Michigan to Rhode Island Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 890 miles from Michigan to Rhode Island ranges from $805 to $1,225. Expect the trip to take around two–seven days, depending on the transport method you choose and seasonal demand. For a detailed breakdown, use 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 Michigan 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 Michigan to Rhode Island car shipping companies
After spending over 400 hours analyzing the key players in the car shipping industry, we determined that these are the best car shipping companies for moving your car from Michigan 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 Michigan
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in Michigan can deliver your vehicle to Rhode Island:
- Detroit Auto Shipping Group: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- First Choice Of Elkhart Inc: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Jack Cooper Transport: 3.72 out of 5 stars
- Great Lakes Logistics Llc: 3.64 out of 5 stars
- Awesome Auto Transporters LLC: 3.64 out of 5 stars
Detroit Auto Shipping Group
100 Riverfront Dr Suite 2610, Detroit, MI 48226 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-michigan/detroit
3.8 / 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.
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
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2239008
First Choice Of Elkhart Inc
10888 Us Highway 12, White Pigeon, MI 49099 US
firstchoiceautotransport.com
3.8 / 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.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 681284
Jack Cooper Transport
2900 Miller Rd, Dearborn, MI 48120 US
jackcooper.com
3.72 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 64161
Alternative Business Names
- Pacific Motor Trucking Co.
Great Lakes Logistics Llc
9338 Harrison Rd, Romulus, MI 48174 US
greatlakeslogistics.net
3.64 / 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.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2951078
Awesome Auto Transporters LLC
6444 London St, Detroit, MI 48221 US
awesomeautotransporter.com
3.64 / 5.0
Customers are exceptionally satisfied with the company overall, frequent praise aligns toward professionalism, reliability, and convenient pricing, characteristic of this mall but truly competent enterprise.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
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 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.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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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
You can hire someone to drive your car from Michigan to Rhode Island, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
Ship by train
If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!
Michigan 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 Michigan and Rhode Island. The typical distance is about 890 miles, with shipping times generally falling between two and seven days.
Cost to ship a car from Detroit, MI to Rhode Island
| From Michigan to Rhode Island | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit, MI to Providence, RI | $709 – $1,054 | 700 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Detroit, MI to Warwick, RI | $724 – $1,022 | 711 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Detroit, MI to Cranston, RI | $731 – $1,086 | 703 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Detroit, MI to Pawtucket, RI | $758 – $1,085 | 698 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Detroit, MI to East Providence, RI | $754 – $1,097 | 703 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Grand Rapids, MI to Rhode Island
| From Michigan to Rhode Island | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Rapids, MI to Providence, RI | $767 – $1,136 | 829 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Warwick, RI | $744 – $1,218 | 841 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Cranston, RI | $744 – $1,218 | 833 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to Pawtucket, RI | $775 – $1,229 | 828 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Grand Rapids, MI to East Providence, RI | $822 – $1,112 | 832 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Warren, MI to Rhode Island
| From Michigan to Rhode Island | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warren, MI to Providence, RI | $754 – $1,065 | 703 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Warren, MI to Warwick, RI | $746 – $1,054 | 714 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Warren, MI to Cranston, RI | $724 – $1,033 | 706 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Warren, MI to Pawtucket, RI | $754 – $1,119 | 701 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Warren, MI to East Providence, RI | $761 – $1,129 | 706 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Sterling Heights, MI to Rhode Island
| From Michigan to Rhode Island | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling Heights, MI to Providence, RI | $772 – $1,000 | 699 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Warwick, RI | $709 – $1,022 | 710 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Cranston, RI | $724 – $1,054 | 703 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to Pawtucket, RI | $714 – $1,095 | 697 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Sterling Heights, MI to East Providence, RI | $731 – $1,022 | 702 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Ann Arbor, MI to Rhode Island
| From Michigan to Rhode Island | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MI to Providence, RI | $779 – $1,075 | 743 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Warwick, RI | $803 – $1,170 | 784 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Cranston, RI | $771 – $1,141 | 747 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to Pawtucket, RI | $733 – $1,152 | 742 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Ann Arbor, MI to East Providence, RI | $733 – $1,075 | 746 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Michigan to Rhode Island
Because of their added size and weight, SUVs, trucks, and vans generally cost more to ship than smaller cars.
Shipping a larger vehicle from Michigan to Rhode Island usually runs between $1,006 and $1,531.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Michigan to Rhode Island
Transporting your vehicle from the Wolverine State 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: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to Rhode Island.
- Distance and route: The journey from Michigan to Rhode Island spans approximately 890 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of Michigan more expensive during these times.
- 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: Flexible delivery dates may lower your rate. The standard shipping time is two–seven days, but you can pay for expedited service.
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 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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
Shipping a car from Michigan to Rhode Island costs $805 to $1,225.
