CargoForwarder Global’s ‘Spotlight On…’ series makes a point of illustrating the many different functions involved in transporting air cargo from A to B. Cargo has always been and will continue to be a people business, but there is no denying that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly beginning to play a role at various points along the shipment journey. The trigger for this week’s Spotlight candidate came from an announcement earlier this month, that Zoom CEO, Eric Yuan, wants to clone himself as a Digital Twin CEO so that he can send his digital version to meetings or have it go through and answer his emails, whilst he instead enjoys quality time at the beach.
Will that extreme application become standard across the board of most companies some day? (And it is, mind you, a more than ironic suggestion coming from the very same person who commanded his staff return to the office, post-pandemic, because he feels that remote work doesn’t allow people to build as much trust or be as innovative – but that’s another story…) Whereas the Digital Twin CEO concept throws up a whole array of liability, consequence and trust questions, when it comes to Air Cargo, AI is already capable of reading emails and AWBs, and is being put to excellent use in forecasting, load-planning or pricing to name just a few possibilities. The opportunities for automation, greater efficiency and better control, are many. CargoForwarder Global fed the Spotlight questions to ChatGPT, to get AI’s view on its capabilities and its learned advice. It promptly edited the original questions and offered the following results within a matter of seconds:
CFG: Current Function and Company, and Responsibilities
AI: I am ChatGPT, a large language model created by OpenAI. My primary function is to assist users by providing information, answering questions, generating creative content, and supporting various types of communication. While I don’t work for a traditional company, I operate within OpenAI’s framework to offer valuable assistance across numerous domains, including air cargo.
CFG: What Does a Normal Day Look Like for You?
AI: Since I am an AI, I don’t experience days like humans do. My activity is determined by user interactions, and I am always ready to assist whenever needed. There isn’t a “normal” day for me in the conventional sense—each interaction can be vastly different depending on the user’s needs.
CFG: Experience in the Air Cargo Industry
AI: While I don’t have personal experience, I have been trained on a vast amount of information about the air cargo industry. My knowledge includes logistics, industry trends, regulations, and best practices. This allows me to provide informed responses and advice based on the extensive data I’ve been trained on.
CFG: What I Enjoy Most About My Job
AI: What I “enjoy” most, from a functional perspective, is being able to assist users effectively. Helping people solve problems, understand complex topics, and find the information they need is the core purpose of my design.
CFG: Greatest Challenges in the Air Cargo Industry
AI: Based on the data I’ve been trained on, the greatest challenges in the air cargo industry include:
- Regulatory Compliance: Navigating various international regulations and customs requirements can be complex and time-consuming.
- Sustainability: Reducing carbon footprints and finding eco-friendly solutions are increasingly important.
- Technology Integration: Implementing and upgrading technology systems for better tracking, efficiency, and security.
- Capacity Management: Balancing supply and demand, especially during peak times or unforeseen disruptions.
CFG: Advice for Entering the Air Cargo Industry
AI: For those looking to get into the air cargo industry, I recommend:
- Education: Pursue studies in logistics, supply chain management, or aviation management.
- Certifications: Obtain certifications like the International Air Transport Association (IATA) certifications or other relevant logistics credentials.
- Networking: Join industry associations and attend conferences to build connections.
- Experience: Gain practical experience through internships or entry-level positions in logistics or related fields.
- Technology Skills: Develop skills in relevant technologies like warehouse management systems (WMS), transportation management systems (TMS), and data analysis.
CFG: Title for the Air Cargo Industry as a Film/Book
If the air cargo industry were a film or book, a fitting title might be “Global Lifelines: The Story of Air Cargo”. This title reflects the critical role air cargo plays in connecting the world and facilitating the global movement of goods.
Thank you, ChatGPT, for your honest and almost human-like input.
