($692) Cost to ship a car from Norfolk, VA to Providence, RI
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 542 miles from Norfolk, Virginia, to Providence, Rhode Island, generally falls between $692 and $900. 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 Norfolk car shipping guide.
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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
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The best Norfolk to Providence car shipping companies
We’ve compared thousands of providers and identified the best car shipping companies to handle your move from Norfolk to Providence:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for safety & reliability: Montway Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for overall value: SGT Auto Transport
- 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
- Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
- GPS tracking
- Multiple insurance options
- Guaranteed pickup dates available
- Door-to-door service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
Top local car shippers in Norfolk
If you’re leaning towards hiring a local car shipper, here are the best car shippers based in Norfolk, VA:
- Ship A Car ASAP: 3.72 out of 5 stars
- Safemile Auto Transport: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Speedy Car Shipping Norfolk: 3.56 out of 5 stars
- Virginia Beach Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Xpress 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 VA to RI
If you’re planning a move from Norfolk 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
On moves from Norfolk to Providence, it’s common for the top long-distance movers to coordinate with established car shippers for you. This can simplify your relocation, but you might not have a say in which car shipper they choose.
Drive your car
There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 542-mile drive from Norfolk 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
You could hire a professional driver to take your car from Virginia to Rhode Island, though this tends to be a pricey choice. You’ll also need to ensure the driver is reliable enough to get your car from Norfolk to Providence safely. Keep in mind, this option still adds mileage to your vehicle.
Ship your car via train
If saving money is your priority, shipping a car by train to Providence is worth considering. It’s not only safe but also the cheapest way to ship a car. The drawback is that there are fewer pickup and drop-off options and longer timelines compared to auto shippers or driving.
Factors affecting Norfolk to Providence car shipping costs
When you’re arranging vehicle transport from Norfolk to Providence, keep these cost factors in mind:
Transport method
There are a few ways to ship your car from Norfolk to Providence, including open carriers, enclosed shipping, or top-loaded service. Your best bet depends on your priorities.
Open carriers are the cheapest option, while enclosed shipping is best for safeguarding luxury or classic vehicles. If you’re unsure which transport type fits your move to Providence, our comparison guide can help.
Vehicle size and type
Vehicle size plays a major role in determining your shipping costs from Norfolk. Larger models add both bulk and weight to the trailer, raising the overall expense. So, moving a full-size SUV to Providence will be more expensive than shipping a compact vehicle.
Distance and route
In general, the greater the distance, the higher the price tag. Shipping costs rise with mileage because of fuel, labor, tolls, and upkeep. That’s why sending your car 542 miles from Norfolk to Providence is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Virginia.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Norfolk and Providence can impact car shipping prices.
If you are considering a move to Norfolk, plan your move on the months of May, October and September as these are the most pleasant months in Norfolk, while July and January are the least comfortable months.
June, September and August are the most pleasant months in Providence, while January and February are the least comfortable months.
During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Norfolk to Providence during these peak seasons can result in higher costs.
Fuel prices
Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 542-mile distance between Norfolk and Providence and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.
Delivery expectations
Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from Norfolk to Providence takes one to six days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing Norfolk and Providence vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- Norfolk: Norfolk City has a parking regulation. Make sure to get a Residential Parking Permit (RPP) that are available to residents and commercial businesses located within the zoned residential districts of Norfolk. Visit their website to know more: https://www.norfolk.gov/4435/Purchase-Residential-Districts-Parking-P
- 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
- Norfolk: It's crucial for drivers to have liability insurance, meeting the state's minimum coverage requirements: $25,000 for individual injury or death, $50,000 for injury or death involving multiple individuals, and $20,000 for property damage. Elevate your road safety with mandatory uninsured motorist coverage, ensuring protection with matching limits. Stay road-ready by fulfilling these insurance obligations in Virginia.
- 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
- Norfolk: All vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspections at DMV-approved stations. Vehicles that fail can be re-inspected for free within 60 days. Upon passing, a sticker is issued to indicate the vehicle's compliance.
- 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
- Norfolk: To obtain a driver's license, individuals must pass written, vision, and driving tests. To be eligible, individuals must be at least 16 years old and have held a learner's permit for at least 9 months. Specialized license types such as motorcycle, commercial, and provisional for under 18 are also available. Drivers with a valid out-of-state license can convert it without taking the test. Driver's licenses are issued by the DMV and are valid for 8 years, and can be renewed online or in person.
- 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 Norfolk to Providence?
The cost to ship a car from Norfolk, VA 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 Norfolk to Providence will range from $692 to $900.
How long will it take to ship my car from Norfolk to Providence?
It will take approximately one to six days to ship your car the 542 miles from Norfolk to Providence. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Norfolk to Providence?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Norfolk 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 Norfolk to Providence?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Norfolk 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 542-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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