The AI Conversation at Parcel Forum With Tom Butt From EasyPost

Last week, Lori Boyer and Tom Butt attended Parcel Forum, where EasyPost was the official AI in logistics sponsor. In addition to presenting on AI tools, Lori and Tom got a chance to talk with shippers about the problems they’re facing—and how artificial intelligence can help. 

They share their takeaways in this episode of Unboxing Logistics.

The AI conversation

Tom noticed a pattern at Parcel Forum: businesses were curious about adopting AI logistics technology, but they weren’t sure whether to make the leap.

He says, “Everyone … was talking and comparing notes and saying, ‘This AI thing, is it a buzzword? How are you guys using it? When is the starting gun going to go off?’”

How AI helps with shipping

AI is a powerful tool for collecting and analyzing data, but its capabilities go way beyond data analysis. For example, AI tools like Luma by EasyPost can identify weak areas in your shipping operations and suggest improvements.

Tom gives an example. “[You can] see if there are … delays within your carrier network. Where are those occurring? Is it pre-transit exceptions, [where] you're printing a label, but it's not scanning into the carrier network?”

“AI is going to help you identify where those exceptions are and potentially make some recommendations on how to address those things.”

When to get started with AI

One of the biggest mistakes Tom sees shippers make is not getting started with AI now. By waiting for other businesses to lead the way, these hesitant players risk getting left behind. 

On the other hand, being an early adopter gives you a competitive edge.

He says, “I can tell you right now, there's not going to be a starting gun. And those that adopt AI and start to build it into some methodologies, build it into frameworks, are going to have a head start and a leg up.”

Links

• Connect with Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tombutt/
• Visit EasyPost’s website: www.easypost.com