($1,553) Cost to ship a car from Houston, TX to Providence, RI
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 1,816 miles from Houston, Texas, to Providence, Rhode Island, generally falls between $1,553 and $2,303. Variables like transport type, seasonality, and your vehicle’s specs all influence the price. For more exact numbers, check our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Providence to Houston 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 Houston to Providence car shipping companies
To make your relocation easier, we’ve rounded up the best car shipping companies for transporting a vehicle from Houston to Providence:
- 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 Houston
If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in Houston, TX:
- New World Auto Transport: 3.8 out of 5 stars
- Nexgen Auto Transport LLC: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Horizon Auto Shipping: 3.58 out of 5 stars
- Cayad Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Fast Motion Auto Transport: 3.5 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 TX to RI
If you’re planning a move from Houston to Providence, you’ll need to decide how to transport your vehicle. We’ve outlined the main car shipping options you can choose from and what to expect from each.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re planning a move from Houston to Providence, many long-distance movers have partnerships with nationwide auto transporters. They’ll manage the car shipping logistics for you, but you won’t have control over which company is used or how much it costs.
Drive your car
There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 1,816-mile drive from Houston to Providence into a fun road trip, and you’ll likely save money. But all that mileage will put some wear and tear on your vehicle, and you could face inclement weather or other dangerous driving conditions.
Use a driving service
Hiring someone else to drive your car directly from Texas to Rhode Island is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Houston to Providence. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.
Ship your car via train
Transporting your car by train is one of the safest and most affordable options for getting your vehicle to Providence—especially if your household goods are already moving by rail. In fact, it’s the cheapest car shipping method available. The downside is limited pickup and drop-off flexibility, plus longer transit times compared to standard car shipping or driving yourself.
Factors affecting Houston to Providence car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Houston to Providence, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from Houston to Providence, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from Houston tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to Providence, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
The kind of car you’re shipping out of Houston 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 Providence 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 1,816 miles from Houston to Providence will usually cost more than a shorter relocation within Texas.
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
Seasonal demand and weather patterns in Houston and Providence often affect the cost of auto transport.
Houston's weather is moderate to hot year-round but hurricane season in the late summer months may affect your move.
June, September and August are the most pleasant months in Providence, while January and February are the least comfortable months.
When demand peaks in summer and during holiday seasons, prices rise accordingly. Shipping your car from Houston to Providence in these high-demand windows typically comes at a premium.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 1,816-mile distance between Houston and Providence and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
Some carriers provide shipping discounts if you’re flexible on delivery dates. The average transport time from Houston to Providence is three to eleven days. Being flexible can cut costs, but expedited options guarantee faster delivery at a premium.
Comparing Houston and Providence vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Houston: If you're moving in Houston, you must have a commercial vehicle loading permit
- 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/
Car insurance requirements
- Houston: Every driver in Texas is mandated to have liability insurance known as 30/60/25 coverage. However, this minimum requirement may fall short in adequately covering the aftermath of a moderately severe accident. The basic policy offers $30,000 for individual injury coverage, up to $60,000 for injury coverage per accident, and provides up to $25,000 for property damage.
- 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.
Vehicle inspections
- Houston: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
- 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.
Driver’s license
- Houston: New residents are required to obtain a Texas driver license from the Texas Department of Public Safety within 90 days of moving to the state.
- 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.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from Houston to Providence?
The cost to ship a car from Houston, TX to Providence, RI 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 Houston to Providence will range from $1,553 to $2,303.
How long will it take to ship my car from Houston to Providence?
It will take approximately three to eleven days to ship your car the 1,816 miles from Houston to Providence. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Houston to Providence?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Houston to Providence. 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 Houston to Providence?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Houston to Providence 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 1,816-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.
3945 Greenbriar Dr ste b 1, Stafford, TX 77477 US
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