8. Use AI to Boost Transportation Efficiency and Effectiveness Artificial intelligence has started to change the logistics marketplace, says John Conrad, chief revenue officer with Evans Transportation, based in Delafield, Wisconsin. Logistics providers can use agentic models to take over some tasks that humans typically handled, such as conducting initial screens of carriers and processing documents. This helps logistics providers more efficiently and quickly serve shippers, so they can adapt or take proactive steps to adjust to market fluctuations. In addition, some logistics providers and carrier organizations use AI and other solutions to determine the location of their vehicles, Conrad says. Then, they can quickly identify where capacity is located and adjust as needed to meet fluctuating demand or other changes. RyderShare is a real-time collaborative visibility tool that can
be accessed by key stakeholders in a supply chain. If a cargo truck encounters a weather or road issue that could cause delays, Ryder can proactively work with shippers and carriers to assess the situation, says Steve Sensing, president of Supply Chain Solutions and Dedicated Transportation Solutions at Ryder System, Inc. They can decide, for instance, whether to divert the truck so it meets its original delivery time. The tariffs imposed over the past few years have prompted some shippers to relocate their manufacturing operations. While China remains a massive exporter to the United States, Canada, Mexico, Taiwan, and Vietnam have currently jumped ahead of it, according to April 2026 Census numbers. Even domestically, companies are adjusting their distribution networks to best meet demand. For example, changing consumer demand and shopping habits means an 9. Facilitate Changing Distribution Networks
ever-changing landscape for big food companies. Many are acquiring new companies while divesting some of their existing brands, which requires changing their manufacturing strategy and optimizing their infrastructure and supply chains, Sensing says. Ryder worked with one food products company to consolidate two distribution centers in the Southeast into one, and another two in the Midwest into one. Ryder also launched a large-scale automation project to optimize labor. “With a constantly changing landscape, we’re always looking for ways to drive waste out of the supply chain,” Sensing says. “Our customers count on us to be more than just a 3PL; they want a true partner that can help them execute their business strategy.” Because many companies manage a broader range of suppliers across multiple locations, they need technology that allows them to access information about their shipments fast and efficiently, Fullerton says. For instance, rapid access to inventory levels can
As rising fuel prices pressure supply chains, Buske Logistics mitigates the impact by separating fuel charges on invoices and indexing them to neutral market benchmarks. This collaborative approach allows both Buske and its customers to navigate volatile fuel markets together.
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