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Demand Surges for CH Robinson’s ACE Import Tool

[ August 15, 2025   //   ]

Global logistics service provider C.H. Robinson reported a surge in demand for its ACE Import Intelligence tool, a proprietary self-serve compliance platform that gives importers greater visibility and control over their customs data.

Originally developed three years ago with foresight into evolving trade conditions, the Automated Commercial Environment tool, or ACE, is proving to be an essential resource for importers across the country, regardless of whether they move freight with C.H. Robinson.

As global trade grows more complex, with shifting tariffs and heightened regulatory enforcement, U.S. importers are turning to reliable digital tools to maintain compliance and reduce risk.

“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,” said Mike Short, president of global forwarding at C.H. Robinson. “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.”

Since its launch in 2022, ACE Import Intelligence (https://tinyurl.com/4xd3z5w6) has analyzed more than 3 million lines of customs entry data – a milestone that reflects its scale and growing value in today’s trade environment. As scrutiny intensifies around tariffs, forced labor enforcement, and country-of-origin accuracy, importers are increasingly treating customs data as a strategic asset – not just an operational necessity.

“This surge in demand speaks to how importers are evolving,” Short said. “Many are using the platform to identify discrepancies in Free Trade Agreement applications like USMCA (U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement) – 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.”

The increased demand for ACE Intelligence comes as C.H. Robinson also recently launched its new U.S. Tariff Analysis tool (https://tinyurl.com/nw3vecpb), which enables shippers to model tariff exposure in real time – down to the SKU level. Together, the two tools provide an unmatched view into both historical compliance and future-facing tariff strategy, helping importers manage every stage of the import lifecycle with precision, C.H. Robinson said.

Both tools are part of a broader suite of connected, self-serve technology – including the company’s Customs Analytics (https://tinyurl.com/d3vsa573) and Sourcing Analysis (https://tinyurl.com/ykvfer9y) – designed to help customers reduce landed costs, manage risk, and build more resilient global supply chains.

“Our mission is to simplify global trade for everyone – whether they ship with us or not,” Short said. “This is just one way we’re helping importers across the industry gain more confidence in their compliance, more insight into their operations, and more readiness for what’s ahead.”

Eden Prairie, Minnesota-based C.H. Robinson manages 37 million shipments and US$23 billion in freight annually via truckload, less-than-truckload, ocean, air, and beyond.

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