Cost to ship a car from Providence to Houston

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,816 miles from Providence to Houston ranges from $1,418 to $2,081. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Houston, TX in 3–11 days. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.

Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Houston to Providence car shipping guide.

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Since moveBuddha’s foundation in 2015, our team has talked to thousands of consumers and analyzed 4,400 moving companies and 2,400 car shippers across the U.S. We’ve collected detailed car shipping experiences through our Better Moves project. We routinely dig deep into online consumer reviews to identify the most common complaints and compliments companies receive.

We created our own system for analyzing and rating car shipping companies on important factors like pricing, variety of services, customer feedback, and availability. Our experienced editorial team fully fact-checks all content to ensure it is accurate, informative, and up-to-date.

Factors affecting Providence to Houston car shipping costs

Companies base their car shipping costs on a variety of factors. When transporting your vehicle from Providence to Houston, these factors will influence the cost:

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Providence to Houston, such as open, enclosed, or top-loaded transport, each catering to 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 Houston, refer to our guide comparing open vs. enclosed car shipping.

Vehicle size and type

The size and weight of your vehicle play a crucial role in determining shipping costs out of Providence. Larger and heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship. For instance, shipping a large SUV to Houston will cost more than a compact car due to the additional space and weight.

Distance and route

The distance from the Creative Capital to the HOU — approximately 1,816 miles — directly influences fuel and labor costs. The longer the journey, the higher the cost.

Time of the year

The season and weather in both Providence and Houston 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.

Houston's weather is moderate to hot year-round but hurricane season in the late summer months may affect your move.

During peak times like summer and the winter holidays, demand for car shipping services increases, leading to higher prices. Shipping your car from Providence to Houston 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 1,816-mile distance between Providence and Houston 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 Houston typically takes between 3 and 11 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Providence to Houston car shipping companies

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

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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Rental car option
  • Ship inoperable

Comparing Providence and Houston 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/
  • Houston: If you're moving in Houston, you must have a commercial vehicle loading permit

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.
  • 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.

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.
  • Houston: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.

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.
  • 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.

FAQ

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

The cost to ship a car from Providence, RI to Houston, TX varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed), the size and weight of the vehicle, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from Providence to Houston will range from $1,418 to $2,081.

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

It will take approximately 3–11 days to ship your car the 1,816 miles from Providence to Houston. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from Providence to Houston. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.

Helpful Providence resources