Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the trucking industry—not by replacing drivers, but by revolutionizing back-office operations and business workflows. Trimble Transportation, a leading trucking technology provider, recently shared updates on how AI is already making a substantial impact and what to expect in the next few years.
At a media roundtable, Trimble’s Chief Product and Technology Officer, Jonah McIntire, along with North American and European sector leaders Michael Kornhauser and Philipp Pfister, discussed how generative AI has evolved from a buzzword to a game-changing tool. Unlike traditional AI, which enhances labor productivity, generative AI is the labor, automating tasks once done manually.
The trucking industry is quickly adapting to this shift. McIntire cited a McKinsey report stating up to 90% of trucking companies are currently using AI, with Trimble’s own customer base nearing 100% adoption. AI is now handling tasks like automated customer emails, price negotiations, and transforming inbound emails into structured transactions.
Companies such as Action Resources and Gulf Relay are already seeing efficiency gains. Action Resources uses AI chatbots to provide customers with real-time information, while Gulf Relay deploys AI to design custom workflows that streamline administrative processes. Trimble has also launched AI tools for deal-making, enabling customers to assess potential business partners, negotiate pricing, and finalize agreements more effectively.
However, AI’s power is only as strong as the quality of the data it uses. Clean, validated data remains crucial to ensure reliable performance. McIntire emphasized the importance of data hygiene, warning that inaccurate inputs can lead to flawed outcomes. Fortunately, newer AI models are increasingly able to detect and flag inconsistent data, providing a layer of protection for users.
To assist with data readiness, Trimble offers a dashboard that evaluates whether clients’ data sets are “AI-ready,” highlighting any gaps that need addressing before AI models are trained on them. This hands-on approach ensures clients can optimize their systems and leverage AI tools effectively.
Looking ahead, Trimble predicts that AI will soon play a more direct role in driver support. For instance, AI systems will analyze route deviations using weather and map data and proactively communicate with drivers to understand or address unexpected changes.
Trimble envisions that within five years, AI could run entire business functions, with humans serving as strategic leaders. As a result, company leaders will need to adapt their management style—shifting from managing people to managing AI-driven systems.
Ultimately, while AI quietly powers improvements behind the scenes today, it’s poised to become a central force in the future of trucking. Trimble’s approach remains practical: prioritize solving customer problems, not selling AI hype.
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