The second part of our introduction to AI for the moving industry, by Ramiro Quiros, Founder and Principal Consultant at Movingtech.ai.

In our first article on AI: 'An Intro to AI for the Moving and Storage Industry', we discussed basic AI tools and the difference between general assistants and specific purpose tools. Today, we will explore the usefulness of general assistants, specific use cases for the moving and storage industry, and the pros and cons of paid versus free options.

General AI assistants, such as ChatGPT, can handle various tasks such as drafting emails, analyzing data, and generating creative content. Think of them as new executive assistants who you train to meet your needs step by step.

Are AI general assistants the same as Large Language Models (LLMs)?

Yes and no, but mostly no.

LLMs are advanced AI systems designed to understand, process, and generate human-like text. They are trained on massive datasets, enabling them to perform a wide range of tasks by processing natural language. This allows them to engage in conversations, answer questions, write content, and more. However, an LLM on its own isn’t very useful. Think of the LLM as the engine and the AI general assistant as the car. The car needs the engine to run, but the engine alone isn’t very helpful without the rest of the car.

Does every assistant use a different LLM?

Not exactly. Most assistants rely on multiple LLMs. Some allow users to choose the LLM based on their subscription level, while others act as ‘smart’ assistants, selecting the best LLM for each task.

Think of it like a car with multiple engines. One day you may need speed; another day you may need to haul cargo. An AI assistant with multiple LLMs works similarly. Some days you need it to write code, other days to create images. The assistant picks the best ‘engine’ for each job, but your experience remains seamless.

What are the most common general assistants?

This is a list of some of the most widely used general assistants and LLMs our there:

1. ChatGPT (chatgpt.com). Developed by OpenAI.
2. Claude (claude.ai). Created by Anthropic.
3. Gemini (gemini.google.com). Developed by Google
4. Grok (grok.com): Built by xAI (the old Twitter)
5. Liquid (playground.liquid.ai). Somewhat different from the rest, Liquid runs its own Liquid Foundation Models (LFMs), a new generation of generative AI models. This chatbot is only a testing system, while the LFMs are on offer primarily through their API.
6. Meta AI (meta.ai). Created by Meta (the owners of Facebook and WhatsApp).
7. Deepseek (chat.deepseek.com). A Chinese based LLM, recently released that shocked the markets with its capabilities and (low) cost to run.
8. Copilot (copilot.microsoft.com). Technically, Copilot does not run on its own LLM. It was developed by Microsoft, but it is powered by OpenAI’s advanced models.  

Which assistant is right for me?

Choosing the right assistant can depend on the tasks you need, whether you are using it individually or as a team, pricing, or privacy regulations. I recommend trying out different assistants with the same prompt to see which one you prefer as you experiment.

A useful tool is you.com, which allows you to switch between different LLMs for each task. I use multiple assistants daily, depending on the task at hand. Before making a major decision, experiment with free versions to test functionality and find the best fit for your business.

What can I use them for?

These AI assistants are incredibly versatile and valuable for various business functions. They simplify tasks and improve over time. Here are some ideas how they can benefit moving companies:

• Customer communication: AI can handle text generation, summarisation, and translation. Use it to draft personalised responses, create templates for common enquiries, generate follow-up messages, or translate communications to clients' preferred languages.
• Quote and proposal generation: Automate the creation of detailed moving quotes or proposals. Input key details, and the AI generates a professional document, saving time and reducing errors.
• Data organisation and reporting: Assistants can analyse and organise data. Paste large data sets or attach a complex Excel file and ask the AI to extract insights or reorganise it. Convert scattered data into structured reports or summaries, such as summarising a year's worth of customer feedback into actionable insights.
• Scheduling and task management: Generate or optimise schedules based on staff availability and move dates. Organise routes or coordinate multiple moving teams efficiently.
• Marketing: Assistants can create engaging content for websites or blogs, boosting your online presence. They can also generate custom brand images, logos, advertisement scripts, and more.

Paid vs. Unpaid AI LLMs: What’s the Difference?

When choosing an AI tool, one major decision is whether to opt for a free (unpaid) version or a subscription-based (paid) plan. Here are some key differences:

• Capabilities and access: Free versions are great for basic tasks but have usage limits and fewer features. Paid plans offer more access, higher usage caps, and advanced functionalities for businesses.
• Performance and speed: Paid models often operate on faster servers, ensuring consistent performance during peak times.
• Support and reliability: Subscription services include dedicated customer support and service level agreements, crucial for businesses where downtime affects operations.
• Data privacy and security: Paid services offer stronger data protection and industry-standard compliance, which is vital for handling sensitive client information.

Final thoughts

AI-powered assistants can revolutionise the moving and storage industry. Whether using a free version to explore or investing in a paid tool for advanced capabilities, AI integration can help your business stay competitive and grow. Start small, focus on high-impact areas, and be open to experimentation. AI can become a powerful ally in your operations.

Need help identifying tools or brainstorming how AI can fit into your business? Reach out—I'm here to assist!

 

Ramiro Quiros
Ramiro is the founder and principal consultant at Movingtech.ai.  He specialises in process engineering and technology implementation for businesses in the moving and storage industry. He has over 20 years of experience in the industry that he claims has given him a unique skill set, combining a deep operational understanding of moving companies coupled with hands-on knowledge of technology. His mission is to empower moving businesses globally, enabling them to harness the transformative power of technology to thrive in an increasingly complex digital world.  

Photo: Ramiro Quiros.