Latest news with #3PL
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
C.H. Robinson will use AI agents to classify LTL freight
Global logistics provider C.H. Robinson has announced the launch of a pioneering AI agent designed to adapt to the upcoming changes in the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system for less-than-truckload (LTL) freight. As the largest mover of LTL freight among third-party logistics (3PL) providers in North America, C.H. Robinson is positioning its proprietary technology to revolutionize how shippers classify their freight, marking a major leap in efficiency and accuracy in the logistics industry. Classifying LTL freight has long posed challenges for shippers due to the complex, manual processes involved. Traditionally, each shipment's classification required a detailed analysis of four factors: density, handling, liability, and stowability. Density involves calculating the pounds per cubic foot, with higher density often resulting in a lower freight class and thus a lower shipping cost. Handling considerations look at the ease with which a product can be moved between terminals, with more fragile items potentially requiring higher freight classes. Liability encompasses the potential for damage or perishability of the item and its ability to damage adjacent shipments. Lastly, stowability evaluates whether freight can be stacked or turned to maximize space utilization without requiring special handling conditions. C.H. Robinson's new AI tool is set to simplify these evaluations. By automating the classification process, the AI agent minimizes human error and expedites order processing. 'We have a fleet of over 30 AI agents performing tasks that had defied automation for decades,' said Arun Rajan, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at C.H. Robinson. 'Now we're building AI agents that help our AI agents.' This innovation is particularly significant given the upcoming changes to NMFC classifications, which can increase uncertainty and errors if not addressed with precision. The AI agent's ability to automate and streamline freight classification will have profound implications for the company's West, Vice President for LTL, noted the impact on efficiency: 'Before generative AI, half of our LTL orders were automated by way of customers using our global shipper platform or direct connectivity between our tech and their tech. We have the freight classifications for those shippers baked into our system.' With the new AI agent in place, C.H. Robinson has enhanced its automation capabilities, resulting in over 75% of LTL orders being automated—particularly benefiting small-to-medium businesses heavily reliant on email-based freight tenders. The AI agent's speed and capacity for multitasking vastly outperform human abilities in processing freight classifications. In its early months of operation, it has managed to determine the freight class and code for about 2,000 orders per day—a task that would conventionally require substantial human resources and time. 'Manually looking up or confirming the freight class and code for every emailed LTL tender can easily take a person 10 minutes or more per shipment,' Rajan pointed out. 'Our AI agent can do the same in about 10 seconds for first-time reasoning tasks, and just three seconds post-training, handling numerous shipments simultaneously.' This technological advancement not only accelerates the classification process but also reduces operational costs and turnaround times, effectively getting customers' freight on the road faster. C.H. Robinson expects this will result in enhanced customer satisfaction and more strategic supply chain operations without the risk of delays associated with misclassified the overhaul of the NMFC system looms, C.H. Robinson advises shippers to ensure their readiness by accurately gauging their freight dimensions and weight, both crucial for correct NMFC classification. The logistics leader also announced collaborations with dimensioner technology vendors to offer discounts, aiding customers in achieving precise measurements for their shipments. 'C.H. Robinson's track record of LTL innovation sets the standard for our industry,' commented Michael Castagnetto, President of North American Surface Transportation. C.H. Robinson's new LTL freight classification tool is a step into the future of freight logistics, providing a transformative solution to a longstanding industry challenge. As the new NMFC standards take effect, this AI agent is poised to play a crucial role in supporting shippers through the transition. The post C.H. Robinson will use AI agents to classify LTL freight appeared first on FreightWaves.
