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C.H. Robinson Uses AI for Faster, More Customized Load-Matching for Small Fleets

Digital Dispatch from C.H. Robinson uses artificial intelligence to give carriers real-time, hyper-customized recommendations, sent via text or email, as soon as a suggested load becomes available.

C.H. Robinson Uses AI for Faster, More Customized Load-Matching for Small Fleets

C.H. Robinson is using artificial intelligence to let small carriers know about available loads faster.

Image: HDT Graphic

3 min to read


Global logistics company C.H. Robinson has enhanced its load-matching platform using a new algorithm powered by data science and artificial intelligence that proactively gives carriers real-time, hyper-customized recommendations, sent via text or email, as soon as a suggested load becomes available

The new platform, Digital Dispatch, analyzes a broad range of data to offer more timely and precise load recommendations based on a carrier's unique search history and preferences within Navisphere Carrier, according to the company.

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“In a dynamic and ever-shifting freight marketplace, carriers need real-time access to freight to secure loads before they disappear. This need is even more critical today as the competition for available loads intensifies,” said Cody Griggs, VP, digital brokerage at C.H. Robinson.

“Not only does Digital Dispatch send loads in real-time giving carriers a ‘first look,’ but they are also highly relevant, allowing them to secure the best suited freight for their network.”

Why AI Load-Matching Matters for Trucking Carriers

Traditionally, finding freight required carriers to engage in time-consuming manual processes, including phone calls and browsing through large load boards.

Digital Dispatch optimizes the full process. Instead of sending recommendations in bulk batches, the technology now instantly notifies carriers to a single load at a time, giving carriers a competitive advantage to secure relevant freight before it’s gone. 

On average, Digital Dispatch books loads four times faster than traditional methods, transforming hours spent searching into valuable hauling time, according to C.H. Robinson.

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Additionally, the load-matching engine uses enhanced data to provide more tailored and precise recommendations. The technology moves beyond long-term booking history and uses more immediate data sources, including a carrier’s real-time search activity and truck posts, to pinpoint where loads are needed now, helping to reduce empty runs.

Digital Dispatch combs through nearly 1.2 million searches daily analyzing patterns such as preferred routes, equipment types, and load origins and destinations to provide personalized recommendations.

“We are seeing carriers book 40% of their C.H. Robinson loads through our Digital Dispatch program, allowing them to access loads tailored to their specific needs at lightning-fast speeds,” added Griggs.

“This early adoption reinforces that this is a game-changer for carriers looking to stay ahead of the competition and scale their business.”

The benefits of Digital Dispatch, according to C.H. Robinson, are:

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  • Increased efficiency: Immediate alerts enable carriers to drastically reduce the time spent searching for loads.

  • Maximized earnings: By cutting search time and maximizing road time, carriers can boost delivery frequency and income.

  • Minimized empty miles: Digital Dispatch matches loads with carriers' specific routes and availability, reducing empty miles and optimizing routes driven.

Digital Dispatch first became available in February to contract carriers that own 1-10 trucks, with plans to expand to larger carriers in the future.

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