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Tag: tms

Transport Managers Want One System or Platform

Posted on by David Priestman

Research conducted by transport technology solutions provider, Microlise, has revealed that transport and fleet managers face major challenges in improving operational efficiency when using multiple, disparate systems.

76% of respondents to a recent survey said that they either use, or had used, several different programmes to manage their logistics or supply chain fleets. The same respondents were also unequivocal in their opinion: they would prefer to use just one, unified system. The same research found that almost 70% of those questioned agreed with the statement: “Relying on several different systems makes my job more complex than it needs to be”.

One such logistics firm that was using several different platforms to manage their fleet’s complex operations was Europa Worldwide Group. The company has 1,300 employees working from 26+ locations around the globe, with its European operation of 30 HGVs and 500 trailers visits 10,000 delivery locations, resulting in up to 2,400 deliveries per day. In 2024 alone, their drivers travelled almost 1.8m miles.

Each element of Europa’s tracking was hosted on a different platform, some of which were manual and needed to be brought together. Unsafe driving cost the company £238,000 in at-fault accident pay outs in 2023, and idling was revealed to have cost £900 per month in January 2024 with fuel efficiency at 10.77mpg. Around 90% of their drivers were in the ‘High’ or ‘Very High risk’ category of driver performance.

Implementation of a unified system has allowed Europa to analyse route performance and full shipment tracking – including proof of delivery – all within the same interface.

Using their fully integrated telematics platform, Europa have significantly improved driver safety with 99% of their drivers now in the ‘Low’ or ‘Very Low risk’ category. The cost of at-fault accident pay-outs has decreased by more than 65%, as per-truck accident costs went down from £375 to £225 post implementation. Idling now costs £650 per month less than before and fuel consumption is up to 12.05mpg.

“We have faith in a system that is multi-faceted. Our drivers are doing their jobs to far higher standards and the margin for error from manually plotting MOTs and services is eliminated. We can make the daily walkaround checks focus on the elements we choose and filter those that need rectifying. We would highly recommend a unified platform,” said Europa’s General Manager for Transport, Malcolm Castle.

Nadeem Raza, Microlise’s CEO, commented: “Europa’s success shows just how powerful a unified fleet management platform can be. As the logistics industry grows and pressures mount, businesses need smarter tools that can keep up. A single, integrated system doesn’t just streamline operations, it lifts a huge weight off transport managers, helping to improve job satisfaction and reduce burnout. The companies that thrive will be the ones acting now to support their teams and stay ahead of rising demands.”

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Autonomous Agents to Revolutionise Transportation Management

Posted on by David Priestman

Manhattan Associates Inc., a global leader in supply chain commerce, has announced the findings of its latest global research, having surveyed 1,450 senior decision-makers from organisations in manufacturing, retail, wholesale, consumer goods, grocery and food & beverage sectors, across North America, Latin America, Europe and Australia.

“Transportation is the backbone of supply chains, essential to ensuring goods are delivered on time to meet customer expectations,” commented Bryant Smith, director, Transportation Management Systems (TMS) at Manhattan Associates. “Yet, managing transportation is becoming increasingly complex, pressured by demands on shorter fulfilment times, capacity and cost efficiencies, tighter sustainability regulations and the growing necessity for access to end-to-end visibility across all operations,” Smith added.

Fragmented systems: operational visibility and efficiency still challenging

The true value of visibility extends beyond simply accessing operational data: it lies in the ability to address issues highlighted by this information and action operational improvements more quickly and efficiently. Beyond disruptions however, 60% of organisations say that enhancing visibility leads to greater customer satisfaction, through more accurate and timely updates, while 50% cite reductions in transportation costs as a key benefit increased operational visibility.

The AI revolution: excitement but readiness challenges

61% of organisations anticipate fully autonomous Agentic AI, capable of acting independently to achieve specific goals within the next five years, however, only 37% have deeply integrated AI and machine learning in their TMS today.

While many might view five years in the AI space like an eon, the gap between future expectations and current usage is noteworthy given adoption is rarely straightforward: although almost half (48%) said that they already feel very prepared for autonomous agents by 2030, practically every organisation (99%) reported facing, or expecting to face, hurdles, with concerns including skill shortages (49%), integration difficulties (44%) and data quality and availability issues (44%).

With many organisations seemingly well-placed to take advantage of the cost, efficiency and scalability gains afforded by autonomous agents, those organisations on the other side need to rethink their AI strategies otherwise they risk losing significant (and possibly irretrievable) market share to rivals.

