AI-Enabled Communication Infrastructure for Enhancing Coordination Efficiency in U.S. Trucking and Freight Logistics

Abstract

The U.S. trucking and freight logistics industry plays a critical role in supporting economic activity and maintaining the efficient movement of goods across national supply chains. Despite its significance, there is a persistent challenge in communication and coordination in the sector that leads to operational inefficiencies, delays in shipments, high operating costs and lack of supply chain visibility. Recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI) have created new opportunities to improve communication processes and enhance coordination between key logistics stakeholders, including shippers, carriers, brokers, dispatchers and drivers. This paper provides an overview of how AI-powered communication tools can improve the efficiency of coordination in U.S. trucking and freight logistics operations. The study explores current literature using a narrative literature review approach for Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning, Internet of Things (IoT) telematics, predictive analytics, automated dispatch systems, and digital freight communication platforms. The review assesses the role of these technologies in enabling real-time information exchange, enhancing the visibility of the operations, minimizing delays in communication and strengthening decision-making across freight networks. The results suggest that AI-powered communication systems can have a significant impact on logistics operations by minimizing administrative tasks, improving load matching accuracy, boosting logistics visibility, and providing proactive solutions to disruptions. However, challenges related to data interoperability, cybersecurity, regulatory uncertainty, workforce adaptation and implementation costs continue to influence adoption outcomes. Overall, the paper finds that the U.S. freight sector has significant potential to gain from the use of AI-enabled communication infrastructure to enhance the efficiency of coordination and increase supply chain resilience. These benefits will take time to be realised and will need ongoing investment in digital infrastructure, industry partnerships, good governance structures, and human-centered systems design.