Expert Interview Series: Car Shipping and the Economy with Terry Williams of Auto Shipping Group

Edwards: What are the biggest trends you see in the car shipping industry in 2025?

Williams: Technology and AI are buzzwords in every industry, including car shipping. There is a trend to automate every aspect of the process, including customer service. At Auto Shipping Group, we focus on one-on-one interactions. When a customer lands on our website, they’ll see an option to get a quote online, but even more prominent is our phone number. We want to talk to our customers, answer their questions, and give them a car shipping quote tailored to their exact vehicle type, timeframe, and budget.

Edwards: How are economic conditions, like inflation and housing market fluctuations, impacting car shipping demand?

Williams: When fuel prices, labor costs, or other operational costs increase, car shipping rates often increase as well. Some customers may delay booking car shipping due to affordability concerns. But there are ways to save money on car shipping, even in times of inflation or other market conditions.

We recommend booking car transport early and being flexible with shipping dates, so our agents have time to research various carrier options and lock in the best rate possible. Selecting open transport over enclosed transport is also cost effective and the most common shipping method. Be sure to ask your car shipping provider about discounts. We offer discounts for military personnel and families, students, multiple vehicles, and our returning customers.

Edwards: How do you expect the housing supply to impact car shipping in 2025?

Williams: The dynamic between housing supply and car shipping is definitely one to watch. Through 2025, forecasts point towards a pretty steady housing market.

What that means for car shipping is that we'll likely see a continued trend of people moving to places where they can get more bang for their buck. So, think of states like Texas, Florida, and the Midwest. With more folks moving to those areas for better affordability and job opportunities, we'll probably see a steady flow of car shipping heading in that direction. While the overall housing market might experience slow growth, the movement of people, and their cars, is likely to remain steady year-long.

Edwards: What advancements do you see in the car shipping space in the next three years?

Williams: Based on our current customer trends and inquiries, I see a growing demand for specialized car shipping services. More and more people are buying hybrid and electric vehicles, motorcycles, ATVs, classic cars, and other vehicles. When their local market doesn’t have what they’re looking for, they go online and purchase from private parties or dealerships in another state. That’s where professional car shipping services come into play.

With our dedicated customer service agents and network of reliable carriers, we already have the ability to safely transport these types of vehicles.

Edwards: What’s your biggest prediction for where the car shipping industry is headed in the next five years?

Williams: I believe you’ll see the smaller brokerages start to disappear as search engines make it more difficult to find them.

Edwards: What statistic in the car shipping industry do you think would surprise most people?

Williams: I think most people would be surprised to learn that the car shipping industry is largely made up of small, 'mom and pop' operations, or independent owner-operators. While it might seem like big corporations dominate the market, the reality is that individual truckers make up the vast majority of the carriers moving vehicles across the country. Data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) shows there are nearly a million of these independent operators currently in the market.

Edwards: What is the biggest myth people have about car shipping?

Williams: One common myth is that professional car shipping is expensive. Car shipping is a reasonable expense and a very convenient way to move a vehicle from one place to another. In fact, it’s sometimes cheaper than driving the car yourself. If it’s a longer trip, you’ll have fuel costs, lodging expenses, and the risk of a breakdown or maintenance costs along the way. Plus, you may have to take time off from work to make the journey.

Car shipping is an affordable option and removes the wear and tear aspect of driving the car yourself. It also provides peace of mind, knowing professionals are handling the car shipping responsibility and you can focus on other aspects of your move.

Another big myth is that you can’t ship a vehicle that doesn't run. Not true. We have long-standing relationships with carriers that have the experience and equipment needed to load and unload inoperable vehicles.

Edwards: How have customer expectations changed when it comes to car shipping?

Williams: Customers expect upfront and transparent pricing, with no hidden fees or surprises. There is a greater shift to online quoting and booking as it is convenient, however, customers also want personal communication throughout the shipping process, as it is a new experience for most people.

Edwards: What’s the biggest mistake people make when hiring a car shipping company?

Williams: One of the biggest mistakes people make when hiring a car shipping company is only focusing on the lowest price without researching the company's credentials and reputation.

This ‘too good to be true’ scenario often leads to issues further along in the process, such as hidden costs, delays in picking up the vehicle, or unreliable carriers. By doing your due diligence, you can significantly reduce the risk of encountering problems when shipping your car.

Edwards: Has the rise of AI and automation changed the way car shipping companies operate?

Williams: Absolutely, AI and automation have been game-changing for the industry. Many car shipping companies are using these tools to match the customer with the right carrier based on their timeframe and budget, plan more efficient routes for carriers, and predict when a truck might need maintenance. All of this improved efficiency gives us more time to interact with our customers. That is really what makes Auto Shipping Group stand out in the industry, our dedication to personal service.

Edwards: What do you think will be the most impactful innovations in the car shipping industry in the next three years?

Williams: The innovation of self-driving trucks could be quite impactful if the industry harnesses that technology.

Edwards: How is your company keeping itself a leader in the car shipping industry?

Williams: Since our founding, we’ve focused on offering affordable car shipping services without compromising quality service. It’s this combination of value and customer satisfaction that attracts people to our business and keeps them coming back whenever they need to move another vehicle.

We’ve had customers use us for the first time when moving to a new state and then reach out to us again when they found a used car online and need it shipped to their home. Some of our repeat customers are avid car enthusiasts and use our enclosed auto transport services to move their classic vehicle to a car show or add to their personal collection.

Edwards: What makes Auto Shipping Group different from competitors in the car shipping industry?

Williams: Over thirty years in the car shipping business has taught me one thing: people always value genuine, great service. Customer satisfaction is the heart of our business which is why we provide personalized service.

When a customer requests a car shipping quote, they are assigned an experienced agent to provide a customized quote based on their exact vehicle type, locations, timeframe, and budget. That dedicated representative will answer any questions and be their point of contact throughout the entire process. And even after your car is delivered, we follow up with a personal call. It’s not just about getting the job done, it’s about making sure customers have a great experience and learning how we can do even better next time. That’s how we stand out from our competitors.

Edwards: What is the top thing your customers say they like about your company?

Williams: If there’s one thing we hear over and over, it’s the appreciation of our personalized service. Customers truly value the individual attention and support we provide throughout the entire car shipping process. At Auto Shipping Group, our goal is to educate our customers about the vehicle shipping process, make them feel comfortable and supported, and deliver the superior service they deserve.