Sustainability compliance: a priority and significant pain point

The push for more sustainable transportation is widespread. 69% of organisations say sustainability is either a global mandate or an area of significant pressure, with 62% already implementing Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive reporting. Navigating complex and shifting compliance requirements remains a global challenge, with sustainability compliance most frequently cited as a constraint expected to impact organisational performance over the next five years. A modern TMS can help to deliver the data visibility and functionality needed to measure progress and demonstrate compliance, vital to ensuring sustainability remains at the forefront of organisational thinking.

Smith summarised: “Modern transportation management demands organisations balance a range of competing priorities and the research clearly illustrates many organisations are still unprepared to meet the challenges of evolving sustainability mandates, expectations around AI and the need for more visible, actionable data insights. Looking ahead to 2030, these demands will intensify, increasing the pressure on organisations to operate transportation operations in smarter more intuitive ways.

“87% of respondents anticipate that challenges in areas such as operational visibility, AI adoption and sustainability compliance will intensify, leaving their current Transportation Management Systems struggling to keep pace. Failure to act now will expose organisations to rising costs, questions over long-term efficacy and the risk of falling short of customer promises,” Smith finished.

Additional stats:
• 48% of organisations spend more than 10% of their transportation logistics budget on errors and disruptions
• 78% view transportation management as a strategic imperative for success and this figure rises to 86% by 2030
• 61% are anticipating fully autonomous Agentic AI, capable of acting independently to achieve specific goals, or minimal human oversight within the next five years for TMS
• 50% report challenges in proactively rerouting shipments, while 49% struggle with optimising dock and warehouse labour scheduling
• 82% express strong confidence that advances in planning, forecasting and modelling will reduce freight costs by at least 5% within the next five years.
• Organisations are still struggling to operationalise sustainability: only 34% say they’ve factored sustainability into operational planning, 30% into procurement decisions and just 31% offer carbon-friendly fuel solutions.
• While a majority have integrated their TMS with Sales and Operations Planning systems (60%) and are utilising predictive analytics or AI (56%), far fewer are capitalising on key enablers such as historical trend analysis (38%), automated booking and tendering (36%), or real-time demand sensing (35%).

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Webinar: Navigating your Supply Chain Journey. Register Now

Posted on by David Priestman

Join Logistics Business Editor Peter MacLeod and his guest, Steven Timberlake of Infios, for a live Webinar on Wednesday July 30th, 11.00 BST/UTC, 12.00 CET. Register to watch it here now.

Synopsis:

In this webinar Steven Timberlake of Infios discusses how you can measure your organisation’s level of supply chain maturity and the steps involved in developing greater efficiency and resilience in today’s challenging environment. Together with Peter MacLeod, Steven will explore topics including artificial intelligence, automation and system modernisation and outline how they form part of the practical steps that any organisation can implement today to relentlessly improve supply chain performance tomorrow.

Steven Timberlake, Infios

Steven Timberlake provides thought leadership and strategic challenge around supply chain execution as the Vice President of Sales Northern Europe at Infios. In his role, Steven plays a pivotal role in consulting businesses on transforming their supply chain execution, leveraging his extensive experience to drive strategic initiatives and foster growth opportunities. With over two decades of experience in technology and supply chain, Steven has established himself as a strategic leader adept at driving growth for his customers. His innovative approach to enterprise engagement has enabled organisations to navigate complex challenges and achieve sustainable success in today’s dynamic supply chain environment.

Register to watch it here now

The name Infios draws inspiration from the concept of infinity, representing the vast, interconnected global marketplace and the limitless opportunities to help businesses create their future. Infios is built on the belief that supply chains should be agile, intelligent, and constantly evolving to meet the demands of a changing world. By leveraging advanced technologies, data-driven insights, and a deep understanding of customer needs, Infios delivers innovative solutions that drive efficiency, lower costs, and empower businesses to succeed in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

“Supply chains are the backbone of modern business and global progress. And when they work better — simpler, faster, smarter — businesses thrive, people benefit, and communities become stronger. We believe that the future is better when supply chains work better,” said Ed Auriemma, CEO of Infios. “Our goal at Infios is to work alongside our customers to provide solutions that meet today’s challenges while thinking ahead to solve tomorrow’s problems.”

