In a world defined by disruption and rapid change, logistics is entering a new era; one shaped by transformative innovation and resilience powered by artificial intelligence. This was a central message of a fireside chat at the Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE event, where Jordan Kass, President of Managed Solutions, shared how companies can embrace technology and rethink their supply chain strategies to stay ahead in today’s unpredictable environment.
Navigating a landscape of disruption
Kass opened the conversation by reflecting on the evolution of the logistics landscape and the growing complexity shippers face. “Disruption is the overarching theme,” Kass said, citing pressures from the convergence of unpredictable trade policies, rising tariffs, geopolitical instability, cyber threats, labor shortages, and climate-related disruptions. “Shippers are expected to do more with fewer resources, tighter timelines, and higher expectations.”
A new era of intelligent automation
Despite these challenges, Kass expressed optimism about the future of supply chains, highlighting the transformative potential of agentic artificial intelligence. While generative AI generates rapid answers using probabilistic models, agentic AI can autonomously plan, reason, and execute real-world logistics tasks. “We’re no longer just reacting to disruption. With agentic AI, we’re building systems that can anticipate and adapt to it in real-time,” he explained.
Embracing tailored, future-ready solutions
To address complexity and disruption, Kass encouraged shippers to think beyond traditional solution models like 3PL, 4PL, and TMS, and instead focus on flexible, tailored, and platform-enabled solutions.
This mindset led to the launch of C.H. Robinson Managed Solutions™, designed to fill a growing gap in the market for shippers seeking seamless access to technology, capacity, managed transportation from a single provider, at scale, with unmatched configurability.
Looking ahead: innovation as a strategic imperative
Despite current challenges, Kass emphasized his great optimism for where supply chains are headed. In his parting advice for shippers, he encouraged shippers to use this moment to rethink how their supply chain can be a source of innovation.
Watch the full discussion below.
