The new freight search engine: How AI ranks and reveals 3PLs
More companies use AI tools to find logistics providers. In 2024, 70% of U.S. transportation companies used AI solutions—17% more than the year before. Most buyers are not yet asking, 'Which 3PL should I use?' But they already use AI to compare vendors, review services, and build shortlists.
AI visibility now plays a big role in logistics sales, and companies that do not show up in these results may miss good opportunities.
In the past, referrals, directories, and trade events helped companies find third-party logistics providers (3PL). That approach is fading, as AI in the freight transportation market is projected to grow from $1.2 billion in 2023 to $6.8 billion by 2033.
AI tools now help build strategy. They do more than route planning and demand forecasting; they also help with vendor selection by letting teams compare services quickly.
HOW AI TOOLS CHOOSE WHICH 3PLS TO SHOW
AI platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI process lots of content. They do not browse websites like people do. They scan documents and pick answers using signals like:
Clear service descriptions with logistics terms
Content with headings and short paragraphs
Mentions in trusted sources like industry publications and government sites
Recent updates that show the business is active
Pages that load fast and show content without scripts or tabs
These tools look for simple, direct answers that match the question.
WHERE EACH AI PLATFORM GETS ITS INFORMATION
Each AI platform gets information from different places. Profound's analysis of 30 million citations across AI platforms from August 2024 to June 2025 found clear patterns:
• ChatGPT uses Wikipedia (47.9% of citations), Reddit (11.3%), and institutional sources.
• Google AI Overviews uses Reddit (21%), YouTube (18.8%), Quora (14.3%), LinkedIn (13%), and Wikipedia (5.7%), among others.
• Perplexity uses Reddit (46.7% of citations), YouTube (13.9%), user reviews, and community-generated content.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR 3PL MARKETING
For ChatGPT visibility: Focus on getting mentioned in industry publications and keep Wikipedia entries accurate. ChatGPT likes trusted sources like FreightWaves and Transport Topics.
For Google AI Overviews: Join Reddit communities like r/logistics and r/freight and create YouTube content. These platforms get many citations from Reddit discussions and YouTube videos where real logistics professionals share experiences.
For Perplexity: Focus on Reddit engagement and review platforms. Perplexity gets almost half its citations from Reddit discussions. It also features user reviews from platforms like Yelp and G2.
To test your visibility:
Write 10 buyer prompts like 'Top cold chain 3PL.'
Run them in ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI.
Use three variations per prompt per platform.
Count how often your company appears.
Review all 90 responses to find patterns.
This testing method comes from Daydream's method on AI visibility optimization. It helps you measure where you stand and where to improve.
The following content patterns often affect AI visibility. These insights are based on observations from this blog post, which explains how AI tools detect and quote useful content:
1. Low visibility
Low visibility often occurs because AI tools do not use traffic as a signal. To improve visibility, use H2 questions and give direct answers at the start.
2. Inconsistent mentions
Inconsistent mentions can result from the fact that different platforms have different content preferences. For example, ChatGPT tends to favor authoritative sources like Wikipedia and institutions, while Perplexity prefers user-generated content such as Reddit threads and customer reviews.
3. Content not found
When content is not found, it's often because JavaScript or tabs hide key data. To address this, use server-side rendering or clean HTML.
AI tools prefer short, answer-focused content.
In freight, this means writing paragraph-level answers for questions like 'What is the best 3PL for cross-border shipments?' or 'Which providers offer refrigerated freight with HACCP certification?' These answers must be clear, specific, and formatted to match real buyer queries.
Keep each paragraph under 80 words and focused on one clear idea.
Begin each paragraph with the direct answer.
Use real user questions as your H2 or H3 headings.
Dedicate one page or section to a single use case or query.
Include specific keywords that buyers actually type, such as 'cross-border 3PL.'
Before: 'We're proud of our reliable cold chain service.'
Better: 'We provide cold chain logistics with storage from 32°F to 70°F. Our HACCP-certified warehouses include real-time monitoring and direct delivery.'
Also, add FAQ sections, use FAQ schema, and avoid hiding content in tabs, modals, or downloads.
AI tools select FAQ pages, comparison lists, how-to guides, and pages that solve one clear problem. If your content follows this structure, it has a better chance of being selected.
AI tools now play a major role in 3PL selection, as buyers use them to search for vendors that match their exact needs.
