Survey Says: Fleets’ Tech Investments Center on AI and Safety

AI has been best put to use in the optimization of processes like routing and load planning, says Todd Florence, chief information officer at Estes. (Estes Express Lines)

North America’s largest motor carriers are focusing much of their technology investments on artificial intelligence to improve back-office efficiency, automate processes and unlock better decision-making.

Safety technologies and onboard video systems that help prevent crashes, support driver coaching and strengthen liability protection represent another clear priority for fleet operators.

Numerous motor carriers outlined their views on current and emerging technologies as part of their responses to Transport Topics’ annual survey of for-hire carriers for its Top 100 list.

The following comments are selected highlights from those survey submissions.

“We believe the most impactful technologies are those that drive our safety culture. Our focus and priority surround the fusion of AI-powered hardware with sophisticated back-office automation to fundamentally enhance how we protect our drivers, the motoring public and the communities we serve. Currently, we are in the early stages of a fleetwide deployment of the latest AI camera technology, including both dash and side-view cameras. The real value, however, lies in how we use that data. By leveraging back-office automation, we can automatically deploy personalized coaching and training to our drivers based on their driving habits.” — NFI

“By combining AI-powered cameras, telematics and real-time diagnostics, we’ve moved from reactive operations to proactive ones, preventing incidents, improving driver performance and increasing visibility across our network. The results have been significant. We’ve driven strong year-over-year revenue growth, improved driver retention and maintained stable insurance costs. Safety has become a true differentiator for us, not just a metric. Looking ahead, we’re focused on deeper AI-driven decision-making, predictive maintenance and tighter integration with our customers’ systems to create a more responsive, real-time logistics network.” — Hogland Transfer

“AI is something that is very powerful and must be used across all business platforms.” — Cheema Freightlines

“It all seems to be about AI automation right now, and we are actively investing in using this technology. The biggest initial win seems to be on the billing and reporting sides, where AI’s strength of pattern recognition really shines. We also utilize enhanced P&D dispatching technologies, have in-cab devices and onboard cameras, and are expanding our use of dimensioners.” — Oak Harbor Freight Lines

“One thing I push back on consistently is the idea that impactful technology means the biggest or flashiest investment. Often, the most meaningful improvements come from identifying friction in existing processes and asking where people are still doing work that could be automated, simplified or supported by better tools. That’s where some of the greatest opportunities for efficiency are found. … AI-driven optimization is where we’re putting a lot of emphasis right now. Better routing, smarter cross-dock decisions, load planning that adjusts dynamically — these are compound improvements that get better as you accumulate more data.” — Todd Florence, chief information officer, Estes Express Lines

“We use in-cab AI for driver monitoring.” — Apex Logistics

“We are investing in AI, safety and proactive management systems to drive prevention in accidents and incidents and to remove risk in a high-risk environment as an asset-based carrier.” — System Freight

“There is so much talk about AI. We’re taking a wait-and-see approach. Of course, we’ll take advantage of all the new safety technology and leverage some of the AI tools within the Microsoft stack. But jumping into developing AI agents to replace a bunch of tasks is not something we’re too keen on yet. I think AI will help employees become more efficient, automate a few more tasks in the back office.” — PGT Holdings

“We have invested in safety technology in our ELD systems. which include AI capabilities. We see more motor carriers getting advanced safety technology to satisfy insurance providers. We think this trend of more technology in or around the trucks will continue, which should make our roads safer.” — Apache Logistics

“In the near term, the most impactful technologies are likely to be those that deliver practical, measurable improvements — things like AI-driven optimization for routing and pricing, connected vehicle technology that enhances real-time visibility and predictive maintenance, and in-cab safety systems that support drivers while improving compliance. At the same time, while there’s a lot of attention on advanced driver-assist systems and autonomous capabilities, we see those as more longer-term opportunities that will take time to scale meaningfully across the industry.” — Market Express

“Cameras have made a very large improvement to the liability. Additional technology on the next generation of power units should continue this through additional sensors for collision avoidance and recorded happenings.” — Pride Transport