Infios integrates order management, warehousing and fulfillment and transportation management into a comprehensive suite of solutions, equipping businesses with the tools they need to navigate today’s complex supply chain landscape. Infios is dedicated to its customers, evolving with them to provide scalable, adaptable solutions that meet their changing needs. This flexibility enables customers to optimize every aspect of their operations with versatile, scalable, and future-ready capabilities. With a thoughtful approach to innovation, the company integrates data, predictive analytics, and AI-driven insights to help businesses stay ahead, anticipating challenges and opportunities before they arise.

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Shipper TMS SaaS Solution Launched

Posted on by David Priestman

CtrlChain announces the launch of its Shipper Transport Management System (TMS), a SaaS solution built from the ground up to challenge the status quo of logistics technology.

Designed to address the complexity and fragmentation of today’s fast-paced logistics environment, the system provides a unified, scalable solution that supports all transport modalities, including full truckloads (FTL), less-than-truckloads (LTL), groupage, and parcels.

Companies like Ingram Micro, PON, and VDL rely on CtrlChain’s technology to support their logistics operations; and the system continues to scale with them as they expand into new markets.

A Unified System for Full Shipment Lifecycle Management

CtrlChain TMS consolidates all core transport management functions: carrier setup, rate management, order execution, shipment tracking, documentation, and compliance into one centralized system. This integrated approach eliminates the operational silos and software fragmentation that often slow down logistics teams and create data inconsistencies.

At its core is high-quality, actionable data that goes beyond simple shipment tracking. By analyzing key data points across the transport flow, the system helps businesses optimize routes, reduce delays, and address disruptions before they scale, without constant manual intervention.

“Shippers don’t need another rigid platform,” said Giovanni Gubbels, CEO at CtrlChain. “They need visibility that goes beyond surface-level tracking. They need insights that help them act fast, stay reliable, and deliver a better experience to their own customers.”

Shippers can onboard and manage their own carrier networks or work with CtrlChain’s vetted partners, all while retaining full control over workflows and data.

Addressing Fragmented Logistics Markets

Both U.S. and European markets remain highly fragmented. Over 90% of road freight companies are small businesses operating with fewer than 10 trucks. CtrlChain TMS is designed to operate reliably in these environments.

As a cloud-based solution, it requires no heavy IT infrastructure. Businesses can go live in days through a fast, intuitive onboarding process, minimizing the delays typically associated with traditional logistics software. Shippers are free to configure their own network and operate independently, without being locked into a predefined one.

Scalable Architecture to Support Growth

CtrlChain TMS is engineered to grow with the business, from small regional operations to enterprise-level global logistics.

“Scalability is not a layer we added later, it’s part of the core architecture,” said Rik Van Elk, VP of Technology at CtrlChain. “Whether a customer is moving 50 shipments a week or 50,000, the system handles it without requiring costly integrations or performance tradeoffs.”

This ensures that growing teams maintain consistent control, speed, and traceability across their operations.

Key Functional Capabilities

CtrlChain’s approach to TMS is defined by six core capabilities:

1. Real-Time Visibility
Live status updates via telematics, geofencing, and mobile app integration enable timely response and proactive decision-making.
2. Carrier Management
Shippers can onboard and manage their own carriers or use CtrlChain’s vetted network while maintaining full control of relationships and data.
3. Procurement Automation
Centralized management of rates, contracts, and order workflows reduces administrative load and ensures consistency.
4. Multimodal Transport Support
Supports FTL, LTL, groupage, and parcel shipments, adapting to a wide range of logistics models and geographies.
5. Infrastructure Ownership
All operational data and processes remain with the shipper, avoiding vendor lock-in and preserving long-term control.
6. Scalability
Handles increasing shipment volumes, teams, and regions without compromising performance or visibility.

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Podcast: AI for smarter, more efficient and resilient business

Posted on by David Priestman

In this insightful transport management focused episode of Logistics Business Conversations, Peter MacLeod sits down with Jonah McIntire, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Trimble, to explore how artificial intelligence—particularly generative AI—is reshaping the logistics and transportation industries.

Jonah challenges the misconception that AI must be fed a company’s proprietary data to be useful. Instead, he explains that modern generative AI systems can thrive even in messy, incomplete environments, learning patterns and improving performance with limited structure. These AI systems function less like traditional software and more like digital colleagues—adaptive, communicative, and capable of learning from real-world complexity.

