Revolutionizing logistics in Singapore with AI

Singapore’s trucking industry is getting a much-needed boost, thanks to a smart collaboration between HERE and PSA International. With rising costs, a shortage of workers and a lot of wasted resources, the industry is turning to AI to tackle these challenges head-on.

For years, inefficiencies have been a big problem. Nearly 35% of trucks leaving the port were running empty, burning fuel and driving up costs for businesses. Add to that an aging workforce and growing environmental concerns, and it was clear something had to change. 

That’s where OptETruck comes in—a digital transport management system that’s shaking up how goods are moved in one of the world’s busiest shipping hubs.

Powered by HERE Tour Planning and Location Services, OptETruck efficiently assigns jobs to drivers based on their location, enabling real-time route and truck optimization. By prioritizing jobs near drivers’ current positions, it reduces empty runs—or freightless trips—and enhances transit speed, lowers wait times, boosts driver well-being, increases operational efficiency and cuts carbon emissions.

“Before OptETruck, the inefficiencies were staggering—empty trips wasted precious time, manpower and fuel. Now, we’ve optimized these processes and dramatically reduced waste,” said Sriram Ramanujam, Vice President for Digital Products at PSA Southeast Asia.

By automating logistics through AI, OptETruck is paving the way for greener transportation. The platform is projected to cut 10 million kilograms of CO₂ annually, equivalent to the impact of planting 300,000 trees. Already, 400 trucks—representing 20% of Singapore's haulage market—have adopted the technology. For trucking companies, the solution simplifies operations from booking and route optimization all the way to billing and invoicing.

“We’re not only improving logistics for efficiency but also helping the trucking industry meet its sustainability goals. By addressing challenges like empty runs and resource shortages, we are helping businesses stay competitive and environmentally conscious,” added Abhijit Sengupta, General Manager for Southeast Asia and India at HERE.

This progress aligns with Singapore’s broader environmental goals, which include lowering emissions to 60 million tons of CO₂ equivalent by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Driving these initiatives forward is the development of the Tuas Port, launched in 2022 as part of a long-term plan to create the largest fully automated port in the world by 2040. Once completed, the facility will handle up to 65 million containers annually—nearly double the capacity of all existing ports in Singapore combined.

The OptETruck initiative is more than just a transportation solution; it’s a glimpse into the future of logistics. 

To learn more about how AI is transforming industries while tackling pressing real-world challenges, head over to CNBC’s in-depth coverage of this groundbreaking project.