Rhode Island to Florida Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,318 miles from Rhode Island to Florida typically falls between $1,027 and $1,434. The process usually takes three–eight days, depending on variables like the type of transport and seasonal demand. For a personalized estimate, visit our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Florida 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 Florida 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 Florida:
- 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
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in Rhode Island ready to move your vehicle to Florida:
- 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 Florida
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from Rhode Island for a move to Florida, 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 straightforward, this choice isn’t always possible, and it will add roughly 1,318 miles to your vehicle on the route from Rhode Island to Florida. For guidance, review the advantages and disadvantages of driving or shipping.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from Rhode Island to Florida, 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 Florida 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 Rhode Island and Florida. The trip typically spans 1,318 miles and takes about three–eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Providence, RI to Florida
| From Rhode Island to Florida | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providence, RI to Jacksonville, FL | $854 – $1,323 | 1,120 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Providence, RI to Miami, FL | $1,064 – $1,537 | 1,471 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Providence, RI to Tampa, FL | $1,027 – $1,448 | 1,316 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Providence, RI to Orlando, FL | $968 – $1,383 | 1,262 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Providence, RI to St. Petersburg, FL | $998 – $1,448 | 1,339 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Warwick, RI to Florida
| From Rhode Island to Florida | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warwick, RI to Jacksonville, FL | $888 – $1,404 | 1,116 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Warwick, RI to Miami, FL | $1,043 – $1,613 | 1,467 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Warwick, RI to Tampa, FL | $969 – $1,419 | 1,305 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Warwick, RI to Orlando, FL | $959 – $1,425 | 1,256 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Warwick, RI to St. Petersburg, FL | $969 – $1,404 | 1,335 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cranston, RI to Florida
| From Rhode Island to Florida | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cranston, RI to Jacksonville, FL | $820 – $1,270 | 1,117 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Cranston, RI to Miami, FL | $1,011 – $1,583 | 1,470 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Cranston, RI to Tampa, FL | $1,027 – $1,478 | 1,308 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Cranston, RI to Orlando, FL | $904 – $1,369 | 1,258 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Cranston, RI to St. Petersburg, FL | $978 – $1,434 | 1,331 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Pawtucket, RI to Florida
| From Rhode Island to Florida | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pawtucket, RI to Jacksonville, FL | $879 – $1,297 | 1,127 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to Miami, FL | $1,095 – $1,567 | 1,478 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to Tampa, FL | $978 – $1,419 | 1,316 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to Orlando, FL | $950 – $1,383 | 1,268 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to St. Petersburg, FL | $969 – $1,493 | 1,339 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from East Providence, RI to Florida
| From Rhode Island to Florida | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Providence, RI to Jacksonville, FL | $828 – $1,377 | 1,121 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| East Providence, RI to Miami, FL | $1,001 – $1,475 | 1,474 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| East Providence, RI to Tampa, FL | $930 – $1,434 | 1,317 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| East Providence, RI to Orlando, FL | $959 – $1,482 | 1,261 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| East Providence, RI to St. Petersburg, FL | $949 – $1,507 | 1,342 miles | 3 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Rhode Island to Florida
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 Rhode Island to Florida, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $1,284–$1,793.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Rhode Island to Florida
Transporting your vehicle from the Ocean State to the Sunshine State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- 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: Shipping rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to Florida than smaller ones.
- Distance and route: Traveling from Rhode Island to Florida involves roughly 1,318 miles. Greater distances increase both fuel and labor expenses.
- 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: Varying fuel costs across the country can affect shipping rates. When transporting your car from Rhode Island to Florida, you may see the effect of these fluctuations.
- 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 Florida should take between three and eight days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
Florida vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in Florida, 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: All vehicles registered in Florida must have PIP and PDL insurance coverage at the time of registration with a minimum of $10,000 for PIP and $10,000 for PDL.
- Vehicle inspection: Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.
- Driver’s license: If you possess a valid driver's license from another state, you are legally permitted to drive in Florida without obtaining a Florida driver's license. However, if you choose to obtain one, you only need to pass a vision and hearing test, no written or road test is necessary.
- Additional taxes: If the taxes paid in another state are lower than the taxes owed in Florida, you only need to pay the difference. Furthermore, if you can provide evidence that the vehicle was used for at least 6 months outside of Florida prior to registering it in the state, you will be exempt from paying Florida use tax.
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 Florida
About 22.6 million people are living in the Sunshine State. Severe weather is a common occurrence in Florida, as Florida is the most hurricane-prone state in the US. June 1st and November 30 is the time when most hurricanes in Florida occur, the most severe dates lie between August - October. Be sure to check your local weather station before your move as Florida is known for its thunderstorms and high levels of precipitation. Perhaps plan for a Winter or Springtime move to ensure the safety of your belongings.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Rhode Island and delivery in Florida?
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 Florida.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Rhode Island to Florida?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Rhode Island to Florida, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Florida, 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.
All vehicles registered in Florida must have PIP and PDL insurance coverage at the time of registration with a minimum of $10,000 for PIP and $10,000 for PDL.
How long does it take to ship a car from Rhode Island to Florida?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Rhode Island to Florida is about 1,318 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 Florida.
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.
Unlike many states, Florida does not mandate vehicle owners to undergo regular emission or safety inspections for their vehicles.
If I have a driver’s license in Rhode Island, will I need one in Florida?
If you possess a valid driver's license from another state, you are legally permitted to drive in Florida without obtaining a Florida driver's license. However, if you choose to obtain one, you only need to pass a vision and hearing test, no written or road test is necessary.
If I bought a car in Rhode Island, will I be required to pay sales tax in Florida after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Rhode Island to Florida after purchasing it.
If the taxes paid in another state are lower than the taxes owed in Florida, you only need to pay the difference. Furthermore, if you can provide evidence that the vehicle was used for at least 6 months outside of Florida prior to registering it in the state, you will be exempt from paying Florida use tax.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Rhode Island and Florida to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Rhode Island to Florida?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Rhode Island to Florida 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 Florida?
Shipping a car from Rhode Island to Florida costs $1,027 to $1,434.
