A major change in how less-than-truckload (LTL) freight is classified in the U.S. is arriving this July. To help shippers adapt, C.H. Robinson has launched a new AI agent that determines freight classifications automatically. The Minnesota-based logistics company handles more LTL freight than any other third-party logistics provider in North America. The company says the tool is already saving time and reducing costly shipping errors.
“Manually assigning the right class takes time and training,” said Arun Rajan, C.H. Robinson’s Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer. “Now, our AI can do it in seconds.” This launch comes as the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system prepares for a major overhaul. For many small and medium-sized businesses that rely on email-based shipping, the new AI agent could be a critical lifeline.
AI Agent Tackles Freight Classification Ahead of July Deadline
The new AI agent is designed to classify LTL freight quickly and accurately. It plays a key role in helping C.H. Robinson’s systems process emailed shipping requests. That’s especially important for small and medium-sized businesses that often lack automation tools.
When a customer emails a shipment request without the right NMFC class or code, the AI agent steps in. It determines the correct classification based on the weight, size, and type of goods being shipped. Another internal AI agent then uses this information to create a complete shipping order.
“The overhaul of the NMFC system will create confusion for many shippers,” said Greg West, Vice President for LTL. “Our AI helps prevent delays and unexpected charges by getting the class right the first time.” The agent also improves internal operations. It helps turn emails into valid orders much faster, replacing manual steps that used to take several minutes per shipment.
Shippers See Faster Turnaround and Fewer Mistakes with AI Agent
The AI agent is already handling around 2,000 shipment orders per day. That’s saving C.H. Robinson over 300 hours daily, according to company estimates. “It takes a human about ten minutes to classify a shipment,” Rajan said. “Our AI can now do it in three seconds.” As a result, over 75% of the company’s LTL orders are now automated, up from 50% before the tool was introduced.
The biggest gains are among customers who email their freight requests, which often lack essential shipment data. The AI agent not only classifies freight but also learns over time. It gets faster and more accurate with continued use and expert feedback. Still, the company urges customers to share accurate weight and dimensions, which are key inputs.
C.H. Robinson is also helping customers prepare for the July changes by offering discounts on dimensioning technology. That gear helps businesses capture the physical size of goods automatically, a key need under the new NMFC rules. The AI agent’s success has opened new possibilities internally. “We’re now building AI agents that help our AI agents,” Rajan noted, pointing to a broader shift in how automation works.
C.H. Robinson’s AI Investment Reflects a Broader Tech Shift in Logistics
C.H. Robinson’s launch signals more than just one tool; it reflects a growing push for smarter freight management. The company says its fleet of over 30 AI agents is tackling tasks that were once considered too complex for machines. The new freight classification system could slow down many companies that rely on LTL shipping.
But with its AI already trained for the July update, C.H. Robinson is positioning itself to lead through the transition. By combining scale with intelligent tools, the company hopes to give customers an edge, not just in speed, but in reliability. “We’re setting a new standard,” said Michael Castagnetto, President of North American Surface Transportation. “AI is helping us make freight faster and more flexible.”
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