This week, we're sitting down with ERC experts from Intero Capital Solutions - Gillian Gradidge, Darryl Stein, and Dan Leathers. Discover how Intero Capital Solutions aids contractors and small business owners in accessing their Employee Retention Credit (ERC) funds, providing invaluable insights into financing strategies and unlocking trapped capital. Whether you're seeking immediate liquidity or looking to navigate the complexities of ERC, this conversation provides essential information on how Intero Capital can help expedite your financial solutions. Don't miss out on this opportunity for game-changing insights!

One of the most overlooked—and most valuable—parts of owning a FedEx Ground route business is the equity you build over time. While daily operations and cash flow are front of mind for many contractors, the long-term equity value of your routes can be a powerful wealth-building tool.

This week on Industry Insights with Route Consultant, we sit down with Chad Johnson, VP of Franchise Services at Flowers Foods. With over 30 years in the baking industry, Chad shares his experiences from starting as a bread route operator to advancing into corporate roles. Chad discusses the independent distributor model, the evolution of Flowers Foods, and the critical role of communication in business. 

Discover how Flowers Foods adapts to market changes and supports its independent distributors to build successful businesses. Don't miss Chad's personal anecdotes and insights on the value of hard work and innovation in the bread routes industry.

Join us this week on Industry Insights with Route Consultant as we delve into the intricacies of FedEx service metrics with Dave and Amy Byers from Slicker Trucking. In this episode, we explore what service means from a FedEx perspective and how it impacts contract management. Learn about the holistic approach of FedEx's MEDALs system that rates service, safety, productivity, and customer satisfaction. Discover actionable strategies for managing day-to-day service, monitoring tools like the Daily Service Worksheet (DSW), and the importance of integrating technology to enhance efficiency. 

We also discuss how to handle missed deliveries, the impact of express packages, and maintaining robust service during peak seasons. This episode is packed with insights to help you better manage your logistics operations and make smarter investments.

This week on Industry Insights with Route Consultant, we're in Atlanta, GA sitting down with Brian Haney, a serial entrepreneur and the owner of Trinity EMS Billing and Consultants. Brian shares his extraordinary journey from the corporate world to owning one of the fastest-growing EMS companies in the Southeast.

Brian delves into his early life, his transition from sales to the EMS industry, and the challenges he overcame to establish his private ambulance service. This episode provides invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and a deep dive into the EMS business landscape. This episode recounts his innovative strategies, relentless determination, and the personal sacrifices he made along the way.

This week, Alex Frum shares game-changing insights on scaling a logistics business. Learn about growth strategies, including acquisitions, organic growth through the FedEx point system, and overcoming challenges in the industry. Alex provides valuable tips on building solid relationships within the FedEx network and navigating the complexities of managing multiple trucks and runs.

Whether you're ready to scale up or planning for the future, this episode is full of the insights you need to grow successfully in the linehaul space.

Many bread route businesses are built and run by owner-operators, but as your territory grows or personal priorities shift, building a reliable team becomes essential. Whether you're planning to step out of the truck or expand your operation, recruiting and retaining drivers is a key part of growing a sustainable bread route business.

This week on Industry Insights with Route Consultant, we sit down with Steve Crawford, a veteran in the trucking industry with over 50 years of experience. Steve shares his journey from growing up in a trucking family to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the logistics sector. He discusses the evolution of the trucking industry, the challenges faced, and the importance of adaptability in an ever-changing market. Steve also opens up about the personal and professional milestones that have shaped his career, including his passion for music, overcoming bankruptcy, and the significance of investing in people. Don't miss this enlightening conversation filled with real-world strategies and insightful anecdotes.

Welcome to Industry Insights with Route Consultant! This week, Dave and Amy Byers discuss the crucial yet challenging process of hiring and screening drivers using the First Advantage platform for FedEx contractors. They detail the end-to-end process from initial application to qualification, the common pitfalls, and tips for minimizing delays. Whether you're a seasoned FedEx contractor or new to the space, this episode offers invaluable insights into optimizing your hiring process and avoiding common frustrations with First Advantage.

Join us this week as we welcome Tamara Taylor, an entrepreneur who turned her knowledge of coding into a thriving business. In this episode, learn how she supports and empowers EMS professionals to navigate the complex world of medical coding. Tamara highlights her journey to entrepreneurship and the challenges and triumphs she encountered along the way. 

