Artificial Intelligence

Are manual processes in freight procurement costing you time and money? It's time to bridge the gap and embrace a modern, AI-powered approach.

The logistics industry enters 2026 feeling a strong sense of déjà vu, as shifting tariffs, uneven freight markets, and persistent uncertainty left many managers reliving the same disruptions throughout 2025. Yet amid the volatility, technology—especially AI—offers a path forward, and those willing to adapt, rethink partnerships, and invest in smarter tools will be best positioned to navigate the chaos ahead.

Companies worldwide are accelerating their adoption of advanced logistics technologies—from cloud platforms and control towers to generative and agentic AI—as they push toward higher levels of automation, autonomy, and real-time decision-making. Yet with markets, industries, and regulatory environments maturing at different speeds, success hinges on strong data foundations, selective tech investment, and a phased roadmap that builds from analytics and automation toward predictive and fully autonomous logistics capabilities.

C.H. Robinson isn’t waiting for disruption to arrive—we’re building it. Explore how agentic AI is transforming logistics from the inside out.

As rail and intermodal rebound from years of underinvestment, new technology and AI-driven analytics are helping to modernize networks, improve service levels, and restore shipper confidence. With visibility, safety, and fluidity on the rise, industry leaders say rail’s digital transformation is finally catching up—setting the stage for a new era of intelligent, data-driven logistics.

AI-driven digital freight matching platforms are transforming the brokerage landscape, helping shippers and carriers automate workflows, boost utilization, and navigate the lingering freight recession. Industry leaders say technology adoption is now table stakes, with consolidation, predictive pricing, and hybrid human-tech models driving the next wave of growth and efficiency.

At CSCMP EDGE, Uber Freight’s Steve Barber shared how the company is applying AI to reshape pricing, operations, and customer engagement—without losing the human touch.

C.H. Robinson said it has taken another step in its leverage and deployment of AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology, with the rollout of its Agentic Supply Chain, which it defines as an intelligent ecosystem that cautiously thinks, learns, adapts, and acts.

At CSCMP EDGE, supply chain leaders from Penske Logistics, NTT Data, and Snowflake shared what it really takes to move artificial intelligence from pilot to performance

In warehouse operations, AI holds a lot of potential—but only if it’s built on a strong data foundation. Too often, leaders feel pressure to “adopt AI” without a clear path to measurable results. This playbook shows you how to cut through the hype and apply AI where it actually drives operational performance.

Kenco, GEODIS, Sysco, Maersk, and other logistics leaders will join the program at the 2025 NextGen Supply Chain Conference to showcase AI, automation, and strategies reshaping global logistics.

As e-commerce sales surge toward $8 trillion, third-party logistics providers (3PLs) are evolving to handle higher order volumes, tighter delivery windows, and complex returns using automation, AI, and integrated warehouse management systems (WMS). By offering scalable fulfillment, reverse logistics, and real-time visibility, 3PLs help shippers of all sizes optimize operations, cut costs, and enhance customer satisfaction in a rapidly changing digital marketplace.

At Prologis’ Groundbreakers event, CEO Hamid Moghadam and Secretary Doug Burgum emphasized the urgent need for abundant, reliable energy to power AI growth, digital infrastructure, and next-gen supply chains

The October cover story highlights rail and intermodal transportation, showing how technology and emerging AI are improving network efficiency, service levels, and visibility for long-haul, high-volume shipments. The column also previews the 2025 Supply Chain Outlook Virtual Summit, where MIT’s Matthias Winkenbach will explain how AI is transforming logistics decision-making and creating smarter, more resilient supply chains.

The Association for Supply Chain Management has released its Top 10 Trends for 2026, highlighting how artificial intelligence, workforce evolution, trade dynamics, resilience, and sustainability will reshape global supply chains.