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Industry Veterans: AI Delivers Real Value Unlike Previous Tech Cycles

Logistics analysts say artificial intelligence is living up to its promise in trucking, marking a departure from previous technology trends that failed to deliver measurable results.

At the Trimble Insight conference, panelists noted AI applications are already improving operations across brokerages and carriers. Uses include identifying missed pickups, optimizing route planning, automating customer service, and refining rate pricing.

Brokers are emerging as early adopters, driven by compressed margins and the need to increase transaction volume. Carriers, however, remain more cautious given their capital-intensive operations and longer sales cycles.

C.H. Robinson's expanding revenue and profitability despite headcount reductions demonstrate measurable AI benefits. Industry observers acknowledge caution remains warranted, but genuine operational improvements distinguish this cycle from past technology waves like autonomous vehicles and blockchain.