Rhode Island to Montana Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 2,282 miles from Rhode Island to Montana ranges from $1,254 to $2,084. Expect the trip to take around five–thirteen 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 Montana 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 Montana 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 Montana:
- 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 Montana:
- 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 Montana
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Rhode Island to Montana, you may find it convenient to work with a moving company that also handles car shipping. Many interstate movers partner with experienced car shipping services to arrange auto transport.
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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 2,282 miles to your vehicle on the route from Rhode Island to Montana. 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 Montana, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
Ship by train
Shipping by train can be a cost-effective and reliable method of moving your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the least expensive way to move a vehicle.
Rhode Island to Montana 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 Montana. The typical distance is about 2,282 miles, with shipping times generally falling between five and thirteen days.
Cost to ship a car from Providence, RI to Montana
| From Rhode Island to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providence, RI to Billings, MT | $1,279 – $2,002 | 2,231 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Providence, RI to Missoula, MT | $1,323 – $2,043 | 2,564 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Providence, RI to Great Falls, MT | $1,322 – $1,981 | 2,351 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Providence, RI to Bozeman, MT | $1,231 – $1,981 | 2,362 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Providence, RI to Butte, MT | $1,244 – $2,035 | 2,447 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from Warwick, RI to Montana
| From Rhode Island to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warwick, RI to Billings, MT | $1,318 – $2,125 | 2,206 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Warwick, RI to Missoula, MT | $1,297 – $1,981 | 2,548 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Warwick, RI to Great Falls, MT | $1,335 – $2,125 | 2,335 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Warwick, RI to Bozeman, MT | $1,322 – $2,146 | 2,347 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Warwick, RI to Butte, MT | $1,283 – $2,139 | 2,431 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cranston, RI to Montana
| From Rhode Island to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cranston, RI to Billings, MT | $1,254 – $1,962 | 2,210 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Cranston, RI to Missoula, MT | $1,270 – $2,146 | 2,552 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Cranston, RI to Great Falls, MT | $1,244 – $2,166 | 2,339 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Cranston, RI to Bozeman, MT | $1,283 – $1,981 | 2,350 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Cranston, RI to Butte, MT | $1,321 – $1,973 | 2,434 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from Pawtucket, RI to Montana
| From Rhode Island to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pawtucket, RI to Billings, MT | $1,305 – $1,941 | 2,225 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to Missoula, MT | $1,284 – $2,023 | 2,567 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to Great Falls, MT | $1,361 – $1,960 | 2,354 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to Bozeman, MT | $1,296 – $2,022 | 2,365 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to Butte, MT | $1,231 – $2,077 | 2,459 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Cost to ship a car from East Providence, RI to Montana
| From Rhode Island to Montana | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Providence, RI to Billings, MT | $1,331 – $1,941 | 2,225 miles | 4 – 12 days |
| East Providence, RI to Missoula, MT | $1,270 – $2,167 | 2,567 miles | 7 – 15 days |
| East Providence, RI to Great Falls, MT | $1,283 – $2,084 | 2,354 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| East Providence, RI to Bozeman, MT | $1,296 – $1,960 | 2,366 miles | 5 – 13 days |
| East Providence, RI to Butte, MT | $1,308 – $1,994 | 2,450 miles | 5 – 13 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Rhode Island to Montana
Since vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans are larger and heavier, it’s a bit more expensive to ship them than a sedan. How much more?
If you’re shipping a larger vehicle from Rhode Island to Montana you should expect to pay between $1,568 and $2,605.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Rhode Island to Montana
When transporting your vehicle from the Ocean State to the Big Sky Country, these factors will influence your final price:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is recommended for high-value or classic cars. Top-loading is another option to consider. Learn more in our guide to open vs. enclosed 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 Montana.
- Distance and route: The route from Rhode Island to Montana is about 2,282 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- 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: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Rhode Island and Montana may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from Rhode Island to Montana takes five–thirteen days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
Montana vehicle regulations you need to know
When you move to Montana, there are a few important steps you’ll need to take to get your vehicle registered and road-ready. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements to make your transition as smooth as possible.
- Car insurance requirements: In Montana, drivers must meet legal requirements for minimum car insurance liability coverage to ensure financial responsibility in accidents. Mandated by state regulations, this includes $25,000 per person for bodily injury and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, covering collective medical expenses in case of multiple injuries, capped at $50,000 for the entire incident. Additionally, there's a required minimum of $20,000 per accident for property damage, crucial for addressing costs related to damage to another party's vehicle or property. Adhering to these insurance requirements is imperative for all motorists, ensuring compliance with state laws and contributing to a secure and responsible driving environment on Montana roadways.
- Vehicle inspection: If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.
- Driver’s license: New residents in Montana must start their driver’s license application process within 60 days of moving to the state.
- Additional taxes: In Montana, there is no state-level sales tax on vehicles, however, local governments in Montana may impose their own taxes and fees on vehicles.
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 Montana
About 1.1 million people are living in the Big Sky Country. Montana has a lot of variation in geography, topography, and elevation, and the climate is equally varied. The western half is mountainous, interrupted by numerous large valleys. Eastern Montana comprises plains and badlands, broken by hills and isolated mountain ranges, The Continental Divide has a considerable effect on the climate, as it restricts the flow of warmer air from the Pacific from moving east, and drier continental air from moving west. The area west of the divide has a modified northern Pacific Coast climate, with milder winters, cooler summers, less wind, and a longer growing season. Low clouds and fog often form in the valleys west of the divide in winter, but this is rarely seen in the east.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Rhode Island and delivery in Montana?
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 Montana.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Rhode Island to Montana?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Rhode Island to Montana, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Montana, 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 Montana, drivers must meet legal requirements for minimum car insurance liability coverage to ensure financial responsibility in accidents. Mandated by state regulations, this includes $25,000 per person for bodily injury and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, covering collective medical expenses in case of multiple injuries, capped at $50,000 for the entire incident. Additionally, there's a required minimum of $20,000 per accident for property damage, crucial for addressing costs related to damage to another party's vehicle or property. Adhering to these insurance requirements is imperative for all motorists, ensuring compliance with state laws and contributing to a secure and responsible driving environment on Montana roadways.
How long does it take to ship a car from Rhode Island to Montana?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Rhode Island to Montana is about 2,282 miles, and that’s as fast as about 5 days. However, most car transport companies will take five to thirteen days to travel from Rhode Island to Montana.
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.
If you are moving to Montana, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected.
If I have a driver’s license in Rhode Island, will I need one in Montana?
New residents in Montana must start their driver’s license application process within 60 days of moving to the state.
If I bought a car in Rhode Island, will I be required to pay sales tax in Montana after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Rhode Island to Montana after purchasing it.
In Montana, there is no state-level sales tax on vehicles, however, local governments in Montana may impose their own taxes and fees on vehicles.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Rhode Island and Montana to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Rhode Island to Montana?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Rhode Island to Montana 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 Montana?
Shipping a car from Rhode Island to Montana costs $1,254 to $2,084.
