I'd call a couple of freight forwarders in CT and TN They'll give you some advice (and cost) depending on who does the packaging. Don't forget to add in insurance as part of the cost.
I got a rate from a flatbed that picks up lumber here from that area for $ 650 . That's not to bad but it might be while before headed this way . I know that he would take care of it and it wouldn't need any special packaging.
The Corolla shipped via a trucking company that you see on the highways.
I would contact an inflatable boat dealer near you and ask how they receive their boats from the manufactures.That might help understanding what you should spend and how to prep the boat.
OOPS! I meant hard dingy instead of inflatable.A friend has a Waker Bay dink shipped to his house for cheap a couple of years ago.
Also boat delivery companies will sometimes have room on the trailer for small stuff like you dink.
Last year I bought one in Annapolis c/w trailer. I found a guy on U ship that towed it to Detroit for $350. If I was you I'd buy a trailer and have someone like these guys tow it. I'd think twice about the stake truck, can't believe that no matter how careful putting that hull on the deck of a truck going down the highway will cause some damage some where.