Rhode Island to Iowa Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The average cost to move a car 1,253 miles from Rhode Island to Iowa falls between $896 and $1,486. Delivery typically takes three–eight days. The timeline can vary based on the type of transport you opt for and the time of year. To get a tailored quote, check out our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Iowa 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 Iowa car shipping companies
After putting more than 400 hours of research into the car shipping industry, we identified the best car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Rhode Island to Iowa:
- 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 Iowa:
- 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 Iowa
Ship it with your movers
If you need to ship your car from Rhode Island for a move to Iowa, 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 1,253 extra miles on your car to travel from Rhode Island to Iowa. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
Hiring a driver to take your car from Rhode Island to Iowa is an alternative you might want to consider. However, it typically comes with a high price tag, and you’ll need to rely on the driver to care for your car.
Ship by train
This service provides a secure and budget-friendly option for transporting your car. Car shipping by train is actually the most economical choice.
Rhode Island to Iowa 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 Iowa. The typical distance is about 1,253 miles, with shipping times generally falling between three and eight days.
Cost to ship a car from Providence, RI to Iowa
| From Rhode Island to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providence, RI to Des Moines, IA | $887 – $1,443 | 1,294 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Providence, RI to Cedar Rapids, IA | $952 – $1,500 | 1,207 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Providence, RI to Davenport, IA | $873 – $1,394 | 1,127 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Providence, RI to Sioux City, IA | $1,066 – $1,525 | 1,471 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Providence, RI to Iowa City, IA | $839 – $1,408 | 1,183 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Warwick, RI to Iowa
| From Rhode Island to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warwick, RI to Des Moines, IA | $952 – $1,500 | 1,278 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Warwick, RI to Cedar Rapids, IA | $873 – $1,421 | 1,192 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Warwick, RI to Davenport, IA | $830 – $1,313 | 1,111 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Warwick, RI to Sioux City, IA | $1,087 – $1,618 | 1,455 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Warwick, RI to Iowa City, IA | $899 – $1,313 | 1,167 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cranston, RI to Iowa
| From Rhode Island to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cranston, RI to Des Moines, IA | $934 – $1,472 | 1,282 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Cranston, RI to Cedar Rapids, IA | $864 – $1,313 | 1,196 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Cranston, RI to Davenport, IA | $830 – $1,367 | 1,116 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Cranston, RI to Sioux City, IA | $1,098 – $1,509 | 1,459 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Cranston, RI to Iowa City, IA | $864 – $1,408 | 1,172 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from Pawtucket, RI to Iowa
| From Rhode Island to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pawtucket, RI to Des Moines, IA | $934 – $1,486 | 1,297 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to Cedar Rapids, IA | $896 – $1,443 | 1,210 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to Davenport, IA | $908 – $1,367 | 1,130 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to Sioux City, IA | $1,077 – $1,587 | 1,474 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to Iowa City, IA | $847 – $1,313 | 1,186 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Cost to ship a car from East Providence, RI to Iowa
| From Rhode Island to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Providence, RI to Des Moines, IA | $971 – $1,500 | 1,297 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| East Providence, RI to Cedar Rapids, IA | $906 – $1,372 | 1,211 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| East Providence, RI to Davenport, IA | $873 – $1,340 | 1,130 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| East Providence, RI to Sioux City, IA | $1,066 – $1,603 | 1,474 miles | 3 – 8 days |
| East Providence, RI to Iowa City, IA | $899 – $1,408 | 1,186 miles | 2 – 8 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Rhode Island to Iowa
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 Iowa usually runs between $1,120 and $1,858.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Rhode Island to Iowa
When transporting your vehicle from the Ocean State to the Hawkeye State, these factors will influence your final price:
- Type of transport: Options include open carriers, enclosed transport, and top-loading. Open carriers are less expensive, while enclosed transport is best for luxury or classic cars. See our comparison of open vs. enclosed auto transport for more details.
- Vehicle size and type: Shipping rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to Iowa than smaller ones.
- Distance and route: The journey from Rhode Island to Iowa spans approximately 1,253 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of Rhode Island, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
- Fuel prices: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between Rhode Island and Iowa.
- Delivery expectations: Being flexible with your delivery window can sometimes reduce costs. Typically, cars arrive within three–eight days, but expedited options cost more.
Iowa vehicle regulations you need to know
Moving to Iowa means taking care of certain tasks to get your car registered and ready for the road. Here’s a summary of the key steps involved.
- Car insurance requirements: Iowa requires minimum liability insurance, covering $20,000 for individual injury or death, $40,000 for multiple individuals, and $15,000 for property damage in an accident.
- Vehicle inspection: In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
- Driver’s license: New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain an Iowa license within 30 days of establishing permanent residency. To do so, visit the DMV with your former state license, as it will need to be surrendered for the new license.
- Additional taxes: In Iowa, sales of vehicles requiring registration are exempt from sales tax but subject to a 5% fee for new registration.
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 Iowa
About 3.2 million people are living in the Hawkeye State. Iowa has a humid continental climate throughout the state. Snowfall is common in Iowa. Spring brings in severe weather season. Iowa has about 50 thunderstorm days per year and has a tornado season. Iowa is known for hot and humid summers. Be sure to check the weather before your move, especially during the springtime.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Rhode Island and delivery in Iowa?
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 Iowa.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Rhode Island to Iowa?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Rhode Island to Iowa, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Iowa, 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.
Iowa requires minimum liability insurance, covering $20,000 for individual injury or death, $40,000 for multiple individuals, and $15,000 for property damage in an accident.
How long does it take to ship a car from Rhode Island to Iowa?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Rhode Island to Iowa is about 1,253 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 Iowa.
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.
In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
If I have a driver’s license in Rhode Island, will I need one in Iowa?
New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain an Iowa license within 30 days of establishing permanent residency. To do so, visit the DMV with your former state license, as it will need to be surrendered for the new license.
If I bought a car in Rhode Island, will I be required to pay sales tax in Iowa after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Rhode Island to Iowa after purchasing it.
In Iowa, sales of vehicles requiring registration are exempt from sales tax but subject to a 5% fee for new registration.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Rhode Island and Iowa to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Rhode Island to Iowa?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Rhode Island to Iowa 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 Iowa?
Shipping a car from Rhode Island to Iowa costs $896 to $1,486.
