C.H. Robinson Internship 2027–2028: Programs, Deadlines & How to Apply

Last updated: September 2026

C.H. Robinson is the company that figured out how to move freight without owning a single truck. Founded in 1905 in Grand Forks, North Dakota, C.H. Robinson (NASDAQ: CHRW) has grown into the world's largest third-party logistics provider, generating $16.2 billion in revenue with a network of over 100,000 contracted carriers. The company connects shippers with carriers across truckload, LTL, air, ocean, and intermodal transportation, operating what it calls "Lean AI supply chains" powered by its proprietary Navisphere technology platform. With roughly 12,800 employees across 130+ offices in North America and operations in 40+ countries, C.H. Robinson has been recognized as a Forbes America's Best Employer (2026), a Fortune World's Most Admired Company, and a Fast Company Most Innovative Company. Summer 2027 internship postings are already live in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

Quick Facts

The key numbers: Summer 2027 postings are live in Eden Prairie, MN with 12–14 week programs and an average pay of ~$21/hr. Rolling admissions through Workday. Apply now for carrier sales, account management, or software engineering tracks.

Externships are short, remote professional experience programs where you finish a real project with a real company. The Amazon Operations Strategy & People Analytics Externship builds the supply chain fluency C.H. Robinson values, while the Pfizer AI-Powered Document Intelligence Externship develops the AI and data skills the Navisphere platform demands. Explore all Externships.

What Is a C.H. Robinson Internship?

A C.H. Robinson internship is a 12-to-14-week paid placement at the world's largest third-party logistics provider, integrating students into actual teams that connect shippers with carriers across the global freight network. The early careers program offers tracks in carrier sales (Capacity Portfolio Representative), customer account management (Associate Portfolio Executive), software engineering, operations, global forwarding, and corporate services. Interns learn the proprietary Navisphere platform, build relationships with customers and carriers, and gain exposure to the technology-driven logistics industry. Tucker, an intern in Minnesota, said the culture "exceeded my expectations" and that "from day one we as interns were met with an overwhelming amount of support from staff," while Leah, an intern in Illinois, described "truly making a difference" through her work.

When Do C.H. Robinson Internship Applications Open for 2027–2028?

C.H. Robinson posted Summer 2027 U.S. internships in mid-September 2026, primarily at the Eden Prairie, Minnesota headquarters. The company uses rolling admissions through its Workday ATS, with timelines varying by role and region. The early careers FAQ states that U.S. internships typically last 12 to 14 weeks, with start and end dates adjusted by role. For carrier sales and account management tracks, be prepared for a fast-paced, phone-intensive environment. For software engineering, expect a hybrid work arrangement with technical project work. Additional operations and corporate function postings are expected through fall 2026.

How to read this page: our dates come from tracking previous recruiting cycles and daily posting data. Treat them as informed estimates based on historical patterns, not confirmed dates. The company's official careers page is always the most current source. If a role is posted there, go by that, even if this page suggests the window hasn't opened yet.

Why You Must Apply the Week Applications Open

C.H. Robinson uses rolling admissions, and the company's strong brand in logistics (Forbes Best Employer, Fortune Most Admired) attracts a competitive applicant pool. With three Summer 2027 postings already live and additional tracks expected, the carrier sales and account management seats fill fastest because they represent the company's core business. The sales-oriented culture means C.H. Robinson values candidates who demonstrate drive and enthusiasm early in the process. Reddit users consistently describe the application as straightforward but note that the experience varies significantly by office and manager, with Eden Prairie (HQ) generally receiving the most positive reviews. Apply within the first two weeks of a posting appearing, especially for the carrier sales track where seats are most limited.

Which C.H. Robinson Internship Programs Should You Target?

C.H. Robinson offers internship tracks spanning the full freight brokerage value chain, from carrier sales to technology development.

C.H. Robinson also offers apprenticeships in European offices and recent graduate programs with no prior experience required. Visit chrobinson.com early careers for the full global slate.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements?

C.H. Robinson seeks driven, communicative candidates who can thrive in a fast-paced logistics environment:

• Enrollment: currently enrolled undergraduate, with juniors and seniors preferred.

• Degree focus: business, sales, marketing, supply chain, communications, or related major for sales/operations tracks; computer science or software engineering for technology tracks.

• GPA: not explicitly stated in job postings or on the careers page.

• Work authorization: varies by internship. The FAQ states to review individual postings for details. This is a more flexible stance than many employers.

• Key skills: excellent communication, ability to multitask, relationship building, high attention to detail, team player.

Is the C.H. Robinson Internship Mostly Cold Calling?

For carrier sales and account management tracks, phone work is a significant component. Interns in the Capacity Portfolio Representative role make dozens of calls daily to source truckload capacity. However, the role also involves data analysis through Navisphere, relationship building with carriers, cross-functional collaboration, and learning the freight market. The Software Engineering track is entirely different: code-focused with hybrid work and technical projects. Students who prefer technology over sales should apply specifically for the engineering track.

What Skills Does C.H. Robinson Look For, and How Do You Build Them?

C.H. Robinson operates at the intersection of sales, technology, and global logistics, and its intern hiring reflects that identity. The company's Navisphere platform processes millions of shipments, and its Lean AI initiative applies machine learning to pricing, carrier matching, and demand forecasting. For carrier sales interns, the core skills are phone work, negotiation, and relationship management. For technology interns, the skills are programming, data science, and platform engineering. The common thread is comfort with pace, data, and complexity.

