Transportation execs are all in on AI

Trucking's relationship with technology is a mixed bag. While many leaders are tapping into AI, automated email systems and smart trailers, others aren't so sure about certain technologies, like digital freight matching apps. Meanwhile, a House bill would allocate nearly $1 billion to the FMCSA. 

Plus, which states have the highest demand for freight, and should you be doing business there?

But first, sometimes drivers really just need a Starbucks fix.

AI has arrived. This year, 70% of transportation leaders say they're using AI, according to Penske survey. That's up from just 17% last year. The reason for the big jump, and how execs are using AI? A Penske VP breaks it all down in this interview. 

From the Pony Express days. Ever wondered about the history and evolution of truck stops? This fun article takes us back in time to the 1800s, through to modern-day travel centers. 

Gourmet on board. Check out what this trucker cooked up for dinner in their truck. 

A raccoon rescue. A cute critter was found stuck in a truck's engine compartment. The sheriff's office in Arapahoe County, Colorado, rescued the little guy, and he's now back in his natural habitat. 

$927 million

The amount that a House transportation legislation would allocate to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in the upcoming fiscal year. 

Source: Transport Topics

The very nature of freight transportation can leave the industry vulnerable to theft and fraud. Appointment windows are tight, trucks can sit idle, and staffing hasn't always kept pace, putting freight at risk of being targeted by thieves. 

But the industry might be overlooking a very valuable tool, writes Loadsmith CEO Brett Suma, "The smart trailer emerges not merely as a tool, but as a proactive partner for all parties in the fight against cargo theft." 

Why this matters: If theft goes high-tech, the response to combat and prevent it must be high-tech to match. Smart trailers, telematics and full suites of trailer tech allow fleet executives to access a verifiable chain of custody and real-time freight visibility. Armed with those tools, theft could be stopped in its tracks—or even prevented before it occurs. 

Get more details at Supply and Demand Chain Executive. 

DRIVER BUYOUTS: UPS offers voluntary buyouts to full-time drivers of $1,800 per year of service 

BIGGER IN TEXAS: Top 5 states with the highest freight demand

OPPOSED BILL: OOIDA against reg that would mandate speed limiters, driver-facing cameras for owner-operators

HARD HIT: Distribution companies, logistics firms laying off workers

ELD tampering trend intensifies, prompting CVSA action

Owner-operators and dispatchers have reported getting sales calls that offer "ELD editing" services or promises to "fix" their logbooks. The tampering of electronic logging devices has grown rampant to the point that the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance is taking action. It's putting out new inspection bulletins to identify false logs and voting to make ELD tampering an out-of-service criterion. 

Why this matters: Hours tampering has long been an issue, from paper logbooks to electronic systems, but the problem seems to be getting worse with companies actually selling services that falsify hours. ELDs and HOS are designed for safety, and trucking executives have to remain laser focused on their safety missions, ensuring their fleets and drivers stay in compliance and don't skirt driving hour regulations. (Overdrive)

'Uncommitted' applicants taint driver recruitment pipeline

A new recruiting challenge is plaguing fleet owners and hiring managers: “uncommitted” driver applicants. While a lack of qualified drivers still remains the top issue when it comes to recruitment, executives are seeing an increase in applicants who aren't actually interested in the job. They're often coming through marketing platforms or LinkedIn's "easy apply" feature. 

Why this matters: Potential employees who apply but have no interest in the job end up wasting time for hiring managers, making the overall recruitment process less efficient. Hiring, onboarding and retaining drivers is enough of a challenge, and this trend only adds to the difficulties in bringing on a strong talent pool. (Heavy Duty Trucking)

Pitt Ohio tackles efficiency with automated email system

Logistics firm Pitt Ohio has developed a no-touch, AI-based email system that automates email-based orders from carriers. The results are promising so far: a 30-60x boost in email processing, 99% accuracy and a 70% reduction in costs for order handling. 

Why this matters: Many transportation firms aren't sure where to start with automation or AI. Pitt Ohio's use case shows a practical example of how fleets can use technology to make small changes that result in big gains. (Commercial Carrier Journal)

Digital freight matching sows divide in trucking industry

Are freight matching apps friend or foe? It depends on who you ask. Some independent drivers see the tools, and the "uberization" of trucking, as a way to quickly get more business, versus sitting by a phone and calling up customers. But others believe the tools have led to worse working conditions and decreased protections for truckers. 

Why this matters: Like them or not, digital freight matching tools have integrated their way into the trucking industry. But ultimately, one-off loads are unlikely to create a steady business model. Relationships are still king in the world of transportation. (BBC)

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The Inside Lane is curated and written by Shefali Kapadia and edited by Bianca Prieto.