Industry leaders hail AI as a game-changer in logistics, but many companies still struggle to implement it at scale. A new Hyperscience survey reveals that 98% of transportation and logistics leaders using AI in back-office operations say it’s vital to their business, and 70% are ready to invest in automation. Yet outdated processes continue to hold the industry back.
The study surveyed over 300 business and technology leaders in North America and found that while AI adoption is rising, many companies remain stuck in manual workflows, creating inefficiencies that slow down operations.
Manual document processing remains one of the biggest hurdles. Eighty-two percent of respondents said outdated handling of paperwork is a significant problem. Nearly half pointed to the lack of standardised document formats as a major disruption, while 40% admitted that their company still relies on paper-based systems despite industry-wide digital transformation efforts. These bottlenecks create delays, increase errors, and add unnecessary costs to supply chain operations.
Andrew Joiner, CEO, Hyperscience, said: “Transportation and logistics are the backbone of global commerce and touch every aspect of modern life, including food supplies, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. The study confirms that there is significant value to be realised from the implementation of AI and automation in the supply chain, especially its ability to overcome bottlenecks, accelerate operations, and deliver superior customer experiences.”
AI yields results
For companies that have embraced AI, the benefits are multifold—many report improvements in data accuracy, efficiency, and decision-making. Sixty-six percent said AI plays a key role in daily operations, while 39% noted that it improves data quality through standardisation. Others pointed out AI’s ability to analyse complex supply chain data, reduce human errors, and optimise workflows.
Despite these advantages, only 13% of logistics firms have reached an advanced stage of AI adoption. While enthusiasm for AI-powered automation is high, companies are still struggling to move beyond initial pilots and fragmented implementations.
The transition to digital documentation and automated data entry is already proving its value, with 89% of businesses that have made the shift reporting moderate to significant improvements.