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GAIN CONSULTING

C.H. Robinson’s AI Agent Revolutionizes LTL Freight Classification

  • Kelsea Ansfield
  • Jun 20
  • 4 min read

At Gain Consulting, we empower U.S. shippers to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving logistics landscape. On June 19, 2025, DC Velocity reported that C.H. Robinson, North America’s largest third-party logistics (3PL) provider, launched an AI agent to automate less-than-truckload (LTL) freight classification, addressing the upcoming National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) overhaul effective July 19, 2025. This innovative tool is transforming LTL operations, and this blog post explores its implications for U.S. shippers, offering strategies to leverage this technology for efficiency and cost savings in 2025.


Understanding C.H. Robinson’s AI Agent for Freight Classification

The NMFC overhaul shifts LTL classification from commodity-based to density-based, requiring precise weight and dimension data, and consolidates over 2,000 commodity listings into fewer categories. C.H. Robinson’s AI agent streamlines compliance with these changes. Key details include:

  • AI Capabilities: The AI agent automates freight classification for emailed LTL tenders, processing 2,000 orders daily. It determines freight class and code in 10 seconds for new shipments and 3 seconds after training, compared to 10+ minutes manually, saving over 300 hours daily.

  • Impact on SMBs: Small-to-medium businesses (SMBs), heavy users of email for LTL orders, benefit most. Automation has increased from 50% to 75% of C.H. Robinson’s LTL orders, reducing errors and delays.

  • Expert Insight: “Manually looking up or confirming the freight class and code for every emailed LTL tender can easily take a person 10 minutes or more per shipment,” said Arun Rajan, C.H. Robinson’s Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer.

  • Preparation for NMFC Changes: The AI applies new NMFC codes starting July 19, ensuring seamless transitions. C.H. Robinson partners with dimensioner vendors to offer discounted measuring equipment for accurate data.

Key Takeaway: C.H. Robinson’s AI agent automates LTL freight classification, slashing processing time and preparing shippers for the NMFC overhaul, particularly benefiting SMBs.


Contextual Factors Driving AI Adoption in LTL

Several trends amplify the significance of C.H. Robinson’s AI agent for U.S. shippers:

  1. NMFC Overhaul Complexity: The shift to density-based classification and fewer commodity listings increases the risk of misclassification, which can lead to carrier inspections, reinvoicing, and higher costs (Supply Chain Management Review, June 19, 2025).

  2. SMB Reliance on Email: SMBs, which account for 60% of U.S. LTL shipments (DAT One, June 2025), often lack integrated TMS platforms, making manual email processing a bottleneck.

  3. Freight Market Challenges: The 5.4% LTL PPI increase in May 2025 (Trucking Dive, June 16, 2025) and a lingering freight recession (FreightWaves, June 2025) pressure shippers to optimize costs and efficiency.

  4. AI Adoption Trends: 40.8% of fleet professionals are moderately familiar with AI tools, but only 10.7% use them extensively, citing integration complexity and data security concerns (EVAI Survey, May 2025). C.H. Robinson’s scalable AI sets a benchmark.

  5. Labor Efficiency: With labor shortages impacting logistics (BLS, May 2025), automation frees staff for strategic tasks like disruption management.

Key Takeaway: The NMFC overhaul, SMB email reliance, market pressures, and labor constraints drive the need for AI-driven solutions like C.H. Robinson’s agent.


Implications for U.S. Shippers

C.H. Robinson’s AI agent and the NMFC overhaul present both challenges and opportunities for U.S. shippers:

  1. Reduced Processing Time: Automating classification cuts tender processing from 10+ minutes to 3-10 seconds, speeding up freight movement and improving speed-to-market.

  2. Cost Savings: Fewer misclassifications reduce carrier reinspections and unexpected charges, critical as 68% of consumers demand low-cost shipping (FedEx 2025 E-Commerce Trends Report).

  3. SMB Empowerment: SMBs gain access to enterprise-level automation, leveling the playing field against larger shippers with integrated systems.

  4. Compliance Risks: Inaccurate weight or dimension data could lead to NMFC non-compliance, causing delays or penalties (FreightWaves, June 19, 2025).

  5. Technology Investment Needs: Shippers must invest in accurate dimensioning tools or TMS upgrades to maximize AI benefits, adding upfront costs.

Key Takeaway: Shippers gain efficiency and cost savings from AI-driven classification but must ensure accurate data and invest in technology to stay compliant.


Strategic Recommendations for U.S. Shippers

To leverage C.H. Robinson’s AI agent and navigate the NMFC overhaul, Gain Consulting recommends the following strategies for U.S. shippers in 2025:

  1. Adopt Dimensioning Technology:

    • Invest in dimensioner equipment through C.H. Robinson’s vendor discounts to ensure accurate weight and dimension data, critical for NMFC compliance.

    • Use tools like FreightSideKick to validate shipment measurements before tendering.

  2. Integrate with C.H. Robinson’s Platform:

    • Transition from email to C.H. Robinson’s Navisphere platform or direct TMS integrations for instant automation, reducing reliance on manual processes.

    • Partner with Gain Consulting to implement seamless integrations with platforms like TransImpact.

  3. Enhance Data Accuracy:

    • Train staff on NMFC density-based rules and conduct audits to ensure tender accuracy, minimizing reclassification risks.

    • Use AI-driven analytics to monitor shipment data quality, inspired by Amazon’s optimization tools (24/7 Staff, June 2025).

  4. Leverage 3PL Expertise:

    • Collaborate with C.H. Robinson or Gain Consulting to access AI-driven classification and LTL expertise, especially for SMBs without in-house resources.

    • Outsource LTL management to optimize costs during the NMFC transition.

  5. Monitor NMFC Updates:

    • Stay informed on NMFC changes via Supply Chain Management Review or C.H. Robinson’s resources to prepare for July 19, 2025.

    • Join industry webinars, like those hosted by NMFTA, to understand new classifications.

  6. Optimize LTL Operations:

    • Consolidate shipments to maximize density and lower freight classes, reducing costs under the new NMFC system.

    • Use Gain Consulting’s LTL optimization services to identify savings opportunities.

  7. Prepare for Peak Season:

    • Secure LTL capacity early for Q4 2025, as NMFC changes may strain carrier networks (DAT One, June 2025).

    • Negotiate volume discounts with C.H. Robinson to offset potential cost increases.

Key Takeaway: Shippers can capitalize on C.H. Robinson’s AI agent by adopting dimensioning tools, integrating platforms, ensuring data accuracy, leveraging 3PL expertise, monitoring NMFC updates, optimizing operations, and preparing for peak seasons.


C.H. Robinson’s AI agent, launched ahead of the July 19, 2025, NMFC overhaul, marks a leap in LTL efficiency, saving 300+ hours daily and empowering SMBs. By adopting strategic solutions, U.S. shippers can turn this disruption into a competitive advantage.


Contact Gain Consulting today to optimize your LTL operations and thrive in the new freight classification era.


Sources: DC Velocity, “C.H. Robinson Unveils AI Agent for LTL Freight Classification Overhaul,” June 19, 2025; Supply Chain Management Review, “C.H. Robinson Rolls Out AI Agent,” June 19, 2025; FreightWaves, “C.H. Robinson Uses AI for LTL Freight,” June 19, 2025; FedEx 2025 E-Commerce Trends Report, February 18, 2025; DAT One, Freight Market Trends, June 2025.

 
 
 

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