($878) Cost to ship a car from Grand Rapids, MI to Providence, RI
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 829 miles from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Providence, Rhode Island, ranges from $878 to $1,314. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
rating
4.7 / 5
- Refundable deposit
- Discounts available
rating
4.5 / 5
- Price lock promise
- Free car wash
rating
4.4 / 5
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Providence to Grand Rapids car shipping guide.
The best Grand Rapids to Providence car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Grand Rapids to Providence:
- 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 Grand Rapids
If you’d rather work with a local car shipper than a national one, check out the leading car shipping companies in Grand Rapids, MI:
- Jack Cooper Transport Co Inc: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Auto Transport by Stopwatch: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Sbs Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Jack Cooper Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Jack Cooper Transport Co Inc
7262 Lansing Rd, Dimondale, MI 48821 US
jackcooper.com
3.66 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 64161
Alternative Business Names
- Pacific Motor Trucking Co.
Auto Transport by Stopwatch
2976 Ivanrest Ave SW #105, Grandville, MI 49418 US
stopwatchusa.com
3.56 / 5.0
Overall, Stopwatch Auto Transport is praised for its exceptional customer service, timely vehicle delivery, and reliable communication throughout the transport process. Customers appreciate the professionalism of the staff and the safe handling of their vehicles. However, some have reported issues with initial miscommunications or unsatisfactory drivers, although these concerns were usually addressed promptly by the company.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Classic cars
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2965797
Sbs Transport
6504 28th St Se # J, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 US
sbstransportllc.com
3.5 / 5.0
Customers appreciate the friendly and courteous staff and find the service to be reasonably priced. However, some reviews suggest that issues might still need to be addressed.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1892583
Jack Cooper Transport
7916 Davis Hwy, Charlotte, MI 48813 US
jackcooper.com
3.5 / 5.0
Customers generally appreciate their experiences, highlighting the friendly nature of interactions. However, some are still in the waiting phase for interviews, indicating uncertainty in the process.
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 64161
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.
Car shipping alternatives from MI to RI
Relocating from Grand Rapids to Providence means figuring out the best way to move your car, too. Here are the most popular car shipping options to consider, along with the pros and cons of each.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Grand Rapids to Providence, many long-distance movers have partnerships with nationwide auto transporters. They’ll manage the car shipping logistics for you, but you won’t have control over which company is used or how much it costs.
Drive your car
There are several advantages and disadvantages to driving your car instead of shipping it. The 829-mile journey from Grand Rapids to Providence could double as a road trip adventure and help you cut costs. However, the added mileage increases wear on your vehicle and exposes you to possible weather and safety risks.
Use a driving service
Having a driver transport your car from Michigan to Rhode Island is also an option, but it doesn’t come cheap. You’ll need to trust that the driver can deliver your car safely from Grand Rapids to Providence. Plus, the trip inevitably adds wear and mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Providence, and it’s particularly practical if your household items are also traveling by train. In fact, it’s the cheapest shipping option for vehicles. Just be aware that this approach has limited service locations and takes more time than other transport methods.
Factors affecting Grand Rapids to Providence car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Grand Rapids to Providence can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
You have a few different options for shipping your car from Grand Rapids to Providence, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you should choose depends on your specific needs.
Open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Providence, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of Grand Rapids has a major impact on cost. Bigger vehicles require more room and increase the carrier’s load, which drives the price up. That’s why transporting a large SUV to Providence will cost more than moving a smaller car.
Distance and route
Basically, longer distances mean higher shipping prices. Extra miles drive up fuel usage, labor hours, tolls, and maintenance costs. So moving your car 829 miles from Grand Rapids to Providence will almost always cost more than a shorter in-state trip in Michigan.
Location also affects the cost. Shipments along common interstate routes are typically cheaper, while hard-to-reach destinations add to the price.
The time of the year
Car shipping prices fluctuate with the seasons and the weather in both Grand Rapids and Providence.
August, July and June are the most most advisable months to move in Grand Rapids, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
June, September and August are the most pleasant months in Providence, while January and February are the least comfortable months.
During busy moving periods—such as summertime or around winter holidays—demand spikes, and so do costs. Moving your car from Grand Rapids to Providence during these times can be more expensive.
Fuel prices
Because fuel expenses vary, they directly influence the cost of shipping your car. The 829-mile journey from Grand Rapids to Providence makes fuel pricing an especially important factor. If fuel prices climb, you’ll see that reflected in your transport bill.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Grand Rapids to Providence is two to seven days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Grand Rapids and Providence vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Grand Rapids: The City requires that you apply for a Temporary Occupancy Permit. With this permit you will gain permission to temporarily close the needed area of the right-of-way. Be sure to clarify any questions with the City Government by contacting them ahead of time at 311 or 616-456-3000 or devcenter@grcity.us.
- Providence: Providence Government requires permits on certain time and areas of the city. Please apply and secure the necessary documents before moving. Please check their website: https://www.providenceri.gov/public-works/overnight-parking/
Car insurance requirements
- Grand Rapids: 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.
- Providence: 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 inspections
- Grand Rapids: Michigan does not require vehicle inspections for registration purposes. There is no state mandate for car safety inspections or emissions testing.
- Providence: 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
- Grand Rapids: Michigan law requires new residents to promptly title and register their vehicles, with no grace period provided. A person is considered a resident if they live in the state and prove their legal presence in the US. To comply with these requirements, new residents should visit a Secretary of State office to obtain a Michigan driver's license, title, and registration as soon as they establish residency.
- Providence: 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.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Grand Rapids to Providence?
The cost to ship a car from Grand Rapids, MI to Providence, RI varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Grand Rapids to Providence will range from $878 to $1,314.
How long will it take to ship my car from Grand Rapids to Providence?
It will take approximately two to seven days to ship your car the 829 miles from Grand Rapids to Providence. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Grand Rapids to Providence?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Grand Rapids to Providence. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Grand Rapids to Providence?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Grand Rapids to Providence than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 829-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.
We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.