($1,560) Cost to ship a car from Providence, RI to Fontana, CA

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 2,931 miles from Providence, Rhode Island, to Fontana, California, ranges from $1,560 to $2,478. 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.

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  • Services all 50 states
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Fontana to Providence car shipping guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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The best Providence to Fontana car shipping companies

We’ve done the research, and these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Providence to Fontana:

Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices (833) 775-1461
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  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
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Check prices (833) 775-1461
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Check prices (224) 206-5633
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  • No upfront payment
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Competitive pricing
  • Door-to-door shipping
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Check prices (224) 206-5633
Best for discounts
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Check prices (770) 501-9057
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  • Competitive pricing
  • Last-minute car shipments
  • Guaranteed & expedited shipments
  • Gap insurance coverage
  • Multiple discounts
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Best for overall value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Check prices (864) 492-1221
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  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
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Check prices (864) 492-1221
Best for quick pickup
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Check prices (888) 259-6046
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  • No upfront deposit
  • Expedited shipping
  • No hidden fees
  • Ships motorcycles & RVs
  • Discount for cash payments
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Top local car shippers in Providence

If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Providence, RI:

Beacon Shipping Logistics Inc

25 Messenger Dr, Warwick, RI 02888 US

starstarstarstarstar4.38 / 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.

Get a Quote (855) 374-4748

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

Fisher Shipping Company

27B Midstate Drive, Suite 106 Auburn, MA 01501 US

starstarstarstarstar4.38 / 5.0

Fisher Shipping has received overwhelmingly positive feedback for their exceptional customer service, efficient transport, and professionalism throughout the shipping process. Customers appreciate the promptness and clear communication from their representatives, ensuring a smooth experience when transporting their vehicles. However, there are instances of dissatisfaction concerning claims and damage inspection. A few clients experienced issues with notable scratches on vehicles after transport, raising concerns about damage during shipping. Overall, most customers would highly recommend Fisher Shipping for vehicle transport.

Get a Quote (888) 886-3456

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Trailers
  • Electric vehicles
  • Inoperable cars

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 2235479

Alternative Business Names

  • Fisher Auto Transport

Chip's Transport Service

2 Summer Street, Foxboro, MA 02035 US

starstarstarstarstar4.34 / 5.0

Chips Transport is highly regarded for its professional, reliable, and efficient service in transporting vehicles. Many customers praise their excellent communication and ability to deliver on time and in good condition. However, some reviews point out issues with customer service, confusion over payment methods, and instances of vehicle damage during transport.

Get a Quote (800) 427-2447

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Multi-car transport
  • Storage solutions
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats

Discounts

  • Military

Additional Information

Executive Auto Transport LLC

58 Main St, Sturbridge, MA 01566 US

starstarstarstarstar4 / 5.0

Customers consistently praise Executive Auto Transport for their excellent service, timely delivery, and professional staff. Many express their satisfaction with the affordable pricing, clear communication, and care shown for their vehicles during transport. However, a few negative reviews highlight issues such as delays and poor communication from certain drivers, which led to stressful experiences for some clients.

Get a Quote (774) 304-1197

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • RVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment
  • Boats

Additional Information

East Coast Auto Transport

111 Amaral St, Riverside, RI 02915 US

starstarstarstarstar4 / 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.

Get a Quote (800) 393-1850

Services Offered

  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Multi-car transport
  • Classic cars
  • Electric vehicles

Discounts

  • Military
  • Student

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Circle T, Inc.

