For shippers, brokers, and carriers in the auto transport industry, every mile counts when it comes to profitability. Reducing costs and improving efficiency aren’t just goals – they’re necessities to stay competitive in a fast-evolving market. Enter the strategy of multi-VIN shipping (multi-vehicle identification number shipments)—a game changer for maximizing value while minimizing expense.
We’ve uncovered details from the “Super Moves: State of Auto Transport” report that shed light on the undeniable benefits of multi-VIN shipping. Here’s what you need to know, plus a valuable resource at the end that breaks it all down even further.
Why Multi-VIN Shipping Matters
When shipping a single vehicle, operational costs such as fuel, driver hours, and overhead remain fixed. This creates inefficiencies, as these expenses don’t adjust based on volume. Multi-VIN shipping offers a simple but powerful solution by enabling shippers and brokers to move more vehicles on the same trip. This strategy leverages the full capacity of a truck, ensuring carriers maximize their loads while spreading the fixed costs across more units.
The Core Benefits:
- Lower Cost Per Mile
According to the “State of Auto Transport” report, per-mile costs drop dramatically as vehicle volume increases:- Single vehicle (1 VIN): $0.66 per mile
- Two vehicles (2 VINs): $0.67 per mile
- Three vehicles (3 VINs): $0.63 per mile
- Six or more vehicles (6+ VINs): $0.49 per mile
- The most significant savings kick in with four VINs or more. For example, a six-VIN shipment slashes costs by 26% per mile compared to shipping a single vehicle.
- Maximized Truck Capacity
Instead of sending out partially-loaded trucks, multi-VIN shipping utilizes every inch of space, increasing operational efficiency for carriers and shippers. - Improved Delivery Efficiency
Bundling shipments reduces the potential need for multiple pickups and drop-offs, allowing for more predictable scheduling and faster turnaround times.
How Multi-VIN Shipping Translates to Bigger Profit Margins
For shippers and brokers, cost optimization is central to boosting profitability. Multi-VIN shipping accomplishes this on two fronts:
1. Direct Cost Savings
The data is clear. Moving six vehicles in one shipment reduces costs by a quarter compared to single-VIN shipments. For brokers accustomed to high-volume moves on key lanes like Dallas to Houston or New York to Miami, this adds up to significant savings over time.
2. Competitive Advantage
Lower costs not only improve profit margins but also give businesses more flexibility to price competitively. Brokers leveraging multi-VIN shipping can offer quotes to customers without sacrificing their bottom line. This approach attracts more customers while maintaining healthy profitability.
3. Operational Streamlining
Fewer trips mean less logistical juggling. This frees up resources for shippers and brokers to focus on growing their network, taking on more lanes, or improving customer satisfaction.
Breaking Down the Numbers in Context
Every route and situation is unique. Imagine you’re shipping vehicles between Miami and New York, one of the highest-revenue routes in 2024, generating over $8 million in total revenue. If you moved these vehicles one-by-one, you’d be paying significantly more in per-mile costs, eating into your profits. By grouping multiple shipments together, you could drastically improve cost efficiency.
In addition, multi-VIN shipping is especially valuable during seasonal demand spikes or natural disaster recovery periods, where time and resources are in short supply.
Seasonal Opportunities
The report highlights notable regional trends, like Florida experiencing a 15% winter demand surge due to snowbirds heading south. Shippers and brokers in the Southeast who manage to consolidate transport during these peak times can maximize profits while meeting increased demand.
Recovery-Driven Demand
After disruptions caused by hurricanes or other natural disasters, VIN deliveries spike as businesses scramble to catch up. Multi-VIN shipping ensures shippers and brokers can meet this demand efficiently without over-stretching their carrier networks.
Multi-VIN Moves and the Road Ahead for Brokers and Shippers
Here’s why multi-VIN shipping must become a part of your strategic toolbox:
- Fuel Price Rebalancing
While fuel prices are not the only factor driving transport costs, reducing trips helps to offset rising fuel expenses. - Lane Optimization
With highly active corridors like Los Angeles to Dallas and Boston to New York, multi-VIN shipments reduce unnecessary cross-country trips, leveraging high-demand routes more effectively. - Adaptability in Challenging Times
Rapid recovery after major disruptions showcased the resilience of the auto transport industry, and multi-VIN shipping is an integral piece of maintaining that resilience.
Discover the Full Picture
Multi-VIN shipping is more than a cost-saving tactic. It’s a strategic, scalable approach to strengthening your operations and boosting your bottom line. For shippers, brokers, and carriers looking to stay competitive in today’s market, multi-VIN shipments offer tangible and impactful benefits.
Want the full breakdown of industry trends, additional cost-savings tactics, and actionable insights? Download the “Super Moves: State of Auto Transport” report today. Packed with in-depth data and analysis, this resource is your roadmap to navigating 2025 and beyond.
Download the Full Report Now to take your auto transport strategy to the next level.
