How AI Scheduling Platforms Are Transforming Logistics
Why Traditional Scheduling Isn’t Enough in Modern Logistics
Freight scheduling is a critical function in logistics and one of the most overlooked. Despite its impact on facility throughput, carrier performance, and cost, scheduling is still largely reactive, manual, and based on outdated assumptions.
On average, logistics teams lose 22 hours per week per person to manual scheduling tasks, such as logging into multiple portals, chasing down confirmations, and sending repetitive emails. This time drain can translate into missed opportunities, frustrated partners, and higher operational costs.
AI scheduling platforms overcome these challenges. Rather than relying on fixed rules or historical averages, they use real-time data and predictive models to guide decision-making. Although these platforms are rare, they are becoming a competitive advantage for brokers and carriers looking to win more opportunities.
The Benefits of AI Scheduling
Traditional Scheduling
AI-Powered Scheduling Platforms
Automated Scheduling vs. AI Scheduling
The term “AI” is often used interchangeably with automation in the freight tech world but the two have some key differences.
Automated scheduling platforms are able to eliminate manual tasks and enhance scheduling efficiency. Scheduling platforms that utilize AI can do this as well, but there’s a key difference. Artificial intelligence, or generative AI, simulates human learning and decision-making.
Platforms that use generative AI are able to write, respond to, and manage load appointment scheduling on behalf of brokers and carriers. Often using a model that learns from actual customer interactions, some prefer these platforms for streamlining communication and reducing manual labor.
Why Is This Important?
Real-world logistics is dynamic. Brokers and carriers who rely on traditional scheduling methods may struggle to keep up with the increasing delivery demands. The negative outcomes could range from missed appointments to lost business.
Although there is an inherent mistrust around AI, it is becoming essential to saving time across industry, logistics not excluded. According to EY, “around 40% of supply chain organizations are investing in GenAI, focusing on knowledge management applications.” EY goes further to state that “whether you win or lose in the market may soon depend on having the best generative AI tools and the data quality to match them.”
When used properly, AI-powered scheduling platforms can empower companies to focus on strategy instead of busywork. Whether you are a broker or carrier, you may want to consider incorporating AI scheduling into your operations to improve on-time performance and boost business opportunities.
About Qued
Qued is one of the first AI-powered scheduling platforms transforming load appointment scheduling for brokers, 3PLs, and carriers. By automating the scheduling process, Qued eliminates manual work, simplifies multi-stop load appointments, and ensures seamless coordination across the supply chain, improving both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. By analyzing live operational data, Qued automatically secures the best appointments as they become available.