How Is Demand for Logistics & Supply Chain Interns Moving Right Now?

Build These Skills Before You Apply

And every skill in the chart maps to a remote Externship where you finish a real company project before the window opens.

The Amazon Operations deliverable covers supply chain planning at scale, the Pfizer AI project builds the machine learning skills Navisphere demands, and the Yinan Zhao externship develops the financial analysis skills account management interns use to optimize freight spend.

What Is the C.H. Robinson Application and Interview Process Like?

C.H. Robinson's interview process reflects its fast-paced, results-oriented culture:

1. Create a Workday account. Register at chrobinson.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/CHRobinson to apply, track your application, and set up job alerts for new intern postings.

2. Submit your application. Upload your resume and complete the application through Workday. Search for "Intern" and filter by United States.

3. Recruiter phone screen. Initial call with a recruiter covering your background, interest in logistics, and role-specific fit. For software engineering, expect technical discussion.

4. Hiring manager interview. Behavioral and role-specific questions. For sales tracks, demonstrate comfort with cold calling and high-volume phone work. Show that you can multitask, handle rejection, and build relationships.

5. Receive your offer. Rolling offers as positions fill. The company recommends applying early for the strongest selection.

C.H. Robinson values driven, enthusiastic, and highly motivated candidates. Reddit users describe the process as straightforward, with Indeed interns rating interview difficulty as moderate. Prepare STAR stories about multitasking, persistence, and customer focus. Our HireVue question guide with a free AI mock tool covers the same behavioral format.

What Students on Reddit Say

C.H. Robinson has an active Reddit presence across logistics, sales, and supply chain communities, providing genuine insight into the intern experience.

How Do You Stand Out at the World's Largest 3PL?

Three moves, all executable before fall 2026. First, learn the Navisphere platform. C.H. Robinson's proprietary supply chain platform is central to everything the company does. Research what Navisphere does (global transportation management, shipment visibility, AI-powered pricing) and mention it by name in your interview. Second, understand the asset-light model. C.H. Robinson does not own trucks; its value is in connecting shippers with carriers efficiently through technology and relationships. Explain why this model creates advantages in flexibility and scalability. Third, prepare for a sales-oriented interview. For carrier sales and account management tracks, demonstrate comfort with cold calling, negotiation, and high-volume phone work. Share examples of persistence, resilience, and building relationships under pressure. The company explicitly values driven, enthusiastic candidates.

What Other Companies Should You Consider?

C.H. Robinson's peer set spans freight brokerages and logistics companies competing for supply chain, sales, and technology intern talent.

Our supply chain internships guide maps the full landscape of logistics and freight brokerage opportunities, timeline by timeline.

FAQ

When should I apply for a C.H. Robinson Summer 2027 internship?

Apply now. C.H. Robinson posted Summer 2027 internships in September 2026, including Capacity Portfolio Representative, Associate Portfolio Executive, and Software Engineering roles in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Rolling admissions through Workday means positions fill as qualified candidates are found.

How much do C.H. Robinson interns earn?

Indeed reports an average intern hourly rate of $21.35 based on five salary reports, with a realistic U.S. range of $14 to $32 per hour depending on role and location. The Minnesota headquarters rate averages $21.35 per hour, competitive with other major freight brokerages.

How long is a C.H. Robinson internship?

U.S. internships typically last 12 to 14 weeks. Global internships may last up to six months. Start and end dates vary by role and region, and your recruiter will provide specific details during the application process.

What does a C.H. Robinson intern actually do?

Most interns work alongside industry professionals learning freight brokerage operations. Carrier sales interns cold call carriers to source truckload capacity, negotiate rates, and book loads through the Navisphere platform. Account management interns support customer logistics needs. Software engineering interns work on technology projects in a hybrid arrangement.

Can international students apply for C.H. Robinson internships?

Visa requirements vary by internship. The careers FAQ states to review individual job postings for details, and your recruiter will provide further guidance. This is a more flexible stance than many employers, though U.S. postings may still require work authorization.

Is the C.H. Robinson internship only cold calling?

For carrier sales and account management tracks, phone work is a major component with dozens of calls daily. However, the role also involves data analysis through Navisphere, relationship building, cross-functional collaboration, and learning the freight market. The Software Engineering track is entirely code-focused with hybrid work.

What is the C.H. Robinson interview process?

Expect a phone screen with a recruiter followed by a behavioral interview with the hiring manager. For sales roles, demonstrate comfort with cold calling and high-volume phone work. For software engineering, expect technical questions about programming and problem-solving. The company values communication, multitasking, and enthusiasm.

Does C.H. Robinson hire interns full-time after the program?

C.H. Robinson does not publish official conversion rates, but the careers page features named testimonials from former interns who converted to full-time roles. The company also operates a recent graduate hiring track with no prior experience required, indicating a clear pipeline from intern to employee.

C.H. Robinson is a 120-year-old Fortune 200 company at the leading edge of AI-powered logistics. Spend the runway building proof: a remote Externship turns interest in supply chain or freight technology into a finished project a fall 2026 application can point at.