Car Carrier Market Report 2026

The car carrier market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $12.74 billion in 2025 to $13.45 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to automotive production growth, dealership network expansion, long-distance vehicle transport demand, steel trailer dominance, logistics outsourcing.

The car carrier market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $16.49 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to electric vehicle logistics growth, aluminum carrier adoption, smart fleet tracking integration, cross-border vehicle trade, demand for enclosed carriers. Major trends in the forecast period include growth of multi-level car carriers, adoption of lightweight materials, expansion of automotive logistics networks, demand for high-capacity transport, focus on vehicle protection.

The rising automotive industry is expected to drive the growth of the car carrier market going forward. The automotive industry involves the manufacturing, sales, and maintenance of motor vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Its growth is driven by factors such as economic expansion, environmental benefits, consumer advantages, global competitiveness, and infrastructure development. Automotive manufacturers use car carriers to deliver new vehicles to dealerships, dealerships transfer inventory between locations, and individuals or companies transport vehicles over long distances. For instance, in January 2024, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), a UK-based trade association, total vehicle production in the UK (cars and commercial vehicles) reached approximately 1,025,474 units in 2023, marking a 17% increase from the previous year. Therefore, the growth of the automotive industry is supporting the expansion of the car carrier market.

Major companies in the car carrier market are focusing on developing advanced alternative propulsion solutions, such as photovoltaic (PV)-assisted liquefied natural gas (LNG) hybrid systems, to enhance fuel efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and improve long-distance operational sustainability in maritime logistics. PV-assisted LNG hybrid propulsion combines solar photovoltaic modules with LNG engines to supply auxiliary power, reduce reliance on conventional fuels, and optimize energy use during voyages. For instance, in May 2025, China launched its largest PV+LNG car carrier powered by LONGi Solar technology. The vessel features a high-capacity photovoltaic array providing clean onboard electricity, while the LNG propulsion system significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. This dual-energy design supports cost-efficient green shipping, increases vessel endurance, and accelerates the transition toward low-carbon automotive transport by sea.

In December 2023, SFL Corporation acquired Emden, an LNG dual-fuel vehicle carrier constructed by Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) and China Shipbuilding Trading (CSTC). This acquisition enhances SFL Corporation's fleet with advanced, eco-friendly vessels such as the Emden, highlighting the industry's shift towards sustainable transportation solutions.

Major companies operating in the car carrier market report include Miller Industries Inc., Cottrell Trailer, Kässbohrer Transport Technik GmbH, Boydstun, T and E Auto Haulers, Wally-Mo Inc., Featherlite Trailers, ATC Trailers, Sundowner Trailers, Aluma, Haulmark Trailers, Cargo Mate Trailers, Big Tex Trailers, PJ Trailers, Load Trail LLC, Bravo Trailers, H&H Trailers, Sure-Trac Trailers, Appalachian Trailers, CIMC Vehicles (Group) Co. Ltd.

North America was the largest region in the car carrier market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the car carrier market report include Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the car carrier market report include Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The car carrier market consists of sales of single-level carriers, multi-level carriers, and flatbed carriers. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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