Cost to ship a car from Providence to Tacoma

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 3,052 miles from Providence to Tacoma ranges from $1,548 to $2,544. Depending on factors like the transport type and season, you can expect your vehicle to land in Tacoma, WA in 7–15 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 Tacoma to Providence car shipping guide.

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Factors affecting Providence to Tacoma car shipping costs

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

Type of transport

There are different options for transporting your car from Providence to Tacoma, 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 Tacoma, 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 Tacoma 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 America’s #1 Wired City — approximately 3,052 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 Tacoma 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.

Tacoma has one of the best weather in the state of Washington which is a desirable feature for residence. Humidity in Tacoma is generally tolerable. The most humid months are August, July and September which are the best months to schedule a move to avoid rainfall and snow.

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 Tacoma 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 3,052-mile distance between Providence and Tacoma 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 Tacoma typically takes between 7 and 15 days. Flexibility in delivery times can save costs, whereas expedited services ensure quicker delivery but at a premium cost.

Providence to Tacoma car shipping companies

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

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Established in 2007
  • No upfront payment
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • No deposit
  • Quick pickup

Comparing Providence and Tacoma 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/
  • Tacoma: Some neighborhoods have competition for a limited number of on-street parking spaces. Growing demand for parking is attributable to several factors such as increased vehicle ownership, increased residential occupancy, and increases in nearby employment and commercial/retail activity. The Residential Parking Program (RPP) is a management tool used to mitigate adverse and chronic levels of commuter or non-resident parking along streets with adjacent residential properties. All vehicles parked in a designated Residential Parking Zone (RPZ) must adhere to the posted regulations or risk being issued a corrective action. A fee based parking permit is required to park for more than two-hours in an RPZ. To contact the Residential Parking Program (RPP), please email [email protected] or call at (253) 591-5371.

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.
  • Tacoma: Drivers in Washington are mandated to maintain a minimum of $25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury in an accident, and $10,000 for property damage to meet legal requirements and enhance on-road protection.

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.
  • Tacoma: In the state of Washington, there are no annual safety inspections, however, vehicles must still comply with strict Clean Car standards.

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.
  • Tacoma: To register your vehicle in Washington, obtaining a Washington driver's license is necessary. This must be done within 30 days of relocating to the state. If you have a valid driver's license from another state, the process of obtaining a Washington license is straightforward and only requires proof of residency in the state, without the need for any additional exams.

FAQ

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

The cost to ship a car from Providence, RI to Tacoma, WA 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 Tacoma will range from $1,548 to $2,544.

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

It will take approximately 7–15 days to ship your car the 3,052 miles from Providence to Tacoma. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.

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

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

Helpful Providence resources