The State of Auto Transport 2026 Revealed Insights on Price Trends and Market Behavior

The Latest Insights into the Auto Transport Market in 2026

In a comprehensive report titled The State of Auto Transport 2026, SGT Auto Transport has provided a detailed analysis of the U.S. car shipping market, revealing significant changes in pricing dynamics. This first-party data report, based on an extensive dataset of 30 months of shipment records from January 2024 to June 2026, offers key insights that are reshaping the industry landscape.

Key Findings

One of the most striking findings from the report is the dramatic rise in carrier pay per mile. Over the first half of 2026, carrier pay increased by 22.8%, marking a notable change after a period of stagnation. This increase began in March 2026 coinciding with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to shipping, which has created a ripple effect in transportation costs.

In contrast, consumers saw a 14.6% increase in shipping prices during the same period. This discrepancy suggests that brokers in the market have absorbed a portion of the rising costs rather than passing the full increase onto consumers. According to Jack Savov, CEO of SGT Auto Transport, the brokers' unique position allows them to provide a more transparent view into the pricing dynamics than what traditional load boards offer.

Monthly Trends and Fuel Impact

The report highlights that carrier payments rose steadily each month, climbing from 9.2% above the previous year in January to an astounding 34.7% in June. The surge in costs is largely attributed to fuel prices, which spiked dramatically from $3.72 per gallon in February to a peak of $5.60 in May. However, it's important to note that while fuel was a significant factor, it was not the sole cause behind the rising carrier pay, particularly as diesel prices had remained stable prior to the travel disruptions.

Furthermore, the report reveals that increases were broad-based, affecting all segments of the market, especially for journeys exceeding 500 miles, where carrier pay surged between 21% to 24%.

Shipping Dynamics

The changes in pricing have also affected shipping patterns significantly. An increase in cancellations was observed, with the cancellation rate having escalated by 24.8%. Many orders are being called off because booked rates do not adequately attract carriers, increasing from 1.45% to 4.64%.

Moreover, short-distance shipping has become considerably more expensive; prices averaged $2.04 per mile for hauls under 500 miles, a stark contrast to the mere $0.55 per mile for transports over 2,500 miles.

Changes in Vehicle Shipping

The types of vehicles being shipped have also evolved. SUVs now represent 43.9% of the total vehicles transported, while sedans have declined to 27.9%. Additionally, electric vehicles account for 5.5% of shipments, showcasing a shift towards greener transport options. The data reflected in the report is heavily weighted towards consumer vehicle shipping rather than the dealer traffic often reported through load boards.

Conclusion

SGT Auto Transport's The State of Auto Transport 2026 offers a crucial snapshot of the current market conditions, demonstrating a clear trend of rising costs that could reshape how consumers and carriers approach transport in the upcoming years. With an extensive analysis that includes additional details on enclosed transport premiums, state-to-state flows, and seasonal shifts in demands, the report is vital for stakeholders aiming to navigate the complexities of the auto transport landscape.

For complete insights, SGT Auto Transport encourages interested parties to read the full report, which includes monthly rate progressions and detailed methodology for data collection and analysis.