AI Enters the Driver’s Seat as Multimodal Logistics Faces Growing Complexity

By Maria Kalamatas | July 17, 2025

Rotterdam, July 17 — From warehouse dashboards in Europe to inland terminals in Southeast Asia, artificial intelligence is no longer just a tool — it’s becoming the control center of global logistics. As supply chains fragment and geopolitical tensions upend routes, major freight operators are turning to AI platforms to manage multimodal complexity in real time.

“We’re not using AI to automate anymore. We’re using it to make better decisions faster,” said David Becker, Chief Operations Architect at Freightrix, a Netherlands-based logistics software firm.

Smarter Routing, Not Just Faster

In the past six months, over 60% of mid- to large-sized freight companies have integrated AI-based planning tools, according to a study released this morning by the Global Logistics Technology Forum. These tools analyze thousands of data points — vessel schedules, customs delays, rail capacity, regional strikes — and simulate optimized routing across road, rail, sea, and air in seconds.

“Last week, we rerouted 18 containers from Trieste to Koper due to unexpected port labor issues. The system flagged it before we even got the first alert,” explained Katharina Ulrich, network planning manager at CargoScope AG.

From Reactive to Predictive

AI systems are helping shift the industry away from reactive crisis handling toward predictive operations. Some platforms now generate risk scores for entire trade corridors, allowing dispatchers to proactively adjust loading plans days in advance.

In Brazil, a textile exporter using SmartLane AI reportedly reduced air freight costs by 27% last month by pre-empting delays at Guarulhos Airport and switching to multimodal ground-rail combinations.

“AI doesn’t just optimize the route — it sees the risk before you do,” noted Becker.

The Human Element Still Matters

Despite the rise in adoption, industry leaders insist that AI is not replacing human decision-makers. Instead, it’s becoming a high-speed advisor in increasingly unpredictable supply chains.

“We still run every recommendation through experienced planners,” said Ulrich. “But without the AI alerts, we’d miss opportunities and risks we don’t have the time to spot ourselves.”

Freightrix, Project44, and CrimsonTrack are among the platforms reporting record customer onboarding this summer. Demand is highest in sectors exposed to multimodal risk — automotive, pharma, and electronics.

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