Asparuh Koev, President & CEO at Transmetrics
4.7/5 Rating
AI
$1M+/mo

Asparuh KoevPresident & CEO

In this interview, Transmetrics CEO Asparuh Koev discusses the practical realities of AI in logistics and trucking. He explains where AI delivers measurable value today, why human oversight remains essential, and how companies can use AI to improve efficiency, profitability, and driver experience without sacrificing accountability.

Asparuh Koev

Asparuh Koev

President & CEO

Transmetrics

Transmetrics

Founder Stats

  • AI
  • Started 2013
  • $1M+/mo
  • 50–100 team
  • Sofia, Bulgaria

About Asparuh Koev

Asparuh Koev is the President and CEO of Transmetrics, an AI-powered logistics optimization company helping transportation businesses improve planning, forecasting, and operational efficiency. With extensive experience in artificial intelligence and supply chain technology, he focuses on applying AI to real-world logistics challenges while ensuring human oversight remains central to decision-making.

Interview

June 23, 2026

Q

Why do you say AI still struggles to pass the dispatch desk test?

Question 1 of 13
Asparuh Koev

Logistics is a highly unpredictable environment. Data quality is often poor, information changes constantly, and unexpected events happen every day. Unlike software development, where AI operates in a controlled environment, logistics requires handling ambiguity and exceptions that AI still struggles to manage reliably.

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Q

Why is logistics more difficult for AI than software development?

Question 2 of 13
Asparuh Koev

When AI writes code, it has access to complete information and immediate feedback. In logistics, information is often incomplete, inaccurate, or outdated. A freight listing may no longer be available, a shipment may change unexpectedly, or operational conditions may shift rapidly, making decisions much more complex.

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Q

What is the biggest mistake companies make when adopting AI?

Question 3 of 13
Asparuh Koev

Many businesses want to fully automate processes too quickly. AI should be used as a tool that supports people rather than replacing human decision-makers. The most successful implementations today combine AI's analytical capabilities with human judgment and accountability.

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Q

Where is AI creating the most value in trucking today?

Question 4 of 13
Asparuh Koev

AI is particularly valuable at identifying opportunities and exceptions that humans might miss. It can analyze thousands of freight opportunities, evaluate route options, monitor operational data, and highlight the most relevant information, allowing employees to focus their attention more effectively.

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Q

How can fleets use AI for better decision-making?

Question 5 of 13
Asparuh Koev

AI can process enormous amounts of data and identify optimal solutions much faster than people can. For example, it can analyze driver schedules, vehicle locations, delivery commitments, and available freight to recommend the best dispatch decisions while leaving final approval to human operators.

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Q

Why do you believe humans should remain in the loop?

Question 6 of 13
Asparuh Koev

Accountability matters. If an AI system makes a mistake, businesses still need someone responsible for the outcome. Human oversight helps ensure decisions are reviewed properly and provides a safeguard against errors that AI systems may not recognize on their own.

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Q

What role can AI play in fleet safety?

Question 7 of 13
Asparuh Koev

AI can monitor camera feeds and identify risky behaviors such as unsafe braking, lane departures, or other driving incidents. It helps surface important events quickly, but people should still review those events and determine the appropriate response rather than relying entirely on automation.

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Q

How should companies evaluate the ROI of AI investments?

Question 8 of 13
Asparuh Koev

AI must create measurable business value. Companies should focus on areas where AI can generate additional revenue, improve efficiency, reduce costs, or optimize resource utilization. If the technology does not produce clear business benefits, it becomes difficult to justify the investment.

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Q

Why do commercial processes offer strong opportunities for AI?

Question 9 of 13
Asparuh Koev

Commercial activities such as pricing, quoting, customer engagement, and freight selection have a direct connection to revenue. When AI helps improve decision-making in these areas, companies can often measure the financial impact more clearly than in many other operational functions.

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Q

What concerns you about AI governance in logistics?

Question 10 of 13
Asparuh Koev

AI systems increasingly influence how work is assigned and how employees operate. Decisions about routes, schedules, loads, and driver utilization can significantly impact people's lives. Companies need to ensure these systems are transparent, fair, and aligned with human interests.

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Q

How can AI affect drivers' daily lives?

Question 11 of 13
Asparuh Koev

AI can influence where drivers go, how long they stay on the road, and what assignments they receive. Without proper oversight, automated systems could optimize purely for efficiency while overlooking the human impact on drivers and their quality of life.

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Q

What does responsible AI adoption look like?

Question 12 of 13
Asparuh Koev

Responsible adoption starts with clear objectives. Businesses should use AI to improve outcomes for customers, employees, and operations rather than focusing only on automation. The technology should support human decision-making and create benefits across the entire organization.

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Q

Can AI help solve industry-wide challenges such as driver shortages?

Question 13 of 13
Asparuh Koev

Potentially, yes. If AI helps improve scheduling, reduce inefficiencies, and create better working conditions, it can make driving careers more attractive. Improving the overall experience for drivers may help address workforce shortages over time.

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Video Interviews with Asparuh Koev

Why AI in Trucking Still Needs a Human at the Dispatch Desk

 Why AI in Trucking Still Needs a Human at the Dispatch Desk

Why AI in Trucking Still Needs a Human at the Dispatch Desk

 AI Transforming Logistics | Asparuh Koev from Transmetrics at the EIC Growth Forum

AI Transforming Logistics | Asparuh Koev from Transmetrics at the EIC Growth Forum

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