A new industry survey from Tideworks Technology and Port Technology International (PTI) has revealed significant challenges in digital readiness across global intermodal terminals, despite widespread recognition of the importance of AI and automation.
Drawing on insights from 107 intermodal rail terminal professionals across North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America, the survey found a stark contrast between digital aspirations and the current state of technology adoption.
Respondents ranged from newly built single-site terminals to extensive multi-terminal networks.
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Although 73 per cent of larger terminal networks identified AI and automation as essential for future competitiveness, only 36 per cent reported actually using AI to collect and analyse operational data.
Meanwhile, 60 per cent of terminals cited integration with external partners and customers as their top data management challenge.
Operational efficiency remains a persistent hurdle. Capacity and yard utilisation were flagged as the primary pain point by 63 per cent of respondents.
Additional obstacles included a lack of real-time visibility, data inaccuracy, and insufficient in-house analytics expertise. These issues are preventing terminals from progressing towards more connected, automated operations.
“The appetite for AI and automation is growing, but readiness is the real hurdle,” said Chad Van Derrick, Vice President of Software Product Management at Tideworks.
“To unlock the value of these technologies, terminals need to invest in the basics: a modern data platform, clear governance and optimisation tools that turn information into action. That’s what creates smarter, more resilient operations.”
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Other key findings from the survey include:
- 84 per cent of terminals with 10 or fewer sites listed digitalisation as a top goal, yet 54 per cent still rely on spreadsheets and manual processes.
- Only 14 per cent of terminals are currently using AI for data collection and analysis.
- 44 per cent listed sustainability and green technologies as a key priority.
- While 73 per cent use dashboards and reporting tools, 44 per cent still lack real-time data visibility.
- Adoption of automation tools is growing, with 64 per cent using automated gate systems and over 50 per cent using OCR/OFR or vehicle booking tools.
Read the full findings at: Tideworks Emerging Tech Trends in Intermodal Operations
