The use of AI by transport firms has risen significantly since the start of the year with many also saying the burgeoning technology was not leading to redundancies.
Official statistics showed that the number of UK transport and storage companies relying on AI within their businesses had increased by 11 percentage points in the first quarter of 2026 and the numbers are expected to grow over the next few months.
ONS research found the number making use of AI was still small – almost 73% of those questioned in the sector admitted they were still not using it, but there had been a sharp jump since December 2025 in those that said they now were.
Parcelhero said the responses revealed a rapid transformation in how the sector regarded the technology and that the proportion of firms not using AI was the same as those in manufacturing and only slightly more than the 67.7% of retailers who have so far chosen not to.
The data also revealed companies were using the technology to improve operations, explore new markets and personalise products – and job losses were not occurring as a result.
David Jinks, Parcelhero head of consumer research, said: “Contrary to recent headlines from some industry sectors, it does not look as if the increased use of AI in the transport and storage industry will lead to a reduced headcount.
“In all, 31.3% of companies now adopting AI said there would be no change in workforce numbers and the number of companies reporting that it would definitely reduce their headcount was so small it did not register in the figures.
“Predictably, the roles transport and storage companies said have been most impacted are data analysis (16.4%), admin (11.3%) and creative/design roles (11%).”
A report out this month by professional services firm Accenture said increasingly relying on AI did not necessarily mean putting people out of their jobs but that many organisations were not providing clarity or support to facilitate this transition.
“In 2024, only one-third of executives believed AI would shrink the national workforce,” Accenture said.
“Today, nearly half (49%) expect it to reduce national employment over the next decade, even as 70% expect it to drive higher productivity.
“If leaders assume displacement is inevitable, the incentive to invest in workforce transition weakens.
“Translating AI-driven efficiency into inclusive growth through reskilling, job creation and new forms of work remains a key challenge.”
