Given the recent AWS and Cloudflare outages, coupled with the rise in AI-driven cargo theft, it’s no small wonder why fleets are paying more attention to their dependance on technology for day-to-day operations. In transportation and logistics, nearly every process relies on technology, so when systems fail even briefly, the impact is immediate and widespread.
But is there such a thing as too much, and how can fleets decide where to draw the line when it comes to integrated technology within their operations? More importantly, what can be done to prepare when this tech either lets us down or is weaponized against us?
Too dependent on technology?
Yes and no. It's not so much that there’s a firm line separating reliance and over-reliance but rather fleets adopting technology without building fallback processes or contingency plans. This doesn’t necessarily mean that technology should be reduced, but it does mean that companies need to do their due diligence to ensure it’s incorporated properly.
Tools have evolved quickly, but operational resilience has not always kept pace, so gaps can develop that eventually turn into vulnerabilities. Unfortunately, when everything is running smoothly, that gap is essentially invisible and easy to ignore. But the moment an outage occurs, it becomes obvious, wreaking havoc on daily operations until you’re able to get everything up and running again.
For instance, drivers may be unable to access load details because one system is down; shops may come to a halt because maintenance platforms freeze; and leadership may wait on dashboards that will not load. Technology may support the work, but it can also become a single point of failure.
So, the goal is not to roll back innovation. Instead, ensure technology strengthens your operations without becoming the only way the business can function.
Preparing for outages before they happen
Technology-related disruptions are now less of an “when” than an “if”, and the fleets that handle outages best are those that plan ahead. If you don’t already have a plan in place, consider following the steps below to get started.
- Have a backup plan.
Paper dispatch packets, offline driver instructions, manual shop steps, and a clear communication plan make a significant difference when systems go dark. - Avoid putting everything on one platform.
Diversify communication channels and keep local copies of critical contacts, documents, and procedures. - Test the plan.
A short, 30-minute outage drill can expose gaps that planning alone will not catch. - Understand vendors.
Know where data resides, how failover works, and how quickly notifications occur during an outage. Many fleet systems rely heavily on third-party vendors, so their recovery plans matter, too.
Staying ahead of AI-driven cargo theft
Protecting your business in an increasingly digital age also means getting a handle on the capabilities (and threats) presented by artificial intelligence. After all, criminals are using AI, so fleets need to be leveraging this technology as well. Fortunately, this doesn’t have to mean buying new tools or investing in special infrastructure but rather maximizing existing resources.
Consult the list below and determine if your organization is adequately leveraging AI-enabled technologies.
- Strengthen identity controls.
Multi-factor authentication and clear verification steps can stop impersonation attempts before they succeed. - Use telematics intentionally.
Alerts for unusual movement, route deviations, or extended dwell times provide real-time visibility when something is wrong. - Verify documents with technology.
Criminals have started using AI to forge documents, but fleets can use similar tools to detect alterations. - Train employees regularly.
Frequent, short sessions are more effective than one long annual training session. People need to know what to look for and are more likely to retain information relayed in smaller pieces. - Share intelligence.
Criminals do not operate in silos, and fleets should not either. Sharing patterns and concerns across fleets strengthens everyone’s defenses.
The nature of technology is to move forward, not backward. Advances in fleet technology have made fleets safer, more efficient, and easier to manage. Ultimately, the benefits far outweigh the risks, provided security is given adequate attention and attention. The key is resilience: ensuring operations continue even when a core system falters. By planning for outages and treating security as part of daily operations, fleets can embrace technology confidently without letting it become a weakness.