This transport management podcast conversation, delves into Trimble’s Transport platform, a multi-party ecosystem connecting shippers, carriers, and retailers. AI plays a pivotal role in helping these parties work together more efficiently, solving shared problems like real-time ETA prediction, theft detection, and enhanced visibility. Jonah offers a compelling example: onboarding new users to the platform, a process that previously required a large team, is now being handled autonomously by AI agents, speeding up operations and freeing up human talent for strategic tasks.

Jonah also outlines a future where logistics professionals evolve into managers of AI teams—overseeing intelligent agents that handle tactical execution while humans guide direction and decision-making. Rather than replacing workers, AI is augmenting their capabilities, enabling smarter decision-making and greater resilience across the supply chain.

This transport management podcast episode offers a realistic and optimistic view of AI’s role in logistics, showing how it’s not only improving business performance but also redefining how people work within the industry. A must-listen for logistics professionals looking to understand how to harness AI for smarter, faster, and more collaborative operations.

Click here to listen

Samsara Unveils Major Safety and AI Upgrades

Posted on by David Priestman

Samsara has just launched more than a dozen new safety and AI-powered tools designed to make physical operations safer, smarter, and more efficient than ever before. Launched at its annual Beyond conference in San Diego, David Priestman reports.

Fuelled by Samsara’s open platform, these first-of-their-kind solutions empower organisations to operate smarter and fundamentally alter the industry’s approach to the safety of frontline teams. These new solutions include AI-powered safety tools, a new connected wearable, advanced routing and navigation capabilities and enhanced maintenance tools.

“We’ve entered the age of intelligence, and AI is helping our customers operate smarter,” said Sanjit Biswas, CEO and co-founder of Samsara. “We’re partnering with our customers to build products that help them run safer, more efficient operations and protect frontline workers while saving millions of dollars.”Samsara has invested more than $1bn in research and development to date. By leveraging its more than 14 trillion data points, the company is continuing its innovation leadership with the launch of several new products and enhancements.

Reward drivers, spot risks and prevent incidents in real time

Driving ranks among the top 10 most dangerous jobs. Over the past decade, there has been a 49% increase in fatal crashes, coupled with a 40% increase in associated insurance premiums in the USA. Samsara offers advanced technology to help detect risky driving events, such as phone use or speeding; now, several new AI-fuelled features have been added to improve fleet safety and reward safe driving:

● AI Multi-Cam: Drivers can now add up to four additional HD cameras, providing a 360-degree view to reduce blind spots, all accessible via an in-cab monitor. In addition, the AI Multi-Cam actively notifies drivers in real time of hazards, such as pedestrians and cyclists. Whether using a Samsara camera or a third-party device, administrators can retrieve historic video footage and corresponding audio to help quickly resolve incidents.

● Weather Intelligence: Administrators can now overlay real-time weather data pulled from the National Weather Service onto the existing dashboards to view and alert workers of imminent threats such as fire risks, heavy rain and more.

● Safety Coaching for Lean Teams: A new set of customisable features helps administrators with lean safety teams to scale driver coaching and recognition with AI and automation. AI analyses hundreds of risky driving events – considering factors such as severity, frequency, road conditions and total drive time – and automatically sends low-risk behaviours to drivers for self-coaching and escalates higher-risk events to managers. Furthermore, AI provides insight into big-picture behavioural trends across drivers and trips, so managers can coach based on driving patterns rather than just isolated incidents.

● Revamped Driver App: As the No. 1 driver app in both major app stores, the Samsara app now includes TikTok-style training videos to boost engagement and end-of-day reviews to help with driver coaching. Designed to act as a companion for drivers throughout the day, the app now offers new gamification features and recognition tools to reinforce positive, safe behaviour. For example, administrators can send gift cards that can be redeemed at popular dining, entertainment and shopping locations directly through the app.


“Getting drivers home safe is one of our primary goals at Samsara, a priority we share with every one of our more than 10,000 customers,” said Johan Land, SVP of Product and Engineering at Samsara. “Thanks to rapid advancements in AI technology, we’ve been able to build new products that are now empowering drivers to make better decisions on the road and equipping safety teams with the tools for faster, more effective feedback. AI is increasingly becoming a powerful ally in protecting drivers, and Samsara is at the forefront of this trend.”

