Economists initially suspected that the wave of inflation experienced by manufacturers in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic was driven by relatively short-term supply chain disruptions that would self-resolve. However, data is now emerging to support the view that these dislocations were more persistent than first thought and that they contributed to sustained inflation through late 2022.

As supply-chain tailwinds and concerns related to rebound demand and price inflation subside, SPARXiQ CEO David Bauders says a frank assessment of one's company, market position and growth is needed in the new calendar year. Bauders suggests the Profit Diamond framework to help companies measure and analyze performance and implement a Profit Flywheel mentality for forward-thinking.

Englewood, Colo.-based distributor Kodiak Building Partners announced its first expansion of 2024, acquiring construction supplies distributor Gross-Yowell of Waco, Tx. In business since 1946, Gross Yowell will continue operations under its brand name, said Kodiak, which has completed 40-plus acquisitions since its 2011 founding.

The trucking industry added 3,300 jobs in December to just under 1.6 million, according on seasonally adjusted data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, which marks two solid months of gains but falls well below January 2023's total of 1,611,400. The warehouse sector marked 16 of 17 months in decline in December, with the loss of 4,900 jobs to just over 1.8 million, down 82,200 from December 2022.

Leading economists are urging distributors to take a thoughtful approach to pricing strategies in the face of inflation while leveraging automation and other advanced technologies as they become available. Acting now before the next financial crisis hits is critical, says Intuilize CEO Nelson Valderrama, adding a wholesale distributor's success largely depends on how it can gather and utilize the nuances from its data.

The air cargo industry experienced a period of rebalancing in 2023 after the pandemic-induced demand surge in recent years, but 2024 should offer new opportunities as long-term plans come to fruition. The introduction of new Boeing and Airbus conversions will help meet the demand for retiring freighter aircraft and cargo carriers are expected to advance last-mile and middle-mile drone delivery operations.

This year, 77% of marketers in an Ascend2 study will probably increase spending on artificial intelligence. AI helps 38% with personalization and 34% with ad optimization, 57% say its primary benefit is increased efficiency, and 45% report that they need more expertise to use the technology well.

Interest-rate cuts will be possible if inflation continues to decline toward the Federal Reserve's 2% target, Fed Governor Michelle Bowman says. "Should inflation continue to fall closer to our 2% goal over time, it will eventually become appropriate to begin the process of lowering our policy rate to prevent policy from becoming overly restrictive," Bowman says. However, Bowman says "we are not yet at that point."

Part-time employees are increasingly important to employers, and many organizations are offering better compensation and benefits like health insurance to recruit and retain these workers. The idea is that if organizations improve support for these workers, it could have a positive impact on the remainder of the workforce.

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