Auto Transport in Summer 2025: Market Insights and Trends
Strong Demand Amid Seasonal Peaks
Summer is prime time for auto transport, with families relocating and dealers restocking for back-to-school sales. The Cox Automotive Market Insights forecasts 16.3 million new-vehicle sales in 2025, the highest since 2019, boosting demand for transport services. Relocation clients, like those your office serves, are moving SUVs and pickups to new states, driving up hauler bookings. Expect a 10–15% spike in transport requests from June to August, especially for open trailers, which dominate 90% of shipments.
Capacity and Pricing Pressures
Despite rising demand, overcapacity lingers from 2024’s freight recession. ACT Research notes that truckload spot rates are recovering but remain below pre-pandemic highs, with load-to-truck ratios tightening in Q2 2025. For a 9-car hauler carrying 6–7 vehicles (e.g., 17.5-ft midsize autos, ~24,000 lbs), average per-mile rates hover at $1.00–$1.10, down 5% from summer 2024 due to lower diesel costs (20% drop since 2023). However, tariff uncertainties—potentially 25% on auto parts from April 2025—could raise carrier costs, nudging quotes up for clients. A typical 500-mile haul for 6 vehicles might cost $3,000–$3,600, with our 10–20% brokerage margin ensuring competitive pricing.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Surge
EVs are reshaping logistics, with Bloomberg predicting 10% of new car sales by summer 2025. Your clients may ship EVs like Tesla Model Ys or Hyundai KIA Niro, requiring carriers with EV-trained drivers and charging-aware routes. Enclosed trailers, up 1% in market share, are gaining traction for high-value EVs, adding ~$500 to quotes vs. open transport. Our network ensures safe handling, critical for real estate clients relocating with premium vehicles.
Technology and Efficiency
Carriers are leaning on tech to cut costs and improve service. Ship.Cars reports 80% of carriers use AI-powered inspections, streamlining pickups for your clients’ vehicles. Our integration with Super Dispatch ensures real-time tracking, giving relocation clients peace of mind. For example, a family moving 4 Chevy 2500s and 2 Equinoxes can monitor their 9-car hauler’s progress, despite weight challenges (35,000 lbs, needing heavy-duty trailers).
Challenges to Watch
Tariff Risks: Proposed auto part tariffs could disrupt supply chains, raising transport costs by 5–10% if enacted.
Driver Shortages: TechForce notes a 5:1 demand-to-supply gap for technicians, impacting carrier maintenance and availability.
Weather Disruptions: Summer storms can delay hauls, requiring flexible scheduling for interstate moves
Looking Ahead
Summer 2025 will be busy but challenging, with strong demand, tariff risks, and EV growth shaping auto transport. Partner with Carrier Connect, LLC to ensure your clients’ vehicles—whether SUVs, pickups, or EVs—arrive on time and on budget.
Stay ahead of the curve with Carrier Connect—your trusted auto transport partner.
