Alabama to Rhode Island Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,230 miles from Alabama to Rhode Island typically falls between $940 and $1,383. The process usually takes two–eight days, depending on variables like the type of transport and seasonal demand. For a personalized estimate, visit our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Rhode Island to Alabama car shipping guide.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
The best Alabama to Rhode Island car shipping companies
Through more than 400 hours of analysis of car shippers, we found that these are the top car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Alabama to Rhode Island:
- Best for real-time tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for budget-conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for exact pickup dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best insurance coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Alabama
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Alabama that can relocate your vehicle to Rhode Island:
- US AutoLogistics: 3.52 out of 5 stars
- Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Vehicle Transport Services: 3.5 out of 5 stars
US AutoLogistics
3101 Messer Airport Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35203 US
usal.com
3.52 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 357779
Global Auto Transportation
1101 5th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203 US
globalautotransportation.com/birmingham-auto-transport
3.5 / 5.0
The company generally provides responsive service with competitive pricing and timely vehicle deliveries, though some customers experienced issues with customer service and communication during the process.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2243114
Vehicle Transport Services
2700 Corporate Dr Suite 200, Birmingham, AL 35242 US
vehicletransportservices.co/birmingham-alabama-companies
3.5 / 5.0
Vehicle Transport Services Birmingham has garnered positive feedback for their excellent shipping service and overall customer satisfaction. However, there are notable concerns about their customer support being unhelpful and lacking adequate time to address customer inquiries regarding future shipments.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Motorcycles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2249744
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
Alternative ways to ship your car from Alabama to Rhode Island
Ship it with your movers
If you’re relocating from Alabama to Rhode Island, consider choosing a moving company that also offers car shipping. Many long-distance movers partner with trusted auto transport providers to coordinate the process.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 1,230 miles on your car to travel between Alabama and Rhode Island. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from Alabama to Rhode Island. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
Ship by train
This service provides a secure and budget-friendly option for transporting your car. Car shipping by train is actually the most economical choice.
Alabama to Rhode Island auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Alabama and Rhode Island. The typical distance is about 1,230 miles, with shipping times generally falling between two and eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Huntsville, AL to Rhode Island
| From Alabama to Rhode Island | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntsville, AL to Providence, RI | $811 – $1,337 | 1,104 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Huntsville, AL to Warwick, RI | $792 – $1,229 | 1,097 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Huntsville, AL to Cranston, RI | $800 – $1,267 | 1,094 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Huntsville, AL to Pawtucket, RI | $896 – $1,337 | 1,109 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Huntsville, AL to East Providence, RI | $776 – $1,279 | 1,097 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Montgomery, AL to Rhode Island
| From Alabama to Rhode Island | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montgomery, AL to Providence, RI | $922 – $1,411 | 1,205 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Montgomery, AL to Warwick, RI | $845 – $1,377 | 1,196 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Montgomery, AL to Cranston, RI | $922 – $1,439 | 1,200 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Montgomery, AL to Pawtucket, RI | $950 – $1,439 | 1,209 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Montgomery, AL to East Providence, RI | $968 – $1,341 | 1,206 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Birmingham, AL to Rhode Island
| From Alabama to Rhode Island | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham, AL to Providence, RI | $879 – $1,297 | 1,150 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Birmingham, AL to Warwick, RI | $837 – $1,283 | 1,143 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Birmingham, AL to Cranston, RI | $811 – $1,283 | 1,139 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Birmingham, AL to Pawtucket, RI | $879 – $1,283 | 1,154 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Birmingham, AL to East Providence, RI | $845 – $1,337 | 1,143 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Mobile, AL to Rhode Island
| From Alabama to Rhode Island | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile, AL to Providence, RI | $978 – $1,478 | 1,372 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Mobile, AL to Warwick, RI | $939 – $1,552 | 1,363 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Mobile, AL to Cranston, RI | $1,027 – $1,434 | 1,367 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Mobile, AL to Pawtucket, RI | $1,008 – $1,419 | 1,374 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Mobile, AL to East Providence, RI | $1,027 – $1,404 | 1,373 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Tuscaloosa, AL to Rhode Island
| From Alabama to Rhode Island | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Providence, RI | $876 – $1,355 | 1,207 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Warwick, RI | $837 – $1,337 | 1,192 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Cranston, RI | $922 – $1,383 | 1,204 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Tuscaloosa, AL to Pawtucket, RI | $940 – $1,454 | 1,212 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Tuscaloosa, AL to East Providence, RI | $959 – $1,454 | 1,208 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Alabama to Rhode Island
Transporting bigger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans is usually more expensive than shipping a sedan due to increased weight and space requirements.
