acd-chem.com

2026
Annual
Report

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Membership

An Industry Stronger Together

ACD’s strength comes from the companies and people that make up its community. In 2026, that community continued to grow, bringing together chemical distribution firms, warehouses, and transportation companies, as well as service providers to share expertise, build relationships, and strengthen the entire chemical distribution industry.

A Growing Industry Community

382Companies Across the ACD Community
239Members (Including distribution, warehouses, and asset-based transportation companies)
97Service Provider Affiliates
43Chemical Producer Affiliates
3Global Distribution Partners
39Applications received during FY26, including 12 Member applications, marking the highest total application volume since 2019.
+89%Application revenue vs. previous year
+60%vs. three-year average

The Reach Behind the Membership

ACD members represent a significant part of the chemical distribution industry and the supply chains it supports. According to member-reported 2025 data:

$26.6

Billion

estimated member sales

500+

Million Tons

essential products delivered

1307

Facilities

storing chemicals

NEW EXPERTISE ACROSS THE ALLIANCE

NEW: Financial Services Affiliate
ACD introduced a new affiliate category for FDIC- or SIPC-insured commercial and investment banks, bringing new financial-sector perspectives and resources to the ACD community.

SMALL TEAM. BIG REACH.

For smaller distribution firms, ACD membership connects lean teams to the expertise, resources, and industry relationships of a much larger network.

“

ACD Responsible Distribution™ really helped when we were very small. It was helpful to have the ACD logo on our paperwork. We could show potential customers that we were sticking to the standards, which means we do things safely, responsibly, and sustainably. People understood that we were small but serious players.

— Tracy Kruse, Sr. Manager of Operations & Imports, Rierden Chemical & Trading Company

”

Connections Across the Industry

ACD continued building relationships with its current and prospective members and the broader chemical industry throughout the year.

13 Member Presentations
9 Chemical industry events attended
95+ industry professionals had the opportunity to learn about ACD membership and benefits through ACD’s presence at Specialty & Agro Chemicals America.

ACD at Specialty & Agro Chemicals America

“

My goal is to make my company better, and I need ACD to do that.

— Molly Kellogg, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, Hubbard-Hall, Inc.

”

“

ACD is a lifeline of support to find the appropriate resources, whether that’s in a time of need or an opportunity to fulfill a curious mind.

— Michael Sullivan, Sales Development Manager, Superior

”

TURNING MEMBER INSIGHT INTO INDUSTRY EVIDENCE

2026 Membership Survey

In 2026, ACD surveyed members to build a clearer picture of the companies, workforce, and business practices that make up chemical distribution. The findings give ACD credible industry data to support its work with legislators, regulators, industry partners, and other stakeholders. They also help identify the industry’s strengths and challenges and provide greater context for the companies and people ACD represents.

What Members Told Us

95% of respondents are small businesses
NEARLY 45% of employees are age 50 or older
9% FEWER OSHA-recordable incidents reported by ACD members compared with the industry average
NEARLY 70% maintain certifications beyond those required by regulation

A single company can tell its own story. Together, ACD can use member data to tell a broader, evidence-based story about chemical distribution and the role the industry plays in supporting customers, communities, and the nation’s supply chain.

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

A Strong Voice for Chemical Distribution

Throughout 2026, chemical distribution companies navigated a changing business and regulatory environment. Federal policy decisions could quickly affect how companies operate, move products, manage compliance, and plan for the future. ACD worked throughout the year to ensure the industry’s concerns were heard and members had the information they needed to respond. The story isn’t simply how many meetings ACD held or comments it submitted.
IT’S THE DIFFERENCE THAT WORK MADE FOR THE INDUSTRY.

CHAMPIONING CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTION

PROTECTING COMPETITION IN FREIGHT RAIL

WHAT WAS AT STAKE

The proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger raised significant concerns about further consolidation in the freight rail industry, including the potential for reduced competition, fewer service options, and increased costs for chemical shippers.

50%+

OF CHEMICAL
TONNAGE

could be handled by the combined carrier.

That potential concentration made the proposed merger a significant advocacy priority for ACD throughout the year.

ACD IN ACTION

Made the merger a key focus of the Washington Fly-In
120+ Fly-In attendees
160+ congressional meetings
Joined the Stop the Rail Merger Coalition
Participated in meetings with senior administration officials
Joined a shipper coalition seeking summary denial from the STB
Launched advertising and op-eds opposing the merger
Educated members through a webinar and Annual Meeting session

ADVOCATING FOR INDUSTRY COMPETITION

ACD worked throughout the year to bring the chemical distribution industry’s concerns directly to policymakers, regulators, and others involved in the proposed merger.

ACD’s Government Affairs team:

Made freight rail competition a central issue at the Washington Fly-In, where 120+ participants held 160+ congressional meetings.
Joined the Stop the Rail Merger Coalition to coordinate opposition to further freight rail consolidation.
Met with senior administration officials to communicate concerns about competition, service, and the potential effects on chemical shippers.
Joined a coalition of shippers calling on the Surface Transportation Board to summarily deny the merger application.
Educated members about the proposed merger and its potential implications through a webinar and Annual Meeting programming.
Supported broader outreach that helped bring additional attention to the industry’s concerns.

THE ADVOCACY REACHED BEYOND ACD

Congressional leaders sent letters raising concerns about the proposed merger, while seven state attorneys general urged the Surface Transportation Board to deny the application.

EXPANDING THE REACH OF ACD’S POSITION

Alongside the Government Affairs effort, ACD launched a coordinated, multi-channel communications campaign to extend the industry’s concerns to the broader audiences following and influencing the freight rail debate.

The campaign combined dedicated web content, member communications, articles and podcasts with press outreach, op-eds, coalition communications, paid digital outreach, and POLITICO Transportation placements. Together, these efforts kept the industry informed while putting ACD’s position in front of policymakers, regulators, media, and other external stakeholders.

PUTTING THE ISSUE IN FRONT OF KEY AUDIENCES

7.2M+ OPPORTUNITIES FOR
ACD’S MESSAGE TO BE SEEN
Digital campaign impressions across targeted channels

10.7K+ VISITS TO
ACD CONTENT
Clicks generated by the campaign

0.15% CLICK-THROUGH RATE
The share of digital campaign impressions that resulted in a visit to ACD content.

WHAT IT MEANS FOR THE INDUSTRY

Protecting competition helps preserve service options and supports a stronger freight rail environment for chemical distribution companies.

TURNING HAZCOM CONCERNS INTO ACTION

THE ISSUE

IN 2024 OSHA’s updated Hazard Communication Standard introduced new requirements, unclear guidance, and compliance challenges for companies relying on upstream suppliers.