Artificial intelligence adoption in freight and logistics has moved from pilot projects to operational necessity, with leading supply chain organizations now using AI to improve planning, visibility, and decision-making. Industry executives say high-quality, real-time data is the foundation of current logistics performance, and platforms that integrate AI into transportation management systems are widening the performance gap between companies that rely on static planning and those using predictive analytics.
Survey Shows AI Adoption Patterns Across Freight
FreightWaves and Trimble surveyed carriers, brokers, shippers, and owner-operators to measure where AI is being adopted, what challenges remain, and what leaders expect next. The results highlight current use cases in planning, visibility, exception management, fraud detection, pricing, and customer communication.
New Index Tracks Accepted Truckload Volume
SONAR has introduced the Accepted SONAR Truckload Volume Index (ASTVI), a dataset that isolates accepted truckload demand by removing rejection activity. The index provides the first direct measure of freight volume that clears the tender process and moves, offering clearer insight into market stress than traditional tender acceptance rates alone.
Data Quality Remains Central Challenge
Despite AI’s potential in less-than-truckload operations, inconsistent data formats across carriers, brokers, and shippers limit effectiveness. Variations in pickup event reporting, status codes, and exception definitions require systems to first normalize information before higher-value analysis can occur. Platforms that connect directly to existing TMS data without requiring replacement or lengthy integration are positioned to deliver faster results.
Market Conditions Create Cost Pressure
Freight markets continue to show weak demand alongside rising costs. While base rates may appear attractive, final transportation expenses paid by shippers remain elevated due to accessorial charges and other factors. Ocean freight faces additional pressure from weaker trade growth, Middle East disruptions, and structural overcapacity, according to Ti.