Survival to Systems: When 3PLs Hit the Growth Ceiling with Casey Winans of Fullstride
Sat Jan 24 2026
In this episode of the Industrial Insights podcast, Justin Smith and Casey Winans discuss the current state of the WMS and 3PL market, the challenges faced by logistics companies, and the importance of readiness in implementing warehouse management systems. Casey shares his journey from software engineering to consulting, highlighting the need for effective systems and processes in scaling operations. The conversation also touches on market trends, technology's role in logistics, and the future of the industry, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous improvement.
Key Takeaways
The logistics market is transitioning from survival to thriving post-peak. Scaling a 3PL requires effective systems and processes. Many companies struggle with the transition from manual to automated operations. Understanding client readiness is crucial for successful WMS implementation. The mid-market presents unique challenges and opportunities in logistics. Consulting firms often focus on hourly rates, which may not align with client needs. Technology is rapidly evolving, impacting the 3PL landscape. AI has the potential to enhance operational efficiency in logistics. Market consolidation is expected as companies seek to improve margins. Continuous improvement is essential for long-term success in logistics.
Chapters
00:30 - Current Market Trends in 3PL and WMS 03:10 - Casey Winans' Journey in Logistics 11:26 - Challenges Faced by Smaller 3PLs 19:28 - The Role of AI in Logistics 26:59 - Future Trends in 3PL and WMS
Episode Resources
Connect with Casey Winans
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cwinans/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/gofullstride/ https://www.gofullstride.com/ Connect with Justin Smith
https://smithcre.com/ https://www.lee-associates.com/
jbsmith@leeirvine.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/justi
More
In this episode of the Industrial Insights podcast, Justin Smith and Casey Winans discuss the current state of the WMS and 3PL market, the challenges faced by logistics companies, and the importance of readiness in implementing warehouse management systems. Casey shares his journey from software engineering to consulting, highlighting the need for effective systems and processes in scaling operations. The conversation also touches on market trends, technology's role in logistics, and the future of the industry, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous improvement. Key Takeaways The logistics market is transitioning from survival to thriving post-peak. Scaling a 3PL requires effective systems and processes. Many companies struggle with the transition from manual to automated operations. Understanding client readiness is crucial for successful WMS implementation. The mid-market presents unique challenges and opportunities in logistics. Consulting firms often focus on hourly rates, which may not align with client needs. Technology is rapidly evolving, impacting the 3PL landscape. AI has the potential to enhance operational efficiency in logistics. Market consolidation is expected as companies seek to improve margins. Continuous improvement is essential for long-term success in logistics. Chapters 00:30 - Current Market Trends in 3PL and WMS 03:10 - Casey Winans' Journey in Logistics 11:26 - Challenges Faced by Smaller 3PLs 19:28 - The Role of AI in Logistics 26:59 - Future Trends in 3PL and WMS Episode Resources Connect with Casey Winans https://www.linkedin.com/in/cwinans/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/gofullstride/ https://www.gofullstride.com/ Connect with Justin Smith https://smithcre.com/ https://www.lee-associates.com/ jbsmith@leeirvine.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/justi