US consumer price index data for May showed both headline and core CPI rising just 0.1% from April, below economists' expectations, as tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump have yet to significantly affect inflation. Core inflation remained at 2.8% year over year, the lowest since early 2021, with declines in airfares, cars and clothing contributing.

Businesses are modifying or dropping free shipping policies to manage increased tariff costs. Consumers have largely come to expect free shipping for many purchases, with Satish Jindel, president of package-shipping data analysis firm ShipMatrix, saying the absence of free shipping is among the top reasons customers abandon carts. However, some companies are willing to test customer responses, with some raising their free shipping threshold and others opting to establish loyalty programs for free shipping.

B2B buyers of industrial supplies are increasingly turning to digital commerce, with 65% buying online this year, up from 45% in 2018, according to Channel Marketing Group and BigCommerce. The research notes that just over 65% of buyers say online purchases are easy and 60% report that it saves them time.

Logistics costs have continued to rise in 2025, with US logistics spending reaching $2.58 trillion -- a $130 billion increase from the previous year. Ocean shipping costs nearly doubled due to Asia-US rate hikes, while airfreight costs surged by 11% on the back of ecommerce demand. "Today's logistics leaders are operating in a world of rapid shifts and persistent uncertainty -- a true fog of global commerce. As the fog thickens, the logistics industry must move beyond short-term fixes ... resilience -- not as a luxury, but as a strategic imperative," CSCMP CEO Mark Baxa said.

ERM has outlined a dual strategy for businesses to manage supply chain disruptions from tariffs in the short and long term. Short-term tactics include front-loading inventory to secure goods, renegotiating contracts or sharing tariff-related costs with suppliers and diversifying sourcing to countries outside the tariff's scope. Long-term resilience can be achieved through circular supply chains that minimize waste and reduce reliance on raw materials.

LinkedIn's "B2B Marketing Benchmark: The Influence Report" emphasizes the importance of trust in B2B branding, with just over 93% of marketers citing it as crucial. The report highlights customer recommendations as a key driver of purchase decisions and offers tips for building brand recognition and trust.

Recent college graduates face a challenging job market, with headwinds such as AI and trade-linked hiring freezes weighing on their prospects. Competition for entry-level roles is fierce, with companies scaling back on hiring plans, particularly in fields like finance and technology. Graduates report sending numerous applications with little response, and the unemployment rate for degree holders ages 22 to 27 has reached 5.8%.

Employee loyalty is crucial in global logistics due to the industry's demanding nature. Companies can enhance loyalty by creating a positive workplace culture by celebrating achievements with personalized congratulatory and appreciative cards, providing financial incentives like a wellness stipend or contributing to retirement funds for high achievers. Such efforts help employees from diverse backgrounds feel acknowledged and valued, enhancing workplace satisfaction and encouraging long-term commitment to the organization.

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.

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