Tamara also shares valuable insights into the importance of medical coding for EMS providers, overcoming obstacles in the industry, and the growth of her business. Whether you're in logistics, EMS, or just interested in entrepreneurial journeys, this episode is packed with invaluable lessons and inspiration.

This week on Industry Insights with Route Consultant, we're joined by Roland Brewer, President of Realm Health. Roland shares his unique journey from being a golf professional to leading an innovative health insurance company. He discusses the challenges and strategies in providing affordable benefits to FedEx contractors, the importance of business succession planning, and Realm Health's continuous efforts to cater to the evolving needs of small business owners in the logistics industry. 

Learn more about Realm Health at https://realmhealth.com/.

Join us this week on Industry Insights with Route Consultant as we sit down with Alex Frum, owner of Alpha Kilo Logistics, to explore key strategies for being a successful FedEx Linehaul contractor. We delve into the four crucial pillars: safety, financial stability, service, and availability.

Alex shares his expert insights and practical advice on managing safety protocols, understanding financial metrics, maintaining service standards, and ensuring availability. This episode is packed with valuable information for both new and experienced logistics professionals looking to optimize their business operations.

Thinking about using an SBA loan to buy a FedEx Ground route? Learn how your down payment and Seller Financing options are impacted by SBA standby rules—and what it means for your cash at closing. This guide breaks down real examples and offers tips to help you structure your deal the smart way.

This week, we're diving into the intricacies of the FedEx contractor model with Amy and Dave Byers of Slicker Trucking. We discuss the significant differences between independent service providers (ISPs) and transportation service providers (TSPs), the evolving expectations and compliance standards, and how these roles relate to FedEx as a customer. Amy and Dave share their experiences and strategies for managing these relationships, understanding contractual obligations, and maintaining an effective and compliant business – an essential understanding for anyone in the logistics business.

In the FedEx Ground contractor model, your team is the backbone of your business. Whether you're operating Pickup & Delivery (P&D) or Linehaul routes, recruiting and retaining a dependable team is one of the most critical factors in long-term success.

Unlike traditional companies, FedEx contractors are independent business owners who must build and manage their own workforce. This means developing strong hiring practices, building a positive workplace culture, and minimizing costly turnover.

This week, we're sitting down with Lee and Keely Muse, the forces behind Tread Transportation Services and Forward Arrow Solutions. Join us as they share their inspiring journey from the oil and gas industry to becoming successful in the FedEx Linehaul space – both as a vendor and a contractor.

Discover how Lee’s entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with Keely's operational insight, helped them navigate the complexities of starting their logistics business, expanding from two to 42 trucks, and developing innovative technological solutions. Gain fresh perspectives on overcoming challenges, the significance of flexibility, and the role of technology in streamlining operations. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned professional, this episode is packed with actionable insights to fuel smarter investments and build stronger businesses.

This week, we're sitting down with Alex Frum, Owner of Alpha Kilo Logistics. Alex takes us through his dynamic career journey, from his military service and time at West Point, to his successful stint on Wall Street as a bond trader during the financial crisis, and finally, his current role in the logistics industry with FedEx linehaul.

Alex shares invaluable lessons on financial discipline, the importance of safety in logistics, and the significance of always being ready for new opportunities. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode is packed with insights on sustaining and growing a successful logistics business.

This week, we're sitting down with Steve Binnig, Final Mile Program Manager at OVD Insurance. Steve shares his unique journey from a college intern to a major player in the insurance industry, focusing on the final mile sector.

We delve deep into the importance of safety culture, trends in the FedEx and Amazon DSP insurance spaces, and how OVD's educational and client-centric approach sets them apart. Steve also highlights the vital relationships and industry nuances that drive success in this ever-evolving field. Join us for an enlightening conversation that redefines how you think about insurance.

This week, we’re diving into a critical industry: security. We’re sitting down with Andy Willis, a security expert with decades of experience protecting high-stakes industries.

Andy breaks down the evolving threats and shares practical advice on how to stay one step ahead. If you’re looking to take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey in the fast-moving and critical world of security, check out Andy’s story and reach out to our team to learn more.