Logistics is a pioneer—AI and sustainability at transport logistic

Despite the weak economy, transport volumes are rising. Sustainability is becoming mandatory, while the logistics engine is running at full speed. The industry will be discussing how artificial intelligence can help at transport logistic in Munich from June 2 to 5, 2025. With international exhibitors and high-caliber speakers, the world-leading trade fair provides an overview of the diverse approaches to sustainable logistics.

In the future, many companies will not only have to act more economically, ecologically and socially, but also have to meet reporting obligations. For that, the logistics industry is increasingly relying on AI systems that optimize planning and forecasts, calculate efficient routes, or control inventories. AI is a strong lever for sustainability and hence a key topic at transport logistic.

Logistics affects everyone

In view of the ambitious climate targets, supply chain players need to network along the entire logistics chain and collect, analyze and exchange information more efficiently. That applies to anyone who transports or handles goods. The topic of AI in connection with sustainability is therefore not concentrated solely on the exhibitors with an IT focus in Hall B1. It runs through all twelve halls. 150,000 square meters of exhibition space will become a huge platform for infrastructure providers, transport companies, equipment suppliers and service providers to network with shippers from all over the world. The forums will focus on how the environment, business and people can benefit from AI. The Campus Plaza is devoting an entire day to both topics. International representatives from business and science meet at the world-leading trade fair to discuss the potential of AI and sustainability as exhibitors, speakers or visitors.

AI on the rise

More and more logistics companies are investing in new technologies for greater sustainability. The more complex the relationships, the more AI can help. The conference program is showcasing innovations and effects across all sectors, modes of transport and logistics disciplines. Fraunhofer (IML) is working on AI in transport logistics for small and medium-sized enterprises. The German Transport Forum (DVF) will be discussing AI in connection with platforms under the title “Next Generation Logistics” and highlighting its use in complex logistics chains in the context of “Reshaping Combined Transport”. The AI approaches for more sustainability on the last mile, which the German Parcel and Express Logistics Association (BPEX) is highlighting, are similarly complex. Sustainability and AI will be the focus for transport carriers, for example, at the air cargo Europe conference, and for industry logistics providers, for example, in the Lebensmittel Zeitung panel.

Additional effort for reporting obligations

ESG requirements such as the European CSR and CSDD directives and the EU taxonomy are placing increasing demands on the industry. Low threshold values and trickle-down effects in the market are also putting more pressure on medium-sized freight forwarders, who have to disclose sustainability measures and absorb the additional costs for reporting obligations and CO2 monitoring. Frank Huster, Managing Director of DSLV Bundesverband Spedition und Logistik e. V., explains: “Although the logistics industry will not let up in its sustainability efforts, the current level of bureaucracy is tying up too many resources and reducing productivity in companies. However, value creation is a crucial prerequisite for being able to act sustainably.” Against this backdrop, the DSLV will be discussing the special challenges facing medium-sized freight forwarding companies in a forum at transport logistic. The German Logistics Association (BVL) will also be addressing this topic under the title “Bureaucracy or opportunity? Deciphering the added value of CSR and the like.”

Logistics leading the way once again

Artificial intelligence is conquering everyday logistics. According to Trendradar, the exhibitor DHL sees the key trends in this area primarily in generative AI, AI ethics, audio AI, computer vision, and advanced analytics. “Logistics companies are often among the pioneers. After new drive technologies, sustainable fuels, and renewable energies, the industry is currently focusing on artificial intelligence as a top topic,” says Dr. Robert Schönberger as Global Industry Lead transport logistic exhibitions, and continues: “A leading international trade fair like transport logistic is the platform for all the players to discover new fields of application together.”