Editor's note: this Spotlight was first sent to members on September 10, 2026. We're republishing it on acwi.org so the full archive is in one place.
HELLO SEPTEMBER
Dear Members,
Welcome September. Our team is heading into fall with a full schedule.
E-commerce and fulfillment continues to grow over 20% per year and is becoming more and more of our members' business.
Jose is continuing his successful work developing business leads and opportunities for our members with AI technology.
Bailey and Sofia are growing our presence through our website updates and our digital media platforms.
We are beginning members podcast this month after a recommendation from one of our members on our quarterly members conference call.
Our membership is growing, providing more resources for our marketing efforts.
Please reach out to us with any specific needs we can provide for your business.
Thank you for your support of ACWI.
Best regards,
Chris
Save the date: We are proposing Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 4:00 PM Eastern for our next quarterly members conference call. Please let us know if you have any major conflicts with that date.
Zach and I will be covering the following events:
- Americas Food & Beverage Show & Conference (30th Anniversary) — September 16–18, 2026, Miami Beach Convention Center
- PARCEL Forum '26 Orlando — September 14–16, 2026, Gaylord Palms Resort
HUMANOID ROBOTS DRAW INTEREST, BUT LOGISTICS LEADERS REMAIN SKEPTICAL
Humanoid robots are gaining attention in logistics, but adoption remains limited. While companies see potential for picking, packing, assembly, and truck loading, concerns around cost, integration, and proven ROI continue to slow investment.
Source: Talking Logistics — Humanoid Robots in Logistics: Early Curiosity, Lingering Skepticism
BUILDING THE AI-ENABLED ENTERPRISE
AI is shifting from isolated tools to a core part of how organizations operate. Successful companies are redesigning workflows around AI, connecting it with enterprise data and systems, and preparing employees to work alongside intelligent tools. The biggest gains will come from organizations that combine strong data foundations, workforce readiness, governance, and continuous experimentation to improve efficiency and decision-making at scale.
Source: The AI-Enabled Enterprise, August 2026 White Paper
THE HIDDEN COST OF LOW-COST FREIGHT BROKERAGE
Freight brokerage's focus on lower rates and automation may be creating costly risks for shippers. Research found frequent carrier failures, major visibility gaps, and strong dissatisfaction with carrier networks, especially for high-stakes freight. Shippers increasingly value a hybrid approach that combines technology with dedicated human oversight, accountability, and proactive problem-solving.
Source: FreightWaves Research & Werner — High-Stakes Freight Brokerage: Risk and Accountability
B2B MARKETING MUST ADAPT TO A NEW BUYER
B2B buyers are increasingly digital-first, independent, and influenced by complex buying networks, forcing marketers to rethink traditional strategies. Forrester recommends stronger alignment between marketing, sales, and product, greater personalization and use of data and AI, and a continued focus on delivering value throughout the customer relationship.
Source: Forrester
E-COMMERCE SHOPPERS EXPECT MORE THAN LOW PRICES
Ryder's 2026 study shows consumers increasingly prioritize speed, convenience, flexibility, and seamless omnichannel experiences alongside price. AI is also reshaping shopping, with 64% using AI-assisted tools, while expectations for 1–2 day delivery are at a four-year high. Retailers that provide fast fulfillment, flexible pickup and returns, and connected online/in-store experiences are better positioned to earn customer loyalty.
Source: Ryder 2026 E-Commerce Consumer Study
TRANSPORTATION & WAREHOUSING EMPLOYMENT REVISED HIGHER
New BLS estimates show the transportation and warehousing sector had 135,100 more workers in March 2026 than previously estimated, a 2% upward revision. The adjustment suggests employment in the sector has been stronger than earlier data indicated, although it remains unclear which subsectors drove the increase.
Source: FreightWaves — BLS: more transportation/warehousing workers than believed
SPOTLIGHT MEMBER: PRISM LOGISTICS
Our member Prism Logistics is a 30-plus-year, multi-generational family-owned business based in Northern California. Service excellence, continuous improvement, ethical leadership, and giving back are core to this growing 3PL organization.
Specialists in beverage, food, and consumer products, their quality organization is backed with AIB, FDA, ISO 9001:2015, SQF, TQMS, USDA Organic certifications, and more.
Prism Logistics continually invests in technology, processes, people, and facilities to optimize their business for their customers. Providing a complete platform of services — warehousing, distribution, transportation, packaging, and value-added services — makes Prism Logistics the premier provider in Northern California.
Visit prismlogistics.com or the Prism member profile.
DOWNLOAD THE FULL SPOTLIGHT
Prefer the original layout? Download the September 2026 Spotlight PDF.