Annual Review & Outlook 2026
Logistics
Executive Commentary
Supply chain visibility merely informs an organization about what has occurred or is occurring. The true competitive separation is achieved by leveraging platforms that provide business leaders with real-time insight, enabling them to adjust strategies quickly— transforming a process that was once passive monitoring into empowered, high-speed, strategic execution that drives results.
In 2026 and beyond, companies will continue to explore nearshoring and multi-source strategies to build decentralized, resilient networks closer to key markets. Leaders who effectively use AI-powered tools will accelerate the move toward self-correcting networks through autonomous decision-making.
Sarjak Container Lines
Sarjak Sheth
CCO www. sarjak. com
Artificial intelligence has become one of the most transformative— and debated— forces in logistics. Yet its true value lies not in the hype, but in how it improves real-world operations.
In ocean shipping, AI enhances predictability and efficiency through datadriven insights. Predictive analytics make ETAs more accurate and highlight potential disruptions before they occur. Automated exception management reduces the back-and-forth coordination traditionally required between shipping lines, ports and customers. These tools help logistics teams act faster, make smarter choices, and manage complexity with greater precision.
However, AI has its limits. It cannot replace human judgment in multimodal decisions, where trade-offs depend on experience, negotiation and trust. Nor can it foresee every unexpected disruption— from port strikes to regulatory changes or geopolitical shifts.
The role of technology in shipping, therefore, is not to replace people but to amplify their expertise. The industry runs on data, but it moves forward on relationships, intuition, and adaptability— elements no algorithm can replicate.
www. joc. com
The future of AI in logistics belongs to those who balance automation with human intelligence— using data to guide decisions, but never to define them.
Technical Traffic Consultants
Lauren Mecchella Plate
Executive Vice President, Co-Owner www. technicaltraffic. com
AI is no longer a distant concept. It is here and is poised to reshape every facet of the logistics industry.
Large language models, generative AI and AI agents are already driving improvements in route optimization, demand forecasting, warehouse automation and freight invoice processing. Soon, autonomous trucks will support long and short-haul transportation, and mobile
Qued
Prasad Gollapalli
Founder, Chairman and CEO www. qued. com
Artificial intelligence can certainly be considered a technology development that’ s rapidly moving from emerging to mainstream. While emerging technologies have been hyped before— and failed to live up to the hype— AI is the exception. It will be a tremendous enabler for transportation.
AI, in its simplest definition, is many computers doing a series of tasks collectively at high speed. Before, a computer process could execute a task up to a point, then it would need more instruction. With AI, the more thoroughly you define the“ ask” to start, the more AI can learn, adjust and improve on the performance of that task.
I equate AI’ s learning capability to an entrylevel employee. You structure the work logically, provide clear guidance and set triggers for when to reach out for help. As the employee learns, they can take on more. Similarly, AI can learn and grow— but still needs clear instructions, structured format and continuous guidance.
“ Every aspect of transportation now must be viewed through an AI lens.”
Lauren Mecchella Plate
“ The industry runs on data, but it moves forward on relationships, intuition, and adaptability— elements no algorithm can replicate.”
Sarjak Sheth robots will manage movement, sorting and loading of goods.
Every aspect of transportation now must be viewed through an AI lens.
We have seen many technological shifts in the freight audit and payment industry in our 53 years of operations. None, however, compare to the transformative potential of AI. Thoughtful implementation will unlock efficiencies, elevate service levels and expand capabilities.
For many, the topic of AI feels intimidating and that is understandable. You are right to approach it with a healthy dose of skepticism; but if you have not already, it is time to get started.
So, where do you start? The easiest entry point is to apply AI to what you are already doing. Automate repetitive tasks, improve data accuracy, and enhance reporting. Small wins build confidence and deliver measurable benefits without disrupting core operations.
Stay true to your mission. Technology should serve your company’ s purpose, not redefine it. Keep values and service standards at the center of every decision. Ask: Will this enhance the customer experience or detract from it?
Another key area where AI can be transformative is low-quality data. Innovation in this area remains a challenge. Properly designed and built, AI tools provide an elegant, continuously learning solution that helps deliver clean and complete data.
Finally, AI can automate and streamline many tasks involved in trucking— but not everything all at once. AI works best when deployed in“ building blocks” of instructions. Do the building blocks first, make sure they work properly and communicate with each other and then add other more complex tasks or blocks. AI both accelerates and streamlines that process.
The incremental approach to AI is proving far more efficient and successful. Don’ t let one vendor tell you they can do it all at once. That’ s been a recipe for failure in the past and not one that I’ d bet my supply chain dollars on.
January 5, 2026 | Journal of Commerce 91