Executives at the Trimble Insight conference said artificial intelligence could trigger a sharp reduction in employment across the logistics sector, reports New York's FreightWaves.
Jonah McIntire, Trimble's chief product and technology officer, described the impact as a "jobs apocalypse." He said AI tools are advancing quickly, becoming more efficient than the three to four per cent annual growth in logistics spending, meaning the gains will be absorbed through fewer workers.
Mr McIntire likened current AI systems to 18-year-olds needing close supervision, but predicted they will soon resemble experienced employees requiring only occasional oversight. He said the technology is cheaper, diligent and does not need promotions to stay motivated.
Eric Lambert, Trimble's vice president for legal and employment counsel, said companies must address employee concerns about AI. He urged management to position AI as a net benefit, encouraging workers to reskill and upskill to adapt.
Mr Lambert added that firms should focus on solving business problems with data rather than asking what AI can do. He cited generative AI as an accelerant that multiplies efficiency when paired with proper training.
Shaman Ahuja, deputy CEO of Optym, stressed the importance of clean data, calling it a cultural shift rather than a one-time exercise. He said investment is flowing into AI applications for routine tasks that do not require perfect datasets.
The panel concluded that while AI offers efficiency and creativity beyond machine learning, its rapid adoption will reshape logistics employment and force companies to rethink workforce strategies.
https://www.shippingazette.com/news?news_id=9251100000849
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