Why This Matters to Distributors: Transportation is one of the largest operating expenses for wholesale distributors. UNFI’s expanded use of artificial intelligence highlights how distributors are increasingly deploying AI beyond the warehouse to improve driver safety, increase on-time deliveries and reduce transportation costs.
United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) is expanding its use of artificial intelligence across its transportation network, rolling out AI-powered driver coaching technology as part of a broader effort to improve fleet safety, delivery performance and supply chain efficiency.
The grocery wholesaler said it has expanded its deployment of Samsara’s AI-powered transportation platform to support approximately 2,500 drivers operating from nearly 50 distribution centers and a fleet of about 2,000 delivery vehicles.
The expansion builds on UNFI’s use of the platform since 2024. The company recently began piloting Samsara’s AI-powered driver coaching tools, which provide drivers with regular performance feedback and safety insights based on operational data.
“Our North Star is to build and operate a world-class safety management system that’s really rooted in our responsibility to protect our people, products, assets, and communities in which we serve,” chief safety officer Tehzin Chadwick said.
The technology provides visibility into fleet operations through features including trailer tracking, real-time estimated arrival times and data on road and weather conditions. UNFI said those insights help transportation teams respond more quickly to disruptions, improve delivery planning and provide more targeted coaching to drivers.
The company said the investment is also producing measurable operational improvements. Through May 2026, on-time deliveries increased by more than 4% compared with the same period a year earlier, while average miles driven per delivery declined by nearly 5%.
UNFI said the improvements have helped increase delivery efficiency while lowering operating costs and reducing the environmental impact of its transportation network.
John Begin, the company’s director of fleet safety, said the AI coaching tools allow safety teams to communicate with drivers more consistently and provide stronger performance insights.
“Today, we’re coaching our drivers earlier, more consistently, and with much stronger insights,” Begin said.
Chadwick said the company is taking a measured approach to deploying artificial intelligence throughout its supply chain.
“It’s early in our journey with advanced technologies, and we’re being deliberate,” Chadwick said. “The focus isn’t on transformation for its own sake. It’s about choosing the right problems to solve and supporting our teams with better information so they can serve our customers and suppliers more effectively and consistently.”
The transportation initiative is part of UNFI’s broader investment in next-generation supply chain technology as the distributor seeks to improve service levels while enhancing safety and operational efficiency across its logistics network.
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