REVOLUTIONIZING SUPPLY CHAIN, LOGISTICS, SHIPPING, AND FREIGHT FORWARDING OPERATIONS WITH MACHINE LEARNING AND BLOCKCHAIN

Abstract

The integration of Machine Learning (ML) and Blockchain technology is revolutionizing supply chain management, logistics, shipping, and freight forwarding by enhancing operational efficiency, security, and transparency. This study systematically reviews 102 high-quality peer-reviewed studies published before 2023 to assess the impact of ML and Blockchain in optimizing various aspects of supply chain networks. The findings indicate that ML-driven predictive analytics significantly improve demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and route planning, reducing operational costs and enhancing decision-making accuracy. Simultaneously, Blockchain technology ensures immutable record-keeping, automates contract execution through smart contracts, and mitigates fraud risks by enhancing supply chain transparency. The review highlights that the integration of ML and Blockchain provides greater advantages than their independent applications, with 71 studies confirming that AI-enhanced Blockchain frameworks improve supply chain resilience and logistics efficiency. Additionally, 48 studies demonstrate that ML-driven anomaly detection, when paired with Blockchain validation, reduces fraudulent transactions by 50%, enhancing trust and data integrity in freight operations. Furthermore, the findings suggest that 56 studies support the role of ML-Blockchain integration in sustainable logistics, with fuel consumption reductions of up to 25% and enhanced environmental compliance through Blockchain-enabled carbon footprint tracking. Despite these advantages, 31 studies report scalability challenges related to ML’s high computational demands, while 29 studies identify Blockchain’s transaction processing limitations as a barrier to large-scale implementation. These challenges necessitate further research into hybrid solutions and infrastructure optimization to fully realize the potential of ML and Blockchain in modern supply chain systems. This review provides comprehensive insights into how these technologies are transforming logistics and freight forwarding, offering valuable perspectives for researchers, policymakers, and industry practitioners aiming to enhance global supply chain efficiency.