On February 12, 2026 the logistics industry experienced its first big “AI panic” when an announcement from a tech holding company caused major drops in stock value (up to 20%) for some of the biggest players in trucking and logistics.

AI is finally becoming more than just a buzzword, but is the market’s AI panic justified?

While AI certainly has its place in logistics, Shaker’s team is not convinced it’s the cure-all many hope or fear it to be.

The AI Announcement That Spooked the Market

During times of rapid change, people and markets can react irrationally (often at the same time!). When an unknown startup announced last week that its software could move up to 300% more freight without increasing employee headcount, the reactions were immediate and extreme. Despite there being no merit or evidence to the company’s claims, the largest logistics stocks saw a single day sell-off of more than 20%. Even the threat of an unproven disruptor was enough to cause concern.

Logistics stock values are already back on the rise, but the market’s fears reflect the public’s overconfidence in what AI can currently do for transportation. Technology moves at lightning speed, so logistics AIs might one day completely change the shape of the industry. But today’s iterations of artificial intelligence still need human checks at every stage and are limited in terms of true application.

“Blindly trusting an AI to execute loads is risky, not to mention that it’s not even possible yet,” said Jason Smith, CEO of Shaker Logistics. “The technology just isn’t there, and it may not be for a long time. Right now we view AI as a tool for boosting efficiency, freeing up our team’s time so we can focus on high-level problem solving and customer service.”

What AI and automation can (currently) do for logistics:

Reduce documentation and billing errors. Shaker uses tools to automatically match carrier invoices to original quotes to ensure extra fees weren’t added, confirm that proof of delivery was attached, and flag nonconforming invoices.
Aggregate real-time market intelligence to supplement industry knowledge and help logistics specialists determine reasonable pricing on a given lane.
Enhance vetting processes to help our dedicated carrier services team build reliable carrier networks when and where shippers need them.

Yet there are still major components of logistics that AI can’t handle:

Making professional judgements backed by lived experience, especially on specialized, hazardous, or high-value loads
Operate with a true understanding of what’s at stake for shippers on each load

The public fear that AI will reduce the need for logistics services isn’t rooted in reality. Even in a future where AI can fully arrange transportation from Point A to B, people will always be the driving force behind our service, service that can’t be fully delivered by a machine.

As with all things, the best solution will be a happy medium: tech-enabled logistics experts serving shippers, not a supply chain ruled by artificial intelligence. Logistics professionals are here to stay – at least until AI develops its own humanity, at which point we’ll have bigger things to worry about!

Transportation support by humans, boosted by tech

Looking for a team of human experts, backed by the latest technology, to solve your transportation challenges? Reach out to Shaker Logistics today.