In a “do more with less” economy, AI plays a major role in fleet efficiency
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, leaving fleets squeezed between rising costs and uncertain demand.
The monthly transportation update from ACT Research underscores the challenges ahead due to increasing pressure from tariffs, slowing consumer momentum, and weaker industrial activity:
ACT’s preliminary December report notes that “Class 8 orders totaled 19,700 units in November, down 47% y/y, in what is typically the year’s third strongest month for orders.” This is pushing up the cost of used assets, 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.
What’s clear is that fleets must adapt. And 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 plays a transformative role
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 dash cams 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.
Three vital areas where AI helps fleets do more with less:
- 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.
AI lets you unlock the hidden value in existing assets
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 doing better with what you already have: empowering your drivers with smarter tools, and turning data into action and empowering your drivers with smarter tools. In a freight economy that’s still looking for certainty, this mindset is essential for survival and success.
