The best supply chain decisions used to happen after something went wrong. AI and automation are changing that, giving shippers and their logistics providers the tools to evaluate more variables, identify exceptions earlier and operate proactively instead of reactively.
In the 2025 Transportation Leaders Survey from Penske, fleet leaders reported that AI is driving improvements in fleet planning (36%), route optimization (35%), operational efficiency (34%) and driver safety (32%). Among those who have already adopted AI, 40% said it has delivered at least 50% improvements in fuel savings, operational expenditures and distance traveled through route optimization alone.
Penske Logistics is deploying AI and automation across warehousing, transportation, supply chain management and dedicated contract carriage, enabling earlier, more informed decisions at every stage of the journey.
“Our customers are benefiting from better forecasting, improved network coordination and faster response to exceptions,” said Vish LK, vice president, financial administration, who also leads AI strategy and industry outreach for Penske Logistics.
How AI Is Optimizing Routing, Load Planning and Carrier Selection
Route and network optimization is one of the areas where AI is delivering the most direct, measurable impact. Modern transportation optimization now incorporates richer routing and scheduling models that account for variables once too complex to analyze manually, helping identify the most efficient path for every load rather than relying on static routing rules.
Load planning is also becoming more precise. Penske is currently piloting an AI-based cube utilization tool that puts this precision into action. Once a trailer is loaded, an associate photographs it, and the tool analyzes the image to identify unused space and recommend real-time adjustments. Those recommendations can be applied immediately or used to refine future load plans, moving fleets closer to a near-100% fill rate on every trailer.
Real-Time Data Integration for End-to-End Supply Chain Visibility
When every shipment touches multiple systems, carriers and facilities, visibility gaps are inevitable unless the data connecting all those touchpoints flows into a single, unified view. That’s precisely the problem the Penske technology infrastructure is designed to solve.
The ClearChain® Technology Suite serves as the operational layer where supply chain data is created, managed and executed, connecting shippers, carriers and other stakeholders across the network.
Supply Chain Insight builds on that foundation, aggregating data into a single view that provides customers and Penske frontline teams real-time visibility into every shipment, whether it’s moving through a warehouse, in transit, or running on a dedicated fleet.
“The Supply Chain Insight platform really gives customers the ability to view the supply chain through a single pane of glass,” said Mike Medeiros, executive vice president of operations for Penske Logistics. “That transparency between our frontline operators and our customers, looking at data in the same fashion, in the same moment, eliminates the noise and that second-guessing that has historically slowed everything down.”
That unified view changes how quickly teams can respond to disruptions, enabling them to get ahead of issues before they escalate.
Using Advanced Analytics To Identify Inefficiencies Before They Become Problems
AI is significantly expanding the capabilities of predictive analytics. AI-driven demand forecasting can now incorporate variables like weather patterns and economic conditions alongside historical order data, helping fleets optimize inventory levels, reduce stockouts, and anticipate demand more accurately. AI analytics can also flag anomalies in supply chain data that indicate fraud or compliance risk before they become costly problems.
For any system to perform reliably, the data feeding it must be accurate. Penske has built a dedicated framework to manage, monitor and address data quality issues, and identify the specific data elements that most affect accuracy for each service connecting to Supply Chain Insight.
With good data, it guarantees the metrics are right. It's going to make sure those KPIs are so much more impactful and really drive the desired performance outcomes we're all looking for.
– Mike Medeiros
Why Keeping Humans in the Loop Matters
Penske's approach to AI is grounded in a human-in-the-loop philosophy – one that treats automation and human expertise as complementary rather than competing forces. “There is flexibility and service excellence that comes from human expertise, but at the same time, there's speed and accuracy that comes from AI,” LK said. This approach ensures customers benefit from automation without losing accountability, because there's always someone who's overseeing the system.
Penske also applies a build, buy and blend strategy when deciding which AI capabilities to develop in-house versus source from an outside partner. “If it is proprietary, we build it because it is our secret sauce,” LK said. “If it's table stakes, like track and trace, we find the best partner, buy it and implement it.”
Turn Supply Chain Complexity Into Competitive Advantage
Every supply chain faces disruption. The question is how fast you can see it coming and how quickly you can respond. Penske Logistics combines dedicated transportation, warehousing, brokerage and supply chain management services with advanced technology, giving shippers a single, connected view of their network alongside the AI and automation tools needed to optimize it.
Learn More
DISCLAIMER: The content provided is for general informational purposes only. Penske makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information presented; however, the information herein is provided without any warranty whatsoever, whether express, implied or statutory. In no event shall Penske be liable for (i) any direct, incidental, consequential, or indirect damages (including loss profits) arising out of the use of the information presented, even if Penske has been advised of the possibility of such damage, or (ii) any claim attributable to errors, omissions, or other inaccuracies in connection with the information presented.