Dawn Salvucci-Favier

Prospects of supply chain automation have the industry abuzz. It’s even become a major sticking point in the International Longshoremen’s Association contract negotiations with the United States Maritime Alliance. The dockworkers do not want ports to automate processes out of fear they will lose their jobs to machines. Today, there are seemingly endless possibilities for optimization. Terms like generative artificial intelligence and machine learning have become commonplace in discussions about ways to gain efficiencies and reduce costs. Can man and machine work together as businesses leverage automation for optimization? Beyond the Buzz: Understanding the Automation Imperative Machine learning, a subset of artificial intelligence (AI), is described by Business News Daily as a later-stage development in which machines take in data on their own and then analyze it. Automation, on the other hand, is fixed on repetitive tasks; after a job is performed, an automation system “thinks no further.” The Business News Daily article explained that “automation involves an entire category of technologies that provide activity or work without human involvement,” while AI involves “a machine exhibiting and practicing something similar to what we describe as human thinking – that is, the ability to interact in thousands of ways with the…

Fuel is the second largest and most volatile operating expense in transportation, and traditional fuel surcharge programs expose your budget to unnecessary costs and risks. Forecasts for 2026 signal continued volatility, making it critical for transportation leaders to move beyond outdated, average-based reimbursement models. Our 2026 Fuel Outlook provides the data-driven insights you need to navigate market complexities and turn your fuel spend from a volatile cost center into a powerful strategic advantage. Key Takeaways from the Report: An emerging global supply surplus is creating downward pressure on crude oil prices, yet regional disruptions are adding significant volatility. Refinery closures on the West Coast and continued U.S. diesel exports are tightening domestic supply and creating complex pricing dynamics. Traditional fuel surcharge programs based on the weekly DOE index are inaccurate, leading to missed savings opportunities. Learn why Fuel Recovery is the definitive solution for fair and accurate fuel reimbursement. DOWNLOAD NOW