Logistics companies are adopting AI while confronting a skills gap that could affect how safely and effectively the technology is used.
Jan Steenberg, president of CILT International, says new entrants may have fewer opportunities to learn through traditional operational experience as software takes over more planning decisions. Employees will need to understand the commercial and practical context behind an algorithm’s recommendation rather than simply operate the tool.
CILT International provides education and qualifications across a network spanning about 40 countries. Up to 10,000 students study through the wider CILT network each year, while a membership app under development is intended to improve professional connections. A broader rollout is expected in 2027.
The workforce issue comes as operators manage geopolitical uncertainty, decarbonisation and cost pressure. Sharing capacity could improve utilisation: manufacturers can combine transport requirements, while companies in different sectors may cooperate on distribution or field service. Such arrangements can reduce duplicated journeys but require clear commercial terms.
Technology choices remain open. Ammonia-based shipping is attracting investment, while hybrid trucks may be more practical than fully electric vehicles in the near term because of cost and range. Automated road transport could have an early impact on trunk routes.
Recruitment is also affected by an ageing driver workforce. A Turkish CILT initiative, backed by Mercedes-Benz Trucks and government, aims to train and recruit 5,000 women into professional driving over five years. In delivery operations, lockers can consolidate parcels, but direct delivery remains important for medicines and ageing populations. Ghana is using drones to move urgent medical supplies to health centres within roughly 100 kilometres. Across these applications, the business case for automation depends on combining technology with qualified human judgement.
A multilingual professional experienced in Europe, Canada, and China, Herbert has developed invaluable networks in the automotive and energy industries. He has led high-profile projects involving ENBW, Mercedes-Benz Group, Siemens Group, and the Fraunhofer Institute.