The short answer
The best Zollback alternative depends on whether you want to keep paying a share of each refund or bring drawback in-house. If you want software that you or your customs broker run on a flat license, with the same optimization-based matching Zollback promotes, Stable is the closest fit. If you want another AI-native provider that files for you, Pax AI and Caspian are the nearest options. If you want an established specialist, Charter Brokerage, Comstock & Holt, and J.M. Rodgers have run drawback programs for decades, and DutyCalc is long-established licensed software.
Key takeaways
- Zollback is an AI-native drawback company that launched publicly in March 2026. It prices on a percentage of the refund and files through its own licensed brokers.
- Stable and Zollback make the same matching argument, global optimization instead of first-in-first-out. The difference is the business model.
- Stable is a flat license that you or your broker run, so the full refund stays with the claimant and claims go out under your POA.
- Pax AI and Caspian are the closest AI-native peers. Charter, Comstock & Holt, and J.M. Rodgers are the established specialists.
Zollback alternatives compared
| Provider | Model | Pricing | Who files |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stable (DrawbackAI) | Software you or your broker run (broker white-label) | Flat license | You or your broker, under your POA |
| Zollback | AI-native filer | Percentage of the refund, tiered | Zollback (in-house licensed brokers) |
| Pax AI | AI-native licensed brokerage | Reportedly ~15% of recovered refunds (estimate) | Pax AI (own brokerage) |
| Caspian | AI-native trade advisor and filer | Not published | Caspian (licensed brokers) |
| Charter Brokerage | Full-service specialist | Commonly a share of recovery | Charter |
| Comstock & Holt | Specialist with own software | Commonly a share of recovery | Comstock & Holt |
| J.M. Rodgers | Specialist brokerage | Commonly a share of recovery | J.M. Rodgers |
| DutyCalc | Licensed drawback software | License | You or your broker |
The top Zollback alternatives
1.Stable (DrawbackAI)Our pick
Flat-license drawback software that you or your customs broker runDuty drawback software that you or your customs broker run in-house. It matches imports to exports across all valid pairings instead of first-in-first-out, including substitution on 8-digit HTS, and shows the lesser-of math and fees on every line. Brokers white-label it and file under their own filer code and POA. It is a flat license and never takes a percentage of the refund. On matching, Stable and Zollback agree. The difference is that Stable is software you own, not a service that takes a share. See Stable vs Zollback.
2.Pax AI
AI-native licensed brokerage for drawback and IEEPA refundsA licensed customs brokerage that uses AI to prepare drawback claims, with licensed brokers reviewing every claim before filing. It also offers IEEPA refund preparation and handles accelerated payment applications. Pax AI reportedly charges around 15% of recovered refunds. See Stable vs Pax AI.
3.Caspian
AI trade advisor that audits entries and files drawbackAn AI-native trade compliance and duty recovery company founded by former Flexport engineers. It audits entries before and after filing and runs drawback end to end, and its licensed customs brokers review the claims and transmit them to CBP. See Stable vs Caspian.
4.Charter Brokerage
Full-service specialist for large importersA full-service drawback specialist, part of Berkshire Hathaway, that runs recovery directly for large importers and is backed by its own drawback software, Hamilton. Fees are commonly a share of recovery. See Stable vs Charter Brokerage.
5.Comstock & Holt
Long-established specialist with its own softwareOne of the oldest U.S. drawback specialists. It runs its own software for each client and advises on complex claims and rulings. See Stable vs Comstock & Holt.
6.J.M. Rodgers
Managed drawback from a veteran specialistA long-tenured specialist drawback brokerage that files for importers as a managed service rather than self-serve software. Fees are commonly a share of recovery. See Stable vs J.M. Rodgers.
7.DutyCalc
Long-established licensed drawback softwareLicensed drawback software that importers and brokers run themselves, from a company founded in 1988. It is priced as a license rather than a share of refunds. See Stable vs DutyCalc.
Why look for a Zollback alternative?
Zollback has real strengths. It pitches optimization-based matching over first-in-first-out, uses in-house licensed customs brokers to verify each claim, and asks nothing upfront. At launch it reported more than $10 million in refunds processed. Teams look at alternatives for a few reasons:
- Cost at volume. Zollback takes a percentage of each refund, with the rate falling as the total refund grows. For recurring, high-volume programs, some teams compare that against a flat license, where the cost does not rise with recovery.
- Who owns the client. Zollback files through its own brokerage and runs a partner program for brokers and forwarders who refer drawback work. Brokers who want to keep drawback inside their own firm usually prefer software they run.
- Track record. Zollback was founded in 2024 and launched publicly in March 2026. A drawback relationship spans the five-year claim window, so some buyers weigh a longer history.
- Capacity. In its own launch post, Zollback said it was turning away new customers weekly due to capacity constraints. Check onboarding timing if you need claims filed soon.
None of these make Zollback a poor choice. They are the questions that decide fit.
The three ways to replace Zollback
Software you or your broker run (Stable, DutyCalc) keeps the work, the records, and the whole refund with the claimant. Other AI-native filers (Pax AI, Caspian) are the closest swap if you want to keep outsourcing and compare terms and scope. Full-service specialists (Charter Brokerage, Comstock & Holt, J.M. Rodgers) run the program for you with long track records, usually for a share of recovery. Pick by whether you want to own the work and the margin, or hand them off.
Where Stable fits
Stable is the in-house alternative to Zollback, built on the same matching argument: solve across all valid pairings instead of first-in-first-out, so recoverable duty and MPF are not left behind. The difference is the model. Stable is a flat license that you or your customs broker run, claims go out under your filer code and POA, and Stable never takes a percentage of the refund. Brokers can white-label it and keep the drawback book instead of referring it out. See the full Stable vs Zollback comparison.
How to choose a Zollback alternative
Use the same checklist with Zollback and every alternative:
- How are fees calculated, and at what refund levels does the rate change? Get the tiers in writing.
- Who files the claims, and under whose filer code and power of attorney?
- Does the provider run a brokerage or a referral program that touches your clients?
- How does it match imports to exports, and can it show the math on every line?
- How soon can it onboard you, and who owns the claim records if you leave?
Related
Platform modules
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Zollback?
For software you or your customs broker run on a flat license, Stable, which uses the same optimization-based matching approach. To keep outsourcing to an AI-native filer, Pax AI or Caspian. For an established specialist, Charter Brokerage, Comstock & Holt, or J.M. Rodgers.
How does Zollback charge for duty drawback?
Zollback says it charges nothing upfront and takes a percentage of the refund it recovers, with the percentage decreasing as the total refund value increases. Stable charges a flat software license and takes no percentage of the refund.
Is Stable the same as Zollback?
They share the matching argument, global optimization over first-in-first-out. They differ on model. Zollback is a service that files through its own licensed brokers for a share of the refund. Stable is flat-license software that you or your broker run under your own POA.
Who files the claims with Zollback and with Stable?
Zollback's in-house licensed customs brokers verify and file claims. With Stable, you or your customs broker file under your own filer code and power of attorney.
Is there a Zollback alternative for customs brokers who want to keep their clients?
Yes. Stable is built for brokers. It is white-label under your brand, claims file under your POA, you set your own fee with the client, and the relationship stays with your firm.
When did Zollback launch?
Zollback was founded in 2024 and announced its public launch on March 17, 2026.