Clear, structured, and specific content makes it easier for those tools to find and cite your business. Having more pages does not lead to better visibility. What matters is providing the right content in the right format. You also need to know where each AI platform gets its information.
A freight company that writes for people and machines creates value for both. AI may not replace relationships, but it is already shaping how they begin. The companies that stay readable, helpful, and honest can earn the trust of both humans and machines.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
20 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Air Canada flight attendants strike over pay, shutting down service
Air Canada's flight attendants went on strike Saturday, as the airline announced a complete shutdown of operations, creating summer travel chaos for its 130,000 daily passengers. "We are now officially on strike," the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents Air Canada's 10,000 flight attendants, said in a statement. Air Canada, which flies directly to 180 cities worldwide, said it had "suspended all operations" in response to the work stoppage. "Air Canada is strongly advising affected customers not to go to the airport," it said, adding that it "deeply regrets the effect the strike is having on customers." CUPE was in a legal position to strike as of 12:01 am (0401 GMT), after delivering a 72-hour strike notice on Wednesday. The strike began at 12:58 am, both sides confirmed. Air Canada had been gradually winding down operations ahead of the possible labor action. As of 8:00 pm Friday, the airline said it had cancelled 623 flights affecting more than 100,000 passengers. Its full 700-flight daily schedule has been scrapped for Saturday. - Unpaid ground work - In addition to wage increases, the union says it wants to address uncompensated ground work, including during the boarding process. Rafael Gomez, who heads the University of Toronto's Center for Industrial Relations, told AFP it is "common practice, even around the world" to compensate flight attendants based on time spent in the air. He said the union had built an effective communication campaign around the issue, creating a public perception of unfairness. An average passenger, not familiar with common industry practice, could think, "'I'm waiting to board the plane and there's a flight attendant helping me, but they're technically not being paid for that work,'" he said, speaking before the strike began. "That's a very good issue to highlight," Gomez further said, adding that gains made by Air Canada employees could impact other carriers. Air Canada detailed its latest offer in a Thursday statement, specifying that under the terms, a senior flight attendant would on average make CAN$87,000 ($65,000) by 2027. CUPE has described Air Canada's offers as "below inflation (and) below market value." The union has also rejected requests from the federal government and Air Canada to resolve outstanding issues through independent arbitration. Gomez said he did not expect any stoppage to last long. "This is peak season," he said. "The airline does not want to lose hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue... They're almost playing chicken with the flight attendants." Canada's economy, though showing resilience, has begun feeling the effects of President Donald Trump's trade war, with his tariffs hitting crucial sectors like auto, aluminum and steel. In a statement issued before the strike began, the Business Council of Canada warned an Air Canada work stoppage could add further pain. "At a time when Canada is dealing with unprecedented pressures on our critical economic supply chains, the disruption of national air passenger travel and cargo transport services would cause immediate and extensive harm to all Canadians," it said. bs/cwl Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
20 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Air Canada flight attendants strike over pay, grounding service
Air Canada suspended all operations as more than 13,000 Air Canada flight attendants went on strike early Saturday after a deadline to reach a deal passed, leaving travelers around the world stranded and scrambling during the peak summer travel season. Air Canada's flight attendants went on strike Saturday, as the airline announced a complete shutdown of operations, creating summer travel chaos for its 130,000 daily passengers. "We are now officially on strike," the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents Air Canada's 10,000 flight attendants, said in a statement. Air Canada, which flies directly to 180 cities worldwide, said it had "suspended all operations" in response to the work stoppage. "Air Canada is strongly advising affected customers not to go to the airport," it said, adding that it "deeply regrets the effect the strike is having on customers." CUPE was in a legal position to strike as of 12:01 am (0401 GMT), after delivering a 72-hour strike notice on Wednesday. The strike began at 12:58 am, both sides confirmed. Air Canada had been gradually winding down operations ahead of the possible labor action. As of 8:00 pm Friday, the airline said it had cancelled 623 flights affecting more than 100,000 passengers. Its full 700-flight daily schedule has been scrapped for Saturday. Unpaid ground work In addition to wage increases, the union says it wants to address uncompensated ground work, including during the boarding process. Rafael Gomez, who heads the University of Toronto's Center for Industrial Relations, told AFP it is "common practice, even around the world" to compensate flight attendants based on time spent in the air. He said the union had built an effective communication campaign around the issue, creating a public perception of unfairness. An average passenger, not familiar with common industry practice, could think, "'I'm waiting to board the plane and there's a flight attendant helping me, but they're technically not being paid for that work,'" he said, speaking before the strike began. "That's a very good issue to highlight," Gomez further said, adding that gains made by Air Canada employees could impact other carriers. Air Canada detailed its latest offer in a Thursday statement, specifying that under the terms, a senior flight attendant would on average make CAN$87,000 ($65,000) by 2027. CUPE has described Air Canada's offers as "below inflation (and) below market value." The union has also rejected requests from the federal government and Air Canada to resolve outstanding issues through independent arbitration. Gomez said he did not expect any stoppage to last long. "This is peak season," he said. "The airline does not want to lose hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue... They're almost playing chicken with the flight attendants." Canada's economy, though showing resilience, has begun feeling the effects of President Donald Trump's trade war, with his tariffs hitting crucial sectors like auto, aluminum and steel. In a statement issued before the strike began, the Business Council of Canada warned an Air Canada work stoppage could add further pain. "At a time when Canada is dealing with unprecedented pressures on our critical economic supply chains, the disruption of national air passenger travel and cargo transport services would cause immediate and extensive harm to all Canadians," it said. FRANCE24 with AFP
Yahoo
20 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Can Hudson Pacific Properties' (HPP) Revised Outlook Reveal Deeper Shifts in Its Core Business Strategy?
