

The New Warehouse Podcast
Kevin Lawton
The New Warehouse podcast hosted by Kevin Lawton is your source for insights and ideas from the distribution, transportation and logistics industry. New episodes every Monday and Wednesday morning bring you the latest from industry experts and thought leaders.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 14, 2025 • 30min
EP 607: Drop Trailers Unlock New Warehouse Efficiencies
In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Andrew Wallen, VP of Distribution and Fulfillment at ITF Group, to unpack the growing role of drop trailer solutions in warehouse operations. The ITF Group positions itself as a one-stop shop for logistics services, encompassing transportation, warehousing, and global forwarding. Andrew walks us through how drop trailer strategies are helping companies reduce dock congestion, improve labor efficiency, and better navigate unpredictability in today’s supply chain. With thousands of trailers already in circulation and plans to add another 1,000 this year, ITF Group is doubling down on its commitment to innovative and flexible yard management.Learn more about Endpoint and give Gary a break here. Get your free ID Label sample right here. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

Jul 10, 2025 • 19min
Supply Chain Point: How Zenni Optical Manages Glasses, Contacts, and Global Chaos
Kevin chats with Emily Kelly, Senior Director of Operations at Zenni Optical, during this special Supply Chain Point edition of The New Warehouse Podcast. Known for its affordable eyewear and direct-to-consumer model, Zenni has evolved over its 22-year history to now include a growing contact lens business. Emily shares how Zenni is balancing innovation and stability in a volatile global logistics environment, especially as they manage a dual-channel supply chain for both glasses and contacts. From navigating small parcel carrier shakeups to handling tariffs on imported frames, she offers clear, practical insight into how Zenni stays nimble while staying true to its brand promise.Learn more about Endpoint and give Gary a break here. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

Jul 9, 2025 • 32min
EP 606: Automating Yard Operations with Outrider
In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Andrew Smith, Founder and CEO of Outrider, a pioneer in autonomous yard operations. It’s been five years since Andrew first joined the show, and a lot has changed, both in the industry and at Outrider. The conversation explores how the company has evolved since emerging from stealth mode, how it integrates AI and deep learning into its solution, and why the yard may be one of the most dangerous, overlooked segments in the supply chain. From enhancing safety and sustainability to streamlining operations, Andrew shares how Outrider is automating the yard by creating autonomous electric trucks that maneuver trailers with centimeter-level precision.Learn more about Endpoint and give Gary a break here. Get your free ID Label sample right here. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

Jul 7, 2025 • 35min
EP 605: Trailer Loading with Modular Simplicity from Slip Robotics
In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Jordan Sanders, Chief Commercial Officer at Slip Robotics. Slip has made waves in the logistics world with its ability to load or unload a 53-foot trailer in just five minutes using its autonomous SlipBots. Now, with the launch of SlipBot Plus, they’re expanding the platform’s capabilities even further, enabling highly flexible trailer configurations, safer operations, and smoother workflows.Jordan breaks down how customer feedback drove the development of SlipBot Plus attachments, why modularity matters in a chaotic dock environment, and how Slip’s U.S.-based manufacturing is positioning them to support the domestic reshoring movement.Learn more about Endpoint and give Gary a break here. Get your free ID Label sample right here. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

Jul 3, 2025 • 22min
Supply Chain Point: Solving Logistics Challenges with Nish George
Kevin chats with Nish George, CEO of Fetch Fulfillment, on this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, recorded at Supply Chain Point 2025. Nish’s journey from FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) fanatic to logistics disruptor is anything but typical. With a background that includes operations roles and time at Amazon, Nish brings an unconventional, systems-level mindset to the industry—one shaped as much by personal mission as professional ambition. In this conversation, he shares how deeply human experiences and a love of optimization led him to acquire a 3PL and set out to transform last-mile delivery. From AI that audits timecards via security footage to a future of "red blood cell" package delivery systems, Nish walks us through his strategic vision—and the real-world leadership lessons he’s learned on the warehouse floor.Learn more about Endpoint and give Gary a break here. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

