Irby Utilities, a subsidiary of Sonepar USA, has acquired the software assets of Azotel Technologies, an Ireland-based specialist in service provisioning and process automation for broadband operators. The deal enhances Irby's back-office solutions, including billing, customer support and network monitoring, and it supports the company's ability to provide comprehensive solutions for broadband providers.

US manufacturers are increasing their inventory of overseas-supplied components and raw materials to lessen the impact of any tariff hikes under President-elect Donald Trump. The development risks straining supply chains as manufacturers rush to beat the tariffs and diversify their supply chains.

Employees at a pair of Amazon warehouses in New York voted to authorize strikes, demanding the company recognize their union and negotiate a contract. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters gave Amazon until Dec. 15 to set bargaining dates and no agreement has been reached. Workers are threatening to strike as the busy holiday season nears an end.

US rail traffic returned to normal levels after Thanksgiving-related fluctuations, with a 4.4% increase for the week ending Dec. 7 compared with a year ago, according to the Association of American Railroads. Carloads fell 1.8%, while intermodal volume rose 9.7%. Year-to-date, carload traffic is down 3.1%, and intermodal is up 6.8% for a gain overall of 3.3%.

Best Buy has opened a distribution center in Lancaster, Texas, and upgraded technology at a New York facility to improve order accuracy and shipping speed. The Texas center, the second in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, is 800,000 square feet and supports faster inventory replenishment and customer deliveries. The New York facility now features 20 automated forklifts, enhancing storage and reducing product handling damage.

Air cargo demand remains strong post-pandemic, with freight shipped by dedicated cargo operators up 2% and passenger airlines picking up substantial freight business. Airlines with dedicated cargo subsidiaries saw the most growth and freight-only aircraft operated by airlines like Air Canada carried 25% more cargo than before the pandemic.

Robert Rose discusses the traditional approach of eliminating friction in the B2B customer journey and suggests that this might not always be beneficial. Instead, introducing strategic friction can enhance the customer experience by allowing them to make more informed decisions. By slowing down the process intentionally, B2B marketers can help customers understand complex products and services better, ultimately leading to more confident choices.

The Digital Supply Chain Institute's TrailblazeHers 24:24 program connects senior leaders in supply chain management with emerging female professionals. Participants learn to define personal success, build professional relationships, embrace change and achieve work-life integration.

Success stories often overlook the journey from beginner to expert, but the key difference between those who succeed and those who don't is a growth mindset, Naphtali Hoff writes. "If you look at anyone who has reached the top of their field, you'll find countless hours of practice, persistence through failure and a willingness to learn from mistakes," Hoff notes.

Join us in Washington, D.C., January 27-29 for NAW's Executive Summit, bringing together the best and brightest leaders from the wholesale distribution industry. Learn more here.

Dana Perino, former White House Press Secretary, journalist and bestselling author, will share her unique insights into leadership, effective communication during times of change, and how to capitalize on a shifting political landscape. Dana brings an insider’s knowledge to her political analysis, addressing what’s on the minds of the American people and politicians with clarity and precision, leveraging a unique understanding of what organizations need to know about how the public is being affected by the current political climate.

Prioritize your organization's greatest asset — your people. NAW’s premier education programs, such as the online Management Academy and the in-depth Distribution Leadership Program at THE Ohio State University, are designed to equip your high-potential employees with the skills and insights they need to lead and succeed. Ensure your rising stars are prepared to drive your business forward by investing in their growth today. Learn more about how NAW can help you develop the leaders of tomorrow.