Michigan to Rhode Island Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 890 miles from Michigan to Rhode Island ranges from $803 to $1,261 and takes two–seven days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Refundable deposit
  • Discounts available
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Rhode Island to Michigan car shipping guide.

Our track recordtoggle

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

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 Michigan 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 Michigan to Rhode Island:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for safety & reliability
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote 224-206-5633
At A Glance
  • Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Guaranteed pickup dates available
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote 224-206-5633
Best for overall value
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in Michigan

Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in Michigan who can get your vehicle to Rhode Island:

  1. Detroit Auto Shipping Group: 3.8 out of 5 stars
  2. First Choice Of Elkhart Inc: 3.8 out of 5 stars
  3. Jack Cooper Transport: 3.72 out of 5 stars
  4. Jack Cooper Transport Co Inc: 3.66 out of 5 stars
  5. Great Lakes Logistics Llc: 3.64 out of 5 stars

Detroit Auto Shipping Group

100 Riverfront Dr Suite 2610, Detroit, MI 48226 US

starstarstarstarstar3.8 / 5.0

Customers consistently praised the exceptional service provided by staff members, particularly highlighting their communication skills and professionalism throughout the auto shipping process. Many felt confident and informed during their experience.

Get a Quote (888) 588-1269

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • ATVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

First Choice Of Elkhart Inc

10888 Us Highway 12, White Pigeon, MI 49099 US

starstarstarstarstar3.8 / 5.0

Customers frequently praised the friendly and helpful staff, particularly mentioning responsive communication and professionalism. However, experiences were marred by complaints about poor communication regarding fees and serious issues with the handling of a vehicle accident involving uninsured drivers.

Get a Quote (269) 483-2010

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

Jack Cooper Transport

2900 Miller Rd, Dearborn, MI 48120 US

starstarstarstarstar3.72 / 5.0
Get a Quote (313) 982-1130

Services Offered

  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • RVs
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Pacific Motor Trucking Co.

Jack Cooper Transport Co Inc

7262 Lansing Rd, Dimondale, MI 48821 US

starstarstarstarstar3.66 / 5.0
Get a Quote (816) 983-4000

Services Offered

  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Pacific Motor Trucking Co.

Great Lakes Logistics Llc

9338 Harrison Rd, Romulus, MI 48174 US

starstarstarstarstar3.64 / 5.0

Great Lakes Logistics receives praise for exceptional customer service, reliable communication, and timely delivery while facing criticism for issues with equipment quality and communication difficulties.

Get a Quote (734) 992-8918

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

How we chose the best car shipping companiestoggle

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 Michigan to Rhode Island

Ship it with your movers

If you’re relocating from Michigan 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.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts

Drive it yourself

While it’s simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 890 extra miles on your car to travel from Michigan to Rhode Island. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.

Hire a driver

Another option is to pay someone to drive your car from Michigan to Rhode Island. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.

Ship by train

This approach offers an affordable and safe way to transport your vehicle. In fact, shipping a car by train is considered the cheapest car shipping method.

Michigan to Rhode Island auto transport costs and transit times

The tables below highlight the average shipping costs and estimated timelines for transporting a car between popular cities in Michigan and Rhode Island. The trip typically spans 890 miles and takes about two–seven days.

Cost to ship a car from Detroit, MI to Rhode Islandtoggle

From Michigan to Rhode Island Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Detroit, MI to Providence, RI $823 – $1,163 700 miles 1 – 6 days
Detroit, MI to Warwick, RI $760 – $1,107 711 miles 1 – 6 days
Detroit, MI to Cranston, RI $768 – $1,186 703 miles 1 – 6 days
Detroit, MI to Pawtucket, RI $788 – $1,095 698 miles 1 – 6 days
Detroit, MI to East Providence, RI $799 – $1,096 703 miles 1 – 6 days

Cost to ship a car from Grand Rapids, MI to Rhode Islandtoggle

From Michigan to Rhode Island Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Grand Rapids, MI to Providence, RI $781 – $1,278 829 miles 2 – 7 days
Grand Rapids, MI to Warwick, RI $822 – $1,205 841 miles 2 – 7 days
Grand Rapids, MI to Cranston, RI $781 – $1,217 833 miles 2 – 7 days
Grand Rapids, MI to Pawtucket, RI $846 – $1,168 828 miles 2 – 7 days
Grand Rapids, MI to East Providence, RI $822 – $1,192 832 miles 2 – 7 days

