers competitive and transparent pricing tailored to the unique demands of shipping a car through Rhode Island.
- Lastly, a strong online reputation, through platforms like BBB and social media, reflects a company's commitment to excellence and transparency.
Car Shipping Company Reviews
Learn more about the car shipping companies we have reviewed below:
FAQ
How do I confirm that a car shipping company in Rhode Island is trustworthy?
Every legit auto transporter is registered with the FMCSA. Search their USDOT or MC number in the SAFER database to check for proper licensing, insurance coverage, and service history.
How do carriers keep you updated during a shipment in Rhode Island?
Tracking varies by company. Some provide a live tracking link, but many rely on scheduled phone or text updates. You should always get alerts before pickup and prior to delivery.
What happens when your car is picked up in Rhode Island?
The carrier checks the condition of your car, notes details on the bill of lading, and loads it securely. If your street is difficult for large trucks, pickup might happen in a nearby parking area.
Does timing affect car shipping prices in Rhode Island?
Absolutely. Prices rise during high-demand months like June through September. Late winter tends to be the most affordable.
How does insurance work for car shipping in Rhode Island?
Carriers carry required cargo insurance that protects your vehicle during loading, transit, and unloading. Review the policy details so you know what’s included.
Are personal items permitted in your vehicle during transport in Rhode Island?
There are currently no companies in Rhode Island that allow shipping personal items inside your car while it’s in transit.
