Providence, RI Car Shipping

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Providence, RI Car Shipping
Planning to move your vehicle to or from Providence, RI? Car shipping doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Whether you’re relocating across the country or buying a car online, finding reliable auto transport in Providence requires the right information. This guide covers everything you need to know about Providence car shipping costs, timelines, and tips to ensure your vehicle arrives safely at its destination.
Popular Routes from Providence, RI

Key Takeaways From This Article
Providence, RI Auto Transport
Car shipping from Providence, RI typically costs $925-$1650 and takes 2-6 days, with routes averaging 1,906 miles to popular destinations like Miami, Los Angeles, and Phoenix.
Our Providence and Rhode Island Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport offers transparent pricing with our Price Lock Promise, 4.9-star ratings from 8,000+ reviews, and comprehensive insurance coverage for all Providence shipments.
Factors that Impact Cost
Distance is the biggest cost factor for Providence car shipping, with longer routes to California costing significantly more than shorter East Coast destinations.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book your Providence car shipping 2-3 weeks in advance and choose flexible pickup windows to secure better rates and avoid peak season price increases.
How Car Shipping Works
Prepare your vehicle by removing personal items, keeping gas between 1/4-1/2 tank, and documenting existing damage with photos before pickup in Providence.
State Insights
Rhode Island requires vehicle registration within 30 days of residency, annual safety inspections, and specific insurance coverage including Personal Injury Protection (PIP).
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 Providence, RI
Route | Distance | Avg Cost | Transit Time | Quote |
---|---|---|---|---|
Providence
to Miami
|
1,472 mi
|
$1050–1275
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
Providence
to Los Angeles
|
2,976 mi
|
$1300–1575
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
Providence
to San Diego
|
2,982 mi
|
$1325–1650
|
4-10 days
|
Get Quote |
Providence
to Sarasota
|
1,394 mi
|
$975–1175
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
Providence
to Phoenix
|
2,638 mi
|
$1275–1625
|
4-9 days
|
Get Quote |
Providence
to The Villages
|
1,261 mi
|
$1000–1125
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
Providence
to Tampa
|
1,317 mi
|
$925–1150
|
1-5 days
|
Get Quote |
Providence
to Naples
|
1,476 mi
|
$1125–1350
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
Providence
to Dallas
|
1,732 mi
|
$1150–1400
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
Providence
to Houston
|
1,812 mi
|
$1175–1300
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
Providence
to Denver
|
1,963 mi
|
$1200–1350
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
Providence
to Rome
|
1,054 mi
|
$950–1075
|
1-4 days
|
Get Quote |
Providence
to Cape Coral
|
1,441 mi
|
$1050–1300
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
Providence
to New York City
|
181 mi
|
$575–650
|
0-2 days
|
Get Quote |
Providence
to Punta Gorda
|
1,413 mi
|
$1125–1250
|
2-6 days
|
Get Quote |
Factors that Affect Providence, RI Shipping Prices
Distance
Distance is the biggest factor in car shipping costs. Shipping from Providence to nearby Boston will cost much less than shipping to Los Angeles or Miami. Every extra mile adds to fuel costs and driver time, which gets passed on to you.
Route
Providence sits on major highways like I-95 and I-84, which keeps shipping costs lower. Routes along these busy corridors have more carriers and competition. If you’re shipping to a small town off the beaten path, expect to pay more since fewer carriers service those areas.
Season
Summer and fall are peak moving seasons, making car shipping more expensive. Winter can be cheaper but weather delays are common. Spring offers the best balance of reasonable prices and reliable service for Providence shipments.
Vehicle Type
Compact cars and sedans cost the least to ship from Providence. SUVs, trucks, and large vehicles cost 10-15% more due to extra weight and space requirements. Some carriers can’t handle oversized vehicles, limiting your options and increasing prices.
Traffic Patterns
Avoid shipping during busy travel times like Thanksgiving week or summer holiday weekends. Providence’s location near major Northeast cities means heavy traffic can delay pickups and deliveries, sometimes adding extra fees.
Carrier Availability
Providence’s location on the busy I-95 corridor means good carrier availability year-round. During peak season, book 2-3 weeks ahead. Off-season bookings can often be arranged within a few days, sometimes with better pricing.
Open vs Enclosed
Open trailers cost 20-30% less and work fine for most vehicles shipping to or from Providence. Choose enclosed transport for luxury cars, classics, or if shipping during harsh weather months. Most Providence shipments use open carriers without issues.
Population Density
Providence’s urban areas can add pickup and delivery fees due to narrow streets and parking challenges. Consider meeting your carrier at a nearby suburb or shopping center to save $50-100 on your shipping cost.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Ship your car during off-peak months to save money on Providence routes. Avoid busy snowbird season and summer moving periods when demand peaks and prices rise significantly.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Choose flexible pickup and delivery windows in Providence to reduce costs. Offering carriers a five-day window for both pickup and delivery typically results in lower shipping quotes.
Hub City Advantages
Select pickup locations near Providence’s major highways like I-95 and I-195 for better rates. Highway-accessible locations offer more carrier options and competitive pricing than remote areas.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost less than enclosed options for Providence car shipping. Standard vehicles ship safely on open trailers, while luxury cars may benefit from enclosed trailer protection.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Providence, RI Work?

