Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with Ken Kellaway, a true industry veteran whose career spans more than four decades and touches nearly every corner of modern supply chain and intermodal logistics.

Ken shares his journey from working in a family-run warehousing business in Boston to helping lead Road One into a national intermodal powerhouse. Along the way, he offers a candid look at how logistics has changed over the years, from asset-heavy operations and manual processes to today’s technology-driven, compliance-focused, and partnership-oriented environment.

The conversation dives into the evolution of intermodal logistics, why smart acquisitions and strategic partnerships fueled Road One’s growth, and how technology has become a differentiator rather than a nice-to-have. Ken also speaks openly about the challenges ahead, including capacity constraints, regulatory pressures, and the increasing need for collaboration across the supply chain.

Beyond the business, Ken shares practical advice for the next generation of logistics professionals. He stresses the value of getting into the field early, building real relationships, and understanding how the pieces of the supply chain connect in the real world, not just on paper. He also reminds listeners that long-term success requires balance, both professionally and personally.

This episode is packed with perspective, hard-earned lessons, and straight talk from someone who has seen the industry grow up from the inside.

Featured topics include:

· The evolution of intermodal logistics and why it matters today

· How Road One scaled through partnerships and acquisitions

· Technology’s role in operational efficiency and visibility

· Why compliance and collaboration are non-negotiable

· Career advice for young professionals entering logistics

· Finding balance in a demanding, fast-moving industry

A must-listen for logistics leaders, operators, and anyone looking to understand where the industry has been and where it’s headed next.

In this episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, hosts Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins explore the evolving landscape of warehouse operations, labor management, and AI-driven logistics. Their guest, Lee Rector, draws on decades of experience to provide actionable insights on how businesses can optimize workforce productivity, reduce labor costs, and prepare for the labor challenges of the future. From small wins in mid-sized warehouses to large-scale global implementations, the discussion highlights how data, technology, and strategic planning can drive measurable ROI without massive capital investment.

Lee Rector is a veteran supply chain expert and founder of Labor AI, a prescriptive analytics solution designed to right-size warehouse staffing. With experience in over 40 countries and more than a thousand customers, Rector specializes in helping companies integrate labor planning with warehouse automation. He is also the author of Warehouse 101 and a recognized thought leader in supply chain efficiency, workforce optimization, and AI-driven operations.

Key Takeaways

· Labor AI helps companies use real-time and historical data to optimize workforce allocation and make informed operational decisions.

· Proper technology adoption requires engaging frontline teams early and addressing “what’s in it for me” to ensure buy-in and success.

· Many automation projects fail due to poor integration with existing WMS systems; aligning labor and automation is critical.

· Operational insights from data can improve efficiency across multiple sites, yielding 5–20% savings without new capital investment.

· Urban sprawl, labor shortages, and demographic shifts will increasingly challenge warehouse staffing, making strategic planning essential.

· Small and medium-sized businesses can achieve rapid ROI using AI-driven tools to analyze productivity, right-size labor, and reduce errors.

Future Outlook

Lee predicts that traditional WMS platforms will evolve or be replaced by systems integrating labor and automation simultaneously, providing more accurate real-time insights. He also highlights the increasing importance of workforce location, commuting patterns, and labor availability in site planning.

How to Connect

Learn more about Labor AI at https://getlaborai.com/, explore Rector’s book on Amazon, or connect directly with him via LinkedIn.

In this episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, Kevin Higgins and Kevin Parkerson reflect on the close of 2025 and the fast arrival of 2026. They discuss why intentions often matter more than traditional New Year resolutions, especially in an industry shaped by constant change.

The conversation looks back at 2025 as a relatively calm year in logistics and turns forward to what’s ahead, including new podcast series, deeper discussions on technology and AI, live events, and continued focus on community, industry legends, and Northwest Arkansas as a growing logistics hub.

This episode sets an intentional, optimistic tone for the year ahead and reinforces the podcast’s commitment to real-world insights, connection, and supporting the next generation of supply chain leaders.