Artificial intelligence has moved from the edges of the supply chain to its center. What began as experimental pilots and proof-of-concept projects have become operational reality for a growing portion of the logistics industry, with artificial intelligence, machine learning and large language models now powering demand forecasting, real-time visibility, document processing and route optimization that move freight every day. To recognize companies leading that transformation, FreightWaves is proud to announce the 2026 Supply Chain AI Excellence Award, presented live at the Supply Chain AI Symposium in Chicago, Illinois, on July 15, 2026.
Nominations are now open and the deadline for submissions is set for 5:00 pm ET on July 10, 2026.
The award honors innovators who use artificial intelligence to transform operations, drive efficiency, improve visibility and promote sustainability across the logistics industry. Whether the breakthrough is a predictive analytics engine that anticipates changes in demand, a visibility platform that gives shippers real-time eyes on their freight, or a system built in-house that has reshaped the way a shipper manages its network, this award is designed to put those achievements in front of the people who are defining the future of the industry.
Two categories, one mission
This year the award is structured into two distinct categories, designed to recognize excellence across the supply chain ecosystem. Nominees must select the track that best suits their innovation.
The first category, AI Solution Providers, honors technology providers, software developers and creators who create cutting-edge AI tools for the industry. It’s the stage for companies developing standalone AI-based platforms, software and systems designed to help logistics companies optimize their supply chains, including SaaS companies, FreightTech startups and enterprise technology providers.
The second category, AI Operational Integration, recognizes logistics service providers, forwarders, freight forwarders, 3PLs and carriers that have successfully adopted, integrated or customized AI into their own internal operations. This topic is about real-world results: the fleet operators, warehouse managers, 3PLs, and enterprise shippers who have turned AI into measurable efficiency, smarter decision-making, and bottom-line impact.
Together, the two categories reflect the reality of how AI is changing the supply chain. Some companies are creating the tools and others are implementing them to transform their operations. Both are moving the industry forward and both deserve recognition.
How nominees are judged
Nominees will be evaluated by a panel of experts based on three core dimensions.
The first is innovation. Judges look for AI applications that are genuinely innovative, that push the boundaries of what is possible and that fundamentally reimagine how the supply chain works rather than incrementally improving it.
The second is effectiveness. The award honors solutions that demonstrably improve supply chain efficiency, drive cost savings or increase resilience. Measurable results matter, and results matter more than ambition.
The third is the impact. The panel wants to see evidence that the app has made a positive, measurable difference to customers or internal operations. Real world transformation is at the core of this award.
Eligible applications cover all areas where AI is making a difference in logistics, including demand forecasting, real-time visibility, automated document processing, route optimization, predictive maintenance and sustainable logistics.
Why nominate?
Recognition through the AI ​​Excellence in Supply Chain Award places a company’s capabilities in front of industry leaders and peers at the forefront of supply chain innovation. It highlights a nominee’s role in building smarter, more resilient and forward-thinking supply chains, and offers high-profile visibility at the Supply Chain AI Symposium, a leading gathering for supply chain innovation. For a company building or deploying AI in this space, the award is a chance to have its work seen and validated at exactly the time when the industry is deciding what approaches will define the next era.
How to nominate
The nomination process is open to all companies implementing AI-powered supply chain solutions. A company can nominate its own organization or recommend a peer who is making waves in the industry. The nomination fee is $450 and the deadline for all submissions is July 10, 2026 at 5:00 pm Eastern Time. Winners will be announced live at the Supply Chain AI Symposium in Chicago on July 15, 2026.
The Symposium itself is designed to cut through the hype and bring together operators, founders and business leaders who are really figuring out how to implement AI in the supply chain. It is a fitting backdrop to honor companies turning the promise of artificial intelligence into a functional reality in the fields of logistics and transportation.
This award is more than a trophy. It is an affirmation of the vision shared by companies working to redefine what is possible in logistics, in a market where AI in the supply chain has gone from being a competitive advantage to a necessity for those who seek to lead. FreightWaves invites all industry visionaries and pioneers to participate, whether by nominating your own organization or recognizing a peer driving the industry forward.
Nominations are now open. Submit a nomination by the July 10 deadline and join us in Chicago on July 15 to celebrate the innovators who are shaping the future of the supply chain.
The post Nominate Your Company for the AI ​​Excellence in Supply Chain Award 2026 appeared first on FreightWaves.
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