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The year 2025 marks a pivotal moment for the auto industry. With new car sales slowing, used car prices finally cooling, and EVs becoming mainstream, the ripples are being felt far beyond dealerships — they’re reshaping the entire car shipping industry. For anyone looking to transport a vehicle this year, understanding these market forces is the key to getting a fair price and avoiding unexpected costs. Let’s explore how the state of the 2025 auto market directly affects shipping prices, and what you should keep in mind before booking your next transport.
The State of the Auto Market in 2025
The auto market continues to adjust after years of turbulence. While supply chain bottlenecks have eased, affordability challenges remain, leaving the industry at a crossroads.
New Car Sales Trends
According to Statista’s 2025 global auto market outlook, worldwide car sales are projected to fall by roughly 3% compared to 2024. This weakening demand, combined with persistent high interest rates in the U.S., means fewer new vehicles are entering the transport pipeline. Fewer cars on the market translates into fewer new-car shipments between factories, dealerships, and distribution hubs, which can limit carrier availability and influence overall transport pricing.
Cooling of the Used Car Market
The used car market, however, tells a different story. After reaching record highs in 2022 and 2023, prices are finally correcting. Cox Automotive’s Q1 2025 Market Insights Report shows wholesale used vehicle prices down by 6% year-over-year, marking the steepest drop in years.
Why does this matter for shipping? Because when used car prices cool, demand for transport rises. More buyers are willing to purchase out-of-state cars from dealerships and auctions, creating a surge in shipping volume. This is where consumer demand and logistics intersect: a dip in used car pricing can actually cause shipping activity to spike.
EV Adoption and Shifting Demand
Electric vehicles are now firmly part of the mainstream. The IEA’s Global EV Outlook 2025 estimates EVs will make up over 18% of new car sales in the U.S. this year, continuing their steady climb in market share. Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, and BYD all play a growing role in shaping demand.
EV shipping presents unique challenges. Unlike gas-powered cars, their large lithium-ion batteries are classified as hazardous materials because of potential fire risks. This requires carriers to comply with strict Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, including specialized fire suppression procedures and battery safety checks. Many transporters will only move EVs in enclosed carriers, which cost significantly more than open trailers. For consumers, this makes EV shipping one of the biggest contributors to price volatility in 2025.
Why Auto Prices Directly Impact Car Shipping Costs
The dynamics of the used car market are a perfect example of why auto prices and shipping costs are so intertwined. When a car’s value shifts, it triggers a chain reaction — affecting everything from insurance premiums to dealer demand and carrier availability.
Insurance Premiums Rise with Car Values
Insurance is one of the clearest ways auto prices affect shipping. The higher the car’s value, the more expensive it is to insure during transport. For instance, shipping a $20,000 Toyota Corolla on an open carrier involves only modest coverage, while transporting a $120,000 Porsche Taycan or $150,000 Rivian R1S demands significantly higher premiums. Carriers pass these insurance costs directly onto customers, meaning that shipping luxury or high-value EVs will always be more expensive.
Dealer and Auction Volume
Dealerships and auto auctions ship more vehicles than any other sector. When used car prices fall, auction houses like Manheim Auto Auctions see increased buyer activity, and shipping volumes surge. This surge puts pressure on carriers, raising prices for both dealers and private customers. For example, a rise in Midwest auction sales can create bottlenecks on eastbound shipping lanes, pushing prices higher than expected.
Seasonal Demand
On top of market activity, seasonality plays a huge role. Summer remains the busiest time of year for car shipping, with relocations, military moves, and dealership turnovers all peaking at once. According to DAT Freight & Analytics, average shipping prices in July 2024 were 15% higher than in February, and the same seasonal surge is expected in 2025.
This means the same route can fluctuate by hundreds of dollars. A shipment from Chicago to Miami might cost around $1,200 in winter, but jump to $1,500 or more in midsummer. For individuals moving on a budget, timing the shipment outside peak demand can lead to meaningful savings.
Regional Differences in Car Shipping Demand
Beyond market conditions and seasons, location also plays a defining role in pricing. In 2025, regional patterns are especially sharp due to differences in EV adoption, export hubs, and auction activity.
West Coast EV Boom
California’s EV adoption leads the nation. Nearly 25% of all new car sales in the state are electric, according to the California Energy Commission. That means carriers on the West Coast face higher demand for enclosed trailers, as Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid owners often pay extra to protect their vehicles. A simple cross-country EV shipment from Los Angeles to New York, for example, can exceed $2,000, compared to less than half that for a conventional sedan shipped on an open carrier.
East Coast Export Hubs
Ports in New Jersey, New York, and Florida remain the busiest for overseas shipping. Interestingly, global declines in new car sales don’t necessarily reduce East Coast transport activity. In fact, falling U.S. used car prices are attracting international buyers, keeping ports busy. But international shipments are more vulnerable to external forces — tariffs, customs delays, and global fuel costs reported by Reuters often feed into shipping price swings.
