C.H. Robinson has introduced a new AI-powered agent designed to help shippers adapt to the upcoming overhaul of the National Motor Freight Classification system for less-than-truckload freight.
The proprietary AI agent automates the classification of freight, a task historically prone to error and delay, by accurately identifying the correct freight class and code for each shipment.
This is especially vital as the revised NMFC system is set to take effect on July 19, bringing significant changes to how LTL shipments are categorized and priced.
Arun Rajan, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer noted that this AI ecosystem now includes more than 30 specialized agents performing complex logistics tasks that were previously difficult to automate.
Given the shared nature of LTL freight, proper classification is critical for planning truck space and calculating costs.
However, many shippers are unsure of the correct freight class, especially when submitting orders via email. According to Greg West, Vice President for LTL, this issue is expected to escalate as the new classification system is adopted.
To address this, the AI agent not only determines the proper classification but also assists another agent in converting emailed tenders into accurate orders within the system.
The new technology significantly reduces the risk of misclassified freight, which often leads to inspection delays, invoice adjustments, and additional charges. Since its introduction, the AI agent has boosted LTL automation levels and improved service speed across C.H. Robinson’s network.
Greg West also highlighted that thanks to the AI agent, over 75% of all LTL orders are automated.
In just its first few months, the AI agent has classified freight for around 2,000 shipments daily. What previously took a human over 10 minutes per shipment can now be accomplished in as little as three seconds by the AI, once trained. Overall, this automation is saving more than 300 hours of manual processing per day.
