Rhode Island to South Dakota Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: On average, shipping a car 1,700 miles from Rhode Island to South Dakota ranges from $1,220 to $1,684. Expect the trip to take around three–nine 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 South Dakota 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 Dakota 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 Dakota:
- 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 South Dakota:
- 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 Dakota
Ship it with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Rhode Island to South Dakota, 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 simple, this isn’t always the best option, and it’ll put about 1,700 extra miles on your car to travel from Rhode Island to South Dakota. To help decide, here are the pros and cons of driving vs. shipping.
Hire a driver
You might consider hiring a driver to move your car from Rhode Island to South Dakota. Keep in mind, though, that this is usually expensive and involves trusting someone else with your vehicle.
Ship by train
Shipping a car by train is a safe and low-cost way to move a car. Transporting by train is actually the cheapest shipping option available, on average.
Rhode Island to South Dakota auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in Rhode Island and South Dakota. Average distances are close to 1,700 miles, with delivery usually taking three–nine days.
Cost to ship a car from Providence, RI to South Dakota
| From Rhode Island to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providence, RI to Sioux Falls, SD | $1,134 – $1,508 | 1,558 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Providence, RI to Rapid City, SD | $1,221 – $1,884 | 1,887 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Providence, RI to Aberdeen, SD | $1,190 – $1,581 | 1,674 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Providence, RI to Brookings, SD | $1,111 – $1,667 | 1,598 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Providence, RI to Watertown, SD | $1,089 – $1,667 | 1,592 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Warwick, RI to South Dakota
| From Rhode Island to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warwick, RI to Sioux Falls, SD | $1,134 – $1,524 | 1,533 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Warwick, RI to Rapid City, SD | $1,234 – $1,774 | 1,881 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Warwick, RI to Aberdeen, SD | $1,144 – $1,631 | 1,658 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Warwick, RI to Brookings, SD | $1,111 – $1,524 | 1,591 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Warwick, RI to Watertown, SD | $1,078 – $1,508 | 1,576 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Cranston, RI to South Dakota
| From Rhode Island to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cranston, RI to Sioux Falls, SD | $1,145 – $1,556 | 1,546 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Cranston, RI to Rapid City, SD | $1,234 – $1,811 | 1,884 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Cranston, RI to Aberdeen, SD | $1,179 – $1,647 | 1,671 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Cranston, RI to Brookings, SD | $1,156 – $1,572 | 1,594 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Cranston, RI to Watertown, SD | $1,078 – $1,635 | 1,580 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from Pawtucket, RI to South Dakota
| From Rhode Island to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pawtucket, RI to Sioux Falls, SD | $1,134 – $1,651 | 1,561 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to Rapid City, SD | $1,197 – $1,902 | 1,899 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to Aberdeen, SD | $1,121 – $1,714 | 1,686 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to Brookings, SD | $1,144 – $1,714 | 1,601 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| Pawtucket, RI to Watertown, SD | $1,100 – $1,619 | 1,587 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Cost to ship a car from East Providence, RI to South Dakota
| From Rhode Island to South Dakota | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Providence, RI to Sioux Falls, SD | $1,167 – $1,508 | 1,561 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| East Providence, RI to Rapid City, SD | $1,189 – $1,995 | 1,900 miles | 3 – 11 days |
| East Providence, RI to Aberdeen, SD | $1,098 – $1,631 | 1,677 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| East Providence, RI to Brookings, SD | $1,098 – $1,697 | 1,610 miles | 3 – 9 days |
| East Providence, RI to Watertown, SD | $1,067 – $1,667 | 1,587 miles | 3 – 9 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Rhode Island to South Dakota
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 Dakota you should expect to pay between $1,525 and $2,105.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Rhode Island to South Dakota
Transporting your vehicle from the Ocean State to the Mount Rushmore State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- Type of transport: Common choices include open carriers, enclosed carriers, and top-loading. Open carriers are the least expensive, while enclosed shipping is better for classic or high-end cars. More details are available in our open vs. enclosed car shipping guide.
- Vehicle size and type: Larger vehicles that weigh more are costlier to ship. This directly affects pricing for transport to South Dakota.
- Distance and route: The trip from Rhode Island to South Dakota covers roughly 1,700 miles. Longer routes raise fuel and labor expenses, which increase the overall cost.
- 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 South Dakota may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Shippers may offer lower pricing if your schedule allows for flexible delivery dates. Standard delivery takes three–nine days, while expedited service costs more.
South Dakota vehicle regulations you need to know
Moving to South Dakota 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: In South Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.
- Vehicle inspection: South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
- Driver’s license: If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
- Additional taxes: When moving to South Dakota, you will need to register your vehicle with the South Dakota Department of Revenue within 90 days. You will need to provide proof of insurance, the vehicle title, pay a fee based on the vehicle's value, 4% sales tax, and $5 per wheel wheel 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 South Dakota
About 919,318 people are living in the Mount Rushmore State. In South Dakota, drivers are required to have liability insurance coverage with at least the following minimum limits: $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person in an accident, $50,000 for total bodily injury or death per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Rhode Island and delivery in South Dakota?
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 Dakota.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Rhode Island to South Dakota?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Rhode Island to South Dakota, 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 Dakota, 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 Dakota, drivers must show proof of financial responsibility, typically met through car insurance. Key coverage includes: Bodily Injury Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for injuries. Property Damage Liability (25/50/25): $25,000/accident for property damage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Required for personal injuries caused by uninsured drivers or hit-and-runs. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Covers personal injuries from motorists with insufficient insurance. Note: Coverages are not stackable; they operate independently.
How long does it take to ship a car from Rhode Island to South Dakota?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Rhode Island to South Dakota is about 1,700 miles, and that’s as fast as about 4 days. However, most car transport companies will take three to nine days to travel from Rhode Island to South Dakota.
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.
South Dakota does not have a mandatory vehicle inspection program for passenger vehicles. However, commercial vehicles and buses are required to pass annual inspections. If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
If I have a driver’s license in Rhode Island, will I need one in South Dakota?
If you are a new resident of South Dakota, you are required to obtain a South Dakota driver's license within 90 days of becoming a resident.
If I bought a car in Rhode Island, will I be required to pay sales tax in South Dakota after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Rhode Island to South Dakota after purchasing it.
When moving to South Dakota, you will need to register your vehicle with the South Dakota Department of Revenue within 90 days. You will need to provide proof of insurance, the vehicle title, pay a fee based on the vehicle's value, 4% sales tax, and $5 per wheel wheel tax.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Rhode Island and South Dakota to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Rhode Island to South Dakota?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Rhode Island to South Dakota 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 Dakota?
Shipping a car from Rhode Island to South Dakota costs $1,220 to $1,684.