Midwest Auctions
In the Midwest, large auctions in states like Ohio and Michigan create a steady flow of vehicles heading to dealerships and private buyers across the country. While Midwest transport costs are often more stable, spikes in auction sales can quickly ripple outward, creating short-term price hikes on busy routes toward the coasts.
Predictions for 2025–2026 Car Shipping Prices
Forecasting car shipping rates in 2025 is a bit like checking the weather during hurricane season — trends are visible, but conditions can shift quickly. Analysts at Reuters suggest U.S. car sales will show modest growth, while international markets continue to soften. What does that mean for shipping?
- If new and used sales decline further, carriers may face lower demand, which could steady or even reduce prices.
- On the flip side, the steady climb of EV adoption requires more specialized equipment and insurance, keeping rates higher.
- External factors — global fuel prices, freight shortages, and tariff policies — will act as wildcards that either stabilize or shake the market.
Key takeaway: Expect a rollercoaster, not a straight line. The cost of shipping a car in 2025 will swing depending on whether you’re moving a budget sedan or a six-figure EV, and on when and where you book.
EVs and Luxury Cars: Why They Drive Higher Costs
It’s no surprise that EVs and luxury cars top the charts when it comes to shipping expenses. The reason isn’t just their sticker price — it’s also how they need to be moved.
EVs come with large lithium-ion batteries. Regulators classify them as hazardous because of potential fire risks, meaning carriers must follow Department of Transportation (DOT) safety rules. That typically rules out the cheaper open trailer and funnels owners toward enclosed transport.
Luxury cars present another challenge. Nobody wants a Ferrari or Bentley exposed to highway debris or bad weather. As a result, enclosed carriers remain the default choice, costing 30–60% more than open carriers. On a busy route like Miami to Los Angeles, a Porsche 911 can easily cost over $2,200 to ship enclosed, compared to $1,300 for a standard family sedan.
Enclosed vs. Open Car Transport
Customers often wonder whether enclosed shipping is worth the premium. The answer depends on the vehicle and your tolerance for risk:
- Open transport is cost-effective and widely available. It’s the industry’s workhorse, ideal for everyday cars.
- Enclosed transport offers protection from weather, theft, and road debris. It’s the smarter choice for EVs, luxury models, or classics where resale value and condition matter.
The price gap can be significant: a cross-country move that costs $1,200 on an open carrier may run close to $2,000 enclosed. For owners of high-value vehicles, however, the extra cost often feels more like insurance than a luxury.
Understanding Car Shipping Insurance in 2025
Insurance is one of those details that customers don’t think about until it’s too late. Most carriers provide about $100,000 of coverage per vehicle, which works fine for many sedans and SUVs. But ship a Tesla Plaid or a Mercedes AMG under the same policy, and you’re underinsured.
The smart move is to ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) before signing a contract. If the policy limit doesn’t match your vehicle’s value, consider adding supplemental coverage. For a $150,000 EV, paying a little more upfront can prevent a financial headache later.
Smart Tips for Customers in 2025
- Book early, not last minute. Rates are usually friendlier if you secure a spot 4–6 weeks ahead of peak seasons.
- Use a calculator. A tool like the TCI Shipping Calculator helps cut through guesswork and gives you a transparent quote.
- Don’t stop at one quote. Rates between carriers can differ by as much as 20–30%. Comparing at least three estimates pays off.
- Check credentials. Verify the carrier’s DOT number, insurance coverage, and reviews before booking.
- Match method to vehicle. Everyday cars travel fine on open carriers. High-value EVs or collectibles deserve enclosed transport.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 auto market is a moving target — new sales are slowing, used cars are getting cheaper, and EVs are rewriting the shipping rulebook. For car owners, that means the cost of transport isn’t just about distance anymore; it’s tied directly to how the market behaves.
If you’re planning a shipment this year, the best strategy is to stay ahead of the curve: know the value of your vehicle, understand the seasonal patterns, and secure a rate before demand spikes. Whether it’s a family SUV heading south for the winter or a high-end EV making its way overseas, informed planning is what separates a smooth move from an expensive surprise.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Shipping Prices in 2025
What affects car shipping prices the most in 2025?
Car shipping prices in 2025 are influenced by vehicle value, demand for carriers, seasonal peaks, fuel costs, and the rise of EVs that require special handling.
Are electric vehicles more expensive to ship than gas cars?
Yes. EVs usually cost more to ship because their lithium-ion batteries require compliance with DOT safety rules, and most carriers transport them in enclosed trailers.
Is enclosed transport worth the higher cost?
Enclosed transport costs 30–60% more than open transport but provides superior protection. It’s worth it for EVs, luxury cars, and classic vehicles where resale value matters.
How much insurance coverage do I need for car shipping?
Most carriers offer $100,000 coverage, which is enough for many sedans and SUVs. High-value cars may need supplemental insurance to cover their full value.
How can I save money on car shipping in 2025?
Book early, avoid peak summer or holiday seasons, compare multiple quotes, and use tools like the TCI Shipping Calculator to find the best rates.
