Navigating tomorrow's imports: The role of AI in logistics solutions

This shift is more than just a trend. AI in logistics and supply chain operations is driving smarter decisions at every level: Predicting demand, flagging risks, streamlining customs, and enhancing delivery speed. Together with logistics automation and real-time analytics, these tools are shaping a truly AI-driven supply chain — one that can adapt quickly and scale confidently.

For Vietnamese importers, understanding these logistics trends is no longer optional. In this guide, we’ll explore how automation in the logistics industry is redefining cross-border trade, and how DHL Express is helping businesses tap into the future of supply chain optimization with purpose-built digital tools and global expertise.

The foundational shift: Digitalization in importing

At the heart of this transformation is digitalisation — the first step in building a truly AI-driven supply chain. As Vietnam’s trade landscape grows more dynamic, digital platforms are replacing paper-based processes and siloed communication with real-time data flow and end-to-end visibility.

These integrated systems connect every player in the logistics network — from overseas suppliers to Vietnamese customs — enabling smarter, faster coordination across time zones and transport modes. Tasks that once required hours of manual input, like documentation or shipment tracking, are now automated and streamlined through centralised platforms.

Vietnam is already making strong strides. According to an article released by the Vietnam Investment Review, 68% of local logistics companies are investing in digital technologies despite ongoing infrastructure challenges¹. Tools like warehouse management systems, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, and AI-based forecasting engines are being adopted to enhance agility and reduce bottlenecks.

This push is backed by growing financial commitments. A research paper on Research Gate involving 281 Vietnamese supply chain professionals found that big data analytics and AI are among the most invested-in technologies² — laying the groundwork for predictive planning, automated compliance, and inventory optimization in the supply chain.

AI in action: Revolutionizing import decisions and operations

With the growing complexity of global trade, Vietnamese importers are leveraging AI to enhance operational precision, regulatory compliance, and cost efficiency. The following applications demonstrate how AI is actively transforming import processes at a strategic level.

Predictive analytics for demand and risk

AI tools analyze vast datasets — including historical import volumes, market trends, weather patterns, and geopolitical indicators — to forecast inventory needs and anticipate disruptions. A 2024 study from 6W Research highlights AI’s critical role in demand forecasting and risk reduction³, helping importers balance supply and avoid costly stockouts or overstock scenarios. 

For Vietnamese businesses, this means anticipating surges or lulls before they occur — enabling strategic decisions on order timing, inventory levels, and supplier sourcing, all vital to enhancing supply chain optimization.

Automated classification and compliance

Customs clearance often stalls due to misclassified HS codes or missing documentation. AI accelerates this process by automatically assigning HS codes, checking compliance requirements, and flagging non-conforming entries before shipment.

Research shows that AI and IoT synergy significantly boosts supply chain resilience in Vietnam — reducing errors and enhancing regulatory compliance⁴. By reducing human error and automating compliance checks, AI minimises customs clearance delays and smooths the import process.

Intelligent route optimization

AI-powered route optimization tools calculate the most efficient import routes, using real-time data like weather conditions, port congestion, carrier performance, and traffic flow. Studies published on Research Gate on dynamic route planning in logistics report reduced fuel use, faster transit times, and improved reliability⁵. 

In Vietnam’s context — where road and port infrastructure face capacity constraints — this technology enables importers to adapt quickly and reduce disruptions in supply chains.

The strategic edge of analytics in importing

Building on the capabilities of AI, robust analytics dashboards give importers a comprehensive view of their supply chain performance — from supplier dispatch to customs clearance and last-mile delivery. These platforms consolidate real-time data to support faster, evidence-based decisions across importing operations.

Key metrics such as transit times, customs clearance efficiency, supplier performance, and landed costs are critical in identifying inefficiencies and unlocking opportunities for optimisation. For example:

• Transit time analysis helps flag recurring slowdowns at ports or borders.
• Clearance data highlights compliance issues or documentation gaps that could lead to delays.
• Supplier reliability scores allow businesses to benchmark and renegotiate vendor terms based on actual performance.
• Landed cost tracking improves pricing strategies by offering clarity on total import-related expenses.

Adopting supply chain analytics delivers measurable benefits. Globally, analytics-enabled organizations have reduced logistics costs by up to 15%, improved service levels by 65%, and lowered inventory holdings by 35%⁶. Additionally, Asia Pacific’s market for supply chain analytics is expected to grow by over 19% annually through 2037 — underscoring Vietnam’s accelerating regional shift.

In Vietnam specifically, the logistics and warehousing market is projected to grow at an 11.2% CAGR through 2032⁷. These figures highlight the increasing importance of analytics tools in optimizing domestic and import operations , while the freight and logistics sector is set to expand by 6.7% annually to 2030⁸. 

With these insights, importers can move beyond ad hoc problem-solving toward continuous improvement — strengthening operations, reducing costs, and ensuring that strategic decisions are based on reliable, granular data.

DHL Express: Leading the way in AI-driven logistics solutions

As international trade becomes increasingly digitised, DHL Express stands at the forefront of innovation in the logistics industry. Leveraging AI and automation across its global network — from intelligent sorting hubs to dynamic route planning — DHL provides importers with the tools and infrastructure needed to enhance operational agility, compliance, and efficiency.

One key solution is MyDHL+, a centralized digital platform that streamlines the import process from end to end. Businesses can access real-time shipment tracking, generate automated customs documentation, calculate duties and taxes, and schedule deliveries — all within a single interface. This integration not only saves time but also reduces administrative friction, particularly when dealing with high volumes or multi-country shipments.

Building on this operational visibility, DHL Express Analytics provides a data-driven edge. Its intuitive dashboard displays critical performance metrics — such as transit times, customs clearance durations, and delivery success rates — in real time. These insights empower importers to spot inefficiencies, address bottlenecks proactively, and make strategic decisions grounded in evidence.

DHL also integrates AI in route optimisation, using advanced algorithms to continuously assess variables like weather patterns, port congestion, and carrier performance. This results in smarter route planning, shortened transit times, and a more sustainable use of resources.

With AI-driven tools embedded across every stage of the import journey — from route planning to customs compliance — DHL Express empowers Vietnamese businesses to stay agile in an increasingly complex global market. Open a DHL Express business account today and take the next step towards a digitally optimised supply chain.