AI & humans: How we can use freight tech to our advantage

In recent years, the entire freight world is buzzing with the implementation of artificial intelligence. Some think a move toward AI could mean the end of a job, while others use it to their advantage.

Something as big as AI can be confusing as to how it actually affects each position in freight. Here are some things about artificial intelligence and machine learning that you might not know that can strengthen your supply chain and optimize your team.

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Data-informed decisions

The Shipwell cloud-based TMS platform integrates proprietary fleet tracking technology leveraging machine learning to identify patterns that come from real data on shipments. Now, freight professionals can use that data to create solutions for current and future problems in their supply chain.

For example: With real-time analytics on carrier on time pickup and delivery percentages, shippers can identify potential issues at their warehouse or distribution centers that cause carriers to be late.

Robust, always-accumulating data allows logistics pros to make informed decisions on how to make future shipments faster and more efficient.

Beyond autonomous vehicles

Of course, AI can create applications that go far beyond autonomous trucking. Software that optimizes workflows, transit planning, and truck maintenance have done so much for the industry and saved shippers money.

Factoring in unexpected situations like natural disasters can help keep the economy moving during tough times.

Shipwell uses AI to perform automated check calls to carriers with voice recognition that is then transcribed into text.

With AI, corrective action can guide a truck to move products to a distribution center out of the impact zone, and provide safe routes to get shipments where they need to go with minimal delay.

Efficiency across the industry

Artificial intelligence has already integrated into new shipping and logistics technology and has redefined business models for companies.

As government regulations like IMO 2020 impact the industry, AI works to speed up the process of finding compliance solutions.

Price prediction for loads vary from season to season, but AI can monitor these rates and conditions and provide a price based on many factors. From traffic, weather, lane, and socio-economic challenges, shipping can become more automated and transparent across the industry.

Having information available sooner allows for warehouses to arrange inventory in an efficient way. By having products ready to load when the truck arrives, we will see a drastic decrease in detention.

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Machines depend on people

Ultimately, machines do not have a sense of the world that humans do.

There is a slew of situations where human involvement is imperative. From last-mile precision driving to doing maintenance checks on the trucks, drivers are going to continue to be very valuable.

Of course, people are important in the supply chain. However, AI technology is useful to fill in the gaps of human limitation. Using it as a tool for workflows instead of a replacement is what will make the future of freight better than ever.

At Shipwell, we believe our people make our tech even better. We want to work with shippers, 3PLs, and carriers who take advantage of the AI available and leverage it to their competitive advantage.

As the global supply chain becomes bigger, broader, and increasingly complicated, Shipwell is continuously adapting to provide our customers with a world class service. Shippers, 3PLs, and carriers work with us and have a delightful experience in the process.

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