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
HTL buys its fifth 3PL since 2021, expands into reefer business
HTL Freight, the acquisitive 3PL based in North Carolina that has purchased several brokerages in recent years, has bought TS3 Logistics, a California-based specialist in refrigerated truckload and refrigerated LTL transportation. Of the five acquisitions that HTL has made since its 2021 change in ownership, this is the second-largest purchase. The specific price paid for TS3 was not disclosed. Left Lane Associates was the advisor to HTL on the acquisition. Peter Stefanovich, the president of Left Lane, said in an email to FreightWaves that HTL did not have extensive experience in the refrigerated and temperature-controlled freight sector previously, and the acquisition of TS3 extends the company's was purchased from original management by Onu Okebie and Brian Boland, Stefanovich said. All the acquisitions have come since then, he added, noting that the prior owners had not expanded the company through purchases. HTL's purchase of TS3 was its first since it acquired 3PL CTS Logistics in 2024. That was the company's largest acquisition. 'In just four years, we've executed five targeted acquisitions, each one adding strength in key service modalities, geographic presence, and operational depth,' Okebie said in a prepared statement. 'This move expands us into the critical temperature-controlled freight sector while establishing a stronghold on the West Coast to complement our reach across the Southeast, Northeast, Midwest, and Southwest.' TS3 will be integrated under the HTL banner. There are 10 employees at TS3, and the acquisition will bring total employment up to 70, Stefanovich the co-owner who is also CFO of HTL, said TS3 'brings a strong service reputation, deep market knowledge, and an entrepreneurial team.' More articles by John Kingston DAT and OTR, embroiled in dispute over factoring, reach settlement and end battle Onstage in Chicago, CHRW talks tech and staffing; RXO sees language order hitting capacity Logistics GDP share rose in '24, not likely to drop: CSCMP report The post HTL buys its fifth 3PL since 2021, expands into reefer business appeared first on FreightWaves.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Yusen Logistics deploys their first order fulfilment project in Europe with Geek+'s Shelf-To-Person robots
Automation will enhance B2B and B2C operations for the 3PL industry NORTHAMPTON, England, June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Geekplus, a global leader in warehouse robotics, has been awarded the contract by UK-based warehouse automation integrator Logistex, to deploy 165 Shelf-to-Person robots at Yusen Logistics' 1.2 million square foot distribution centre in Northampton (UK). The project marks a major milestone in warehouse automation for the 3PL industry and it's designed for B2B and B2C multiuser operations for chilled and ambient activities. The scalable solution will be implemented in two different phases to ensure business continuity throughout the transformation. Geekplus' P800 V6.0 solution – for pallets and shelves movement - significantly enhances picking efficiency, inventory accuracy, and space utilisation—key advantages for third-party logistics providers facing growing customer demands. "This project demonstrates the power of flexible automation," said Simon Houghton, Sales Director UKI at Geekplus. "Our Shelf-to-Person system enables scalable growth without disruption. We're proud to support Yusen Logistics in their first of this kind automation project in the UK but also in the Europe region" For Yusen Logistics, the deployment aligns with a broader digitalisation strategy aimed at increasing efficiency and responsiveness across its operations. "By integrating Geekplus' robots, we will be able to improve accuracy, agility, and throughput," said Ben Bird, Business Development and Solutions Design Director at Yusen Logistics. "The system will give us the flexibility to scale alongside our customers' evolving needs while gaining a great customer experience". The implementation will be delivered as part of a wider warehouse automation project led by Logistex, ensuring seamless integration with Yusen's infrastructure and business processes. "It's a pleasure working with Yusen and Geek+ on such a forward-thinking project," said Justin Saw, Business Development Director at Logistex. "Together, we look forward to delivering a future-ready solution with immediate results." The project highlights how Goods-to-Person robotics are reshaping the logistics landscape, offering 3PLs fast ROI, reduced labour reliance, and high safety standard. With this deployment, Yusen Logistics is well-positioned to lead in a rapidly changing market. Photo - - View original content to download multimedia:
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Check Call: Shippers and 3PLs not seeing eye to eye
