The auto transport industry is on the move, literally and figuratively. Within the past year, there has been a surge in activity, with significant shifts transforming how vehicles are transported across the U.S. One trend, in particular, stands out—a year-over-year rise in average mileage per order. While seemingly small, this uptick signals changing dynamics in customer demand, shipping priorities, and carrier routes. For shippers, brokers, and carriers, it represents a wealth of opportunity to optimize operations and gain a competitive edge.
Here, we’ll explore the key transport trends found in the latest Super Moves: State of Auto Transport report, including the rise of long-haul moves, increasing demand for specific vehicle types, and the opportunities these changes create for industry stakeholders.
The Shift Toward Longer Routes
The 2.59% increase in average miles per order reflects growing demand for long-haul shipping. High-traffic routes, such as New York to Miami, are seeing increased activity, driven by migration trends and regional demand. Long-distance routes are appealing as they improve efficiency for carriers by allowing them to cover more miles with fully loaded carriers.
For brokers and shippers, this trend is a call to action. With routes like Los Angeles to Dallas showing strong growth, prioritizing these connections can help stakeholders secure faster delivery windows and competitive pricing.
Smart Planning Opportunity
Carriers can capitalize on this trend by bundling multi-vehicle loads for longer destinations. Multi-VIN loads improve per-mile cost efficiency while increasing revenue potential. The Super Moves report shows that a six-VIN shipment reduces costs per mile by 26% compared to single-vehicle hauls, making it a smart strategy for profitability.
The SUV Surge and Changing Fleet Demands
Vehicle type is another area seeing transformation. SUVs topped the charts in 2024, representing 46% of moves, far outpacing sedans and trucks. This shift reflects changing consumer preferences toward more versatile, larger vehicles.
For carriers, responding to this demand by outfitting fleets to handle higher volumes of SUVs is a clear opportunity.
For shippers and brokers, understanding these trends can help align inventory and marketing strategies. Offering premium options for high-demand vehicle types or leveraging regional demand spikes for SUVs can help seize market share.
Evolving Geographic Hubs and Migration Trends
Metro areas like Dallas and New York continue to top lists for origin and destination hubs. Dallas remains the leader in outbound moves, while New York commands inbound demand. But evolving migration patterns are creating new opportunities.
Florida’s demand, for instance, surges during winter months due to snowbird migration, increasing 15% in volume during peak season. Conversely, northern states like Illinois and New York see shipment activity drop during colder months. For shippers and carriers, adjusting lane pricing and marketing efforts seasonally can help capitalize on these trends while improving truck utilization.
Efficiency Matters
Shorter routes within metro areas, such as Los Angeles to Riverside, California, remain popular for intra-region moves but require strategic planning. Urban congestion, higher fuel costs, and idle time can cut into profits. Pricing these shorter routes effectively while using technology to optimize logistics ensures these lanes remain competitive and profitable.
Opportunities for Stakeholders
These changing dynamics may seem daunting, but they present abundant opportunities for those ready to adapt.
- For Shippers: Leverage long-haul and bundled shipping trends to reduce costs while ensuring vehicles move efficiently to their destinations.
- For Carriers: Invest in tools and insights to map out profitable lanes and adjust fleet operations to focus on high-demand vehicles like SUVs.
- For Brokers: Capitalize on seasonal trends and migration patterns to recommend optimal shipping lanes, keeping customers informed and satisfied.
Stay Ahead with Actionable Insights
The shipping industry thrives on adaptability, and is proving that success lies in understanding evolving trends. By analyzing metrics like rising mileage, shifting vehicle preferences, and geographic hotspots, stakeholders can stay one step ahead.
Get a complete breakdown of these trends and more in the Super Moves: State of Auto Transport report. Packed with data-driven insights, this resource is an essential guide for shippers, brokers, and carriers looking to unlock new opportunities and thrive in a competitive industry.
