AI 101 for Freight Forwarders: How AI is Transforming Global Logistics

The freight industry runs on tight margins and high expectations. Every delay, manual process, and outdated system eats into profits and slows down growth. Yet, many freight forwarders are still relying on rigid, rule-based software that can’t keep up with the speed of global trade.

AI is changing that. It’s no longer just a buzzword—it’s a competitive advantage.

In our AI 101 webinar, Starboard cofounders Sumeet Trehan (CEO) and Junyu Yang (CTO) discussed how AI actually works and what it means for your business. 

If you missed it, here are the five biggest takeaways every freight forwarder should know.

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5 Key Takeaways from AI 101 for Freight Forwarders

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1. AI-first systems adapt to your business, not the other way around.

Traditional ERP systems rely on rule-based coding, requiring manual updates, costly customizations, and rigid workflows. AI-first platforms flip the script. 

Instead of making you adjust your processes to fit the software, AI tools adapt to how you work. They learn from every transaction, continuously optimizing workflows and automating repetitive tasks without the need for months-long system reconfigurations. Over time, these systems become smarter and more efficient, leveraging real-world data to improve performance and drive operational excellence.

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2. AI can predict delays and adjust pricing based on market trends.

Instead of relying on outdated tracking tools, AI-powered solutions analyze vast amounts of data to anticipate issues before they cause disruptions. 

For example, AI can: 

✔ Predict shipment delays based on historical trends and live conditions

✔ Optimize pricing dynamically using market trends and customer behavior

✔ Automatically adjust quotes and margins to keep you competitive

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3. The freight industry’s complexity is exactly why AI thrives. 

Exceptions are the norm in logistics. AI-first systems are ideal for handling unpredictable scenarios because they are continuously learning from real-world data, adapting to customer needs, and automating operational bottlenecks. 

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4. AI provides insights, but it also automates key decisions.

Visibility tools only tell you when something is wrong. AI-first systems take action automatically, eliminating manual interventions that slow teams down.

If a shipment is delayed, AI can:

✔ Update your customer’s pre-alert

✔ Reschedule pick-ups automatically

✔ Adjust customs documentation on the fly

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5. Not all AI tools are created equally. Security and industry knowledge matter. 

Many AI tools are generic, built for broad applications rather than logistics. The best AI solutions are trained on industry-specific data, built with enterprise-grade security, and designed to support human decision-making in critical workflows.

The key questions to ask before choosing an AI system:

• Does it learn from my company’s data?
• Can it handle industry-specific scenarios?
• How does it protect my sensitive customer and pricing data?

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Why AI is the Future of Freight Forwarding

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“AI is not just a tool—it’s the next evolution of freight tech.” - Sumeet Trehan, CEO @ Starboard 

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The freight forwarding industry is at a crossroads. Outdated systems are holding businesses back, while AI-first platforms are paving the way for a more efficient, data-driven future. By embracing AI, SMB freight forwarders can compete with global giants, reduce manual errors, and drive revenue growth.

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Ready to See AI in Action?

If you’re curious about how AI can transform your freight forwarding operations, we’d love to show you. Book a demo with our team today and see how Starboard AI can help you work smarter, faster, and more efficiently.

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Watch the Webinar Recording  

Missed the live session? Click here to watch the full recording of AI 101.