Bussone: How AI helps fleets do more with less in a tight freight market

If there’s a mantra echoing across industries today, it’s “do more with less.” In trucking, that chant is becoming a survival strategy. The freight recession, which peaked in 2023, continues to cast a shadow. While capacity is gradually tightening, freight volumes remain soft as fleets are squeezed between rising costs and uncertain demand.

The monthly transportation update from ACT Research underscores the challenges ahead: “The U.S. economy enters September 2025 under mounting pressure from tariffs, slowing consumer momentum, and weakening industrial activity.”

ACT also notes that new Class 8 truck demand is down, pushing up the cost of used assets. This is another unwelcome blow to fleet budgets. Looking ahead to 2026, ACT warns of continued turbulence for North American trucking, shaped by trade policy shifts, evolving emissions standards, and unpredictable customer demand. The report raises a critical question: Are we entering a prolonged period of low growth, or is this the beginning of a new trajectory?

Either way, fleets must adapt. That means embracing the “do more with less” mindset—not just as a slogan, but as a strategy. The key lies in maximizing the performance of every truck, every route, and every driver.

AI-enabled analytics: Boosting fleet efficiency and cost savings

To thrive in this environment, fleet operators need more than determination; they need insight. AI-powered analytics offer a way forward, providing real-time visibility into every aspect of fleet operations. This enables faster, smarter decisions that reduce costs and improve efficiency.

Fleets have long used AI to process the massive data streams from telematics and diagnostics tools. From dashcams to GPS to engine sensors, AI analyzes everything, including fuel consumption, location, speed, and more, in real time. Without it, manually parsing this data would be prohibitively time-consuming.

Key ways AI boosts fleet productivity and reduces operational costs

• Improved fuel efficiency: Diesel price volatility makes fuel economy a top priority. AI-driven route optimization analyzes traffic, weather, and historical patterns to recommend the most efficient paths. Avoiding delays and detours means faster deliveries and lower fuel costs.
• Predictive maintenance over preventive maintenance: Preventive maintenance follows a schedule; predictive maintenance responds to real-time data. AI uses sensor inputs and historical usage to flag issues before they escalate, reducing downtime, avoiding costly repairs, and extending vehicle lifespan.
• Enhanced safety and compliance: AI supports advanced safety systems like ADAS, emergency braking, and lane departure warnings. It also monitors driver behavior, identifying risky practices such as distracted driving or harsh braking. Promoting safer driving reduces accidents and improves compliance.

Maximizing existing assets and operational insights to achieve more

In a market defined by uncertainty, doing more with less isn’t just a necessity; it’s a competitive advantage. AI-enabled analytics empower fleets to optimize every mile, every asset, and every decision. By leveraging technology to drive efficiency, fleets can weather economic headwinds and position themselves for long-term resilience.

But this shift isn’t just about cutting costs; it’s about transforming operations. Fleets that embrace AI and data-driven decision-making are better equipped to adapt to changing regulations, volatile fuel prices, and fluctuating customer demand. They can respond faster, operate leaner, and deliver smarter.

Ultimately, doing more with less means unlocking hidden value in your existing assets, empowering your drivers with smarter tools, and turning data into action. In a freight economy that’s still looking for certainty, this mindset is essential for survival and success.