Survey Says: Fleets’ Tech Investments Center on AI and Safety

North America’s largest carriers are prioritizing AI, safety technologies, and connected systems to improve efficiency and decision-making, according to Transport Topics’ Top 100 For-Hire Carriers survey. Carriers are emphasizing AI-driven automation, predictive analytics, and in-cab safety systems to deliver measurable gains in safety, driver retention, and operational performance. Fleets plan to deepen AI integration, expand safety deployments, and adopt advanced technologies like autonomy and connected platforms as they mature. Companies like Estes, NFI, and Hogland Transfer are already seeing significant results from their investments in AI and safety technologies, including improved driver retention, increased visibility, and reduced insurance costs. The survey highlights the importance of AI in optimizing processes like routing and load planning, as well as its potential to enhance safety and reduce risk. While some carriers are taking a wait-and-see approach to AI, many are actively investing in the technology to drive prevention in accidents and incidents and to remove risk in a high-risk environment.