Digital Transformation of Transport Logistics: from 1.0 to 4.0
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56177/12icmie2025.127Keywords:
transport logistics, digital transformation, Industry 4.0, Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, supply chain visibilityAbstract
The transport and logistics sector is undergoing profound changes driven by digital transformation, evolving from early computerized planning (1.0) to highly integrated, AI-powered systems (4.0). Existing literature outlines successive waves of digitalization: initial route optimization tools, sensor-based IoT and telematics for real-time monitoring, advanced geospatial tracking platforms for supply chain visibility, and, most recently, artificial intelligence and machine learning for predictive and adaptive decision-making. However, despite substantial research on individual technologies, fewer studies systematically map these phases as an integrated transformation continuum. This paper addresses that gap by reviewing the technological evolution of transport logistics through the 1.0–4.0 framework and analyzing how these stages build on one another toward autonomous systems. Methodologically, the paper employs a structured literature review combined with conceptual modeling to answer two research questions: (1) How can the historical evolution of transport logistics digitalization be categorized into coherent stages? (2) What are the implications of this staged transformation for operational efficiency, visibility, and strategic decision-making? The main results outline a four-stage model of digital transformation, demonstrating the cumulative integration of IoT, geospatial data, and AI in creating intelligent, interconnected systems. The paper highlights implications for fleet management, predictive maintenance, demand forecasting, and dynamic routing, contributing to improved responsiveness and resilience in supply chains. This work contributes to the field by offering a clear, stage-based conceptual framework to understand digital transformation in transport logistics, supporting both academic research and practical planning for technology adoption in the sector.
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