Car Shipping in Rhode Island: 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.

Before your car leaves Rhode Island, follow these simple steps to ensure a smooth, damage‑free move:

• Clean the vehicle. Wash the exterior and remove loose dirt so any pre‑existing scratches are easy to spot.
• Document its condition. Take photos of all angles and note any dents or chips.
• Remove personal items. Take out all valuables, loose accessories, toll tags, and any aftermarket parts that could shift.
• Check fluids and battery. Ensure oil, coolant and windshield‑washer fluid are at proper levels; a weak battery can cause loading issues.
• Leave about a quarter tank of fuel. This lightens weight but still allows the carrier to move the car safely.
• Disable alarms and anti‑theft devices. Provide the carrier with a spare key or remote.
• Secure windows and sunroofs. Close them fully and lock the doors.
• Gather paperwork. Have the title, registration, and any required permits ready for the driver.

For more detailed guidance, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips page.

Yes. Every carrier we partner with carries at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Before we lock in a booking, we verify that the carrier’s policy is active and covers the entire transit period. This insurance protects you against loss or damage to your vehicle while it is in the carrier’s care—from the moment it is picked up in Rhode Island until it is delivered at the destination. If you want extra peace of mind, optional supplemental coverage is available at checkout.

We recommend booking your pickup at least two weeks (14‑21 days) before you need it. The earlier you post your shipment, the more chances we have to bundle your car with other Rhode Island loads, which keeps rates low and secures a carrier slot. Waiting until the last minute can limit carrier availability and raise costs, so try to schedule as soon as your moving date is firm.

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 Auto Transport Process Article 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.

Open transport uses a standard flatbed trailer with the vehicle exposed to the elements. It is the most common choice and typically costs 30‑40% less than an enclosed carrier. Open trucks are ideal for everyday cars, trucks, and SUVs that can tolerate rain, sun, dust, or road debris during the trip across Rhode Island and beyond.

Enclosed transport places the vehicle inside a fully covered trailer. This adds roughly 50% to the price, but it shields the car from weather, road grime, and salty coastal air that can accelerate rust on a Rhode Island coastline. Enclosed service is best for classic cars, luxury models, custom paint, convertibles, or any high‑value vehicle where extra protection is worth the extra cost.

Both options follow the same pickup and delivery process; the main trade‑off is cost versus protection. Choose open transport for budget‑friendly shipping of a standard vehicle, or choose enclosed transport for peace of mind and added safety for a prized automobile.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport in Rhode Island. When you book, we ask for the exact pickup and delivery addresses. Our carrier will travel to those locations and load your vehicle, then deliver it to the destination address you provided. If a street is too narrow, a gate is locked, or local regulations prevent a direct drop‑off, we will arrange a nearby safe spot such as a well‑lit parking lot or a gas station and keep you informed.

Because we are a scrappy, independent broker founded in 2012, we focus on value and flexibility. Our network of vetted carriers lets us match the right truck to your route, often at a lower price than the big brokers. We keep you in the loop with real‑time updates, so you know when the driver arrives and when your car is on its way.

We do not guarantee a specific arrival time, but we commit to delivering your vehicle as close to the address you gave as possible, within the transit window agreed upon at booking.

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!