Florida to Rhode Island Car Shipping

Preparing your car for transport from Florida to Rhode Island is simple. Follow these key steps to ensure a smooth, safe shipment:

• Clean your vehicle — Wash the exterior before pickup. This makes it easier to spot any pre-existing scratches or dents during the inspection.
• Document the condition — Take clear photos of all sides of your car before it’s loaded. This protects you if any damage disputes arise.
• Remove personal items — Clear out any valuables, loose items, and personal belongings. These are not covered by carrier insurance.
• Remove or secure accessories — Take off any exterior add-ons like spoilers, bike racks, or custom mirrors that could be damaged in transit.
• Remove your toll pass — Detach any E-ZPass, SunPass, or other toll transponders to avoid unexpected charges along the route.
• Check your fluids and tire pressure — Make sure there are no leaks and that your tires are properly inflated.
• Keep the fuel tank low — A quarter tank of gas is ideal. A full tank adds unnecessary weight.
• Disable car alarms — An alarm that triggers during transport can cause delays and frustration for the carrier.
• Have a key ready — Provide the carrier with a working key so they can load and unload your vehicle safely.

For a full checklist, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Proper preparation helps ensure your car arrives in Rhode Island in the same condition it left Florida.

Yes, your vehicle is insured when shipping from Florida to Rhode Island with Sherpa Auto Transport. Here is exactly how we protect your car:

• Liability Insurance: Every carrier we work with is required to carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance.
• Cargo Insurance: All carriers must also carry a minimum of $100,000 in cargo insurance, which directly covers your vehicle during transport.
• Insurance Verification: Before your car is ever picked up, we verify that the carrier’s insurance policy is valid and in good standing for the full duration of your Florida to Rhode Island shipment.
• Certificate Holder: All contracted carriers are required to add Sherpa Auto Transport as a Certificate Holder on their insurance policy, giving you an added layer of protection.

We recommend documenting any pre-existing damage on your vehicle’s Bill of Lading at the time of pickup in Florida. This report serves as your official record and makes filing any claim straightforward upon delivery in Rhode Island.

Have more questions about coverage? Our team is here to help. Contact us anytime for a transparent, no-pressure conversation about your shipment.

The sooner you schedule, the better. We recommend booking your Florida pickup at least two weeks in advance. However, if your move date is flexible, posting your shipment three to four weeks ahead gives carriers more time to bundle your vehicle with others heading to Rhode Island — which can mean faster pickup and potentially lower rates.

Keep in mind that peak moving seasons (especially spring and summer) see higher demand for Florida shipments. During these times, booking even further in advance is a smart move to lock in your preferred pickup window.

Not sure where to start? Get a free quote from Sherpa Auto Transport today and we’ll help you find the best pickup schedule for your Florida to Rhode Island shipment.

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 from Florida to Rhode Island, you have two options: open transport and enclosed transport.

Open transport is the most popular and affordable choice. Your vehicle rides on an open-air trailer — the same type used to deliver new cars to dealerships. It’s safe, reliable, and the right choice for most standard vehicles.

Enclosed transport costs roughly 50% more, but it provides maximum protection. Your car is fully shielded from road debris, weather, and the elements inside a covered trailer. This is the best option if you’re shipping a:

• Classic or vintage car
• Luxury or exotic vehicle
• Car with a custom paint job or modifications
• Any high-value vehicle you can’t risk exposing to the road

For most everyday vehicles making the trip from Florida to Rhode Island, open transport is the smarter, more cost-effective choice. But if your car’s value or condition demands extra care, enclosed transport is worth the added cost.

Not sure which is right for you? Check out our in-depth open vs. enclosed auto transport guide to help you decide.

Yes! Sherpa Auto Transport offers door-to-door auto transport service for all shipments from Florida to Rhode Island. This is the most convenient way to ship your vehicle — no need to drop it off at a terminal or travel out of your way.

Here’s how it works: when you book your shipment, simply provide your preferred pickup address in Florida and your delivery address in Rhode Island. Your assigned carrier will come directly to those locations to pick up and drop off your vehicle.

Keep in mind that Rhode Island’s roads can be narrow and its neighborhoods dense, especially in cities like Providence or Newport. If a large carrier truck cannot safely access your exact address, your driver will contact you to arrange a nearby alternative — such as a local parking lot or gas station. This is common and easy to coordinate.

Door-to-door service is included as a standard option with Sherpa Auto Transport, so you can enjoy a stress-free, seamless experience from start to finish.

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!