BERLIN, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Digitalization of logistics is one of the greatest challenges facing German companies, according to a survey among more than 500 companies published by the German digital association Bitkom on Monday.

According to Bitkom, 79 percent of the companies claimed that they face challenges in digitizing logistics, compared to 74 percent two years ago.

The most frequent challenge for German companies from the logistics sector as well as companies with internal logistics processes were toll charges for highways with 80 percent as well as fuel and energy prices which, at 91 percent, almost all companies cited as a challenge to their business.

Although a majority of companies saw a number advantages of digital, only a minority would already employ on the latest technologies such as 3D printing, blockchain or AI, as Bitkom noted.

"Digitalization offers enormous opportunities for logistics," Bitkom CEO Bernhard Rohleder said, adding that "efficient transport of raw materials, components and goods is both economically sensible and economically and ecologically necessary".

Regarding the practical advantages of digital technologies in the transport of goods, 92 percent saw the acceleration of transport as the most important advantage, followed by declining costs in the long-term and less susceptible transport chains.

Most companies were convinced that digital technologies would enable environmentally friendly transport. "Digitalization helps to reduce CO2 emissions in logistics and to protect the climate", Bitkom CEO Rohleder said.

Looking ahead, 71 percent are certain that by 2030, artificial intelligence will take on many tasks, such as autonomously driving delivery vans and drones.

However, Bitkom noted that currently only 6 percent of German logistic companies would use artificial intelligence. "Artificial intelligence and blockchain have the potential not only to make logistics more efficient, but to change them completely," said Rohleder.