Rhode Island Car Shipping

Preparing your vehicle for auto transport is simple. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth pickup and delivery in Rhode Island:

• Remove personal belongings: Clear out any personal items from the interior. Carriers are not responsible for items left inside, and added weight can cause issues.
• Document existing damage: Take clear photos of your vehicle from all angles before pickup. This gives you a solid record in case any disputes arise.
• Keep the gas tank about ¼ full: Enough fuel is needed to load and unload the car, but a full tank adds unnecessary weight.
• Disable alarms: Turn off any aftermarket car alarms to prevent them from triggering during transport.
• Ensure the car is drivable: The vehicle needs to start, run, and move on its own so it can be loaded and unloaded from the carrier.
• Check for leaks and mechanical issues: Address any fluid leaks beforehand. Carriers may refuse a vehicle that poses a hazard to others on the transport.
• Retract or secure loose parts: Fold in mirrors, remove spoilers if possible, and secure any loose parts or accessories.

For more helpful advice, check out our vehicle shipping tips. And if you’re ready to move your car to or from Rhode Island, get a free quote from Sherpa Auto Transport today.

Yes — your vehicle is insured during transport. Every carrier in Sherpa Auto Transport’s network is required to carry cargo insurance as a condition of working with us. This means your car is protected from the moment it’s loaded onto the truck until it’s delivered to you in Rhode Island.

Here’s how the coverage works:

• Carrier cargo insurance: All carriers in our network must maintain active cargo insurance. Before your vehicle ever moves, we verify that coverage is in place.
• Sherpa’s additional protection: For extra peace of mind, Sherpa also provides a supplemental layer of coverage on top of the carrier’s policy.

Before your vehicle is picked up, we strongly recommend doing a thorough walk-around inspection with the driver. Note any pre-existing scratches, dents, or damage on the Bill of Lading — this is your official record and is essential if you ever need to file a claim.

Want to learn more about preparing your car for transport? Check out our Vehicle Shipping Tips or browse our FAQs for more details. When you’re ready, get a free quote and ship your vehicle to or from Rhode Island with confidence.

For most Rhode Island shipments, we recommend booking your auto transport at least 1–2 weeks in advance. This gives carriers enough time to plan their routes and ensures you get the best available options.

That said, timing can vary based on a few key factors:

• Peak seasons: Summer months and snowbird season (fall/spring) are the busiest times for car shipping. During these periods, book 2–4 weeks ahead to lock in your preferred pickup window.
• Last-minute shipments: Need to ship quickly? Rush transport is possible, but it often comes at a higher cost and with fewer carrier options.
• Rhode Island’s location: As a small state in the busy Northeast corridor, Rhode Island sees steady carrier traffic — which can work in your favor for shorter lead times on popular routes.

The earlier you book, the more flexibility you have on price and scheduling. Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise also means the quote you get is the price you pay — no surprises at pickup.

Ready to get started? Get a free quote today and secure your spot before the rush.

No payment is due at the time of booking. We do require a payment method on file so that it is available to charge once a carrier is secured. We accept all major debit and credit cards, including Mastercard, Visa, Discover and American Express. The most convenient option is to pay for your shipment in full by credit card at the time a carrier is secured.

We also allow you to pay for your Initial Payment via credit or debit card and then pay the outstanding balance on delivery day via cash or a certified check made out to the carrier.

Your Sherpa shipment includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If you are shipping to or from a port or your shipment includes ocean transit, your vehicle must be emptied of all items. Sherpa and your assigned carrier cannot be responsible for personal items left inside the vehicle. See our Vehicle Shipping Tips for more details.

Yes. It is important that you, or another adult that you trust, is there for pickup and delivery of your vehicle. 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.

When shipping your car to or from Rhode Island, you’ll choose between two main transport options: open and enclosed auto transport.

Open transport is the most popular and affordable choice. Your vehicle is loaded onto an open-air carrier — the same kind of truck you’ve seen hauling cars on the highway. It’s safe, reliable, and works well for most standard vehicles. Because carriers can haul more cars at once, the cost is lower and availability is higher.

Enclosed transport ships your vehicle inside a covered trailer, shielding it from weather, road debris, and dust. It’s the preferred option for luxury cars, classic vehicles, exotic sports cars, or any vehicle with high sentimental or monetary value. The added protection does come at a higher price — typically 30–40% more than open transport.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Open transport: More affordable, widely available, ideal for everyday vehicles
• Enclosed transport: Extra protection, higher cost, best for high-value or classic cars

Not sure which option is right for your Rhode Island shipment? Check out our in-depth Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping Guide for a full comparison, or get a free quote to see pricing for both options side by side.

Yes! Sherpa Auto Transport offers door-to-door car shipping service throughout Rhode Island. That means we pick up your vehicle directly from your home, office, or any other specified address — and deliver it straight to your destination, no terminal drop-offs required.

Door-to-door service is the most convenient option for most customers. You don’t have to drive your car to a central hub or arrange a separate pickup. We come to you.

Here’s how it works:

• Pickup: You choose the address. Our carrier will coordinate a pickup window with you directly.
• Transport: Your vehicle is loaded and shipped — via open or enclosed carrier, depending on your preference.
• Delivery: Your car is delivered as close to your destination address as safely possible for a large transport truck.

One thing to keep in mind: In dense urban areas or neighborhoods with narrow streets, the driver may need to meet you at a nearby open location (like a parking lot). This is normal and still considered door-to-door service.

Ready to ship your car to or from Rhode Island? Get a free quote today and see why Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise means the price you’re quoted is the price you pay — guaranteed.

Many Auto Transport companies try to tease customers with lower rates, only to surprise you with “hidden costs” later. At Sherpa Auto Transport, we do things differently. We provide one locked-in price upfront and stick to it. If unexpected costs arise, we pay them out of our own pocket.

While we may not always be the cheapest option at first glance, our commitment to transparency and reliability offers exceptional value. As a premium service, we ensure an stress-free experience from start to finish.

We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, vans and motorcycles across the nation, including service to Alaska and Hawaii. At this time, we do not service boats, golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship both operable and inoperable vehicles so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. We can also ship electric vehicles.

Visit Sherpa’s FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!