The freight forwarding and logistics industry is constantly evolving, and over the past year, artificial intelligence (AI) has moved from a topic of interest to a valuable business tool. While AI was once seen as a technology full of potential, we are now beginning to witness its practical benefits across various areas of freight and supply chain management.
At Jenkar, we believe that technology should enhance, not replace, the personal service and industry expertise our clients value. In this article, we revisit the role of AI in freight forwarding one year on, examining how the landscape has changed, what is now working in practice, and how this progress is helping us continue to deliver reliable, responsive service.
A year ago, we discussed the ways in which AI was expected to improve the freight forwarding process. These included smarter route planning, more accurate demand forecasting, improved documentation processes, and enhanced customer service. At the time, many of these ideas were seen as emerging concepts. Today, they are beginning to take shape in real-world applications.
AI technologies have progressed significantly, making them more viable for day-to-day use in the logistics sector. These tools are no longer limited to experimental trials. Many are now being integrated into freight systems that help streamline operations and deliver more consistent results. This improved accessibility means that forwarders like Jenkar can begin to adopt the benefits of AI without needing to overhaul existing processes.
Documentation is a fundamental part of any freight forwarding operation. Over the past year, AI-powered systems using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) have improved in their ability to manage freight documents. These tools can now extract, organise, and verify data from shipping paperwork more efficiently. This reduces manual workload, lowers the risk of errors, and saves valuable time.
One of the most promising applications of AI in freight forwarding is smart route planning. AI can now analyse large volumes of historical and real-time data, including traffic conditions and weather forecasts, to recommend more efficient transport routes. This contributes to shorter transit times, reduced fuel costs, and greater reliability. Additionally, AI tools can support demand forecasting by identifying seasonal trends and predicting future shipping volumes. This enables forwarders to better manage capacity and minimise disruptions.
Customer service is a key part of any logistics operation, and AI has continued to make strides in this area. AI-powered systems can now assist with routine enquiries, provide shipment updates, and help with booking processes. These tools offer faster response times and allow customer service teams to focus on more complex issues. While they are not a replacement for human interaction, they serve as a helpful addition to our service offering.
At Jenkar, we are always evaluating how new technology, including AI, can support our goal of delivering reliable and responsive freight forwarding solutions. Rather than adopting every new trend, we take a considered and practical approach. We focus on implementing tools that will genuinely improve our service and make life easier for our customers.
Here are some of the areas where AI is beginning to support our operations:
As always, our focus remains on providing excellent service. Technology is a tool that supports our experienced team, not a substitute for it.
AI is continuing to develop at a rapid pace. In the coming year, we expect to see further advances in areas such as real-time tracking, predictive alert systems, and smarter supply chain planning. There is also growing interest in using AI to support sustainability initiatives and improve environmental performance.
While these developments are exciting, we remain committed to maintaining a balance. AI will never replace the need for professional insight, personalised service, and strong client relationships. At Jenkar, we use technology to enhance our service offering, not to remove the human element.
If you would like to learn more about how AI is helping to improve the freight forwarding process, or if you need a fast, reliable quote for your next shipment, our friendly and knowledgeable team is here to help.
Jenkar will continue to combine logistics expertise with forward-thinking innovation to provide the highest level of service in an ever-changing industry.
Stay up to date with the latest trends, news and updates in the freight forwarding industry to ensure that your logistics operations are always optimised for efficiency.
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