Rhode Island to South Carolina Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: Shipping a car 892 miles from Rhode Island to South Carolina usually costs between $813 and $1,225. Transit time is about two–seven days, depending on the type of transport you choose and the season. For a more specific estimate, try our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our South Carolina 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 South Carolina car shipping companies
Through more than 400 hours of analysis of car shippers, we found that these are the top car shipping companies for transporting your vehicle from Rhode Island to South Carolina:
- 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
Looking to stay local? Here are the leading car shippers in Rhode Island who can get your vehicle to South Carolina:
- 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 South Carolina
Ship it with your movers
If you’re relocating from Rhode Island to South Carolina, consider choosing a moving company that also offers car shipping. Many long-distance movers partner with trusted auto transport providers to coordinate the process.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
This is straightforward but not always an option, and it will put about 892 miles on your car going from Rhode Island to South Carolina. If you’re not sure, here are the pros and cons of driving your car vs. shipping it.
Hire a driver
You can also hire someone to drive the car from Rhode Island to South Carolina for you. This option could be a very costly one and involves trusting a driver to safely get your car to its destination.
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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina. The trip typically spans 892 miles and takes about two–seven days.
Cost to ship a car from Providence, RI to South Carolina
| From Rhode Island to South Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providence, RI to Charleston, SC | $830 – $1,213 | 946 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Providence, RI to Columbia, SC | $789 – $1,140 | 893 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Providence, RI to North Charleston, SC | $759 – $1,262 | 938 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Providence, RI to Mount Pleasant, SC | $751 – $1,189 | 948 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Providence, RI to Rock Hill, SC | $759 – $1,171 | 840 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Warwick, RI to South Carolina
| From Rhode Island to South Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warwick, RI to Charleston, SC | $751 – $1,275 | 939 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Warwick, RI to Columbia, SC | $749 – $1,164 | 886 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Warwick, RI to North Charleston, SC | $759 – $1,238 | 931 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Warwick, RI to Mount Pleasant, SC | $775 – $1,262 | 941 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Warwick, RI to Rock Hill, SC | $775 – $1,182 | 833 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cranston, RI to South Carolina
| From Rhode Island to South Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cranston, RI to Charleston, SC | $830 – $1,177 | 942 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Cranston, RI to Columbia, SC | $749 – $1,201 | 890 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Cranston, RI to North Charleston, SC | $783 – $1,250 | 935 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Cranston, RI to Mount Pleasant, SC | $759 – $1,213 | 945 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Cranston, RI to Rock Hill, SC | $751 – $1,194 | 837 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from Pawtucket, RI to South Carolina
| From Rhode Island to South Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pawtucket, RI to Charleston, SC | $805 – $1,273 | 950 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to Columbia, SC | $749 – $1,261 | 897 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to North Charleston, SC | $830 – $1,226 | 942 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to Mount Pleasant, SC | $789 – $1,187 | 953 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to Rock Hill, SC | $814 – $1,112 | 844 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Cost to ship a car from East Providence, RI to South Carolina
| From Rhode Island to South Carolina | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Providence, RI to Charleston, SC | $775 – $1,226 | 946 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| East Providence, RI to Columbia, SC | $797 – $1,140 | 893 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| East Providence, RI to North Charleston, SC | $775 – $1,226 | 938 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| East Providence, RI to Mount Pleasant, SC | $814 – $1,164 | 949 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| East Providence, RI to Rock Hill, SC | $783 – $1,171 | 840 miles | 2 – 7 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Rhode Island to South Carolina
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 South Carolina you should expect to pay between $1,016 and $1,531.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Rhode Island to South Carolina
When arranging car transport from the Ocean State to the Palmetto 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 South Carolina.
- Distance and route: The route from Rhode Island to South Carolina is about 892 miles. Costs grow with longer trips due to the increased fuel and labor required.
- 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: Variability in fuel prices across states affects the cost of moving a vehicle between Rhode Island and South Carolina.
- 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 South Carolina should take between two and seven days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.
South Carolina vehicle regulations you need to know
Once you arrive in South Carolina, 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: In South Carolina, it's a legal requirement for every driver to have liability insurance. Adhering to the state's minimum liability limits, commonly referred to as 25/50/25, entails securing coverage of at least $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Stay compliant with these essential insurance standards to drive confidently on South Carolina roads.
- Vehicle inspection: Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.
- Driver’s license: If you are moving to South Carolina, you will be required to obtain a South Carolina driver's license within 90 days of establishing residency in the state.
- Additional taxes: In South Carolina, there is a sales tax imposed on the purchase of a vehicle. The sales tax rate is 6%, which is collected by the dealer at the time of purchase.
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 South Carolina
About 5.4 million people are living in the Palmetto State. South Carolina had hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters and coastal areas of the state have very mild winters. While precipitation is abundant the entire year in almost the entire state, the coast tends to have a slightly wetter summer, while inland, the spring and autumn transitions tend to be the wettest periods and winter the driest season, with November being the driest month.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Rhode Island and delivery in South Carolina?
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 South Carolina.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Rhode Island to South Carolina?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Rhode Island to South Carolina, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to South Carolina, 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 South Carolina, it's a legal requirement for every driver to have liability insurance. Adhering to the state's minimum liability limits, commonly referred to as 25/50/25, entails securing coverage of at least $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Stay compliant with these essential insurance standards to drive confidently on South Carolina roads.
How long does it take to ship a car from Rhode Island to South Carolina?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Rhode Island to South Carolina is about 892 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from Rhode Island to South Carolina.
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.
Drivers in South Carolina are not required to get a safety, VIN, or emissions inspection for their vehicle.
If I have a driver’s license in Rhode Island, will I need one in South Carolina?
If you are moving to South Carolina, you will be required to obtain a South Carolina driver's license within 90 days of establishing residency in the state.
If I bought a car in Rhode Island, will I be required to pay sales tax in South Carolina after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Rhode Island to South Carolina after purchasing it.
In South Carolina, there is a sales tax imposed on the purchase of a vehicle. The sales tax rate is 6%, which is collected by the dealer at the time of purchase.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Rhode Island and South Carolina to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Rhode Island to South Carolina?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Rhode Island to South Carolina 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 South Carolina?
Shipping a car from Rhode Island to South Carolina costs $813 to $1,225.
