Topic: Artifical Intelligence

The 30th Annual 3PL Study reveals how evolving partnerships and emerging technologies are reshaping the supply chain landscape amid disruption, cost pressures, and labor gaps.

As global trade has seen significant shifts in a short time across 2025, coupled with the ongoing need for supply chains to build resilience and speed and become ever more agile, the role of the supply chain has subsequently evolved to being able to respond in short order to various things.

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.

The feature examines the volatile ocean shipping landscape, highlighting how tariffs, geopolitical tensions, fleet overcapacity, and port congestion are reshaping trans-Pacific and global container markets. Insights from top carriers, including Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, and MSC, as well as analysts from Drewry and Freightos, reveal how shippers are navigating rate fluctuations, front-loaded cargo, and evolving peak season timing to optimize ocean freight strategies.

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.

Entitled the Always-on Logistics Planner, the company described it as a premium service experience powered by a growing digital workforce of AI agents, adding that it is designed to deliver continuous execution quality across the shipment lifecycle.

This educational eBook explores how AI helps warehouses work smarter, adapt to change, and achieve measurable results.

Warehouse and logistics operations are evolving at an unprecedented pace, fueled by automation technologies designed to boost efficiency, enhance order and shipment accuracy, and address workforce challenges. From AI-powered software to advanced robotics, these innovations are transforming fulfillment strategies and redefining the future of logistics operations.

In a recent Reuters webinar, industry experts emphasize integration of ESG priorities, harnessing AI responsibly, and navigating regulatory and tariff uncertainty.

San Francisco-based Augment, an AI productivity platform for logistics, announced today it has brought its total capital raised to more than $110 million, with an $85 million Series A funding round, which was led by private equity firm Redpoint Ventures, in addition to participation from 8VC, as well as other logistics and AI investors. Augment said this capital raise comes five months after the company came out of stealth mode.

Modern supply chain management (SCM) software is transforming logistics with real-time visibility, AI-driven decision-making, and seamless integration across WMS, TMS, YMS, and ERP systems. These intelligent platforms help companies boost agility, optimize operations, and respond instantly to disruptions, delivering measurable ROI and improved supply chain performance.

Recent Accenture research shows that AI-driven autonomy is transforming global supply chains, enabling faster, more agile, and sustainable operations while closing the resilience gap exposed by disruptions. By integrating intelligent systems and human-AI collaboration, companies can cut reaction times, boost productivity, and achieve long-term profitable growth across end-to-end supply chain operations.

Logistics Management Group News Editor Jeff Berman recently caught up with Doug Waggoner, CEO of Chicago-based 3PL Echo Global Logistics. Waggoner offered up insights on various logistics and supply chain trends and themes, including: freight economic conditions, capacity and rates, M&A, technology, and cross-border logistics, among others.

RAC ’25 one-day, virtual event will take place on September 17.

With keynote presentations, industry awards, and breakout sessions on robotics, AI integration, and supply chain resilience, the event offers actionable insights from leaders at Uber Freight, Dole, Walmart, FedEx Supply Chain, and more.

A new global study from Manhattan Associates reveals that companies are excited about leveraging AI to manage transportation, but many are still not ready. The report, based on a survey of 1,450 senior leaders across manufacturing, retail, wholesale, and food sectors, highlights big challenges—especially around data quality, system integration, and hiring skilled workers.

AI has been a hot topic in logistics, but many companies are now facing the reality behind the hype. From data challenges to fragmented systems, progress has been slower than expected. We spoke with Sean Tinney, SVP and GM of Enterprise Computing Solutions at Unisys, about how logistics teams are rethinking AI and where it's starting to show real impact.

In warehouse operations, data can either overwhelm you—or propel you ahead.

LM Group News Editor Jeff Berman recently spoke with Tim Hotze, Senior Vice President Operations Planning, Network Steering and Optimization, for Target, at the SMC3 Connections conference in Salt Lake City last month. Hotze provided a detailed overview of key facets of Target's supply chain and logistics operations, including: sourcing, tariffs, AI, and Peak Season, among other topics.

The 36th Annual State of Logistics (SoL) Report highlights a logistics market tested by economic and geopolitical uncertainties. Despite ongoing disruptions, including rising tariffs and environmental challenges, the report showcases strategies that logistics professionals are using to adapt and maintain resilience. With e-commerce growth driving demand for faster deliveries and more efficient operations, the report offers a snapshot of the industry's current state and forecasts for 2025.