Memphis TN, February 18, 2026 — Businesses are navigating a landscape shaped by rapid technological change, rising customer expectations, and continued supply chain complexity. What once felt innovative and emerging has now become the operational norm.
This year, four trends truly define how businesses across industries and company sizes compete, serve customers, and manage risk.
Supply Chain Visibility and Automation
Visibility and automation are now core requirements for resilient supply chains. Businesses rely on connected systems, automation, and predictive tools to monitor shipments in real time, identify disruptions earlier, and improve decision-making.
Industry research shows that IoT-enabled sensors can detect more than 60% of potential supply chain disruptions earlier, helping organizations respond proactively rather than reactively.[1]
Why it matters: Supply chain visibility now directly impacts cost control, service reliability, and customer confidence.
B2B Expectations Mirror B2C Experiences
B2B buying behavior now closely mirrors consumer expectations. Business customers expect speed, transparency, and ease of use, including real-time tracking, clear delivery timelines, and digital self-service options.
According to industry research, 75% of B2B buyers say they would switch suppliers for a better experience, underscoring how experience now influences loyalty and purchasing decisions.[2] As a result, businesses are investing in mobile-first portals, AI-powered customer support, and personalized communications to reduce friction across every touchpoint.
Why it matters: Experience has become a primary driver of B2B loyalty and growth.
AI Adoption Is Now Table Stakes
AI is no longer experimental in 2026. Small and medium-sized businesses are embedding AI into everyday operations, from customer support and marketing to accounting, forecasting, and search visibility.
Research shows that eight in ten small business owners credit AI and technology with helping them navigate inflation, supply chain challenges, and access to capital.[3]
Why it matters: AI is now a baseline capability for staying visible, responsive, and competitive.
Healthcare Logistics Takes Center Stage
Healthcare logistics has become one of the most complex and critical supply chain environments. Growth in home health, specialty care, wearables, GLP-1 therapies, and telehealth are increasing demand for reliable, tech-enabled logistics that support compliance and direct-to-consumer fulfillment.
Industry data indicates that big data analytics can halve equipment downtime in healthcare logistics, improving efficiency while supporting continuity of care.[4]
Why it matters: As care continues to move closer to the home, logistics performance has become foundational to patient experience and outcomes.
Want to start acting on these trends? Explore the suite of data-driven digital solutions from FedEx, including the recently announced enhanced post-purchase capabilities, FedEx Tracking+ and FedEx Returns+.
Unlock more insights: download the full B2B Business Trends 2026 report.[1] “Digital Transformation in the Supply Chain Industry Statistics”, Zipdo, 2025
[2] ‘7 Repeat Purchase Rate Statistics for eCommerce Stores’, Opensend, 2025
[3] “Empowering Small Business, US Chamber of Commerce, 2025
[4] Healthcare Supply Chains: How Data-Driven Insights Enhance Efficiency & Reduce Costs.” Prime Source Expense Experts, 2025