Air Cargo

CH Robinson Deploys AI Systems to Accelerate Air Cargo Pricing

CH Robinson has expanded its investment in AI across its freight forwarding operations, focusing on dramatic speed improvements in air cargo quoting. The forwarder's systems have generated over 80,000 price quotes for more than 3,600 customers since deployment. Processing times have compressed significantly—air shipments that previously required a full day for quotes now receive pricing in two to three minutes, while ocean cargo quoting has dropped from two to three days to the same timeframe. The forwarder is also automating customs documentation handling, addressing increased complexity from new trade agreements and stricter compliance requirements. Mike Short, president of global forwarding, emphasized that faster quoting enables customers to quickly evaluate routing alternatives when disruptions occur. The system particularly benefits time-sensitive shipments including pharmaceuticals, perishables and automotive components that depend on precise delivery windows.