Warm weather has hit the East Coast, at least for now, and spring is in the air. Brands are exploring fulfillment options and RFPs are in full swing. One thing I keep hearing in conversations the last few weeks:

“I’m looking for someone to help me grow because I don’t know fulfillment, but I also know I can’t afford to mess it up.”

My translation: I want a partner who understands where I am today and is willing to work with me. I’m open to feedback and want to get this right.

We’ll dig deeper into that topic next week as we host a webinar with our friends from Shipware, Red Stag, and Third Person focused on helping brands determine what “Fit” really looks like and why it is a two-way street.

What's trending

📦 Amazon blocks AI shopping agent access

• A U.S. judge ordered Perplexity to stop using its AI shopping agent to place orders on Amazon after Amazon argued the tool accessed customer accounts without authorization.

• The ruling is an early signal that large marketplaces may push back hard on third-party AI agents interacting directly with their platforms.

📦 Cart.com raises $180M to expand its logistics platform

• Cart.com secured $180M in funding led by Springcoast Partners to continue expanding its commerce and fulfillment platform.

• The capital will be used to scale logistics infrastructure, invest further in AI capabilities, and support international growth.

📦 U.S. import volumes projected to soften

• Forecasts show container imports into the U.S. expected to dip slightly in early 2026 as tariff uncertainty and geopolitical risks cloud supply chain planning.

• Brands appear to be taking a more cautious inventory posture while trade policy and sourcing costs remain unpredictable.📦 Amazon blocks AI shopping agent access

Tariff Refunds via Zeus Logistics

Tariffs have been a constant topic over the past year, but a recent policy shift has created an opportunity that many importers know about, but are unsure how to capitalize on: Tariff Refunds.

The government has restored certain tariff levels. Companies that paid duties above those levels over the past 12–18 months may now be entitled to refunds plus interest on those overpayments. As a result, Zeus Logistics has assembled a dedicated team of attorneys and trade experts focused specifically on helping companies pursue these claims.

For fulfillment providers, warehouses, and logistics operators, this is a helpful insight to pass along to your customers. This is a simple value-add conversation with customers. If they are importing goods and navigating tariff volatility, it is worth making the introduction.

What makes it worth sharing with clients:

1. Success fee model – no upfront cost to the importer

2. Specialized legal and trade expertise focused on tariff refund claims

3. Quick eligibility assessment so companies know quickly if they have a case

Who should consider it:

1. Brands importing goods that were subject to tariffs over the past 12–18 months

2. Companies that may have paid duties above the newly restored tariff levels

If a customer expresses interest, please connect them with Scott Alpeter ([email protected])

Opportunities in Fulfillment