($460) Cost to ship a car from Providence, RI to Jersey City, NJ
Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 186 miles from Providence, Rhode Island, to Jersey City, New Jersey, ranges from $460 to $610. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
- Refundable deposit
- Discounts available
- Price lock promise
- Free car wash
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Jersey City to Providence car shipping guide.
The best Providence to Jersey City car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from Providence to Jersey City:
- 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
- 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 Providence
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies based in Providence, RI:
- Fisher Shipping Company: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Beacon Shipping Logistics Inc: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Chip's Transport Service: 3.78 out of 5 stars
- Executive Auto Transport LLC: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- East Coast Auto Transport: 3.58 out of 5 stars
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.
Car shipping alternatives from RI to NJ
Relocating from Providence to Jersey City means figuring out the best way to move your car, too. Here are the most popular car shipping options to consider, along with the pros and cons of each.
Coordinate with your movers
When relocating from Providence to Jersey City, most of the top-rated moving companies can bundle auto transport into your move by partnering with national car shippers. The trade-off is convenience versus flexibility, since you’ll be tied to their carrier of choice and rates.
Drive your car
There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 186-mile trip from Providence to Jersey City could turn into a fun travel experience and reduce expenses. Still, you’ll add significant mileage and could encounter bad weather and driving conditions.
Use a driving service
You could hire a professional driver to take your car from Rhode Island to New Jersey, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from Providence to Jersey City safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
For a budget-friendly and reliable option, consider shipping your car by train to Jersey City. It’s actually the least expensive way to transport a vehicle. The trade-off is slower delivery and more limited pickup and drop-off points compared to other methods.
Factors affecting Providence to Jersey City car shipping costs
The price to ship your car from Providence to Jersey City can vary. Here are the main factors that determine the cost:
Transport method
When shipping your car from Providence to Jersey City, you can choose between open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport. The right option depends on your budget and vehicle type.
Open carriers from Providence are generally the most affordable, while enclosed transport offers extra protection for high-end or classic vehicles. Not sure which is best for your move to Jersey City? Check out our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of Providence has a major impact on cost. Bigger vehicles require more room and increase the carrier’s load, which drives the price up. That’s why transporting a large SUV to Jersey City will cost more than moving a smaller car.
Distance and route
Distance is one of the biggest cost factors — the longer the route, the more you’ll pay. Fuel, driver time, tolls, and carrier maintenance all add up over extra miles. For instance, transporting your car 186 miles from Providence to Jersey City will usually cost more than a shorter relocation within Rhode Island.
Your pickup and drop-off points are also key. Routes through major highways are less expensive, while rural or remote areas push rates higher.
The time of the year
The time of year and weather conditions in Providence and Jersey City play a major role in determining car shipping rates.
June, September and August are the most pleasant months in Providence, while January and February are the least comfortable months.
September, June and May are the best months in Jersey City, while January and February are the least comfortable months as these are the coldest. Plan your moves accordingly.
For example, peak moving seasons like summer and the holidays increase demand, which pushes prices higher. Shipping your car from Providence to Jersey City in those months will likely cost more than during slower seasons.
Fuel prices
Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 186-mile drive between Providence and Jersey City, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Providence to Jersey City is one to four days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Providence and Jersey City vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Providence: Providence Government requires permits on certain time and areas of the city. Please apply and secure the necessary documents before moving. Please check their website: https://www.providenceri.gov/public-works/overnight-parking/
- Jersey City: Resident parking permits are required for parking over 2 hours in many areas. Posted signs will indicate a need for a parking permit, parking restrictions for street cleaning, and other limitations for street parking. Parking meters are also placed in certain high traffic business districts.
Car insurance requirements
- Providence: 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.
- Jersey City: In New Jersey, meet the minimum auto insurance requirements: $15,000 per person for bodily injury up to $30,000 per accident and $5,000 for property damage. Stay legally covered and financially secure on the road.
Vehicle inspections
- Providence: 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.
- Jersey City: If you are planning to reside in New Jersey for a minimum of 6 months, it is mandatory to transfer the title of your vehicle, register it, and obtain a driver's license from the state. As a new resident, you have 60 days from the date of establishing your residency to register your vehicle. It is important to note that before registering your vehicle, you are required to have liability insurance coverage as per the New Jersey state laws.
Driver’s license
- Providence: If you are moving to Rhode Island from another state, you have 60 days to obtain a Rhode Island driver's license. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and legal presence in the U.S. This can include documents such as a birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card.
- Jersey City: As per the state laws of New Jersey, new residents are expected to transfer their driver's license and register their vehicles within 60 days of arriving in the state. However, during public health crises, this time frame may be extended to 120 days. It is important to note that there won't be any reminders for this, so it's recommended to keep a record of the date of your arrival in the state.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Providence to Jersey City?
The cost to ship a car from Providence, RI to Jersey City, NJ varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Providence to Jersey City will range from $460 to $610.
How long will it take to ship my car from Providence to Jersey City?
It will take approximately one to four days to ship your car the 186 miles from Providence to Jersey City. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Providence to Jersey City?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Providence to Jersey City. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from Providence to Jersey City?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Providence to Jersey City than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 186-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.
We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.
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