Artificial intelligence (AI) has become more than a buzzword. As much as 40% of high-performing organizations are already utilizing AI in their supply chain decision-making. From optimizing routes, to helping to prevent accidents, to predicting maintenance needs, AI is helping improve safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. However, there are challenges to overcome, questions to address, and risks to mitigate. Balancing innovation with responsibility is key to navigating the implications of this transformative technology.
AI-powered tools analyze real-time data like traffic patterns, weather, and delivery deadlines to dynamically adjust routes. This saves fuel and reduces delays, cuts down on service failures, and reduces driver dwell time. This improves customer satisfaction and driver morale. AI tools can also help to predict seasonal demand fluctuations, enabling proactive responses to customer needs.
Predictive maintenance systems use AI to continuously monitor vehicle sensor data, identifying potential issues before they escalate. This reduces downtime, improves vehicle lifespans, and leads to improved service levels and driver morale.
AI can also transform customer interactions. Tools like AI chatbots and virtual assistants streamline communication, reduce response times, and provide real-time updates on deliveries. This enhances customer satisfaction and strengthens relationships with shippers and third-party logistics providers/brokers while also reducing the labor overhead required to keep up with customer requests for information.
AI-powered driver assistance and video-based safety (VBS) systems—such as automated braking, lane monitoring, and fatigue detection—are already reducing accident rates. According to the National Safety Council, these technologies have cut heavy truck accidents by over 40%. While fully autonomous trucks are still in development, these tools are making today’s roads safer.
AI may offer immense potential, but these benefits are not without their share of challenges. AI systems rely on vast amounts of data, including sensitive information about vehicles, drivers, and customers. Without proper safeguards, this data can become a target for cybercriminals. Robust cybersecurity measures surrounding the integration and use of AI tools are critical, as is ensuring compliance with data protection laws, like California Legislative Information, 2018; Virginia Law (LIS), 2023). When it comes to cybersecurity capabilities themselves, AI proves to be a double-edged-sword. Cybercriminals are using AI to create sophisticated phishing campaigns and deep-fake scams, automate attacks, and develop advanced malware.
To fully harness AI’s potential while mitigating its risks, and minimizing the negative disruptions experienced during the transition, trucking companies should focus on thoughtful, secure implementation, transparency with employees and effective, comprehensive training for their teams.
AI’s introduction can raise concerns among employees about job security and changing roles. While automation enhances efficiency, it’s vital to communicate that AI tools are designed to support—not replace—human workers. Building trust and providing training are key to ensuring smooth adoption. Careful testing and oversight are critical to successful adoption of AI-enabled tools and processes as AI systems are not immune to bias, which can inadvertently affect decision-making processes.
While it may be easy to see how AI might impact operational efficiency and profitability, there are also secondary effects. AI is also reshaping the industry’s approach to sustainability and innovation by optimizing routes and improving fuel efficiency, and lowering the velocity of material and component consumption required to maintain a fleet. These benefits align with growing industry and societal demands for greener operations.
AI initiatives should align with business goals. Creating a clear plan that outlines how AI will be used – and ensuring transparency with employees – sets the foundation for successful adoption. Steve Hankel, vice president of information technology at Johanson Transportation Service alluded to this in a recent NMFTA webinar; Allowing the applications for AI to be identified by the subject matter experts within your organization is a good way to ensure that adoption aligns with existing or planned business needs.
Keeping up with evolving AI and privacy laws is critical. Companies operating across multiple jurisdictions must be proactive in adapting practices to meet legal requirements, Implement robust cybersecurity measures, and protect against exposure of sensitive or private information to public AI models. The full scope of access granted to any AI-powered application or service must also be carefully examined for security concerns. Companies should take their time and complete due diligence regarding any new AI vendors. Questions about data security measures, compliance with regulations, and integrity of training models must be answered.
To learn more on this topic, NMFTA has released a comprehensive whitepaper: AI for Transportation: Risks, Benefits, and Best Practices.
Additionally, NMFTA issued a blog as well as hosted a webinar on this topic on December 5, 2024.
AI is helping to transform trucking into a smarter, safer, and more efficient industry. By addressing long-standing challenges and unlocking new opportunities, it is paving the way for innovation and growth. By focusing on thoughtful implementation, employee education, and proactive compliance, the industry can confidently embrace a future that leverages AI.
