Rhode Island to California Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 3,077 miles from Rhode Island to California ranges from $1,523 to $2,429. Expect the trip to take around seven–fifteen 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 California 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 California car shipping companies
Backed by over 400 hours of industry research, we identified the best car shipping companies for shipping your car from Rhode Island to California:
- 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
If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Rhode Island that can relocate your vehicle to California:
- 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 California
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from Rhode Island for a move to California, 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
This option is straightforward but may not suit every situation, and it’ll put around 3,077 miles on your car to travel between Rhode Island and California. To compare your options, see the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from Rhode Island to California, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
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.
Rhode Island to California auto transport costs and transit times
The tables below detail the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in Rhode Island and California. The average travel distance is about 3,077 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from seven to fifteen days.
Cost to ship a car from Providence, RI to California
| From Rhode Island to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providence, RI to Los Angeles, CA | $1,508 – $2,279 | 2,976 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Providence, RI to San Diego, CA | $1,508 – $2,418 | 2,947 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Providence, RI to San Jose, CA | $1,538 – $2,286 | 3,120 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Providence, RI to Bakersfield, CA | $1,378 – $2,348 | 2,992 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Providence, RI to San Francisco, CA | $1,463 – $2,286 | 3,089 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Warwick, RI to California
| From Rhode Island to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warwick, RI to Los Angeles, CA | $1,378 – $2,279 | 2,960 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Warwick, RI to San Diego, CA | $1,436 – $2,325 | 2,941 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Warwick, RI to San Jose, CA | $1,508 – $2,262 | 3,105 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Warwick, RI to Bakersfield, CA | $1,479 – $2,348 | 2,976 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Warwick, RI to San Francisco, CA | $1,553 – $2,453 | 3,073 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cranston, RI to California
| From Rhode Island to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cranston, RI to Los Angeles, CA | $1,479 – $2,418 | 2,964 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Cranston, RI to San Diego, CA | $1,392 – $2,255 | 2,982 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Cranston, RI to San Jose, CA | $1,553 – $2,286 | 3,109 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Cranston, RI to Bakersfield, CA | $1,494 – $2,325 | 2,979 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Cranston, RI to San Francisco, CA | $1,508 – $2,358 | 3,076 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from Pawtucket, RI to California
| From Rhode Island to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pawtucket, RI to Los Angeles, CA | $1,494 – $2,209 | 2,979 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to San Diego, CA | $1,378 – $2,372 | 2,952 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to San Jose, CA | $1,538 – $2,310 | 3,124 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to Bakersfield, CA | $1,407 – $2,325 | 2,995 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to San Francisco, CA | $1,463 – $2,429 | 3,092 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Cost to ship a car from East Providence, RI to California
| From Rhode Island to California | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Providence, RI to Los Angeles, CA | $1,392 – $2,209 | 2,968 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| East Providence, RI to San Diego, CA | $1,436 – $2,348 | 2,948 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| East Providence, RI to San Jose, CA | $1,478 – $2,500 | 3,112 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| East Providence, RI to Bakersfield, CA | $1,436 – $2,279 | 2,983 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| East Providence, RI to San Francisco, CA | $1,433 – $2,334 | 3,092 miles | 7 – 15 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Rhode Island to California
Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans are heavier and bulkier, making them more expensive to transport than sedans.
If you’re moving one from Rhode Island to California, expect costs to range from $1,904 to $3,036.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Rhode Island to California
When arranging car transport from the Ocean State to the Golden State, the following factors will determine your overall cost:
- 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: Larger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship. Your car’s dimensions and weight will directly influence the price of transporting it from Rhode Island to California.
- Distance and route: The trip from Rhode Island to California covers roughly 3,077 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
- Time of the year: Peak seasons like summer or holidays raise shipping demand. This makes moves out of Rhode Island more expensive during these times.
- Fuel prices: Fluctuating fuel prices can significantly affect transport costs. This is an important consideration given the distance between Rhode Island and California and the varying gas prices across the country.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes seven–fifteen days, while expedited service costs more.
California vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in California, 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: The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
- Vehicle inspection: California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
- Driver’s license: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
- Additional taxes: You are required to pay taxes on a car purchased in another state if you used it for less than 12 months outside of California before bringing it into the state.
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 California
About 39.0 million people are living in the Golden State. California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Rhode Island and delivery in California?
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 California.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Rhode Island to California?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Rhode Island to California, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to California, 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.
The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.
How long does it take to ship a car from Rhode Island to California?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Rhode Island to California is about 3,077 miles, and that’s as fast as about 7 days. However, most car transport companies will take seven to fifteen days to travel from Rhode Island to California.
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.
California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
If I have a driver’s license in Rhode Island, will I need one in California?
If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.
If I bought a car in Rhode Island, will I be required to pay sales tax in California after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Rhode Island to California after purchasing it.
You are required to pay taxes on a car purchased in another state if you used it for less than 12 months outside of California before bringing it into the state.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Rhode Island and California to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Rhode Island to California?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Rhode Island to California 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 California?
Shipping a car from Rhode Island to California costs $1,523 to $2,429.