Worker Safety Beyond the Vehicle: New wearable joins the fleet

The need to keep frontline teams safe extends beyond the vehicle to both local jobsites and remote locations. To help protect frontline workers outside of the vehicle, Samsara is introducing the Samsara Wearable. The new connected device is powered by the Samsara network of millions of devices and enables quick response and protection in any environment. With the addition of the wearable, organisations now have access to a holistic safety offering that can help predict risk, reduce accidents and alert administrators to urgent needs of their frontline workers. The new Samsara Wearable offers several benefits, including:

● More than one year of battery life: The Samsara network replaces the need for cellular connectivity, equipping the Samsara Wearable with a battery life of more than one year. This charge life far surpasses the industry standard of 24 hours, providing reliable access to everywhere customers operate.
● One-click protection: With one click, workers can connect to emergency services, who can immediately pinpoint their precise location and access a real-time audio recording of the situation. The small, lightweight device is easy to use and gives workers an added layer of protection in the field.
● Fall detection: The Samsara Wearable can automatically detect and respond to falls in situations such as slips on icy pavements and falls from heights such as scaffolding, cranes or trailers.
● Proactive threat alerts: In the case of severe weather or wildfires, fleet managers can proactively check in on workers and alert them of the unsafe conditions via push notifications to the device.
● One platform: Samsara connects driver and worker safety in one system, allowing for faster response times and visibility across the entire fleet.

Smarter, Easier Routing

Historically, commercial fleets have relied on a patchwork of incomplete maps and manual processes to plan routes and guide drivers. These legacy maps are updated as infrequently as every one to five years, leading to inefficient routes, missed delivery windows and increased driver stress. Samsara’s new Route Planning and Commercial Navigation products offer a modern, integrated alternative that helps fleets cut costs, stay compliant and deliver more reliably.

● Route Planning: Building on existing routing capabilities, Samsara now integrates directly with fleet operators’ sales systems to pinpoint the most efficient routes and delivery schedules for customers’ fleets. These advanced routing capabilities consider variables such as vehicle limitations, compliance requirements for drivers, customer delivery windows, as well as traffic and weather patterns, to stay within promised delivery windows and avoid unnecessary fuel usage. Early Samsara data suggests a 15% reduction in the number of vehicles required for deliveries and a reduction of manual back-office routing time, turning routing into a competitive advantage.

● Commercial Navigation: Samsara can now overlay fleet-specific restrictions such as weight, height and hazmat directly onto standard digital maps to provide more accurate turn-by-turn directions. By combining this insight with information such as hours of service within the Samsara Driver App, drivers can access everything they need in a single location to remain compliant and on time.

“Samsara has made a significant impact on our operations, saving $7.75 million annually across our three fleets by helping us optimise planned versus actuals route improvements,“ said Andy Yearout, VP of Transportation & Logistics at Mohawk Industries. “With the new Route Planning capability, we expect to see a reduction in daily route planning time from hours to minutes.”

Asset Maintenance and Visibility

Vehicle maintenance violations comprise 60% of all US Department of Transportation offences, resulting in substantial financial penalties and costly vehicle downtime. To help minimise these disruptions, Samsara has introduced several new preventative maintenance features, including Vehicle Inspection, Fault Code Intelligence, Automated Work Orders and Level Monitoring.

● Vehicle Inspection: Now, drivers can simplify the vehicle inspection process by automatically converting inspection notes from voice to text. In turn, managers can ensure that reports are properly completed by viewing drivers’ walkaround paths, the duration of the inspection and quality of the report photos. To help maintain compliance, the platform triggers real-time alerts for missing vehicle inspections, monitors FMCSA data, reviews inspection result and violations and audits driver behaviour. This AI-powered functionality works in low-connectivity and loud environments and results in faster inspections and streamlined repairs and maintenance.
● Fault Code Intelligence and Automated Work Orders: This optimisation extends to the back office, where fleet administrators can view the Vehicle Inspections in a unified dashboard. Fault code intelligence automatically deciphers the codes and uses AI to create maintenance work orders. In addition, Samsara now offers AI invoice scanning to help quickly upload external vendor invoices into the platform, reducing administrative time and errors associated with manual entries.
● Level Monitoring: With level monitoring, organisations have near real-time visibility into levels across a wide range of tank types. This insight enables improved tank utilisation and the ability to optimise inventory.

“Physical operations organisations are at the forefront of adopting AI because it saves lives. It also drives a more efficient use of labour, fuel and energy savings, and higher utilisation of capital assets,” said Kiren Sekar, Chief Product Officer, Samsara. “With the rollout of Samsara’s new AI-powered solutions, we are giving physical operations leaders a real partner on both safety and efficiency.”

