Car Shipping FAQs for Rhode Island

Car shipping is routine when you use a licensed, insured company. Check the company's USDOT or MC number, confirm its insurance, and record your car's condition at pickup.

Look up the company's USDOT or MC number, compare several quotes, read recent reviews, and avoid companies that ask for a large deposit before a carrier is assigned.

Open transport suits most cars and is the cheapest option. Enclosed transport is worth considering for luxury, classic or exotic cars, or when the car will travel through harsh weather.

Published figures put open transport from Rhode Island at about $240 – $660 to Massachusetts and $1,010 – $5,785 to California. Enclosed transport runs 30–60% higher in the same studies. Distance, vehicle size, season and pickup location change the price.

Published figures for longer Rhode Island routes run about $0.33–$1.89 per mile for open transport and $0.43–$3.02 per mile for enclosed. Short trips cost more per mile than long ones.

Published figures put an in-state move of about 100 miles, such as Providence to Cranston, at $240 – $660 on an open carrier.

After pickup, Massachusetts usually takes 1–2 days, Illinois 3–5 days, and California 7–13 days.

Pickup timing depends on demand and truck space on your route. Busy corridors on I-95 and I-195 usually have more trucks, and flexible dates help a carrier fit your car in sooner.

Storms and mountain passes can delay a truck that is already on the road, so a wider pickup window matters more here than a slightly lower quote. Flexible pickup dates help most on busy routes.

Door-to-door service means the truck gets as close to your address as it safely can. On narrow or crowded streets, you may meet the driver at a nearby parking lot or wide road.

You or someone you choose should be there to hand over the keys and sign the inspection report at pickup, and to inspect the car and sign again at delivery.

Wash the car, photograph it from every side, remove valuables and toll tags, keep the fuel level low, and note any existing damage before the driver arrives.

Some carriers allow a small amount in the trunk, but belongings usually aren't covered by the carrier's insurance and extra weight can raise the price. Check the company's policy first.

Yes. Tell the company the car doesn't run so it can send a truck with a winch. Expect to pay more than for a running car.

Licensed carriers carry insurance, but coverage limits and deductibles vary. Ask for the carrier's certificate of insurance and make sure it covers your car's value.

Note the damage on the inspection report before you sign at delivery, take clear photos, and contact the company right away to start a claim.

Vehicles registered in another state generally need to be registered in Rhode Island after you move. Deadlines, inspections and emissions rules vary, so check Rhode Island's motor vehicle agency before your car arrives.

Snow and ice can slow pickups and close some routes in Rhode Island between December and March. Allow a few extra days, and consider enclosed transport for valuable cars.