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 CA

  • Coordinate with your movers. If you are relocating from Providence to Fontana, many of the top long-distance moving companies partner with reputable car shippers nationwide, and can oversee auto transport for you as part of an overall relocation package. You won’t have to handle the logistics yourself, but you’ll be locked into your mover’s pick for car shipper and their pricing.
  • Drive your car. There are lots of pros and cons of driving your car versus shipping it. You may be able to incorporate the 2,931-mile drive from Providence to Fontana 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 Rhode Island to California is an option, albeit an expensive one. And you’ll need to find a driver you trust to safely get your car from Providence to Fontana. Plus, you’ll still be putting extra miles on your car regardless of who drives it there.
  • Ship your car via train. Shipping a car by train is a cost-effective and safe way to transport your vehicle to Fontana, particularly if you’re already planning to move your household belongings by rail. In fact, it is the cheapest way to ship your car! Keep in mind that this method offers no real flexibility in terms of pickup and drop-off locations and will take longer than using a car shipper or driving.

Factors affecting Providence to Fontana car shipping costs

When transporting your vehicle from Providence to Fontana, these factors will influence the cost:

Transport method

There are different options for shipping your car from Providence to Fontana, including open, enclosed, and top-loaded transport. The method you choose will depend on your specific needs.

When leaving Providence, open carriers are the most cost-effective option, while enclosed transport provides added protection for luxury or classic cars. If you’re uncertain which option to use to get your vehicle to Fontana, refer to our guide on comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.

Vehicle size and type

Your shipping costs out of Providence will be determined in large part by what kind of car you have. As you might guess, the bigger the vehicle, the more it will cost. This is simply because it takes up more space and adds more weight to the carrier. So, a full-size SUV will be more expensive to ship to Fontana than a compact car.

Distance and route

To put it simply — the longer the journey, the higher the price. Distance impacts pricing in terms of fuel and labor expenses, as well as adjacent costs like toll fees and carrier maintenance. Shipping your car 2,931 miles from Creative Capital to Fontana will likely be more expensive than transporting it a shorter distance within Rhode Island.

Where you’re shipping your car matters here, too. Rates are usually lower for routes that are along major highways and will be higher for areas that are more remote.

The time of the year

Seasonal demand and weather conditions in both Providence and Fontana can impact car shipping prices.

The season and weather in both Providence and Fontana can impact car shipping prices.

June, September and August are the most pleasant months in Providence, while January and February are the least comfortable months.

Fontana is frequently affected by the strong, hot and dry Santa Ana winds as they blow through the nearby Cajon Pass of the San Gabriel mountains, from the Mojave Desert. Fontana can also be extremely hot in summer, well over 100 °F

During peak moving times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Providence to Fontana during these peak seasons can result in higher costs due to increased demand.

Fuel prices

Fuel price fluctuations can greatly influence transport costs. This is a critical factor given the 2,931-mile distance between Providence and Fontana and the varying fuel prices across different regions. When fuel prices are high, shipping costs will rise accordingly.

Delivery expectations

Being flexible with your delivery dates can sometimes lead to discounts from your auto shipper. However, shipping a car from Providence to Fontana typically takes between seven and fifteen days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Comparing Providence and Fontana 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/
  • Fontana: A Vehicle Moving Permit (REG 172) may be issued at no fee for a period of only one day for movement of a vehicle in accordance with CVC 4002 and 11716. Registration of a vehicle moved or operated under a permit issued by DMV is not required. Auto clubs are authorized to issue REG 172s. A REG 172 is valid for one day and issued to vehicles that have a valid planned nonoperation (PNO) status on record, be exempt from the PNO law, or have current fees on deposit and will be moved:

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.
  • Fontana: The minimum car insurance requirement in California is $15,000 for individual injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage in the case of an accident involving another driver.

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.
  • Fontana: California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.

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.
  • Fontana: If you move to California and become a resident, you are required to obtain a California driver's license within 10 days.

FAQ

How much does it cost to ship a car from Providence to Fontana?

The cost to ship a car from Providence, RI to Fontana, CA 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 Fontana will range from $1,560 to $2,478.

How long will it take to ship my car from Providence to Fontana?

It will take approximately seven to fifteen days to ship your car the 2,931 miles from Providence to Fontana. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from Providence to Fontana?

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Providence to Fontana. 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 Fontana?

It is generally cheaper to drive your car from Providence to Fontana 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 2,931-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.

Helpful Providence resources