Car Rental Companies: Auto Transport Tips & Guide (2025)

Trends Shaping the Car Rental Industry in 2025

1. Electric Vehicle Expansion

Rental companies continue adding EVs to their fleets, including Tesla, Rivian, and Polestar models. This increases demand for carriers familiar with EV handling, charging requirements, and enclosed transport.

2. App-Based & Contactless Rentals

Platforms like Turo and Kyte are changing customer expectations. Flexible pickup and drop-off locations require better coordination between rental hubs and transport providers.

3. AI-Powered Fleet Optimization

Rental companies now use AI to forecast demand and reposition vehicles in advance. Predictive vehicle shipping has become a competitive advantage.

4. Sustainability & Green Logistics

Major brands are investing in carbon reduction strategies, including working with eco-conscious transport partners and optimizing shipping routes to reduce emissions.

Cost Factors for Rental Car Shipping

Several factors influence the cost of moving rental vehicles:

• Shipping distance and route popularity
• Vehicle size and weight
• Carrier type (open or enclosed)
• Fuel costs and seasonal demand
• Volume of vehicles being shipped

Large rental companies often reduce costs by negotiating long-term transport agreements and shipping vehicles in bulk.

Car Transport for One-Way Rental Returns

One-way rentals are common, but they create logistical challenges. Vehicles dropped off in different states must be returned to high-demand markets.

This process typically involves:

• Coordinated bulk pickups
• Scheduled redistribution routes
• Enclosed transport for premium or EV models

Efficient vehicle relocation ensures rental fleets remain active and profitable instead of sitting idle.

Future Outlook: 2026 and Beyond

Industry experts expect continued growth driven by:

• Increased airport and international travel
• Wider EV adoption in rental fleets
• Advanced logistics and AI-based demand planning

Auto transport will remain a core backbone of the rental industry, supporting availability, customer satisfaction, and nationwide operations.

How FastCarShip Fits Into the Rental Logistics Ecosystem

FastCarShip is not a broker or carrier. Our role is to provide clear information, industry insights, and logistics guidance related to vehicle transport.

We work with and analyze professional auto transport networks that:

• Operate with licensed and insured carriers
• Verify FMCSA authority and compliance
• Use dedicated dispatch and operations teams
• Maintain strong safety and performance records

Our content helps rental companies, logistics planners, and customers understand how vehicle shipping supports the rental industry nationwide.

Resources & Related Guides

Explore more auto transport and industry insights:

• Car Shipping California: 2025 Complete Guide
• Car Shipping Florida: 2025 Complete Guide
• Car Shipping Texas: 2025 Complete Guide
• Car Shipping Nevada: 2025 Complete Guide
• Car Shipping Arizona: 2025 Complete Guide
• Auto Auctions: 2025 Full Guide
• SUVs vs Sedans: Why SUVs Dominate Auto Transport in 2025

Avis & Budget – Competitive pricing and global operations.

4. Alamo & National – Popular among business and family travelers.

5. Turo & Kyte – App-based peer-to-peer rental disruptors growing fast.

Each company maintains massive vehicle inventories that are frequently shipped between states to balance regional demand — especially during tourism peaks.

Why Auto Transport Matters for Car Rental Fleets

Rental companies rely heavily on auto transport services to relocate their vehicles between branches, auctions, and customers.

Key benefits include:

• 🚗 Fleet balancing: Move vehicles from low-demand to high-demand cities.
• 🚚 Seasonal logistics: Transport cars south in winter, north in summer.
• 🏢 Corporate contracts: Dealerships and insurers use rental transport for replacements.
• ⚡ EV distribution: Growing need for enclosed carriers for electric cars.

Without carrier support, many rental companies would face shortages during seasonal spikes.

Average Shipping Costs for Rental Vehicles (2025)

Note: Rates depend on distance, season, vehicle size, and carrier type.

Trends Shaping the Rental Car Industry in 2025

1. Electric Vehicle Adoption

Rental fleets are rapidly expanding EV offerings. Tesla, Rivian, and Polestar models are increasingly available, and carriers with EV-certified equipment are in high demand.

2. Contactless & App-Based Rentals

Digital-first experiences like Turo, Kyte, and Zipcar are reshaping the market. Customers expect pickup and drop-off flexibility, requiring better transport coordination between hubs.

3. Fleet Optimization Using AI

Companies use AI-powered demand forecasting to position cars in the right regions ahead of travel peaks — making predictive vehicle shipping essential.

4. Sustainability & Carbon Offsets

Major players like Hertz and Enterprise are investing in green logistics and working with eco-friendly auto transport companies to reduce emissions.

Car Transport for Rental Returns

When customers drop off cars in different states, rental firms must reposition those vehicles. This backhaul transport process keeps fleets balanced nationwide.

• One-way rentals lead to vehicle redistribution.
• Transport partners coordinate return logistics in bulk.
• Enclosed carriers handle luxury or electric rentals safely.

Efficient transport means fewer idle vehicles and better availability for travelers.

Cost Factors for Rental Car Shipping

Several elements influence the price of shipping rental vehicles:

• Distance & route popularity (busy routes cost less per mile).
• Vehicle type (SUVs or EVs are heavier and cost more).
• Carrier type (open vs. enclosed).
• Fuel prices and seasonal demand fluctuations.

For large rental chains, negotiating long-term shipping contracts lowers average transport costs significantly.

Future Outlook: 2026 and Beyond

Experts predict steady growth for car rental companies, particularly in:

• Airport rentals (due to international travel rebound).
• Electric vehicle segments.
• AI-based logistics optimization.

Auto transport will remain an essential service ensuring national fleet mobility and customer satisfaction.

Why Choose FastCarShip for Rental Car Transport

FastCarShip specializes in rental car logistics, offering:

• 🚛 Nationwide coverage with 20K+ verified carriers.
• 🔄 Rapid fleet relocation and redistribution services.
• 🔋 EV-friendly enclosed transport.
• 📅 Guaranteed pickup windows for high-demand seasons.

Partnering with FastCarShip ensures timely delivery, cost control, and maximum fleet uptime.