Charter Brokerage Duty Drawback Alternative Faster Refunds Powered by AI

Charter Brokerage is one of the most established duty drawback providers in the U.S. with deep experience filing claims since 1994. However, like most legacy providers, its workflow relies on manual processing and matching methods that take 9–12 months per engagement. Zollback uses proprietary algorithms to evaluate all possible import-export matching combinations and AI to eliminate manual data entry — recovering 15–20% more in refunds and processing claims in 10–15 working days. Both are licensed customs brokerages with direct CBP filing authority; the core difference is technology and speed.

The 9–12 month timeline at traditional providers is driven by manual data entry, Excel-based matching, and sequential review processes. Zollback compresses this through end-to-end automation: AI instantly parses trade documents, algorithms compute optimal matches in a fraction of the time, and claims are filed electronically via certified ABI software. In-house licensed customs brokers review each claim before submission, maintaining compliance without the delays of manual workflows. The result is a 10–15 working day average from document upload to CBP filing.

Switching providers primarily involves transferring your prior import and export records so historical transactions can be evaluated for eligibility. Zollback's AI document parsing accepts data in any format — PDF, CSV, ERP export — so there is no rigid data formatting requirement. Your in-flight claims with a prior provider can typically continue to completion while new claims are initiated with Zollback. A free eligibility assessment is available before any commitment is made.

Zollback supports all major drawback types recognized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection: manufacturing drawback (imported raw materials used to produce goods that are exported), unused merchandise drawback (imported goods re-exported in the same condition), rejected merchandise drawback (defective or non-conforming imports returned abroad), and destroyed goods drawback. The platform's eligibility assessment automatically identifies which drawback types apply to your specific import-export activity.

No. Zollback operates on performance-based pricing — there are no upfront fees or retainer costs. Zollback takes a percentage of the refund actually recovered, meaning the platform is only compensated when cash reaches your account. This aligns incentives directly: Zollback earns more by recovering more, which is the foundation of the algorithmic optimization approach.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection allows recovery of up to 99% of duties paid on qualifying imported goods. The actual amount recovered depends on your specific import-export activity, drawback type, and how thoroughly eligible transactions are identified and matched. Nationally, approximately 80% of eligible drawback refunds go unclaimed each year — often because companies are unaware they qualify or because legacy providers do not surface every eligible transaction. Zollback's algorithms are designed to maximize the portion of that 99% ceiling that each company actually recovers.