HappyRobot Integration

Continuing its commitment to bring cutting-edge AI to its customers, Samsara today announced a new partnership with HappyRobot, a pioneer in AI-powered voice solutions for the logistics sector. Samsara Ventures also announced an investment in HappyRobot to reflect our belief in its vision and the transformative potential of agentic AI.

HappyRobot offers truly human-like agentic AI to automate communications via phone, email and text to boost efficiency and improve customer satisfaction. Organisations can use agents to automatically call drivers or customers to notify them of shift details or order status, to navigate phone trees, negotiate contracts with freight brokers and even for screening, hiring and onboarding.

HappyRobot users are automating more than 20 million conversations annually, reducing call times by half and cutting operational costs by a third. Existing Samsara customers like Werner are seeing tremendous value from HappyRobot’s technology.

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Real-Time Cargo Insurance for Freight Forwarders

Posted on by David Priestman

CocoonFMS®, a provider of digital freight solutions, has announced a new integration with Breeze, the embedded cargo insurance platform, to deliver instant, per-shipment insurance quoting directly within CocoonOPS, its transport management system (TMS).

Through the API integration, freight forwarders using CocoonOPS can now obtain real-time, all-risk cargo insurance quotes powered by Breeze without leaving their workflow. Shipment data is passed seamlessly to Breeze, which returns a live quote and enables one-click policy confirmation, significantly reducing the time and operational burden of securing cover.

“We built CocoonOPS to simplify freight management,” said James Blackman, Co-Founder of CocoonFMS®. “Partnering with Breeze supports that mission by eliminating one of the most persistent inefficiencies in the process: manual, delayed insurance quoting. It’s a practical solution that helps forwarders save time and reduce admin.”

The integration reflects a shared focus on reducing operational friction across the freight lifecycle. Traditional cargo insurance workflows (often reliant on broker emails, paper-based documentation, and delayed quotes) are increasingly misaligned with the pace of modern logistics. Breeze’s API-based platform delivers embedded, instant insurance at the point of booking, allowing for faster quoting, clearer coverage, and improved claims outcomes.

“Cargo insurance shouldn’t slow down the shipment process, it should keep pace with it,” said Matthew Phillips, Co-Founder of Breeze. “CocoonFMS is aligned with our vision for a more connected and responsive freight ecosystem, and we’re proud to bring real-time protection directly into their TMS.”

The partnership aims to deliver measurable efficiency gains for forwarders, particularly in a volatile shipping environment where risk exposure is rising and margin pressure remains high. By streamlining how insurance is quoted and confirmed, the integration enables teams to spend less time on manual coordination and more time focused on core operations.

The Breeze integration is now live and available to all CocoonOPS users.

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Tech-led Express Delivery Operations

Posted on by David Priestman

Leading express delivery company DPD has signed a partnership with Wise to replace its legacy internal driver management system. This marks a major step forward in DPD’s commitment to even smarter, tech-led operations.

The agreement builds on an existing relationship between the two companies and follows the successful initial implementation phase of the Wise platform. The new contract will see the cutting-edge Wise platform integrated across DPD’s entire UK operations of over 10,000 vehicles, streamlining core processes and enhancing network visibility.

A key component of this deal is Wise’s Network View functionality, which will centralise onboarding for both direct and indirect resources, manage payments to direct resources and ensure robust compliance across DPD’s fleet workforce. The platform will eliminate manual processes, improve data accuracy, and provide real-time insight, reducing administrative pressures and increasing operational efficiency.

The new Network View product was launched in April, and the rollout to the DPD network will start this month.

Express Delivery Operations

Dan Richards, Co-Founder & Chief Commercial Officer at Wise, said: “We’re proud to deepen our partnership with DPD to support them in gaining full visibility across their network and confident that we will unlock real value for them operationally. The deal is a testament to the trust we’ve built and the proven impact our platform has had across their service.”

Dan Richards, Wise

Chris Betts, Head of Network at DPD, said: “We chose Wise because, simply put, they are the best in their field. Their software solution helps us to manage a vital resource, making it easier for us to train, manage, and monitor, minute by minute, ensuring we continue to provide the best possible delivery experience for our customers, 52 weeks of the year.”

Chris Betts, DPD

The Wise platform is trusted by over 250 businesses and this deal with DPD further reinforces Wise’s position as a market leader in onboarding, payments and compliance software for logistics companies.

Wise is a leading technology provider supporting logistics businesses to reduce compliance risk, streamline processes, and ensure regulatory adherence. Purpose-built for scale, Wise is a structured system and service providing businesses everything they need to operate compliantly.

