How C&M Customs & Forwarding completes more customs work with less manual entry
Challenge
A large part of each day was spent re-keying data from commercial invoices and packing lists, checking documents and preparing import declarations. As the business grew, manual administration constrained productivity and increased the risk of errors.
Solution
Clear.ai extracts information from supplier documents and standardises routine customs workflows, allowing the team to review and validate data instead of re-entering it.
Manual data entry was taking customs brokers away from higher-value work.
For more than 20 years, C&M Customs & Forwarding has helped Australian importers and exporters navigate international trade. Its seven-person operational team manages customs clearance, freight forwarding across air, sea, rail and road, quarantine and biosecurity advice, customs audits and trade consultancy.
Customs work depends on accurate information, but too much of C&M's day was spent moving that information by hand. Commercial invoices and packing lists had to be read, checked and entered before import declarations could move forward.
The existing customs software performed the required functions, yet many steps around it still relied on manual input. That reduced efficiency, created more opportunities for error and kept experienced brokers occupied with paperwork rather than judgement-heavy work.
As the business continued to grow, adding more work to the same manual process was not sustainable. C&M needed to streamline repetitive administration so its team could process more jobs while spending more time assisting clients.
Benefits & delivered ROI
Clear.ai is already delivering productivity and service benefits across C&M's customs operations. The team completes more work in less time, maintains a high level of accuracy and gives clients faster turnaround without compromising service quality.
01
More work in less time
Streamlined documentation helps the seven-person team complete more customs work with the capacity it already has.
02
Less manual data entry
Supplier information is extracted for review and validation instead of being repeatedly re-keyed.
03
More throughput, same accuracy
The team can increase throughput while preserving the high level of accuracy customs work demands.
04
Faster client turnaround
More efficient processing gives clients a faster response without compromising service quality.
A better customs workflow without replacing the core system.
C&M evaluated several software options. Clear.ai stood out for its modern approach to customs brokerage: AI-driven document processing, automated data extraction and a clear focus on reducing manual administration.
The goal was not simply to replace the customs software the team already relied on. It was to improve the way work moved around that system by removing repetitive steps and making information easier to review.
Clear.ai now extracts information from supplier documents more efficiently. Instead of re-keying every field, C&M's team can review and validate the data before it moves into the declaration workflow.
That shift has improved visibility and helped standardise routine processes, giving the team a more consistent way to manage documentation and prepare import declarations.
“The biggest benefit has been the increase in productivity across our operations. By reducing manual processing and streamlining documentation, our team can complete more work in less time while maintaining a high level of accuracy.”
The team moved from re-keying information to acting on it.
Reducing manual entry changed more than document processing. It changed where experienced customs staff could spend their attention throughout the day.
Review over re-keying
Clear.ai extracts supplier data so staff can validate information, resolve issues and protect accuracy instead of repeatedly entering the same details.
Clients over paperwork
With routine administration reduced, the team has more time for client communication and the exceptions that require customs expertise.
An early customer helped shape a platform built for customs.
C&M describes its experience with the Clear.ai team as outstanding. From implementation through ongoing support, the team has been responsive, knowledgeable and committed to the practical needs of customs brokers and freight forwarders.
As an early customer, C&M has been able to provide feedback throughout the platform's development. That feedback has been heard and incorporated into new features and improvements.
The relationship has been collaborative rather than transactional. Clear.ai has continued refining the platform alongside C&M, giving the business confidence that the product will evolve with its operation and the changing requirements of the customs industry.
Daniel recommends Clear.ai to customs brokers and freight forwarders looking to modernise operations and reduce manual administration. For C&M, the combination of practical tools and responsive support has made Clear.ai a positive investment.