I had the chance to attend JumpStart 2025, organized by SMC³, in Atlanta from January 27-29. It was an amazing event that brought together professionals from all parts of the supply chain—carriers, shippers, logistics service providers, and tech innovators. I wanted to share a few key insights from the event that really stood out to me.
The Rise of AI and Automation
A major theme at the event was the growing role of AI and automation in the industry. The keynote by Zack Kass, an AI futurist and former Head of Go-To-Market for OpenAI, highlighted how artificial intelligence is transforming supply chains. And it wasn’t just in the keynote; this topic came up in several other sessions.
What I found particularly interesting is that AI and automation aren’t being used to cut jobs—they’re being used to free up employees so they can focus on higher-value tasks. The cost savings from these technologies are being reinvested into improving processes and creating new opportunities for people.
One cool example I saw was how companies are using AI to turn unstructured data, like emails, into structured data. This really helps businesses manage the huge amounts of information they deal with on a daily basis.
AI: Helping Both Inside and Outside the Organization
It was also clear that AI is no longer just used externally (like chatbots talking to customers). Companies are now applying AI internally, too.
For example, some are using it to speed up onboarding for new salespeople by analyzing past customer interactions. Others are using AI for route optimization or forecasting shipment volumes, and these systems continuously learn and improve over time.
3PL Clients Want More Than Just Technology—They Want Strategy
I also noticed a shift in the way 3PL (third-party logistics) clients view their service providers. Everyone’s using a TMS (Transport Management System) these days, so it’s no longer a differentiator. What clients are really looking for now is a more consultative approach—a service provider who can offer strategic insights and solutions beyond just the basic operational needs.
Better Collaboration Between 3PLs and Carriers
In the past, there’s been some tension between 3PLs and carriers, but that’s starting to change. Now, both sides are learning to collaborate more effectively. One panelist even mentioned that 3PLs now represent a third of a carrier’s transport bookings, showing just how much the relationship has evolved.
What Shippers Care About Most
When it comes to the top concerns of shippers, it hasn’t changed much: it’s all about making sure goods arrive on time and in one piece. Despite all the advancements in tech, reliability and service quality are still at the forefront of everyone’s minds.
Process First, Technology Second
One of the most valuable insights from the event was the reminder that you need to understand and optimize your processes before implementing new technology. A speaker made a point that really hit home: if you automate a broken process, all you’re doing is making mistakes faster. Technology needs to be integrated thoughtfully to improve workflows, not just speed them up.
Digitalization in LTL: Still a Work in Progress
The LTL (Less Than Truckload) sector is making progress with digitalization, but there’s still a long way to go. For example, one major carrier shared that they only receive about one-third of their Bill of Lading (BOL) documents digitally. But the trend is moving in the right direction, and those who don’t adopt technology will likely face higher costs in the future.
Wrapping Up
JumpStart 2025 was an incredible event that gave me a deeper understanding of where the logistics and supply chain industry is headed. The discussions around AI, automation, and digital transformation were eye-opening, and it’s clear that major changes are on the horizon. For anyone in the supply chain space, the insights gained from this event are crucial for staying ahead of the curve.
If you want to stay on top of the trends shaping the future of logistics, I’d definitely recommend attending events like JumpStart. It’s a great way to stay informed and connect with others who are driving change in the industry.
