It's a subject that's impossible to avoid these days, AI or artificial intelligence is a major part of life that's only growing. From ChatGPT to generative AI images to worries about AI-produced content and performances in Hollywood, it's been a significant part of the conversation in 2023 - and AI in logistics is no exception. As logistics encompasses a variety of areas and components, AI's roles in trucking, intermodal, freight management and warehousing are all worth examining.
AI in Trucking
Perhaps the most outwardly obvious place AI is impacting logistics is via the idea of autonomous trucks. AI in trucking is making a push as numerous companies are hard at work developing self-driving trucks to supplement or replace those with drivers. It should be noted, though that full-on deployment - especially in the U.S. - is likely many years away.
How does AI factor in to autonomous trucking? The idea is that purpose-built artificial intelligence uses a mix of sensors, programmed algorithms, powerful processes and machine learning to handle any traffic situation and safely operate vehicles. Proponents say autonomous trucks are safer and would make ground shipping faster as driverless trucks would not require any sleeping, eating or bathroom breaks.
There are AI-driven trucks hitting the streets for testing in some areas, both domestic and abroad. Still, mass adoption - particularly for long-haul routes - seems to be in the more distant future as evidenced by the volatility of companies developing autonomous trucking technology and the regulatory hurdles that must be overcome.
AI in Intermodal
Intermodal transportation - which mixes truck and train - is also seeing potential movement on the AI/autonomous vehicle front, with drayage a potential trucking fit and the development of autonomous rail systems. Dray trucks could potentially come sooner than long-haul autonomous trucking, simply because distances are shorter and the potential for dedicated lanes between ramps and ports is more feasible.
On the railroad side, one company is working on skipping the traditional train structure and going straight to autonomous electric rail cars. These vehicles would transport individual shipping containers - with the founders envisioning their role similar to dray trucks bringing freight inland from ports. As far as full trains go, while some commuter routes have gone autonomous, the practicality for freight is tricky due to the many responsibilities tied to manning a lengthy train.
Additionally, intermodal rail yards are seeing increased use of automation to streamline processes, with AI-enabled infrastructure offering a variety of applications, including:
- Improved safety due to real-time AI monitoring of trains, railcars and even staff
- Improved sustainability with AI monitoring of energy usage and emissions
- Improved communication & collaboration with real-time updates on movements and automation of routine tasks
In addition to these applications, AI has already made major waves in intermodal - as well as trucking - with more behind the scenes usage.
AI in Freight Management
When it comes to freight management, there are many layers to consider. And with today's heavy reliance on technology, AI plays a key role in a number of them. For instance, AI-technology integrates with the lifeblood of freight management - transportation management system (TMS) software to take many of its functions to the next level. Those functions can include
- Route Optimization
- Arrival Time Projections
- Market Predictions
- Rate and Demand Forecasts
- Benchmarking
- Fuel Usage
- Maintenance Plans
- And More
In short, AI takes the vast amount of data now collected relating to freight transportation and uses it to help improve processes and inform better decision-making from those running the show. In this case, AI is hardly a replacement for the human element, but rather a valuable supplement to unlock hidden value. And the right TMS complete with the right integrations can serve as the tool to get these benefits to just about any organization of any size.
AI in Warehouse Automation
Another logistics area that has multiple applications for AI is warehouse automation. Warehouse automation involving AI can handle everything from the practical - robotic arms for picking and packing, barcode recognition and product tracking - to the more strategic, like data-driven, AI-assisted inventory management.
The physical supplement that AI offers allows for increased safety and decreased possibility of human error, while the strategic piece involving predictive algorithms allows for better inventory management with less chance of both under and over stocking. The only barrier here is adoption, as just two years ago, statistics showed more than 80% of warehouses lacked any form of automation (though that number has probably gone down a bit since then). Rest assured, the top warehousing providers are making moves in that department.
Are you looking for help incorporating AI into your shipping strategy? Reach out to us via our request a quote form, and we'll get back to you to discuss how our MercuryGate TMS and industry connections can help you do just that. For more information about InTek, or logistics and supply chain issues in general, check out our Freight Guides.