Cost to ship a car from Warren, MI to Rhode Islandtoggle

From Michigan to Rhode Island Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Warren, MI to Providence, RI $815 – $1,152 703 miles 1 – 6 days
Warren, MI to Warwick, RI $799 – $1,141 714 miles 1 – 6 days
Warren, MI to Cranston, RI $799 – $1,073 706 miles 1 – 6 days
Warren, MI to Pawtucket, RI $792 – $1,175 701 miles 1 – 6 days
Warren, MI to East Providence, RI $799 – $1,107 706 miles 1 – 6 days

Cost to ship a car from Sterling Heights, MI to Rhode Islandtoggle

From Michigan to Rhode Island Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Sterling Heights, MI to Providence, RI $757 – $1,161 699 miles 1 – 6 days
Sterling Heights, MI to Warwick, RI $768 – $1,141 710 miles 1 – 6 days
Sterling Heights, MI to Cranston, RI $792 – $1,073 703 miles 1 – 6 days
Sterling Heights, MI to Pawtucket, RI $741 – $1,073 697 miles 1 – 6 days
Sterling Heights, MI to East Providence, RI $760 – $1,163 702 miles 1 – 6 days

Cost to ship a car from Ann Arbor, MI to Rhode Islandtoggle

From Michigan to Rhode Island Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Ann Arbor, MI to Providence, RI $826 – $1,186 743 miles 1 – 6 days
Ann Arbor, MI to Warwick, RI $843 – $1,253 784 miles 2 – 7 days
Ann Arbor, MI to Cranston, RI $762 – $1,106 747 miles 1 – 6 days
Ann Arbor, MI to Pawtucket, RI $826 – $1,209 742 miles 1 – 6 days
Ann Arbor, MI to East Providence, RI $762 – $1,163 746 miles 1 – 6 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from Michigan to Rhode Islandtoggle

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 Michigan to Rhode Island, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $1,004–$1,576.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from Michigan to Rhode Island

If you’re shipping a car from the Wolverine State to the Ocean State, keep these cost factors in mind:

  • Type of transport: Options like open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport cater to different needs. Open carriers are cost-effective, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re not sure, check out our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
  • Vehicle size and type: The dimensions and weight of your vehicle directly affect shipping costs. The larger and heavier your vehicle, the more it will cost to ship your car to Rhode Island.
  • Distance and route: The journey from Michigan to Rhode Island spans about 890 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
  • Time of the year: Demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons. Moves from Michigan around these times usually come with higher costs.
  • Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Michigan and Rhode Island may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
  • Delivery expectations: Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from Michigan to Rhode Island should take between two and seven days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.

Rhode Island vehicle regulations you need to know

Moving to Rhode Island means taking care of certain tasks to get your car registered and ready for the road. Here’s a summary of the key steps involved.

  • 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 Michigan

More than 10.0 million people call Michigan home. Nicknamed the Wolverine State. Michigan has a continental climate, although there are two distinct regions. The southern and central parts of the Lower Peninsula (south of Saginaw Bay and from the Grand Rapids area southward) have a warmer climate with hot summers and cold winters. The northern part of the Lower Peninsula and the entire Upper Peninsula has a more severe climate (Köppen Dfb), with warm, but shorter summers and longer, cold to very cold winters. Some parts of the state average high temperatures below freezing from December through February, and into early March in the far northern parts. During the winter through the middle of February, the state is frequently subjected to heavy lake-effect snow. The state averages 30 days of thunderstorm activity per year. These can be severe, especially in the southern part of the state. The state averages 17 tornadoes per year, which are more common in the state's extreme southern section.

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 Michigan and delivery in Rhode Island?toggle

Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Michigan and when dropping it off in Rhode Island.

Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Michigan to Rhode Island?toggle

If you’re not driving the vehicle from Michigan 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 Michigan.

If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Michigan requires a minimum auto insurance coverage of $50,000/$100,000 for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage in case of an 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 Michigan to Rhode Island?toggle

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Michigan to Rhode Island is about 890 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from Michigan to Rhode Island.

Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?toggle

Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.

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 Michigan, will I need one in Rhode Island?toggle

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 Michigan, will I be required to pay sales tax in Rhode Island after shipping it there?toggle

It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Michigan 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 Michigan and Rhode Island to avoid any hidden costs.

What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Michigan to Rhode Island?toggle

The cheapest way to ship a car from Michigan 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 Michigan to Rhode Island?toggle

Shipping a car from Michigan to Rhode Island costs $803 to $1,261.

Helpful Michigan resources