The annual Third‑Party Logistics Study from NTT DATA, Penske and Penn State has been published for 2025. This year's report focuses on the relationships between shippers and 3PLs. It's a benchmark of what is working and what needs a tune‑up in the industry. Shipper–3PL partnerships remain solid; 89% of shipper respondents said their relationships are successful, a decrease from 95% in the previous year. Among 3PL respondents, 94% said their relationships were successful, down slightly from the prior year's result of 99%. This underscores the importance of check-ins with shippers and managing those relationships. It's a concerning trend that shippers are losing satisfaction with their 3PL provider. If it continues, shippers will look for new providers to meet their happiness levels. Regarding organizational changes, 61% of shippers and 73% of 3PLs agree that managing change is mission-critical. So much so that 58% of shippers and 76% of 3PLs are actively using structured change‑management tools. About 74% of shippers say they'd switch providers based on AI. 3PLs that offer AI solutions will gain a significant competitive advantage. But to succeed, 3PLs will need to overcome the challenges of system integration, lack of skilled personnel, and making the right AI investments to meet shippers' expectations. The Amazon effect is plaguing 3PLs, as consumers in large markets are expecting deliveries from shippers in two days or less. Nearly half of shippers report that sub‑2‑day delivery and real-time tracking are now table stakes. Sustainability is no longer a 'nice-to-have': environmental accountability is becoming a decision driver. Regionalization is a big move in 2025. About 76% of shippers and 71% of 3PLs are shifting toward nearshoring or reshaping production to be more local/regional. 'The supply chain environment is changing. A lot of organizations are contemplating alternate approaches and rethinking their strategies. As a result, they are taking a more critical, in-depth look at their relationships and partnerships,' said Dr. C. John Langley, clinical professor, supply chain information systems and director of development, Center for Supply Chain Research at Smeal College of Business at The Pennsylvania State University and founder of the annual study. What this means for brokers & 3PLs: Double down on change management: Build playbooks. Prepare people. Become the glue during volatile periods. Invest in AI smartly: Don't chase every shiny tool—pinpoint use cases (like back office automation) with clear ROI. Elevate speed, visibility, sustainability: These three are now table stakes. Without investment and effective implementation, shippers will move. Be nearshore-ready: Set up domestic fulfillment and regional carrier relationships to support nearshoring trends. The post Check Call: Shippers and 3PLs not seeing eye to eye appeared first on FreightWaves. Sign in to access your portfolio
National Post
02-06-2025
- Business
- National Post
CJ Logistics Makes Top 3PL & Cold Storage Providers List for 16th Straight Year
Article content DES PLAINES, Ill. — For the sixteenth year in a row, CJ Logistics America has been named to Food Logistics' annual Top 3PL & Cold Storage Providers list, which recognizes leaders in food and beverage supply chain management. Article content Article content CJ Logistics has extensive experience and expertise in the food and beverage space, having worked with dozens of manufacturers of various sizes in that sector for decades. The company has also made significant strides to expand its cold storage footprint. CJ Logistics opened a brand new, state-of-the-art frozen and refrigerated facility in Gainesville, Georgia, in November 2024, serving several large food producers. Another cold warehouse is currently under construction just outside of Kansas City and is set to open in Q3 2025, and more frozen and refrigerated storage sites are being targeted by the company in additional key markets throughout the United States. Article content 'We are honored that Food Logistics has named us to their list yet again this year,' said Kevin Coleman, CEO of CJ Logistics America. 'It's an award that recognizes the best of the best in this industry. I am proud and thankful for our employees who work every day to ensure we are delivering the best possible service to our customers. This award is a reflection of their commitment and exceptional capabilities.' Article content CJ Logistics America is a North American-based integrated supply chain service organization with operations in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The company offers warehousing, transportation, and freight forwarding services for all temperature classes (ambient, temperature-controlled, and frozen). CJ Logistics' customer-centric philosophy ensures that all solutions are tailored to meet clients' specific goals and objectives. Article content Food Logistics reaches more than 26,000 supply chain executives in the global food and beverage industries, including executives in the food sector (growers, producers, manufacturers, wholesalers and grocers) and the logistics section (transportation, warehousing, distribution, software and technology) who share a mutual interest in the operations and business aspects of the global cold food supply chain. Food Logistics also operates SCN Summit and Women in Supply Chain Forum. Go to to learn more. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
