The auto shipping industry continues to offer great benefits, from relieving people from the stresses of moving their vehicles to supporting the country’s economy. In this article, we will go back in time to recall the beginnings of the auto shipping industry and see how it developed and grew over time and how the auto shipping industry, in its current state, impacts the U.S. economy.
How did the auto shipping industry start?
The emergence of the auto shipping industry can be traced back to the 20th century when automobiles began to gain popularity. Before the advent of auto shipping, cars were transported using trains, a slow and expensive method. The demand for a more flexible and efficient auto shipping method led to the invention of the first car carrier by Alexander Winton in 1899.
Winton’s invention consisted of a special trailer that could carry up to five cars at once, significantly improving the previous method of shipping cars individually. The car carrier was an instant success, and Winton’s company soon became one of the leading auto shipping companies of the time.
As the automobile industry grew, so did the auto shipping industry. The increased demand for cars led to the need for more efficient and cost-effective transportation methods. It led to the development of specialized auto carriers, which could transport multiple cars at once, and the creation of auto shipping companies dedicated solely to the transportation of cars.
The development of the auto transport industry
With the rise of automobile usage in the U.S., car manufacturing rapidly increased, leading to a surge of vehicles on the roads. This created a demand for auto transport services to efficiently move these cars across the country. As a result, auto transport companies emerged to fill this need.
Today, the auto transport industry has grown into a massive market with thousands of companies and employees. Based on a recent survey, the number of auto transport companies in the U.S. has reached 4848, generating an estimated revenue of $11 billion. The industry has also employed around 48,422 individuals, demonstrating its significant impact on the labor market.
The auto transport industry continues to thrive and is expected to grow by 1.3% in 2023, with a market size estimated at $10.9 billion in revenue. Furthermore, the demand for auto-hauling services is expected to remain steady until 2024, indicating a consistent need for the services provided by the industry.
Given the industry’s success, it is no surprise that the market is highly competitive, with many companies vying for a share of the revenue. As such, companies in the auto transport industry must continue to innovate and improve their services to maintain their competitive edge and meet the needs of their customers.
The impact of the auto transport industry on the U.S. economy
Supporting the auto industry’s growth
In the previous section, we have clarified that the auto transport prosperity is linked with the auto industry’s success. The auto industry is a vital component of the U.S. economy, with a projected market size of $104.1 billion in 2023 and a growth rate of 3.3%. Its contribution to the country’s economic growth cannot be overstated.
The auto transport industry heavily impacts the auto industry and, by extension, the economy. Without reliable auto transport services, the auto industry would face significant challenges in maintaining its supply chain. Efficient and dependable transport services are necessary to move vehicles from production facilities to dealerships and customers.
Contributing to the GDP
The auto shipping industry contributes significantly to the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) by facilitating the movement of goods across the country.
Creating opportunities
In addition to the significant market size and growth of auto transport, the industry also supports the economy by creating job opportunities and employing thousands of workers, including truck drivers, administrative staff, brokers, and other roles.
Providing better accessibility
The auto shipping industry enables people nationwide to access a wider range of vehicles, regardless of where they live. It improves transportation access, which supports economic activity by enabling people to commute to work, travel for business, and access goods and services.
Auto hauling operators’ profits
Car-hauling carriers are typically paid per car for long-distance hauls, with average rates ranging from $300 to $800 for hauls over 200 miles. However, the rates can be significantly higher for transporting luxury or exotic cars, with some carriers charging between $1,000 and $2,000 per car for specialized services.
The cost of hauling luxury or exotic cars is also influenced by the need for specialized equipment, such as enclosed trailers, to protect high-value vehicles during transportation. These trailers can cost significantly more than standard trailers, adding to the costs of specialized services. Additionally, the cost increases if the hauled cars are of higher value, like luxury or exotic cars, as they need special hauling equipment, which adds additional costs.
Since we’re talking about auto shipping costs, it’s worth mentioning that many auto shipping service providers implement online auto shipping cost calculators on their websites. Tempus Logix has invested heavily in developing a cutting-edge AI-based auto transport cost calculator that can provide accurate and instant quotes. Website visitors can easily get instant auto shipping quotes sent to their emails in seconds after filling out a specific form about the shipment details.
Finally, auto transport is a profitable business, and its great market size and promising future undoubtedly contribute to strengthening the economy and creating more opportunities. Indeed, the industry is essential for economic growth and stability.