Florida to Rhode Island

Certified by
Tim DeMille
Auto Transport Expert
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FLORIDA TO RHODE ISLAND
Shipping from Florida to Rhode Island
Planning to move your vehicle from the Sunshine State to the Ocean State? Florida to Rhode Island car shipping doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Whether you’re relocating for work, buying a car online, or snowbirding between states, choosing the right auto transport company makes all the difference. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about car shipping costs, timelines, and tips for a smooth experience.
Average Distance, Time and Cost

FL
Florida

RI
Rhode Island
Popular Routes from Florida to Rhode Island

Key Takeaways From This Article
Auto Transport from Florida to Rhode Island
Florida to Rhode Island car shipping costs $800-$1,675 and takes 1-5 days to complete the 1,366-mile journey, with pricing determined by vehicle size, transport type, and seasonal demand.
Our Florida & Rhode Island Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport stands out with transparent pricing backed by our Price Lock Promise, 4.9-star rating from 8,000+ reviews, and careful carrier vetting to ensure quality service.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor for Florida to Rhode Island shipping, but seasonal timing, vehicle type, and choosing open versus enclosed transport also significantly impact your final price.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book during off-peak months and offer flexible pickup/delivery windows to save the most money on your Florida to Rhode Island car shipping.
How Car Shipping Works
Vehicle preparation is the most critical step – clean your car, remove personal items, ensure it has a quarter tank of gas, and take photos before the carrier arrives.
State Insights
Rhode Island requires annual safety inspections and higher insurance minimums than Florida, so prepare for these regulatory differences when your vehicle arrives.
What Sherpa’s Customers are Saying
The Sherpa Difference
TRANSPARENCY
Our Price Lock Promise ensures you know exactly what you’ll pay, with no hidden fees or last-minute surprises.
NATIONWIDE COVERAGE
Whether you’re shipping your vehicle across the state or across the country, our extensive network of carriers ships to all 50 states all year round.
CUSTOMER FIRST APPROACH
Sherpa has a 4.87 average customer rating with over 7,000 five-star reviews. We were recognized by Auto Business Outlook as the Top Automotive Shipping Provider in 2023 for our commitment to customer service.
CARRIER QUALITY
We carefully evaluate transportation records, accident history, and customer feedback to vet every one of our carriers. If a carrier does not meet our high standards, we do not use them.
EXPERT HANDLING
From classic cars, everyday vehicles, motorcycles and more, we have the expertise to manage all types of auto transport needs with care and precision.
Popular Routes from Florida to Rhode Island
Factors that Affect Florida to Rhode Island Shipping Prices
Distance
The 1,200+ mile journey from Florida to Rhode Island significantly impacts shipping costs. Longer distances require more fuel, driver time, and carrier resources, making this cross-country route more expensive than shorter hauls.
Route
Florida to Rhode Island follows major interstates like I-95, keeping costs reasonable. However, final delivery to Rhode Island’s smaller coastal towns may increase prices compared to major highway stops along the route.
Season
Winter months see increased demand as snowbirds return north from Florida, driving up prices. Summer and fall typically offer better rates for Florida-to-Rhode Island shipping with lower seasonal demand.
Vehicle Type
Compact cars cost less to ship than SUVs or trucks on the Florida-Rhode Island route. Larger vehicles require more trailer space, add weight for fuel costs, and limit carrier options.
Traffic Considerations
Avoid shipping during peak travel times like Thanksgiving week when I-95 experiences heavy congestion. Schedule around holidays and summer vacation periods to reduce delays and potential surcharges.
Carrier Availability
Peak winter season may require 2-3 weeks to secure carriers for Florida-Rhode Island routes. Off-season shipping typically offers quicker carrier availability within 3-7 days for this popular snowbird corridor.
Open vs Enclosed
Open trailers cost significantly less for Florida-Rhode Island shipping and work well for standard vehicles. Choose enclosed transport for luxury cars needing protection from weather during the long journey.
Population Density
Rhode Island’s dense urban areas like Providence may increase delivery costs. Consider pickup at highway-accessible locations rather than narrow coastal roads to reduce final delivery charges and complications.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Ship your car during off-peak months to save money. Avoid busy snowbird season when rates spike. Even shifting your timeline by a few weeks can reduce costs significantly.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Choose flexible pickup and delivery windows to lower shipping costs. Offering carriers a five-day window for both pickup and delivery gives them scheduling freedom, resulting in better rates.
Hub City Advantages
Select pickup and delivery locations near major highways in Florida and Rhode Island. Highway-accessible cities offer more carrier options and competitive pricing compared to remote rural locations.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost less than enclosed options for standard vehicles. Reserve enclosed trailers for luxury or classic cars needing extra protection. Most everyday cars ship safely on open trailers.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Florida to Rhode Island Work?

Car shipping from Florida to Rhode Island covers approximately 1,366 miles and typically takes 1-5 days to complete. This popular auto transport route connects the Southeast to New England, with pricing ranging from $800-$1,675 depending on your vehicle type and service options. Florida to Rhode Island car shipping follows major interstate highways, making it a well-established corridor for professional carriers.
The car shipping process begins when you request a quote and book your transport service. Our team will coordinate pickup from your Florida location, whether it’s Miami, Tampa, Orlando, or Jacksonville. Your vehicle gets loaded onto a specialized car carrier truck designed for safe auto transport. Most shipments use open carriers, though enclosed transport is available for luxury or classic vehicles.
Weather considerations are important for this route, especially during winter months when Rhode Island may experience snow and ice conditions. Summer hurricane season in Florida can also affect scheduling. Professional carriers monitor weather patterns and adjust routes accordingly to ensure safe delivery. The journey typically follows I-95 North through Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and up the Eastern seaboard.
Your Florida to Rhode Island car shipping experience includes real-time tracking updates and direct communication with your assigned carrier. Upon arrival in Rhode Island, you’ll inspect your vehicle with the driver and sign the delivery receipt. The entire auto transport process is designed for convenience, allowing you to avoid the 20+ hour drive while ensuring your vehicle arrives safely at destinations like Providence, Newport, or Warwick.
Florida to Rhode Island Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations

When planning Florida to Rhode Island car shipping, understanding the registration differences between states is crucial. Florida requires vehicle registration within 30 days of establishing residency, while Rhode Island gives new residents 30 days as well. However, Rhode Island requires a VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles, which Florida doesn’t mandate. This inspection ensures your vehicle meets Rhode Island’s safety standards before registration approval.
Vehicle regulations vary significantly between these states. Rhode Island requires annual safety inspections for all vehicles, unlike Florida’s more relaxed approach. Window tinting laws differ too – Florida allows 28% light transmission on front side windows, while Rhode Island requires 70%. Emission testing isn’t required in either state currently, making this transition easier for car shipping customers.
Auto transport from Florida to Rhode Island requires serious weather preparation considerations. Rhode Island’s harsh winters demand winter tire installation, battery checks, and antifreeze updates. Your Florida vehicle likely lacks cold-weather features like engine block heaters or all-wheel drive systems common in northern climates. Consider scheduling maintenance before your car shipping service delivers your vehicle, ensuring it’s ready for New England winters.
Insurance requirements present notable differences impacting your move. Rhode Island mandates higher minimum liability coverage than Florida – $25,000 per person versus Florida’s $10,000 requirement. Rhode Island also requires uninsured motorist coverage, which Florida doesn’t mandate. Contact your insurance provider before your Florida to Rhode Island car shipping service arrives to adjust coverage levels. Some insurers offer discounts for safety features more common in northern vehicles, potentially offsetting higher coverage costs while ensuring compliance with Rhode Island’s stricter insurance laws.
Florida to Rhode Island Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from Florida to Rhode Island is simple but important. Here’s what you need to do:
Clean and inspect your car: Wash your vehicle inside and out. Take photos of any existing damage for your records.
Remove personal items: Take out all belongings, including toll passes, GPS devices, and loose items. Carriers are not responsible for personal property.
Check fluids and battery: Ensure your car has enough gas (about 1/4 tank) and that the battery works. Fix any fluid leaks before pickup.
Secure or remove accessories: Remove or tighten loose parts like spoilers, antennas, or bike racks that could get damaged during transport.
Have keys ready: Make sure you have working keys to give the driver at pickup.
For complete details, check our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps helps ensure your car arrives safely in Rhode Island.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Florida to Rhode Island. All Sherpa Auto Transport carriers must carry minimum $1,000,000 liability insurance and $100,000 cargo insurance to protect your vehicle.
Before your Florida to Rhode Island shipment begins, we verify that your carrier’s insurance is active and valid. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their policy for extra protection.
What this means for you: If damage occurs during transport, the carrier’s insurance covers repairs or replacement costs. You’ll receive insurance documentation before pickup, so you have proof of coverage throughout your cross-country shipment.
Our insurance requirements exceed industry standards, giving you peace of mind as your vehicle travels the 1,200+ miles from Florida to Rhode Island.
For car shipping from Florida to Rhode Island, we recommend booking at least 2-3 weeks in advance. However, the earlier you schedule, the better your chances of securing preferred dates and competitive pricing.
Here’s why advance booking matters:
- Better carrier availability: Popular routes like Florida to Rhode Island fill up quickly
- Lower costs: Last-minute bookings often cost 20-30% more
- Flexible scheduling: More time allows carriers to group your car with others heading the same direction
If you’re moving during peak seasons (summer months or winter snowbird season), consider booking 3-4 weeks ahead. Florida is a high-demand state for car shipping, so early planning ensures smoother transport.
Need to ship on short notice? We can often accommodate rush orders within 3-7 days, though premium rates may apply.
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.
Open auto transport uses open trailers where your car is exposed to weather and road debris. This is the most common and affordable option, costing about 50% less than enclosed transport. Your vehicle will be secure but not fully protected from the elements during the Florida to Rhode Island journey.
Enclosed auto transport ships your car inside a covered trailer, providing complete protection from weather, road debris, and dust. This premium service costs more but is ideal for luxury cars, classic vehicles, or cars with custom paint jobs that need extra care on the 1,200+ mile trip.
For most standard vehicles shipping from Florida to Rhode Island, open transport works perfectly fine. Choose enclosed transport if your car is worth over $50,000 or has sentimental value you can’t replace. See our open vs enclosed auto transport guide for more details.
Yes, Sherpa Auto Transport offers convenient door-to-door auto transport service from Florida to Rhode Island. This means we’ll pick up your vehicle at your home, office, or preferred location in Florida and deliver it directly to your new address in Rhode Island.
When you book your shipment, simply provide us with your pickup and delivery addresses. Our assigned carrier will coordinate with you to schedule both pickup and delivery at times that work for your schedule. This service eliminates the need for you to drive to a terminal or depot, saving you time and hassle during your move.
In some cases, large trucks may not be able to access certain residential streets due to low-hanging branches, narrow roads, or parking restrictions. If this happens, our carrier will work with you to find a safe, nearby meeting spot like a shopping center or gas station – typically within a few blocks of your address.
Door-to-door service is included in our standard Florida to Rhode Island auto transport quotes, making it both convenient and cost-effective for your cross-country move.
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!