Jul 2, 2025 • 31min
EP 604: A SIMPL Solution for Automating Warehouses
In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Nicholas Gordon, Co-founder and COO of SIMPL Automation, a company redefining ASRS (Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems) deployment. Instead of tearing out infrastructure to make way for automation, SIMPL delivers an adaptive solution that installs directly onto existing racking, cutting down on cost, disruption, and environmental waste. With 15 years of integration experience under his belt, Nicholas brings a holistic view of the market and shares how SIMPL’s solution emerged from observing one consistent pain point: warehouse automation upgrades are too invasive, and too much steel ends up in the dumpster.Learn more about Endpoint and give Gary a break here. Get your free ID Label sample right here. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

Jun 30, 2025 • 22min
EP 603: MHI’s Conveyor and Sortation Solutions Group on Smarter Vertical Integration
Kevin chats with Wesley Parkin of Qimarox and Steve Castle of Autoquip in this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, recorded live from ProMat 2025. Representing MHI’s Conveyor and Sortation Solutions (CSS) Industry Group, Wesley and Steve unpack key challenges and emerging solutions in material handling, especially when it comes to moving Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) between facility levels. The conversation dives deep into the CSS Group’s collaborative efforts, the growing need for smarter vertical movement, and how manufacturers and integrators are adapting traditional VRCs (Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors) to meet the precision demands of modern automation.Learn more about Endpoint and give Gary a break here. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

Jun 27, 2025 • 19min
Supply Chain Point: People First Supply Chain Transformation
Welcome to this special Supply Chain Point edition of The New Warehouse Podcast. Kevin chats with Jameel Hye, a Supply Chain transformation leader at Mars and creator of a popular YouTube channel focused on developing supply chain talent. With over two decades of experience in the CPG industry and a passion for teaching, Jameel shares key lessons from his work at Mars, as well as insights from the Supply Chain Point event. The conversation spans everything from AI’s proper role in logistics to the critical need for hands-on experience early in one’s career. Jameel also weighs in on change management, cross-functional integration, and how he’s helping the next generation of professionals grow through storytelling and transparency.Learn more about Endpoint and give Gary a break here. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

Jun 25, 2025 • 42min
EP 602: Final Mile Delivery Savings and Flexibility with Tusk Logistics
Kevin chats with Ben Emmrich, Founder and CEO of Tusk Logistics, in this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast. With experience at Google, Shippo, and deep roots in small parcel logistics, Ben brings a unique perspective on how Tusk simplifies access to a growing ecosystem of alternative parcel carriers. Designed to give shippers more control, better visibility, and meaningful cost savings, Tusk offers national infrastructure that connects shippers with both traditional regional and tech-forward emerging carriers. In the conversation, Ben explains why operators are overwhelmed by complexity, how tariffs and surcharges have forced the issue, and what he sees as the future of the parcel delivery landscape.Learn more about Endpoint and give Gary a break here. Get your free ID Label sample right here. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show

Jun 23, 2025 • 26min
EP 601: Warehouse Automation Readiness with SLAM
Welcome to this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, where Kevin chats with Kyle Smith of enVista and Ryan Boyd, Executive Material Handling Professional. Both guests represent the SLAM Industry Group from MHI, delving into the evolving role of Scan, Label, Apply, and Manifest (SLAM) processes in warehouse automation. This insightful conversation, recorded live at ProMat 2025, explores not just the technologies driving change but the deeper strategic mindset required to implement them effectively.As companies rush to automate, Kyle and Ryan caution that “you’ve got to walk before you run” and emphasize that successful automation readiness starts with strong internal processes and clear visibility. From building a roadmap to ensuring data-driven scalability, the discussion focuses on how to get your house in order before chasing cutting-edge tech. Let’s explore the highlights.Learn more about Endpoint and give Gary a break here. Get your free ID Label sample right here. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.Support the show


