From court victories to federal coalitions, NAW’s Brian Wild explains how NAW is defending distributors’ interests in Washington.
AUSTIN, TEXAS — In this episode of the Driven by DCKAP podcast, Brian Wild, Chief Government Relations Officer at the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW), joins host Karthik Chidambaram to discuss how new federal policies are no longer just incidental, but directly impacting distributors. From fighting sweeping labor rules in court to building coalitions that defend free enterprise, Wild offers a behind-the-scenes look at what advocacy means in Washington today.
Key Highlights:
- Fighting Back in Court: NAW’s Legal Policy Center helped overturn the Department of Labor’s overtime rule in federal court.
- Legislation Targets Distributors: For the first time, Congress is considering laws aimed specifically at wholesaler-distributors, not just adjacent industries.
- Modern Advocacy in Action: With Congress making fewer laws, NAW has ramped up legal and regulatory action to protect the distribution channel.
Lawsuits That Matter to Your Bottom Line
When the Department of Labor changed overtime rules, NAW took its opposition a step further, filing a lawsuit to block the rule.
“We took the Department of Labor to court. We sued them in Texas… and the court ruled in our favor,” said Wild. “In this instance, the Department of Labor had overstepped their constitutional authority.”
This legal victory came after two years of litigation, expert coordination, and industry mobilization, showcasing the expanded role of NAW’s Legal Policy Center in a time when regulatory decisions increasingly shape the business environment.
Distribution Is Under the Microscope
While legislation has historically impacted distribution as part of broader industries, a new bill—the Warehouse Worker Protection Act—names wholesaler-distributors directly using NAICS codes. The bill proposes restrictions on surveillance, automation, and performance-based pay in warehouses, plus sweeping new oversight from the Department of Labor and Federal Trade Commission.
“It would target us,” said Wild. “It creates a whole new department… with oversight over warehouse and distribution workers.” Though likely aimed at large players like Amazon, the bill threatens small and mid-sized distributors with broad restrictions they were never meant to face.
Modern Advocacy: Beyond Lobbying
With Congress passing fewer bills, policymaking has shifted to the executive branch—leading to a surge in rulemaking. That’s where NAW’s newly established Legal Policy Center steps in.
“It’s a modernization of advocacy,” Wild explained. “The only way to fight that is to be part of the comment period… and when you have to, sue them.”
The Legal Policy Center’s victories include a unanimous Supreme Court decision defending the definition of “outside sales” for distributors.
“We had our lawyers on the phone with distribution members… They then turned around and explained that to the Supreme Court,” Wild said. “In the end, we got a unanimous decision.”
A Timely Conversation on Policy, Advocacy, and Business Impact
Whether it’s blocking costly regulations, challenging legislation that targets warehouse operations, or educating federal agencies on how distribution works, NAW’s advocacy is evolving. This episode of the Driven by DCKAP podcast offers B2B leaders, distributors, and manufacturers a window into how policy is being shaped, and how to stay ahead of it.
More Information
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About the Driven Podcast
The Driven by DCKAP Podcast is an audio and video show that explores leaders’ stories, digital journeys, and insights on trends in B2B and distribution. The podcast is hosted by Karthik Chidambaram, Founder & CEO of DCKAP, who grew the company from a start up to a global team of more than 200 employees. DCKAP earns several trust badges by G2.com, the world’s largest tech software marketplace, including category “Leader”, “High Performer Americas” and “Users Most Likely to Recommend.”
About DCKAP
DCKAP is a leader in digital solutions that help distributors systems’ talk to each other. Its technology solutions simplify software integrations, e-commerce, and product information management for B2B companies. DCKAP’s flagship product, DCKAP Integrator, helps distributors and manufacturers to automate data between ERP, e-commerce, and CRM systems. Founded in 2005, DCKAP is a global and distributed team headquartered in Austin, TX. Visit DCKAP at dckap.com or follow on LinkedIn.
About NAW
The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) is one of America’s leading trade associations, representing the $8 trillion wholesale distribution industry. NAW serves as a unified voice for distributors in Washington and provides thought leadership, business services, and legislative and legal advocacy. Through initiatives like the Legal Policy Center and strategic coalitions, NAW works to protect and advance the interests of distributors nationwide. Learn more at naw.org.
