Why Demand is Rising for CH Robinson's Customs Tool

Trade rules are changing rapidly, with importers no longer relying solely on brokers or internal teams to keep up.

Instead, they're plugging directly into C.H. Robinson’s ACE Import Intelligence tool, a self-serve digital platform built to give visibility across customs activity, no matter which broker handles the freight.

Demand for the system has soared as businesses look to cut risk, reclaim costs and respond to mounting scrutiny over tariff compliance, country-of-origin data and forced labour regulations.

Originally developed in 2022, the ACE Import Intelligence platform reflects C.H. Robinson’s view that customs data has outgrown its role as a back-office requirement.

Instead, importers are now treating it as a key source of insight, using it to flag anomalies, spot opportunities for savings and ensure customs decisions align with wider supply chain strategies.

According to Mike Short, President of Global Forwarding at C.H. Robinson, the timing could not be more appropriate: “We launched ACE Import Intelligence because we saw a growing need for visibility across broker networks, better compliance oversight and smarter use of customs data, and the current market environment has only accelerated that.

“Importers are looking for smarter ways to identify risk, reclaim costs, and gain more control, and this tool has a proven track record for delivering this directly into their hands.”

From backroom to boardroom

Since going live, the ACE platform has processed more than three million lines of customs entry data.

It aggregates all import records, regardless of who files them, into a single dashboard. This lets importers track entry details, identify trends in broker activity, flag shifts in sourcing patterns and compare declared values or duties across time.

With enforcement tightening, importers are keen to use this level of detail to pinpoint missed opportunities under trade agreements like the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). For example, the tool can highlight where incorrect declarations may be leading to overpaid duties or where Free Trade Agreement claims need to be corrected.

“This surge in demand speaks to how importers are evolving,” adds Mike.

“Many are using the platform to identify discrepancies in Free Trade Agreement applications like USMCA—helping them uncover missed duty savings or correct inaccurate claims.

"Additionally, the ability to flag unexpected changes—like new brokers or manufacturers—early in the process has enabled customers to prevent costly compliance issues before they arise. It’s giving them the clarity and control they need to manage risk, protect margins and adapt quickly.”

In a trade climate marked by uncertainty, that control is increasingly valuable.

Tariff exposure in focus

Alongside ACE Import Intelligence, C.H. Robinson has launched the US Tariff Impact Analysis tool. This adds another layer of supply chain insight, allowing shippers to examine tariff exposure in real time and at the SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) level.

With US trade actions, including Section 301 and 232 duties, constantly evolving, the platform helps importers avoid being blindsided by new charges.

Available through C.H. Robinson’s global shipper platform, the tariff tool lets businesses track historical and projected duty costs, assess exposure by product type or origin and model the impact of shifting sourcing decisions. It also breaks down what tariffs have been applied and whether multiple duties affect a single item.

“This tool makes navigating trade complexity faster and more effective,” says Mike. “Whether they’re looking to reroute freight, consolidate entries, or rethink supplier relationships, we give shippers the insights to act decisively and stay ahead.”

A standout use case includes national retailers using the tool to compare tariff costs across suppliers or production countries and reroute supply to reduce landed costs.

Shippers can also use it to track which tariffs are in play – by name rather than just code – and assess how those change across different ports or business units. With daily data updates, the tool is built to keep pace with a trade policy environment where shifts can happen overnight.

Customs strategy and sourcing resilience

C.H. Robinson’s customs tools do not exist in isolation. The ACE Import Intelligence and Tariff Impact Analysis platforms are part of a connected suite that also includes US Customs Analytics and Sourcing Analysis.

Together, these platforms support compliance, sourcing strategy and cost reduction. Customs Analytics offers deep SKU-level tariff analysis, while Sourcing Analysis lets importers identify alternative supply routes based on cost, performance or risk.

According to a 2025 customer study by C.H. Robinson, 83% of respondents believe removing cost from supply chains is critical to success this year. This drives further interest in tools that not only show where duty costs lie but also suggest where supply can shift to gain margin advantage.

“The combination of these tools gives shippers an unmatched view into their supply chains so they can optimise sourcing and customs strategies on the fly and meaningfully reduce landed costs,” says Mike.

“With rapid changes in tariff and trade policies causing uncertainty for customers, our team is working hard to bring clarity wherever possible."

Mike is clear about the aim: helping customers stay ahead of the trade curve and use data to make better calls in real time.