CH Robinson has launched a new generation of AI agents designed to address one of the most persistent problems in less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation: missed pickups.
The logistics provider says the technology is already delivering significant efficiency gains by automating the detection and resolution of failed pickups, reducing manual labor and helping carriers optimize their operations.
According to the company, it was automated using an AI system. 95% of unattended receipt checksmore savings 350 hours of manual labor per day. Shipment is currently in transit up to a full day earlierUnnecessary round-trip travel has been reduced, but 42%.
Costly industry problems
Missed pickups are a chronic problem in LTL networks, where a single truck may collect packages from up to 20 different shippers before delivering them to a terminal for resorting.
“When a pickup fails, it doesn’t just delay one package, it disrupts the entire network,” he said. Greg West, Vice President, LTL, CH Robinson. “It has a domino effect on other cargo, forcing extra trucking and wasting time, fuel and volume.”
CH Robinson, which transports more LTL freight than any other 3PL in North America, says the new system is already solving problems Hundreds of shipments per day over more than 11,000 customers.
How AI works
In the solution: Two AI agents working together. One will contact the carrier to investigate the missed pickup, and the second will analyze the response and decide on the next action: reschedule, rebid, or confirm that the shipment is already on the move.
Because agents can handle hundreds of calls and decisions at the same time, missed pickups can be resolved much faster than manual processes, the company says.
The system also generates new data that CH Robinson shares with carriers daily to help carriers identify terminal-level issues, improve electronic communications, and optimize schedules.
Lean AI in action
Mark Albrecht, Vice President of Artificial Intelligencesaid the project reflects CH Robinson’s “Lean AI” strategy, which focuses on applying automation only where it delivers measurable business value.
“We’re not just using AI for experimentation,” Albrecht said. “We are deploying it to eliminate waste, accelerate workflows, and improve customer outcomes.”
More out of office receiving agents are now participating 30 AI agents It is already in use at CH Robinson, where it also handles LTL pricing, order fulfillment, freight classification, shipment tracking, and proof of delivery.
As LTL volumes increase and networks become more complex, the company says its AI-driven approach is helping shippers and carriers move freight faster, reduce costs and gain early visibility across the supply chain.
