Social Science and Human Research Bulletin

Digital transformation is redefining the way the organization and management of freight transport is being handled, with the help of transport management systems, vehicle positioning and telematics, electronic documents, digital freight platforms, real-time tracking, data analytics and artificial intelligence. However, for freight transport companies in Vietnam, the key question is not whether digital technologies are being used, but whether digital investment can yield tangible financial results and competitive advantages. The research method adopted in this study is a qualitative research design with the combination of document analysis and evidence synthesis to analyze the mechanisms of digital transformation on the financial performance and competitiveness of freight transport companies in Vietnam. The evidence base covers basic research on the resource-based view and dynamic capabilities, international research on digital transformation and Logistics 4.0, recent empirical research in Vietnam, official transport statistics and national policy documents. The results reveal two interrelated value-conversion pathways. First, digital transformation can boost financial performance by cutting down on coordination and transaction costs, optimizing routes and loads, maximizing vehicle utilization, minimizing waiting time, enabling predictive maintenance, streamlining the invoice-to-cash cycle and unlocking new revenue streams through value-added services. Second, by enhancing transparency, reliability, responsiveness, customer-partner integration, service innovation, and participation in digital supply chains, digital transformation can contribute to strengthening competitiveness. These benefits are not guaranteed, but are contingent. A digitalization paradox can occur when fragmented technology investments, weak managerial skills, lack of digital skills, financial limitations, digital incompatibility among partners and poor data integration leads to rising investments and declining performance. The study recommends a Digital Capability - Operational Conversion - Firm Outcomes Framework and a roadmap for the phased transformation, starting from the process and data standardization and then moving to the advanced analytics and digital-green convergence.

digital transformation, financial performance, competitiveness, freight transport, logistics, Vietnam

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