Shippers and 3PLs are grappling with rising threats — from cargo theft and freight fraud driven by bad actors to ongoing operational risks like load damage and product spoilage — all of which take a toll on the bottom line.
As supply chains scale and diversify, traditional detection methods can't keep pace. Enter artificial intelligence (AI). Not as a buzzword but as a frontline ally in a growing arms race against freight risk.
“As the logistics landscape grows more complex, we’re seeing AI not just as a tool but as a strategic shield against emerging threats,” said Jonathan Ryan, Chief Product & Technology Officer at Overhaul.
The Problem: Bad actors are increasingly exploiting gaps in visibility, double brokering shipments or impersonating Carriers with polished, AI-generated email scams. Nearly 1 in 5 shipments are now double brokered, exposing critical loads to theft and disruption.
The AI Solution: AI-powered systems now combine historical freight crime data, geolocation intelligence and behavioral red flags to identify suspicious Carriers before a load ever leaves the dock. Machine learning models identify anomalies in driver information, pickup deviations and historical fraud patterns.
“Double brokering has become one of the most persistent threats in freight. Our platform flags these risks in real time, giving Shippers the upper hand,” said Ryan.
The Problem: Organized theft rings are strategically targeting high-value loads using real-time location data. As thefts surge, responding after the fact is too late.
The AI Solution: Predictive AI identifies geographic “hot zones” and alerts teams before a shipment enters a danger zone. Integrated with telematics and mobile apps, AI systems detect unscheduled stops, route deviations and spoofed tracking. Immediate countermeasures like law enforcement alerts or rerouting can be triggered.
“Our clients tell us that the ability to reroute based on live theft intelligence has changed how they view risk management,” said Ryan.
The Problem: Temperature-sensitive or fragile cargo is vulnerable to mishandling or environmental shifts that go unnoticed until delivery. Recovery is often too late.
The AI Solution: AI-driven monitoring integrates sensor data across Carriers, telematics and IoT devices. When anomalies like temperature spikes, sudden vibrations or route delays occur, AI predicts spoilage risk and enables mid-route corrections. This saves product and preserves brand trust.
The Problem: In a rush to meet deadlines or save costs, many organizations accept Carriers without thorough vetting. AI-enhanced fraud can fool even experienced Shippers and 3PLs.
The AI Solution: Advanced AI platforms now aggregate years of incident reports, FMCSA data and real-time digital footprint analysis to vet Carriers at the shipment creation stage. If a Carrier’s phone number, bank info or physical address raises a red flag, the system halts the transaction instantly.
The Problem: Even with good systems in place, freight crime evolves faster than internal teams can respond.
The AI Solution: Emerging tools like AI-powered “risk crawlers” scrape global data sources such as social media, news sites and transport databases. They deliver real-time alerts tailored to a Shipper’s locations, Carriers and lanes. These feeds function as the logistics version of a live radar map, empowering proactive decisions without human overload.
AI isn’t just about automation. It is about intelligence. When paired with human expertise, AI allows Shippers and 3PLs to shift left and move from reactive to predictive security. In a landscape where the freight container might be more valuable than its trailer, ignoring AI is the real risk.
“The future of freight security lies in visibility and prediction. AI gives us both, and we’re just getting started,” said Ryan.
Banyan Technology recently launched a six-part AI mini-series on its Tire Tracks® podcast. The series explores how AI is redefining every stage of freight procurement, from forecasting and load execution to cybersecurity and beyond.
Each episode brings a fresh perspective from industry and technology leaders working at the cutting edge of AI in logistics. Whether you are just starting to explore AI or looking to scale your existing strategy, the series offers practical insights, real-world use cases and future-forward thinking you can act on today.
Click here to watch episode 4 of our Impact of AI on Freight Procurement mini-series.
Stay tuned for upcoming episodes covering predictive analytics, risk management, fraud detection, data security and how AI is transforming shipper and 3PL operations across the supply chain.