Earlier this month, Hudson Pacific Properties reported second quarter and half-year results showing declines in sales and revenue alongside increased net losses, and provided updated earnings guidance for 2025 with GAAP non-cash revenue projected between US$5.5 million and US$10.5 million. The combination of disappointing financial performance and revised outlook reflects ongoing challenges facing the company's core office and studio segments in the current market. Let's assess how the weaker quarterly results and revised guidance could affect Hudson Pacific Properties' longer-term investment narrative. These 14 companies survived and thrived after COVID and have the right ingredients to survive Trump's tariffs. Discover why before your portfolio feels the trade war pinch. Hudson Pacific Properties Investment Narrative Recap To be a shareholder in Hudson Pacific Properties, you need to believe that its portfolio of office and studio assets can eventually overcome weak occupancy trends and sustain a turnaround, primarily through a recovery in West Coast tech and media leasing and studio show count. The latest quarterly results show further declines in revenue and deepening losses, putting near-term pressure on the company's largest catalyst: improved leasing velocity. However, the risk from elevated leverage and constrained cash flow remains front and center, as the results reflect limited margin for error in the current environment. The company's recent follow-on equity offering, raising US$599.28 million, stands out as a significant move closely tied to the need for financial flexibility highlighted in its Q2 report. While this strengthens immediate liquidity, it also points to increased dilution, which could temper any positive impact from operational improvements in the short term. But with leverage still high, investors should be monitoring how these capital moves play into... Read the full narrative on Hudson Pacific Properties (it's free!) Hudson Pacific Properties is projected to reach $910.8 million in revenue and $70.9 million in earnings by 2028. This outlook is based on an expected annual revenue growth rate of 4.7% and a $493.7 million increase in earnings from the current level of -$422.8 million. Uncover how Hudson Pacific Properties' forecasts yield a $3.24 fair value, a 20% upside to its current price. Exploring Other Perspectives Fair value estimates from the Simply Wall St Community range from US$3.24 to US$28.64, across 3 distinct perspectives. With recent losses and slower leasing activity, the risk of continued revenue shortfalls is something readers should keep on their radar as opinions differ widely on future potential. Explore 3 other fair value estimates on Hudson Pacific Properties - why the stock might be worth just $3.24! Build Your Own Hudson Pacific Properties Narrative Disagree with existing narratives? Create your own in under 3 minutes - extraordinary investment returns rarely come from following the herd. A great starting point for your Hudson Pacific Properties research is our analysis highlighting 1 key reward and 2 important warning signs that could impact your investment decision. Our free Hudson Pacific Properties research report provides a comprehensive fundamental analysis summarized in a single visual - the Snowflake - making it easy to evaluate Hudson Pacific Properties' overall financial health at a glance. Ready For A Different Approach? Don't miss your shot at the next 10-bagger. Our latest stock picks just dropped: Uncover the next big thing with financially sound penny stocks that balance risk and reward. This technology could replace computers: discover 24 stocks that are working to make quantum computing a reality. Rare earth metals are the new gold rush. Find out which 27 stocks are leading the charge. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include HPP. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
