Since 2017, Descartes has conducted an annual benchmark survey of global transportation professionals to identify strategies, tactics, and expectations for the industry. Running the study year after year reveals how trends evolve over time. To share key findings and takeaways from this year’s report, I interviewed Mike Hane, Director of Product Marketing at Descartes, on a recent episode of Talking Logistics.
The Survey
Descartes’ ninth annual survey asked 25 questions of 600+ transportation professionals across both Descartes customers and non-customers in North America and Western Europe. Respondents included shippers, logistics service providers (LSPs), and freight forwarders. The objective: learn which strategies, tactics, and concerns are top of mind each year.
Survey Surprises
I asked Mike what surprised him this year compared to past results. He noted, “Transportation management was seen as a competitive weapon or customer-service differentiator by 81% of respondents. Last year it was 64%, so that’s a big jump and the highest we’ve ever seen.”
Another surprise: only 17% said they are fully automated, while 36% are heavily or fully manual in their transportation processes. “And given uncertainty with tariffs and the economy, 72% of respondents expect their companies to grow at least 5% over the next two years, though that number was about 10 points lower for LSPs,” Mike added. As a result, 80%+ expect to increase investment in transportation management technology.
What’s Different with Visibility?
Once again, visibility across transportation execution is a top priority. What’s new?
Mike says visibility data is being shared more widely both internally and externally across the network. It’s used more for equipment turns, performance tracking, and carrier scorecarding than in the past, plus carrier negotiations.
Another area is real-time temperature tracking, enabling better accept/reject decisions on loads. Visibility is also being used to monitor the status of containers at ports.
On the operations side, companies are using visibility data to better understand internal performance across functions and locations, uncovering issues and opportunities.
Where Does Generative AI Fit In?
You can’t have a technology conversation today without AI. Mike says a surprising 96% of respondents are using generative AI in at least some aspect of transportation, though usage remains shallow: only ~50% use it in three or more transportation functions, “and it drops off a cliff after that.”
The biggest reported use is data entry, such as converting emails and voicemail into structured data. It continues to be used for customer-service chatbots, and new this year is reported use for freight forecasting and optimization. “It was interesting to see AI used in these areas, along with load matching,” Mike commented.
“On the data-entry side, a lot of use has been to replace manual effort for exceptions — for example, ‘Where’s my load?’ or ‘Where’s my proof of delivery?’” adds Mike. “Bots can do that now.” Descartes also offers an app for carriers and drivers to capture much of this information that feeds AI-driven workflows.
Getting Started
For companies not yet using AI, or using it sparingly, what’s the first step?
Mike says start with a clear business problem in a low-risk area (e.g., reducing phone calls to chase information). Talk to your existing vendors first. “They all have AI agents and bots, and you may already have access as part of your application.” A key reason to start there: AI should integrate with your current applications and processes. “You don’t want employees logging into another system.”
Calls to Action
One of the most helpful outcomes of studies like this is identifying key takeaways and actions. Mike shared several, including on fraud, that I don’t have space to cover here. Therefore, I encourage you to watch the full episode for all of his insights and advice — and download the report too. Then keep the conversation going with your comments and questions.
