As summer travel begins to heat up, many travelers could encounter issues at the rental car counter whether their travel is for business or leisure. Rental car companies are bracing for reduced fleet sizes in anticipation of tariffs placed on car imports. As many cars reach the end of their term with their respective rental car companies, the rental car companies are unable to adequately replace the vehicle in their fleet with a new one due to tariffs increasing the prices of new vehicles from foreign countries.
Strategies to Navigate the Shortage
- Book Early: Secure a rental car as soon as your travel plans are confirmed. Last-minute bookings are increasingly difficult and expensive, especially if inventory has dwindled.
- Consider Alternative Locations: Renting from off-airport locations or less popular destinations can sometimes yield better availability and rates.
- Public Transportation: In urban areas, public transit can be a cost-effective and efficient alternative.
Looking Ahead
While the rental car shortage is expected to potentially cause some headaches during the busy summer travel months, travelers can mitigate its impact by planning ahead and considering alternative transportation options. Flexibility and early preparation remain important to navigating the evolving landscape of travel.