Artificial intelligence is becoming impossible to ignore in logistics, but beyond the headlines and hype, where is it actually delivering measurable value?
In the latest episode of Logistics Business Conversations, host Paul Hamblin speaks with Conor Baker of Descartes to explore how AI and machine learning are already being applied across transport planning, fleet performance and driver safety.
One of the key areas discussed is route planning. Rather than relying on fixed averages, AI can learn from historical delivery data to build a more accurate picture of how long individual stops should actually take. Factors such as the type of goods being delivered, the vehicle, the customer and previous delivery performance can all help create more realistic plans and improve on-time delivery performance.
The conversation also looks at the growing role of AI in driver safety and compliance. Fleet operators can be faced with huge volumes of information from telematics, cameras, compliance systems and spreadsheets. Descartes is using AI and machine learning to help identify patterns within that data, highlight which drivers may benefit from coaching and monitor whether that coaching is producing an improvement.
Rather than focusing on isolated incidents, the technology can provide transport managers and drivers with greater context, helping distinguish genuine behavioural patterns from one-off events. The aim is to make driver coaching more meaningful while helping fleets reduce accidents, compliance issues and operational risk.
Paul and Conor also discuss what could come next, including the potential for agentic AI to support transport planners, learn how planning teams work and take on more routine tasks. But Conor argues that businesses should start with the problem they actually need to solve rather than investing in technology simply because it carries an AI label.
Watch or listen to the full episode of Logistics Business Conversations below to find out where AI is already making a difference in transport operations — and where the technology could be heading next.
Episode player embedded below.
