AI Automation Gains Momentum in Freight and E‑Commerce Logistics

Munich‑based startup 5U AI secured a $3.2 million pre‑seed round to develop its AI Workers platform, which automates quoting, booking, tracking and data handling for freight forwarders across Europe. The round was led by Emerge Capital and included logistics executives from DHL, GEODIS, DSV, Maersk and CEVA.

Kuehne+Nagel told investors that AI agents could add CHF 100‑150 million to profit by 2027, roughly a 5% boost across its 25,000 white‑collar roles. C.H. Robinson reported more than a 60% productivity increase in its trucking brokerage and freight‑forwarding divisions since 2022, driven by hundreds of AI agents handling quoting, order entry and tracking.

In the United States, UNIT AI announced a $12 million funding round led by Prologis Ventures and others to expand its modular AI‑powered platform for e‑commerce fulfillment and returns. Founded by warehouse‑automation veterans Guy Glass and Avihou Barkay, the platform can be deployed in as little as 1,000 sq ft and promises ROI within a year, targeting retailers and 3PLs seeking rapid, scalable automation.