AI for logistics, freight and transport

The problem

Why dispatch runs on the phone

Carriers and 3PLs usually run a TMS or WMS such as MachShip, CartonCloud, Descartes or a custom system, plus telematics from MiX or Teletrac Navman. Bookings still arrive as emails, spreadsheets and PDFs. Customers want to know where their freight is, constantly.

Dispatchers and customer service staff spend much of the day re-keying details and answering where is my delivery questions.

Workflow

How a booking moves from email to delivered

1. Step 1Booking request arrives

   A customer emails a consignment list or PDF, often in their own format.

2. Step 2AI extracts the details

   Pickup, delivery, weights and dims are pulled into a booking draft in your TMS.

3. Step 3Dispatcher checks

   Exceptions such as dangerous goods or missing dims are flagged for a person.

4. Step 4Tracking updates

   Customers get proactive updates drafted from telematics and POD data.

5. Step 5Invoices reconciled

   Accessorial charges and PODs are matched before invoicing.

Your stack

Logistics systems we work with

First steps

Typical first workflows for a carrier or 3PL

Over time

What changes in the depot after the first workflows

Customer service volume usually falls first, because customers get updates before they need to call. Dispatchers notice that bookings arrive cleaner and exceptions are surfaced earlier in the day rather than at 4pm. Accounts teams see fewer disputed invoices because PODs and accessorial charges are matched before invoicing. Management gets a daily view of on time performance by customer and lane without anyone building a spreadsheet. None of this needs new trucks or a new TMS. It needs the information already flowing through your inboxes and telematics to be read and organised properly. Warehousing teams benefit as well, with inbound ASN checks against purchase orders and damage reports written up from photos. Chain of responsibility records also get easier to keep, with fatigue and load restraint paperwork checked for gaps each week.

People first

Dispatchers, customer service and drivers

Dispatchers spend less time re-keying and more time solving problems. Customer service handles fewer where is my freight calls. Drivers are not asked to learn new apps unless it clearly helps them. We build any change around shift patterns and the realities of a busy depot.

Guardrails

Driver safety and chain of responsibility

Heavy vehicle law and chain of responsibility rules make scheduling a safety issue. AI suggests and summarises, but dispatch decisions, fatigue management and load sign off stay with accountable people.