The Next Big Leap into an AI-Powered Supply Chain
In the latest episode of Logistics Business Conversations, our Chief Customer Officer, Sjoerd Eekelaar, joined host Peter McLeod to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of logistics.
While the industry has made strides, many operations still rely on “old school” methods like Excel spreadsheets and phone calls to secure capacity. But with driver shortages and scarce capacity becoming the new norm, the “next big leap” is already here: a fully connected, AI-powered supply chain.
Here are the key takeaways from Sjoerd’s conversation on how AI agents and digitization are reshaping the future of freight.
From Manual Execution to “Agents as a Service”
The transition from manual processes to digital platforms is about more than just ditching paperwork. We are moving toward a model Sjoerd describes as “Agents as a Service“.
Rather than just digitizing data, intelligent software agents will soon be capable of executing tasks and making data-driven decisions on behalf of shippers. By leveraging data from thousands of active carriers, these AI agents can predict where capacity is needed and solve problems proactively, acting as an intelligent co-worker alongside human teams.
Solving the Empty Run Problem
Sustainability and efficiency go hand-in-hand. A significant number of carriers in Europe still drive empty, resulting in wasted effort, money, and environmental harm due to these empty runs.
Therefore, a critical goal of the AI-powered network is maximizing efficiency and sustainability by solving the empty run problem (trucks driving without cargo).
The massive, verified network of 41,000 active transport companies from the Trans.eu ecosystem, of which CargoON is a part, combined with AI tools, turns unproductive return trips into revenue-generating ones: we can predict where trucks are emptying and match them with nearby demand —a practice known as backhauling.
This connectivity allows different industries—such as retail and packaging producers—to overlap their networks, ensuring that a truck unloading at one location can immediately pick up a new load nearby, securing the right capacity at the right time and reducing costs for both shippers and carriers.
The Power of a Verified Network
Access to capacity is critical, but access to trusted capacity is essential.
Eastern European economies, particularly Poland, Romania, the Czech Republic, and Hungary, are generating a substantial and financially significant portion of Europe’s total freight volume. These nations are not only increasingly shifting production hubs from West to East but also possess the largest truck fleet for international transport.
This context highlights the strategic importance of CargoON’s position within the Trans.eu Group, which has established the biggest carrier network in Europe. This strong foundation in Eastern Europe is crucial, as the logistics market is undergoing a significant shift in economic activity. Trans.eu’s leading presence in this region enables it to provide solutions that effectively address the evolving needs of the European supply chain.
Start Small, Think Big
Digital transformation doesn’t require a “Big Bang” approach. As we explained in our guide How to choose the best digital freight platform, in order to begin the process, an analysis of processes must be conducted to identify potential areas for improvement.
Once areas for improvement are identified, the prospect of an overly complex, rapid shift from zero to one hundred can be overwhelming. Therefore, it is important to propose a phased digitalization process. This allows us to verify the benefits achieved at each implementation stage, enabling us to proceed at our own pace and avoid frustration or resentment at any point.
In fact, Sjoerd recommends a modular, step-by-step strategy: “Rome wasn’t built in a day, so you can also start with transport execution, then move to time slot booking management… and always keep in mind access to capacity.” — Sjoerd Eekelaar.
The future is a partnership where AI acts as a trusted advisor to human experts
In concluding the discussion, Peter asked Sjoerd to peer into his crystal ball to foresee the future of Logistics. Sjoerd’s vision is one of partnership, where AI serves as a trusted advisor to human experts. He emphasized that the human element remains vital despite AI’s rise, noting that while AI will manage execution and data analysis, people are still essential for relationship management and the inevitable “coffee drinking.”
