Management Summary
The 2026 survey highlights an industry facing a dual challenge: persistent growth expectations on the one hand and rising operational pressure on the other.
Similar expectations for increasing vehicle flows have already been visible in earlier editions of the INFORM study. However, respondents now place greater emphasis on the operational challenges associated with managing these volumes.
While transport volumes are expected to increase, logistics providers must simultaneously deal with rising costs, limited capacity and growing network complexity. As a result, better operational visibility and stronger digital planning capabilities are becoming increasingly important.
1.
Most Respondents Expect Transport Volumes to Grow
The study indicates that most industry participants continue to expect moderate growth in finished vehicle transport volumes over the coming years.
A large majority of respondents anticipate increasing transport volumes, pointing to sustained demand for logistics capacity and operational scalability.
Most respondents expect moderate growth, with 31% forecasting increases of 10–20%, while 22% anticipate growth above 20%.
At the same time, a significant minority expect stable or declining volumes, reflecting the current uncertainty in global automotive markets.
expect transport volumes to increase within the next five years
expect stable or declining volumes
2.
Rising Costs Are the Dominant Operational Challenge
Cost pressure has become the dominant operational challenge in finished vehicle logistics. A large majority of respondents identify rising costs as the most significant issue affecting their operations.
At the same time, fluctuating transport volumes and growing efficiency requirements further increase operational complexity. As vehicle flows grow and networks expand, logistics providers must maintain service reliability while controlling operational costs.
Improving operational efficiency and planning accuracy has therefore become a key priority for many organizations.
identify increasing costs as a major challenge
highlight efficiency requirements
report changing volumes as a key challenge
3.
Transparency Remains a Key Operational Gap
Limited operational transparency continues to challenge vehicle logistics networks. Many companies report insufficient visibility regarding delivery times, transport status and available capacity.
Without reliable ETA and capacity information, coordinating vehicle flows across complex logistics networks becomes significantly more difficult.
Improving real-time transparency across partners and transport modes is therefore essential for achieving more predictable and efficient operations.
report the greatest transparency need for delivery times and ETA
see a need for better transparency in capacity planning
identify transport status visibility as a major requirement
4.
IT Systems Are Expected to Improve Operational Performance
Information technology is widely regarded as a key enabler for improving operational performance in vehicle logistics. Most respondents expect IT systems to significantly increase efficiency in daily operations.
At the same time, technology is expected to strengthen collaboration between logistics partners and enable more data-driven decision making.
As logistics networks become increasingly complex, integrated IT systems are essential for coordinating processes and managing operational performance.
expect IT systems to increase operational efficiency
expect improved collaboration with partners
expect stronger data-driven decision making
5.
Artificial Intelligence Will Shape Future Logistics Operations
Artificial intelligence is expected to become one of the most influential technologies in vehicle logistics. A large majority of respondents believe that AI and machine learning will significantly impact the industry within the next five years.
Advanced optimization, predictive analytics and generative AI are expected to support planning processes and improve operational decision making.
In addition to AI, cloud platforms and connected vehicle technologies are also expected to play an increasingly important role in future logistics systems.
expect AI and machine learning to influence the industry
see cloud platforms as an important future technology
highlight electric trucks
highlight vehicle-based telematics
Key Insight | 2026 Study
Regardless of how transport volumes develop, managing operational complexity and improving decision-making capabilities will become the defining challenge for the industry.
Key Insight | 2026 Study
Regardless of how transport volumes develop, managing operational complexity and improving decision-making capabilities will become the defining challenge for the industry.