Rhode Island to Arkansas Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,382 miles from Rhode Island to Arkansas ranges from $978 to $1,478 and takes three–eight days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Arkansas to Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island to Arkansas 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 Rhode Island to Arkansas:
- 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 Rhode Island
Going with a nearby mover? These recommended car shippers in Rhode Island can deliver your vehicle to Arkansas:
- Beacon Shipping Logistics Inc: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Virginia Transportation Corp: 3.76 out of 5 stars
- East Coast Auto Transport: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- United Road Services: Davisville: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Natales Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Beacon Shipping Logistics Inc
25 Messenger Dr, Warwick, RI 02888 US
beaconshippinglogistics.com
3.8 / 5.0
Beacon Shipping Logistics has garnered mixed reviews from customers. Many praise the company for its excellent communication, responsiveness, and timely delivery, often highlighting the professionalism of team members like John and Matt. However, some customers reported negative experiences, specifically citing issues with rude staff, lack of accountability for damage, and dissatisfaction with pricing structures.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2268269
Virginia Transportation Corp
141 James P Murphy Ind Hwy, West Warwick, RI 2893 US
virginiatransportation.com
3.76 / 5.0
The company has provided a range of experiences for customers and employees. Positive feedback highlights effective communication and professionalism, while negative comments focus on invasive practices and logistical issues.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Multi-car transport
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 643760
East Coast Auto Transport
111 Amaral St, Riverside, RI 02915 US
eastcoastautotransport.com
3.58 / 5.0
East Coast Auto Transport receives commendation for their professional service, timely delivery, and effective communication from many satisfied customers. However, significant frustration arises from reports of poor customer service, vehicle damage complaints, and concerns regarding delays and lack of communication regarding transport statuses.
Services Offered
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Electric vehicles
Discounts
- Military
- Student
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1625076
United Road Services: Davisville
40 Thompson Rd, North Kingstown, RI 02852 US
unitedroad.com
3.5 / 5.0
United Road Services generally offers excellent customer service, friendly representatives, and good vehicle care. However, they face criticism for poor communication, unreliable delivery times, and issues with the quality of their subcontracted drivers, leading to frustration among many customers.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2234402
Natales Transport
2708 S County Trl East, East Greenwich, RI 02818 US
natalestransport.com
3.5 / 5.0
Customers express strong praise for the professionalism and timely service of Natale’s Transport, highlighting Rob Natale’s reliability. However, some reviewers raise serious concerns about delays in payment and label the service as a scam.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- ATVs
- Motorcycles
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Discounts
- Military
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1569601
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 Rhode Island to Arkansas
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from Rhode Island for a move to Arkansas, you may want to hire a moving company that can handle car shipping, as well. Many long-distance moving companies work with reputable car shippers to coordinate auto transport.
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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 1,382 extra miles on your car to travel from Rhode Island to Arkansas. 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 Rhode Island to Arkansas. This can be costly and hinges on trusting another person to handle your vehicle responsibly.
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!
Rhode Island to Arkansas auto transport costs and transit times
Below you’ll find tables outlining car shipping costs and transit estimates for popular routes in Rhode Island and Arkansas. The typical distance is about 1,382 miles, with shipping times generally falling between three and eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Providence, RI to Arkansas
| From Rhode Island to Arkansas | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providence, RI to Little Rock, AR | $1,011 – $1,521 | 1,420 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Providence, RI to Fayetteville, AR | $1,109 – $1,615 | 1,500 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Providence, RI to Fort Smith, AR | $1,152 – $1,631 | 1,569 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Providence, RI to Springdale, AR | $1,084 – $1,598 | 1,493 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Providence, RI to Jonesboro, AR | $969 – $1,404 | 1,314 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Warwick, RI to Arkansas
| From Rhode Island to Arkansas | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warwick, RI to Little Rock, AR | $1,011 – $1,506 | 1,413 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Warwick, RI to Fayetteville, AR | $1,084 – $1,491 | 1,493 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Warwick, RI to Fort Smith, AR | $1,120 – $1,646 | 1,563 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Warwick, RI to Springdale, AR | $1,053 – $1,598 | 1,486 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Warwick, RI to Jonesboro, AR | $930 – $1,404 | 1,307 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cranston, RI to Arkansas
| From Rhode Island to Arkansas | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cranston, RI to Little Rock, AR | $991 – $1,537 | 1,417 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Cranston, RI to Fayetteville, AR | $991 – $1,460 | 1,497 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Cranston, RI to Fort Smith, AR | $1,065 – $1,552 | 1,566 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Cranston, RI to Springdale, AR | $1,074 – $1,506 | 1,490 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Cranston, RI to Jonesboro, AR | $939 – $1,448 | 1,310 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Pawtucket, RI to Arkansas
| From Rhode Island to Arkansas | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pawtucket, RI to Little Rock, AR | $991 – $1,491 | 1,424 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to Fayetteville, AR | $1,142 – $1,537 | 1,504 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to Fort Smith, AR | $1,054 – $1,568 | 1,574 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to Springdale, AR | $1,065 – $1,521 | 1,500 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to Jonesboro, AR | $959 – $1,434 | 1,324 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from East Providence, RI to Arkansas
| From Rhode Island to Arkansas | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Providence, RI to Little Rock, AR | $1,074 – $1,537 | 1,420 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| East Providence, RI to Fayetteville, AR | $1,043 – $1,615 | 1,503 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| East Providence, RI to Fort Smith, AR | $1,087 – $1,505 | 1,570 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| East Providence, RI to Springdale, AR | $1,053 – $1,583 | 1,494 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| East Providence, RI to Jonesboro, AR | $1,027 – $1,419 | 1,314 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Rhode Island to Arkansas
Because of their added size and weight, SUVs, trucks, and vans generally cost more to ship than smaller cars.