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Four Myths About AI in Transport and Logistics

Posted on by David Priestman

AI’s transformative influence on the transport and logistics industry is significant, but there are still many misconceptions that need addressing, writes Bernhard Schmaldienst (pictured), Senior Director Transport Execution and Visibility Products, Transporeon (a Trimble company).

This is common for new technology. Change can be challenging, and while it is an incredible tool that has helped businesses streamline operations, cut costs, and improve efficiency, it will take time before all AI myths are debunked.

Time is running so let us get to work so we can speed the process up. Myths and misinformation about AI lead to resistance, slowing the adoption process down, meaning the supply chain industry will lag behind and miss out on the real benefits AI has to offer. So, let’s tackle four common myths and set the record straight with real-world insights and evidence.

Myth 1: AI-powered transportation is expensive and doesn’t deliver measurable savings

The reality: Like any tool, AI-powered transportation solutions have a cost to start with, but they deliver rapid returns, often within weeks. By leaning on automation and data-driven decision-making, AI cuts costs and makes the whole operation significantly more efficient. The proof: Companies using AI-driven freight procurement solutions have achieved measurable savings. AI-driven autonomous procurement tools integrate seamlessly with existing transport management systems, and for a leading FMCG customer, they have been proven to reduce freight costs by more than 10% while simultaneously cutting down on manual workloads by 80%. One global food and beverages company reported securing lower spot rates while reallocating team resources to higher-value tasks.

Myth 2: AI-powered transportation requires big internal changes

The reality: Quite the contrary. Over the past five years, the logistics and supply chain industry has seen a lot of changes, and AI has been a big part of that. Earlier-stage AI-powered solutions required time to adapt, though now they are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing systems for easy adoption. The proof: Many businesses have implemented AI solutions without overhauling their existing processes. Autonomous procurement solutions, for example, can connect via APIs, facilitating quick adoption with minimal disruption. The ‘big internal change’ in this instance would then be that the team spends less time on simple activities like accepting offers and more time on value-adding, strategic tasks. In other words, there is a degree of internal change – but it’s beneficial, not disruptive.

Myth 3: AI-powered transportation adds little value and can’t actively perform critical tasks

The reality: AI isn’t purely about automation anymore. It now actively improves decision-making, helping people optimize procurement, pricing, and carrier selection, resulting in better and faster decisions. The proof: AI earned its place as an established tool in logistics. For instance, AI-driven procurement solutions identify the best transportation capacity at the most competitive rates, lowering cost and increasing efficiency. A logistics company using AI-powered tools saw a 7–12% reduction in freight expenses while increasing automation, letting their teams focus on important negotiations instead of day-to-day transactions.

Myth 4: AI-powered transportation damages relationships with carrier partners

The reality: It’s the other way around. AI actually strengthens relationships with carriers by ensuring transparency, in-market pricing, and efficiency. It doesn’t replace human interactions – it strengthens them. The proof: Many AI-powered procurement platforms provide carriers with instant visibility into available shipments and instant pricing. With features like ‘buy-it-now’ options, carriers can accept shipments with confidence. One logistics leader noted that AI freed time up for the team to build stronger partnerships instead of being bogged down by manual negotiations and coordination activities.

Conclusion? AI is a strategic asset, not a liability

Companies in the transportation and logistics industry are under constant pressure to cut costs, improve efficiency, and adapt to shifting market dynamics. AI-powered solutions are not just another tech trend, they’re a tried and tested approach. Companies that embrace AI are already seeing considerable cost savings, streamlined operations, and strengthened relationships with carriers and partners. Rather than fearing AI, businesses should see it as a tool that complements human expertise, automates routine tasks, and empowers teams to focus on strategic growth.
The key takeaway? AI in transportation is all about helping people to work smarter, and achieve better results more efficiently.

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Navigating Last Mile Chaos

Posted on by David Priestman

Are You Winning or Losing the Final Delivery Battle, asks Nagendra Rao, President of Sales, leads revenue generation and drives business growth at Trigent Software Inc.

Let’s face it: last-mile delivery is logistics’ gritty battleground. It’s messy, chaotic, and, frankly, it’s the ultimate test of your logistical swagger. Even the most battle-hardened logistics vets know there’s no glory in nearly getting it right. When the rubber meets the road — from bustling city streets to suburban cul-de-sacs — the last mile either crowns heroes or crushes reputations. And with customers demanding deliveries faster than ever, there’s zero room for slip-ups. Ready to dive into the reality of today’s last-mile challenges?

