Artificial Intelligence in Transport, Freight Forwarding, and Logistics: What Changes Await the TSL Industry?
– Artificial intelligence will undoubtedly contribute to the transformation of the TSL sector, but it requires appropriate regulations, safety standards, and responsible practices in its implementation and usage– says Joanna Porath, owner of the customs agency AC Porath.
According to the report “Will ChatGPT Change Transport?” by the Polish Road Transport Institute, AI has the potential to introduce many beneficial changes in the TSL industry. Among the key improvements identified are: faster customer service, automation of freight forwarding processes, logistics process optimization, and service personalization.
– Artificial intelligence will certainly drive the transformation of the TSL sector, as it can respond to customer inquiries in real time, generate transport documents, track shipments, and process orders. At the same time, it can analyze vast amounts of data related to routes, costs, and delivery schedules – says Joanna Porath, owner of AC Porath.
AI and Supply Chains
AI-driven demand forecasting is already gaining popularity in the industry. Data analysis enables more precise supply chain planning, real-time inventory tracking, and replenishment. According to estimates by McKinsey (Smartening up with Artificial Intelligence AI Report), AI-based forecasting can reduce errors by 30 to 50%.
– Artificial intelligence not only offers new optimization possibilities but also brings innovation to solutions. Implementing AI in the supply chain system will reduce time, costs, and minimize the risk of errors in logistics processes. However, its introduction requires proper preparation. Key challenges include ensuring cybersecurity to protect against cyberattacks, safeguarding sensitive and personal data, and eliminating malfunctions or errors that could lead to severe consequences – explains Joanna Porath.
The European Commission Introduces Changes
The authors of the PITD report emphasize this point as well. AI should serve as a supporting tool, while final decisions and analyses should be made by experienced freight forwarders. These changes are already inevitable, as the European Union is preparing for AI implementation in the TSL sector. The European Commission plans to revolutionize customs IT infrastructure in the coming years by introducing a EU Customs Data Hub. The goal of this system is to collect all data for all importers based in the EU, which will become mandatory by 2038.
This AI-based system will also be integrated into the customs and tax decision-making process. The European Commission assures that the introduced changes will simplify customs procedures by replacing traditional declarations with intelligent, data-driven solutions. The EC estimates that the total revenue from this project—just within the e-commerce system—will generate additional customs and tax revenues of approximately €1 million per year.
