Artificial intelligence (AI) has transitioned from an emerging concept to a functional powerhouse, with nearly half of surveyed fleet managers now leveraging the technology to slash operational costs by as much as 50% through real-time route optimization alone.
Industry leaders from top tech and transportation companies gathered at ACT Expo in Las Vegas Tuesday to discuss the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the trucking industry. The panel, featuring executives from Werner Enterprises (CCJ Top 250, No. 14), Penske Transportation Solutions (No. 13), Platform Science, Microsoft, and Coretura AB, highlighted how AI is already driving efficiencies, improving safety, and reshaping the future of logistics.
Beyond simple logistics, the 2026 State of Sustainable Fleets report details how AI-driven predictive maintenance and advanced safety systems are delivering double-digit gains in vehicle uptime and a 40% reduction in heavy-duty collisions, positioning artificial intelligence as a more significant driver of total cost of ownership (TCO) improvement.
Approximately 48% of surveyed fleet managers report using AI in their responsibilities as of late 2025, and survey respondents estimated that 20% of their total fleets are currently AI-enabled.
How fleets are using AI
The discussion quickly delved into the practical applications of AI in fleet management. Daragh Mahon, executive vice president and chief information officer at Werner Enterprises, emphasized the shift from generative AI, like ChatGPT, to operational AI that aids in decision-making.
"The message that we drove home the most was this is not just about cool stuff. This is about using technology to make decisions," he said. "To me, it's about... what helps you make decisions and what helps make your fleet operate better. The way I look at it is if it's not helping you make a decision, it's just another report."
Sherry Sanger, executive vice president of strategy and marketing at Penske Transportation Solutions, stressed the importance of being purpose-driven when adopting AI. She pointed to Catalyst AI, a benchmarking tool developed by Penske, as an example of AI solving specific fleet problems.
"Focus on the purpose. What is the purpose of using AI?" Sanger advised. "Don't just say, 'I've got to use AI and I've got to figure out how to apply AI.' Focus on something that you're trying to get done and look at the tools that help you get that accomplished."
Where AI is working
The 2026 State of Sustainable Fleets report found AI widely used in route optimization and dispatching (21% of users). AI adapts routes in real-time based on weather, traffic, and construction history. The report found that AI-powered routing can save at least 50% in fuel and operational costs.
- Predictive maintenance (19% of users): AI systems proactively schedule maintenance and draw on large repair databases to guide technicians, potentially reducing maintenance costs by 12% and increasing uptime by 8%.
- Safety systems (44% expectation): AI monitors and coaches driver behavior in real-time. Systems like automated driver assistance (ADAS) have been linked to a 40% decrease in heavy-duty truck collisions.
- Freight operations: AI helps optimize load selection, pricing, and carrier matching to improve profitability.
- Sustainability goals: 61% of fleet managers expect AI to advance their sustainability initiatives.
- Waste reduction: AI identifies fuel economy drains, such as clogged air filters or improper tire pressure, that conventional management might miss.
- TCO improvement: AI-driven freight automation could reduce a fleet's total cost of ownership (TCO) by 8% to 13%, a significantly higher margin than the 3% savings typically achieved through simple diesel-to-electric vehicle replacement.
Be wary of dangers
Platform Science CEO Jack Kennedy noted that AI's value lies in its ability to accelerate business goals. However, he warned that it can also accelerate mistakes if not implemented correctly.
"Understanding your own business is key," Kennedy said. "Because if you get that wrong, AI is going to accelerate wrong real fast."
Dayan Rodriguez, corporate vice president at Microsoft, highlighted the importance of execution and change management in AI adoption. He noted that while technology is crucial, the human element—training and adapting processes—is often where projects succeed or fail.
"Technology isn't necessarily the reason why things fail. It's because of poor change management," Rodriguez said. He also emphasized the need for data sharing and cybersecurity, especially as AI becomes more integrated across the enterprise.
Johan Lundén, CEO of Coretura AB—a joint venture between Daimler Truck and Volvo Group—shared his perspective from his young, "AI-first" company. Coretura is developing a software-defined vehicle platform that allows trucks to continuously evolve through data and AI.
"For us, building the company, it's super exciting to see how the team has embraced AI," Lundén said. "But I fully agree, if you're not deploying it in the right way, you're not going to get the right results."
How fleets can install AI
Looking ahead, Kennedy advised fleets to start small, focus on high-priority use cases, and remain curious.
"In the next 12 months, you have to be ruthless about your questions," he concluded. "I cannot emphasize that enough. More money is going to be spent chasing the wrong rabbit holes because someone else is already doing it, somebody told you to do it, and you forgot what makes your fleet business unique... Know what you're doing. The tools will get easier, but knowing your business won't."
Mahon stressed that fleets have to be focused on what AI can do and align that capability with the motor carrier's goals.
"Double down on AI tech that solves a problem for you. Don't do it because it's cool," he said.
Rodriguez noted the importance of having the right infrastructure—one that is also flexible—to bring multiple sources of data, and that is scalable and secure. "If you are in the beginning of this journey, focus on the three to five use cases that are core priorities to your business objective and having the right change management in place," he said.
Sanger kept her advice simple: Don't just sit on the sidelines.
"Find ways to experiment and try things at a small scale. Be very outcome-focused," she said. "What are the outcomes that you're seeking to drive? What are the pain points you're experiencing, and how can some of these tools that are available help solve for that?"
![Img 9401[87]](https://img.ccjdigital.com/mindful/rr/workspaces/default/uploads/2026/05/img-940187.vJq7SVGjUK.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&h=167&q=70&w=250)
