Freight Ingenuity

Automation

The freight industry has faced a lot of growth while also facing limitations. Demand for freight has increased, along with the desire for quick delivery times. However, moving freight is expensive, and the current freight infrastructure can’t handle the rapid changes alone. This is why the freight industry is looking to reduce excess time and labor, which automation has helped to cut:

• The freight industry is constantly seeking ways to rip out the fluff in the supply chain. Automated machines, like warehouse management systems or shipping label-generating software, reduce the time it takes to perform menial actions like searching for orders or manually writing shipping labels. They also circumvent service hour regulations trucking and rail teams have to abide by.
• Workers have been responsible for loading, unloading, and transporting freight. Even with the help of tools like forklifts and pallet jacks, they have to push their bodies to the limit to keep the supply chain running smoothly. Robots can do the heavy lifting for workers while automatically picking and packaging orders using automatic guided vehicles.

AI and Machine Learning

AI has gained prominence in the technology sector over the last several years and has been adopted by other industries. The logistics industry is no different. Logistics are using AI and machine learning as an effective way of improving efficiency and reducing transportation costs. Some of the things AI and machine learning are used for include:

• Improving route optimization using AI to formulate alternative routes and gather weather data and traffic conditions so drivers are better prepared for deliveries.
• Enhancing customer service by utilizing chatbots, which can operate 24/7 and answer basic questions so customer support representatives can focus on more complex cases.
• Performing quality control for all aspects of logistics by checking for errors and mistakes in documents and files and correcting them.

VR and AR

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) were once a novelty in the gaming and entertainment industry. However, both visual simulation technologies integrate logistics to improve data analysis and transportation efficiency.

• AR is used by warehouse staff as a virtual map to pick orders and find the quickest route to them. A staff member views a digital layout of the warehouse through a camera lens, laying the virtual data on top of reality. This lets staff members see where things are in real time without sorting through the warehouse to find one order.
• Freight offices use VR spaces for meetings between logistics companies’ departments, allowing users to see and visualize data in a friendly digital environment. It is also a potential tool for drivers away on deliveries to attend meetings back at headquarters.
• Truck drivers are using VR for training purposes. The trucking industry is facing a shortage of drivers, primarily due to the average trucker age being around 49. That’s why truck driving schools are using new technologies like VR to entice prospective drivers. Using VR headsets or arcade cabinet-styled machines designed to look like a semi truck’s cab, drivers practice basic maneuvers and safety practices without damaging anything in the real world.
• Truck drivers are using AR glasses for GPA functionality. They can see GPA directions, road conditions, and weather warnings by overlaying the GPS visuals with their rig’s windshield. This prevents drivers from being distracted when looking at their phones or GPS screens for directions while driving.