The vehicle logistics industry is moving into a new phase—one where growth is no longer the only story. Instead, the real challenge lies in managing rising complexity. According to the INFORM Trend Report 2026, the sector is witnessing steady growth in transport volumes, but at the same time, operations are becoming more difficult to manage. Nearly 79% of industry professionals expect vehicle transport volumes to increase over the next five years. But alongside this optimism, there is a clear sense of pressure building across the system.
Costs are rising sharply, with 84% of respondents identifying cost pressure as the biggest challenge. Efficiency expectations are also increasing, while fluctuating volumes are making planning more unpredictable. In simple terms, the industry is not just growing—it is becoming harder to run. What used to be a logistics problem is now turning into a decision-making challenge, where companies must constantly balance cost, speed and coordination.
One of the biggest issues is the lack of visibility. Many companies still struggle to get a clear, real-time picture of their operations. A large number of respondents highlighted gaps in delivery tracking, capacity visibility and transport status updates. This lack of transparency means decisions are often reactive rather than planned. Instead of anticipating problems, companies are forced to respond after issues arise, which adds to inefficiencies and costs.
As logistics networks become more connected, the complexity only increases. Vehicle logistics today involves multiple players—OEMs, transporters, ports, terminals and dealers—each working with their own systems. Bringing all these together into a single, coordinated flow is becoming increasingly challenging. Simply having data is no longer enough. The real need is to convert that data into meaningful decisions.
This is where technology is expected to play a bigger role. Almost all respondents believe IT systems will be critical in improving efficiency. There is also strong confidence in artificial intelligence, with 94% expecting AI and machine learning to reshape the industry. However, the focus is not on replacing people, but on supporting them—helping teams make better, faster decisions in complex situations.
At the same time, the basics still need fixing. Many companies continue to deal with fragmented systems, limited integration and gaps in real-time information. Before advanced technologies can deliver full value, the industry needs stronger foundations—better data flow, improved system connectivity and more flexible planning tools.
What makes this trend even more important is that it is not new—it has been building over time. Studies from 2013 to 2026 show a consistent pattern: volumes keep rising, but complexity grows even faster. While short-term market conditions may change across regions, the need for better planning and smarter decision-making remains constant.
Mr. Hartmut Haubrich, Senior Vice President Vehicle Logistics at INFORM, said, “While many companies still expect growth, what we currently observe in the market is a more differentiated picture across regions. Regardless of short-term developments, the need to improve planning capabilities and decision-making remains unchanged.”
In the end, vehicle logistics is no longer just about moving cars from one place to another. It is about managing a complex, dynamic network where every decision matters. Growth will continue, but success will depend on how well companies can handle the increasing complexity that comes with it.