“[We are] currently reviewing all AI opportunities.” — Dayton Freight Lines

“We believe the most impactful technologies in trucking are those that turn data into action — particularly AI, telematics and predictive maintenance. Our current investments are focused on delivering immediate operational value, while we strategically position the business to adopt emerging technologies such as autonomy and electrification as they mature and become economically viable.” — Transervice Logistics/Lily Transportation

Image

Refrigerated carrier Hurricane Express highlighted investments in its TMS. (Hurricane Express)

“The most impactful technologies in trucking will be those that improve visibility, speed of decision-making and safety. We are investing in our TMS to drive efficiency and scalability while enhancing real-time data collection so we can better track performance and respond more quickly. Across the industry, and through conversations at carrier conventions, we are seeing increased adoption of predictive analytics for routing and planning. Looking ahead, greater automation in back-office functions and AI-supported decision tools will continue to streamline operations.” — Hurricane Express

“[We are] investing heavily in safety equipment and carefully in AI.” — Raider Express

“We have instituted in-cab event recorders and working on optimizing routing software to improve efficiency. Also, AI is coming into play more and will continue in the coming years.” — Peninsula Truck Lines

“We believe technology will drive some efficiencies in our sector in dispatch processes and decision-making. The biggest impact needs to be accident-mitigation technology on the tractors to include self-driving tractors.”  — Andrews Logistics

“The trucking industry is at a tipping point where technology is shifting from basic visibility into true automation and real-time decision-making. While several innovations will shape the future, the most impactful will be AI-driven operations, connected fleet technologies and advanced safety systems.” — Gulf Winds International

“I believe AI and predictive analytics will have the biggest impact, particularly in route optimization, maintenance forecasting, pricing and operational decision-making.” — Chief Express

“Artificial intelligence is already transforming areas such as route optimization, predictive analytics, exception management, pricing and workflow automation. We see AI helping operations teams move from reactive decision-making to more predictive and proactive planning. Connected vehicle technologies and telematics are also becoming critical, providing real-time visibility into equipment health, shipment status, driver performance and maintenance needs. Safety technology will continue to play a major role as well. In-cab devices, onboard cameras and advanced driver-assist systems help fleets improve compliance, reduce accidents and better support drivers. … Ultimately, logistics is still an execution business, and the companies that combine strong operations with practical technology adoption will have the greatest advantage.” — STG Logistics

Image

C.R. England emphasized emerging technologies' value in improving safety. (C.R. England)

“At our company, we are actively investing in these areas by deploying onboard safety technology, leveraging data analytics to optimize operations and automating manual processes where possible. Looking ahead, we see gradual adoption of more advanced automation technologies — all with the goal of improving safety, efficiency and operational visibility.” — C.R. England

“While artificial intelligence continues to attract attention, we believe its most immediate value in trucking will come through workflow optimization, analytics, predictive maintenance, automation of repetitive administrative functions and improved operational forecasting, rather than fully automated decision-making. … Looking ahead, we expect the industry to continue moving toward increasingly connected operations, with transportation, warehousing, safety, maintenance and customer visibility systems operating on more unified, intelligent platforms. Companies that successfully integrate technology adoption with strong operational execution and human oversight will ultimately gain the greatest competitive advantage.” — Alina Savo, director of marketing, Highlight Motor Group

“We believe that AI will be a useful back-end tool to assist with load processing, billing and more in-office processes. When it comes to our equipment, we remain on the cutting-edge with smart cameras — both driver and road facing — and we invest in the newest tractors and trailer technology on the market. While AI is a powerful tool, we don’t believe it will replace any of our professional drivers anytime soon.” — United Petroleum Transports

“We have rolled out AI across the business from maintenance to operations and safety to finance. We also purchase all of the latest, greatest safety technology in the trucks, including in-cab AI technology and mirror eye cameras.” — PS Logistics

“AI will continue to grow and become more prevalent and useful. Technological advances will continue to be utilized throughout the LTL space.” — Southeastern Freight Lines

“Safety continues to be a point of emphasis from a technological perspective. With the increased importance of avoiding accidents (which cause higher insurance premiums, legal bills and settlements), safety in our equipment is a huge part of our business. AI will continue to play a bigger role, not only in our industry but in our economy as a whole. The more and better we can embrace it, the more we can differentiate ourselves from our competition and better serve our customers.” — Koch Cos.