Understanding the Core Challenges of Last-Mile Delivery

1. Skyrocketing Customer Expectations
Blame Amazon, blame Uber Eats, blame whoever you want—but the truth is, instant gratification is now standard. According to a Capgemini report, nearly 74% of customers would increase spending with a retailer offering exceptional last-mile delivery experiences, while 55% would switch retailers if a competitor provided faster services. Amazon’s introduction of Prime same-day delivery reshaped consumer expectations, pushing logistics companies into an adrenaline-fueled sprint.

2. Ballooning Operational Costs
The last mile consumes approximately 53% of the total shipping costs. This figure has only risen amid soaring fuel costs, increased labor expenses, and tariff shifts from recent regulatory changes under the Trump administration. These tariffs significantly increased logistics providers’ costs, affecting everything from vehicle parts to packaging materials. Throw congested hotspots like NYC or LA into the mix, where DHL and FedEx regularly battle traffic congestion, and urban fulfillment hubs become survival gear.

3. Real-Time Visibility — Or Lack Thereof
Route optimization seems straightforward—until you hit unexpected detours, failed deliveries, or traffic snarls. Studies reveal that 91% of consumers actively track their packages, with 39% tracking once a day and 19% doing so multiple times daily, highlighting the crucial need for reliable real-time visibility. To address this, UPS integrated On-Road Integrated Optimization and Navigation (ORION) technology to tackle route inefficiencies, underscoring the industry’s ongoing struggle to adapt and optimize.

4. Returns: Logistics’ Unwanted Encore
Returns aren’t just a buzzkill; they’re expensive and unpredictable. US retail returns reached an eye-watering $816 billion in 2022, according to Merchants Fleet. Reverse logistics becomes a thorny, costly sideshow, complicating scheduling, capacity management, and overall operational efficiency.

5. Specialized Materials and Regulatory Compliance
Think refrigerated goods, hazardous chemicals, or flammable liquids: each demands tailored delivery modes and stringent regulatory compliance. Recent regulatory changes, including adjustments in safety standards and material handling protocols, compound these complexities, requiring logistics providers to frequently recalibrate operations.

6. Sustainability Under Pressure
Adopting the green route isn’t just trendy, it’s increasingly mandatory. As highlighted in recent industry analyses, 48% of customers now prioritize brands with clear environmental commitments. Electric fleets, optimized packaging, and reduced emissions are becoming necessities, demanding substantial upfront investments and significant operational pivots. Rivian and Amazon’s electric delivery fleets highlight significant operational pivots necessary for meeting environmental standards.

7. Impact of Poor Delivery Experiences
A striking 70% of consumers are likely to share negative experiences online following late or incorrect deliveries, significantly threatening brand reputation. Nearly 39% of shoppers won’t give retailers a second chance after poor delivery experiences, underscoring the high stakes of last-mile execution.

Why Crushing Last-Mile Challenges Matters

Tackling these hurdles isn’t just about operational smoothness. It’s about protecting your brand reputation and securing lasting customer loyalty. Your final delivery step? It’s your ultimate brand ambassador. Voxware found that 69% of consumers are less likely to shop again with a retailer if delivery promises aren’t met within two days of the expected date. Just ask Domino’s, whose entire brand reputation revolves around reliable last-mile performance.

Optimizing last-mile efficiency also enhances profitability by significantly slashing fuel, labour and maintenance costs. Enhanced API integrations, precise route planning, and optimized resource use aren’t mere cost savers, they’re essential profitability drivers. According to McKinsey, companies that implement advanced tracking and visibility solutions can reduce logistics costs by up to 15% and improve delivery times by 20%.

Tech as Your Secret Weapon

Let’s face it: Last-mile logistics is only getting tougher. It’s time to embrace the grind, innovate relentlessly, and adapt to shifting expectations, tightening regulations, and emerging technologies.
For logistics veterans striving to master the last mile, tech isn’t optional anymore: it’s your survival kit. AI-driven route optimization, predictive analytics, and automated dispatch systems aren’t just buzzwords; they’re critical lifelines. With their strategic tech acquisitions, companies like Walmart showcase how real-time tracking applications and intelligent algorithms maintain a competitive edge. So it’s time to gear up, dig in, and dominate this high-stakes battlefield with the right tech solutions.

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