Shipping a larger vehicle from Rhode Island to Arkansas usually runs between $1,223 and $1,848.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Rhode Island to Arkansas
When arranging car transport from the Ocean State to the Natural State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are the most economical, while enclosed transport offers greater protection for valuable or classic cars. Another option you might want to consider is top-loading. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to Arkansas.
- Distance and route: The journey from Rhode Island to Arkansas spans about 1,382 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of Rhode Island in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between Rhode Island and Arkansas.
- 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 Rhode Island to Arkansas should take between three and eight days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
Arkansas vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Arkansas, registering your vehicle and ensuring it’s road-legal will require a few specific actions. The list below outlines the most important requirements.
- Car insurance requirements: In Arkansas, all drivers must maintain liability insurance that meets the state's minimum requirements, which are $25,000 per person for bodily injury or death in one accident, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage caused by an auto accident.
- Vehicle inspection: Arkansas does not require mandatory safety or emissions inspections, but the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality encourages voluntary emissions testing for the benefit of the environment. This means that while getting your car tested for emissions is optional, it is strongly encouraged.
- Driver’s license: If you establish residency in Arkansas, you are required to obtain an Arkansas driver's license within 30 days.
- Additional taxes: In Arkansas, all car sales are subject to a state tax rate of 6.5%, with the potential for additional county and local taxes up to 5%, resulting in an average total car sales tax rate of 9.133%.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Rhode Island
More than 1.1 million people call Rhode Island home. Nicknamed 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.
Transporting your vehicle to Arkansas
About 3.1 million people are living in the Natural State. Arkansas has hot, humid summers and slightly drier, mild to cool winters. Arkansas is known for extreme weather and frequent storms. A typical year brings thunderstorms, tornadoes, hail, snow, and ice storms. Between both the Great Plains and the Gulf States, Arkansas receives around 60 days of thunderstorms. Movers should check their local weather station to make sure they are not being caught in any of these storms.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Rhode Island and delivery in Arkansas?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Rhode Island and when dropping it off in Arkansas.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Rhode Island to Arkansas?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Rhode Island to Arkansas, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Arkansas, which you should verify before loading your car in Rhode Island.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the 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.
In Arkansas, all drivers must maintain liability insurance that meets the state's minimum requirements, which are $25,000 per person for bodily injury or death in one accident, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage caused by an auto accident.
How long does it take to ship a car from Rhode Island to Arkansas?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Rhode Island to Arkansas is about 1,382 miles, and that’s as fast as about 3 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to eight days to travel from Rhode Island to Arkansas.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
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.
Arkansas does not require mandatory safety or emissions inspections, but the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality encourages voluntary emissions testing for the benefit of the environment. This means that while getting your car tested for emissions is optional, it is strongly encouraged.
If I have a driver’s license in Rhode Island, will I need one in Arkansas?
If you establish residency in Arkansas, you are required to obtain an Arkansas driver's license within 30 days.
If I bought a car in Rhode Island, will I be required to pay sales tax in Arkansas after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Rhode Island to Arkansas after purchasing it.
In Arkansas, all car sales are subject to a state tax rate of 6.5%, with the potential for additional county and local taxes up to 5%, resulting in an average total car sales tax rate of 9.133%.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Rhode Island and Arkansas to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Rhode Island to Arkansas?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Rhode Island to Arkansas 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 Rhode Island to Arkansas?
Shipping a car from Rhode Island to Arkansas costs $978 to $1,478.