Car shipping from Providence, RI follows a simple process that typically takes 2-6 days to complete. First, you’ll get a quote and book your auto transport service. Our team will then assign a carrier and provide pickup details. The driver will inspect your vehicle, load it onto the transport truck, and begin the journey. Most routes from Providence, RI cover an average distance of 1,906 miles, with costs ranging from $925-$1650 depending on your destination and service type.
Providence, RI offers unique advantages for car shipping due to its location in the Northeast corridor. The city’s proximity to major highways like I-95 and I-84 makes pickup and delivery efficient. When shipping from Providence, RI, prepare your vehicle by removing personal items, checking fluid levels, and documenting any existing damage. Our carriers can navigate Providence’s urban areas easily, but narrow streets in some neighborhoods may require meeting at accessible locations. Whether you’re moving across the country or just need auto transport within New England, Providence, RI serves as an excellent starting point for reliable car shipping services.
Providence, RI Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations

When planning car shipping to Providence, RI, understanding Rhode Island’s unique vehicle requirements is essential. New residents must register their vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency and obtain a Rhode Island driver’s license [RI DMV]. The state requires annual safety inspections but does not mandate emissions testing, making auto transport easier for older vehicles.
Rhode Island has specific vehicle modification laws that auto transport customers should know. Window tinting must allow at least 70% light transmission on front side windows, while rear windows can be darker [RI General Laws]. Vehicle lift restrictions limit frame height modifications, so modified trucks may face registration challenges after car shipping.
Providence’s harsh winters make vehicle preparation crucial for new residents. Consider installing winter tires and ensuring your heating system works properly before or after auto transport. The state’s coastal location means salt air can accelerate rust, so regular undercarriage cleaning is recommended [RIDOT].
Rhode Island follows no-fault insurance laws, requiring Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage in addition to standard liability insurance [RI Insurance Division]. Minimum coverage amounts are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. These requirements may differ from your previous state, so update your policy when shipping your car to Providence, RI.
Nearby Cities for Car Shipping
Looking for car shipping in neighboring cities? We also provide auto transport services in:
Areas of Providence, Rhode Island that we Serve
Providence Auto Transport Service Areas & Zip Codes
Downtown Providence: 02903, 02904, 02905, 02906, 02907, 02908, 02909
Federal Hill: 02903, 02909
The Hill: 02904, 02908
Elmwood: 02907, 02905
South Providence: 02905, 02907
Mount Pleasant: 02908, 02909
Silver Lake: 02904, 02909
Olneyville: 02909
West End: 02903, 02904
Fox Point: 02903, 02906
We serves the entire Providence region and all 50 states. We’d be honored to ship your vehicle.
College & University Car Shipping in Providence, RI
Providence’s college scene presents unique parking challenges that students should consider when planning car shipping to the area. Brown University requires parking permits for on-campus lots, with limited availability and waitlists common [Brown University Parking Services]. Students often rely on street parking with residential permits. Johnson & Wales University offers more accessible campus parking but charges semester fees [JWU Transportation]. Rhode Island College provides the most affordable parking options with daily and semester passes available [RIC Parking].
Winter preparations are crucial – Providence, RI receives significant snowfall, making snow tires advisable from December through March [National Weather Service]. Most dorms don’t include parking, so students should secure permits early. Many choose Providence car shipping services in late August to avoid move-in traffic. Consider storing vehicles off-campus during winter break, as some lots restrict extended parking during snow removal operations.
Providence, RI Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for transport from Providence, RI is simple but important. Start by removing all personal items from inside your car, including toll passes like E-ZPass, garage door openers, and any fragile or valuable items. Carriers are not responsible for personal belongings left in vehicles.
Next, remove or secure any exterior accessories such as bike racks, spoilers, or antennas that could be damaged during transit. Make sure your gas tank is between 1/4 and 1/2 full – this provides enough fuel for loading and unloading while keeping the vehicle lighter.
Document your car’s condition by taking photos from all angles, noting any existing scratches or dents. Ensure you have a working key available for the driver, and disable any car alarms to prevent issues during transport.
For complete preparation guidelines, visit our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps will help ensure a smooth pickup from Providence and safe delivery to your destination.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured when shipping from Providence, RI. All Sherpa Auto Transport carriers must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before your Providence pickup, 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. This gives you extra protection during transport.
Our quotes include all insurance coverage – no hidden fees. You can ship your car from Providence with confidence knowing it’s protected from pickup to delivery.
For car shipping from Providence, RI, we recommend booking at least 2-3 weeks in advance. However, booking earlier gives you better options and pricing.
Here’s why advance booking matters:
- Better carrier availability: Popular routes from Providence fill up quickly
- Lower costs: Last-minute bookings often cost 20-30% more
- Flexible scheduling: More time means better pickup and delivery windows
If you need rush service, we can often arrange pickup within 3-5 days, but expect higher rates. During peak seasons (summer and fall), book even earlier if possible.
Pro tip: Providence’s location near major highways makes it easier to find carriers, but advance booking still ensures the best service and price for your car 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.
Open transport uses uncovered trailers and costs less. Your car ships with 8-10 other vehicles on a two-level carrier. This works great for most cars and trucks.
Enclosed transport uses covered trailers that protect your vehicle from weather and road debris. It costs 40-60% more than open transport but gives you peace of mind.
Choose enclosed transport if you have:
- A classic or luxury car
- A vehicle worth over $50,000
- Custom paint or modifications
- A low-clearance sports car
Most Providence residents choose open transport because it’s reliable and affordable. Over 90% of vehicles ship this way safely. See our complete open vs enclosed guide to help you decide what’s best for your move from Providence.
Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service to and from Providence, RI. This means we’ll pick up your car from your home, office, or any address you choose and deliver it directly to your destination.
When you book with us, simply provide your pickup and delivery addresses in Providence or wherever you’re shipping to. Our carrier will come right to your location – no need to drive to a terminal or depot.
However, some Providence neighborhoods have narrow streets, low bridges, or parking restrictions that make it hard for large car carriers to access. If this happens, don’t worry! Our driver will work with you to find a safe, nearby spot like a shopping center or gas station – usually just a few blocks away.
This door-to-door service saves you time and hassle, making your Providence car shipping experience as smooth as possible.
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!