Odd Lots The Scramble Is On for Businesses to Get Their Tariff Refund Checks
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Feb 27, 2026 
Ryan Petersen, founder and CEO of Flexport, a leader in freight forwarding and customs brokerage. He breaks down the rush for tariff refund claims and the booming secondary market where claims trade for fractions of value. Conversations cover who can claim refunds, how companies rerouted supply chains to dodge tariffs, and the mechanics of filing and valuing refunds. Practical, fast-moving global trade drama.
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Tracy Paid A Tariff In Cash At Her Door
- Tracy recounted paying a tariff bill in cash to a postal delivery person at her door, illustrating how consumers can feel they directly paid tariffs.
- Ryan and Joe reacted that carriers or brokers often act as importer of record, explaining why consumers may not get direct refunds.
Refunds Are Likely And Could Come Fast
- Refunds are very likely because DOJ previously told the appellate court it would issue refunds if the government lost, and trade lawyers express near-certainty.
- The Supreme Court sent the case back to the Court of International Trade, which must rule within 30 days starting Feb 20, speeding resolution.
Importer Of Record Gets The Refund Not Always The Shopper
- The legal importer of record—not always the end consumer—pays tariffs and legally receives refunds; for small parcels carriers like FedEx often act as importer of record.
- That explains why FedEx sued for refunds and why consumers who paid cash at delivery may not directly receive refunds.