Logistics 2025 Annual Review & Outlook
Executive Commentary
deepest pockets they can find , regardless of fault . That ’ s often the trucking company , the truck manufacturer or even the freight broker .
A recent study by the US Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform found the average size of verdicts over $ 1 million against trucking firms increased by 867 % between 2010 and 2018 . The study also reviewed 154 litigation verdicts from June 2020 to April 2023 and found the mean plaintiffs ’ award , combined with settlements , was over $ 27.5 million .
A new report by the American Tort Reform Organization revealed $ 6.8 billion was spent on over 77 million national and local legal service ads in 2021 alone . Additionally , over 15 million ads for legal services aired in 210 media markets across the US , totaling $ 971.6 million spent .
There are plenty of public service announcements about insurance fraud , but what about insurance claim abuse ? These ads are conditioning the public to view trucks as litigation opportunities versus a crucial part of our economy and supply chain .
I ’ m not advocating that a responsible party in an accident should not be held accountable . Everyone harmed should be compensated and receive the highest levels of care . But the purpose is not to create generational wealth for plaintiff families , or to fund more billboards promising big paydays from trucker accidents .
BuyCo
Carl Lauron
CEO www . buyco . co
Container shipping is a complex , manualintensive practice . With businesses striving to enhance efficiency and cut costs , digitalization is essential . Artificial intelligence stands as a transformative force in this space , enabling the shift from paper-based , email and spreadsheet processes to automated , data-driven workflows .
One of AI ’ s contributions is
“ As AI continues to evolve , its impact on container shipping will only deepen .”
Nimesh Modi
“ The pace of AI ’ s development makes it difficult to predict which processes will see the most automation next , but its evolution is undeniable .”
Carl Lauron
Book Your Cargo
Nimesh Modi
CEO www . bookyourcargo . com
Artificial intelligence is reshaping the landscape of container shipping . By leveraging vast amounts of historical data , AI-powered algorithms can accurately predict future freight rates , enabling transparent and competitive pricing . This predictive capability empowers shippers to make informed decisions and optimize their supply chain costs .
Additionally , AI-driven platforms provide real-time visibility into the entire shipping journey . From the moment a container is picked up to its final destination , shippers can monitor its status , identify potential delays and proactively address issues . This level of transparency reduces uncertainty and improves overall supply chain efficiency .
Furthermore , AI is optimizing various aspects of container shipping operations . By automating routine tasks such as documentation processing and customs clearance , AI significantly reduces human error and accelerates the overall process . It also enables the identification of potential bottlenecks and inefficiencies , allowing for timely interventions and proactive problem-solving .
As AI continues to evolve , its impact on container shipping will only deepen . By embracing AI-powered solutions , shippers can unlock new levels of efficiency , cost effectiveness and reliability — ultimately strengthening their competitive edge .
standardizing varied data formats across carriers , shippers and freight forwarders . This lays the groundwork for seamless digital processes , which benefits several critical operations : processing booking confirmations to initiate tracking , streamlining updates for ocean rates , conducting automated freight audits by digitalizing freight and detention and demurrage invoices , enhancing document consistency checks , and detecting shipment risks through pattern recognition .
While blockchain has shown limited potential — electronic bills of lading being its most viable application — AI ’ s flexibility opens up broader possibilities , from operational support to potential full automation . The pace of AI ’ s development makes it difficult to predict which processes will see the most automation next , but its evolution is undeniable .
Container visibility has been a pioneering step in shipping automation , and answering the essential question , “ Where is my cargo ?” is set to become a commodity service . However , accurate inland ETA remains challenging due to the trucking industry ’ s fragmentation and regulatory limitations such as Europe ’ s General Data Protection Regulation . The focus of visibility will shift from tracking to collaboration , monitoring “ who does what by when ” for comprehensive control over shipments .
Automation goes beyond visibility ; while human oversight is necessary for managing disruptions , many operations can be automated . This includes automating vessel selection and booking tasks , optimizing CO2 routing , container tracking across carriers , and automated handling of documents and invoices .
With AI ’ s rapid advancements , container shipping is poised for a future where automation underpins seamless , efficient operations .
88 Journal of Commerce | January 6 , 2025 www . joc . com