For this route from Alabama to Rhode Island, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $1,175–$1,729.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Alabama to Rhode Island
Transporting your vehicle from the Heart of Dixie to the Ocean State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- Type of transport: Common choices include open carriers, enclosed carriers, and top-loading. Open carriers are the least expensive, while enclosed shipping is better for classic or high-end cars. More details are available in our open vs. enclosed car shipping guide.
- Vehicle size and type: Shipping costs are higher for bigger and heavier vehicles. Your car’s weight and dimensions play a direct role in the total cost to ship it to Rhode Island.
- Distance and route: Traveling from Alabama to Rhode Island involves roughly 1,230 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
- Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from Alabama around these times usually come with higher costs.
- Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between Alabama and Rhode Island.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes two–eight days, while expedited service costs more.
Rhode Island vehicle regulations you need to know
After relocating to Rhode Island, you’ll need to complete a few important steps to register your vehicle and make it legal to drive. Below is an overview of the main requirements to help with the process.
- Car insurance requirements: When relocating to Rhode Island, it's essential to secure car insurance meeting the state's minimum requirements, which include liability coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Additionally, Rhode Island mandates all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage for comprehensive protection.
- Vehicle inspection: All newly registered vehicles (except new vehicles) must pass a Safety and Emissions inspection or have a valid inspection certificate within 5 days of registration. If not, the registration may be suspended. New vehicles are exempt from inspection for 2 years or until they reach 24,000 miles. Different categories of vehicles have different inspection requirements and must be inspected at a licensed station.
- Driver’s license: If you are moving to Rhode Island from another state, you have 60 days to obtain a Rhode Island driver's license. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and legal presence in the U.S. This can include documents such as a birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card.
- Additional taxes: When moving to Rhode Island and registering a vehicle, you will likely be required to pay taxes and fees, even if you have already paid similar taxes in your previous state. It's best to check with the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles for the specific taxes and fees that may apply when registering your vehicle in Rhode Island.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Alabama
More than 5.1 million people call Alabama home. Nicknamed the Heart of Dixie. Alabama has one of the hottest summers in the US and mild winters with copious amounts of precipitation throughout the year. Areas around the Gulf in Alabama are prone to tropical storms and hurricanes. Alabama also has tornado activity, which typically occurs in the spring It would be a good idea to check for tornado activity in the area you are looking to move to Alabama.
Transporting your vehicle to Rhode Island
About 1.1 million people are living in the Ocean State. Rhode Island has warm summers and cold winters. The state's southern coastal portions have hot summers and cool winters with a mix of rain and snow.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Alabama and delivery in Rhode Island?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Alabama and when dropping it off in Rhode Island.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Alabama to Rhode Island?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Alabama to Rhode Island, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Rhode Island, which you should verify before loading your car in Alabama.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Alabama state government requires motorists possess liability insurance, which must provide a minimum coverage of 25/50/25. This specification includes coverage for bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident, and property damage per accident.
When relocating to Rhode Island, it's essential to secure car insurance meeting the state's minimum requirements, which include liability coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Additionally, Rhode Island mandates all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage for comprehensive protection.
How long does it take to ship a car from Alabama to Rhode Island?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Alabama to Rhode Island is about 1,230 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to eight days to travel from Alabama to Rhode Island.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
In Alabama, a safety inspection must be completed prior to selling a vehicle and a VIN inspection is mandatory when registering an out-of-state vehicle. Emissions inspections are not required by the state, though cities and municipalities may have their own laws mandating them.
All newly registered vehicles (except new vehicles) must pass a Safety and Emissions inspection or have a valid inspection certificate within 5 days of registration. If not, the registration may be suspended. New vehicles are exempt from inspection for 2 years or until they reach 24,000 miles. Different categories of vehicles have different inspection requirements and must be inspected at a licensed station.
If I have a driver’s license in Alabama, will I need one in Rhode Island?
If you are moving to Rhode Island from another state, you have 60 days to obtain a Rhode Island driver's license. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and legal presence in the U.S. This can include documents such as a birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card.
If I bought a car in Alabama, will I be required to pay sales tax in Rhode Island after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Alabama to Rhode Island after purchasing it.
When moving to Rhode Island and registering a vehicle, you will likely be required to pay taxes and fees, even if you have already paid similar taxes in your previous state. It's best to check with the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles for the specific taxes and fees that may apply when registering your vehicle in Rhode Island.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Alabama and Rhode Island to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Alabama to Rhode Island?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Alabama to Rhode Island is to ship it on a train or choose an open trailer transport method, avoid expedited shipping, and be flexible with your pickup dates.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Alabama to Rhode Island?
Shipping a car from Alabama to Rhode Island costs $940 to $1,383.
