Rhode Island Car Shipping: 2026 Costs & Routes

Our team has been in the car shipping industry for a long time. We worked for some of the largest brokers and knew there was a better way to do things.

So we set out to create a company that would be different. We want to walk you through how the process works and we guarantee to match any price you hear from a competitor.

We're a scrappy team that looks forward to earning your business.

Preparing your vehicle for transit in Rhode Island is straightforward. Start by removing your E-ZPass toll transponder if you have one—this protects it from damage and prevents accidental tolls during transport. Check your vehicle for any fragile items or personal belongings and remove them, as carriers aren't responsible for loose items inside the car.

Since Rhode Island winters bring salt and road treatment residue that can corrode your vehicle, wash your car before shipping to remove salt buildup. Also remove any snow chains, ice scrapers, or roof racks that could be damaged or damaged other vehicles during transit.

Make sure you have a working key available to provide to the carrier so they can move your vehicle if needed. Check that your battery is in good condition and your tires are properly inflated—this helps prevent flat spots during transport.

Finally, remove or secure any exterior accessories like antennas, spoilers, or custom trim pieces that could get damaged. If your vehicle has any existing damage, take photos before shipping so you have documentation for comparison when it arrives.

For more detailed preparation tips, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips guide.

Yes, your vehicle is insured when you ship with us. All of our carriers must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Before your shipment begins, we verify that each carrier's insurance is valid and active for the entire duration of your transport.

This insurance protects your vehicle during transit. We take this seriously because your car matters to you, and we've been helping people ship vehicles safely since 2017.

We recommend scheduling your pickup at least two to three weeks in advance for Rhode Island shipments. The sooner you book, the better your chances of finding available carriers and getting competitive rates.

Rhode Island has some unique seasonal factors that affect carrier availability:

Winter Weather (November-March)
Rhode Island winters bring ice, snow, and unpredictable road conditions. If you're shipping during these months, book even earlier—aim for three to four weeks ahead. Winter weather can cause delays, and carriers are more cautious about scheduling during this time.

Spring and Fall (April-May, September-October)
These are the most predictable seasons for car shipping in Rhode Island. Standard two-week advance scheduling works well, and you'll likely find good carrier availability.

Summer (June-August)
Summer is peak moving season nationwide. College students move in and out, families relocate for summer jobs, and vacation traffic increases. If you're shipping during summer months, book three weeks or more in advance to secure a carrier.

Holiday Periods (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's)
Carrier availability drops significantly during holidays. If you need pickup around these times, schedule at least four weeks ahead.

The key is posting your shipment as soon as possible so carriers can bundle your vehicle with others heading the same direction. This helps us get you better rates and more reliable service. Rhode Island's small size and location on the Northeast corridor actually work in your favor—it's a popular shipping route, so carriers run regularly through the state.

We accept all forms of payment. We can arrange credit cards or arrange for you to pay the carrier directly through cash/certified check. We even accept payment via Cash/Zelle/Venmo.

Your shipment with SAKAEM includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If your shipment includes ocean transit (Hawaii shipments), your vehicle must be emptied of all items. SAKAEM and your assigned carrier are not responsible for personal items left inside your vehicle. See our guide on shipping a car with personal items for more details.

A designated (adult) must be present at pickup and delivery. This designated person plays an important role in the shipping process including documenting the state of the vehicle and signing the Bill of Lading, which acts as a receipt of the vehicle's condition. Learn more about designating someone else to pick up your car.

When shipping your car in Rhode Island, you'll choose between two main transport types: open and enclosed auto transport.

Open transport is the more affordable option. Your vehicle travels on an open trailer, exposed to the elements and road conditions. It's a reliable choice for most cars and works well if you're looking to save money.

Enclosed transport costs more—typically 50% or more than open transport. Your car travels in a fully covered trailer, protected from weather, debris, and road hazards. This option is ideal if you have a high-value vehicle, classic car, luxury model, or a custom paint job that deserves extra protection.

The choice comes down to your vehicle's value and your budget. If your car is worth the extra investment in protection, enclosed transport makes sense. If you're shipping a reliable daily driver, open transport gets the job done at a lower cost.

At Sakaem Logistics, we've been helping Rhode Island residents find the right shipping solution since 2017. We're transparent about pricing and options so you can make the best choice for your vehicle.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service throughout Rhode Island. This is the most convenient option for shipping your vehicle.

When you book with us, we'll ask for your preferred pickup and delivery addresses. Our carriers will pick up and deliver your car directly to those locations whenever possible.

If there are any transportation restrictions or safety issues—like narrow roads or low clearances—our carrier will work with you to find an alternative nearby location, such as a gas station or parking lot. We'll always keep you informed and find a solution that works.

Since 2012, we've been committed to making car shipping simple and transparent. We cut out the middlemen so you get better value, and our highly rated reviews show we deliver on that promise.

We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, electric vehicles, vans and motorcycles across all 48 continental states + Hawaii. Our services even provide shipment for golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship vehicles that don't run so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. The only exception is boats, which we do not transport.

Visit SAKAEM Logistics' FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!