On Industry Insights with Route Consultant, Josh interviews Michael Jones and Jeff Jones of Routeway 360 about insurance in bread and snack distribution and why many owners misunderstand their coverage until a claim happens. They break down Routeway 360’s platform for distributors, including incorporation, banking, accounting and tax support, and their new “Drive My Route” app for finding route relievers. The episode covers common insurance requirements, the risks of relying on personal auto policies, compliance and COIs, and major exposures like uninsured motorists and 1099 worker injuries without workers’ comp. They also explain how proper rating, garaging, remarketing, and telematics can help route owners manage premiums and reduce risk.

Recorded live at the Route Consultant Expo 2026, host Josh Gregory and broker Steven Rhine break down what it really takes to run and scale bread routes, covering staffing strategies like vacation runners, referrals, and retention, along with retail execution including merchandising, Walmart relationships, and display placement. They also explore fulfillment KPIs tied to online ordering, hiring pipelines, compensation structures, handling sales and overages, holiday planning using historical data, and how to grow through independent accounts, offering a practical look at the day to day realities of route ownership. 

Recorded live at the Route Consultant Expo 2026, Josh Gregory and Andrew Polito (CFO at GoHQ) break down the realities of owning an Amazon DSP, including the application and “bench” process, stand-up timelines, and the capital needed to launch. They cover key cost drivers like payroll, fleet/rentals, insurance deposits and renewals, and how claims management and safety culture impact long-term premiums. Andrew explains Amazon’s pay structure (route-hour blocks, per-package pay, and fixed monthly fleet payments), the scorecard tiers and bonuses tied to safety and quality metrics, and why controlling labor hours versus allotted route hours is critical. They discuss staffing models, dispatch/rescues, management roles, cash forecasting, typical profitability and revenue ranges, growth opportunities like rural expansion, popups and the Pinnacle Program, and the outlook tied to Ship with Amazon and new terminal investment.

This week, we compare two paths in the delivery business: Amazon DSP and Bread Route Investments. Stephen Rhein and Luke Price join us to break down the core differences between these models, what sets them apart, and what prospective operators should consider when evaluating each option. Tune in for a clear, high-level overview to help you understand how these opportunities differ and which may better align with your goals.

Recorded live at the Route Consultant Expo 2026 in Nashville, this keynote panel—hosted by Rahmel Wattley, founder of Truck N’ Hustle—features logistics leaders Amy Byers, Adam Angell, and Nick Hafen on how to crisis-proof route and transportation businesses amid constant change. They discuss major disruptions across FedEx and Amazon networks, including evolving safety equipment requirements, shifting fleet maintenance responsibilities, and the impact of larger package volume and FedEx 2.0 integration. The panel shares practical lessons on protecting profitability through strong vendor relationships, disciplined cash-flow management, operational KPIs, building in-house maintenance capabilities, and developing management layers and cross-training to reduce risk. Audience Q&A covers scaling timing, recognizing readiness to grow, finding distressed opportunities, and considerations for operating routes in other markets.

This week on Industry Insights with Route Consultant, we focus on business exits and how to prepare long before a sale to maximize value and make the business transferable. Josh is joined by Steve Alverson and Austin Coley of McCall Wealth Advisors, who explain how they help owners plan through and beyond a sale by first clarifying personal goals and the “why” behind the business. They discuss why exit planning should start early, how buyers pay for future cash flow, and common value killers like taxes, fees, unrealistic expectations, and debt. 

This week on Industry Insights with Route Consultant, we focus on business exits and how to prepare long before a sale to maximize value and make the business transferable. Josh is joined by Steve Alverson and Austin Coley of McCall Wealth Advisors, who explain how they help owners plan through and beyond a sale by first clarifying personal goals and the “why” behind the business. They discuss why exit planning should start early, how buyers pay for future cash flow, and common value killers like taxes, fees, unrealistic expectations, and debt. 

In this Industry Insights LIVE episode, Josh Gregory of Route Consultant is joined by Alex Frum, owner of Alpha Kilo Logistics, to share a state-of-the-industry update for FedEx linehaul contractors and buyers. They discuss how rising diesel prices impact settlements, how the Schedule C fuel table and fleet MPG assumptions affect profitability, and why idle time matters. Alex explains what he’s seeing from Network 2.0, including more airport and night runs, plus how rail can shift long-lane freight and lead to redesignations or spares. They cover operational best practices for safety and availability, recruiting structure as a business scales, and vehicle planning amid technology requirements, the 10-year rule discussions, and CARB 27 cost increases. The episode also highlights the upcoming free New Investor Workshop (April 16) and Linehaul Pro Series (Friday, April 17).

Recorded live at the Route Consultant Expo 2026, this special episode features Kevin Brunner, owner of SellMyFDX and Q Companies, sharing practical tax strategies for business owners planning an exit. Kevin explains how a 537 Installment Sale Trust can defer taxes by routing sale proceeds through a trust, allowing sellers to reinvest more capital, create flexible income streams, and potentially improve deal terms for both buyers and sellers. He covers key concepts like installment notes, ordinary-income treatment of distributions, step-up in basis at death, and how the trust can support reinvestment, retirement income planning, and legacy goals. Kevin also outlines his firm’s investment approach focused on consistent income and risk management, plus options for structuring complex transactions and coordinating with CPA-led tax planning.

In this special episode of Industry Insights LIVE, Josh Gregory is joined by Amy Byers, COO of Slicker Trucking, to answer audience questions on today’s biggest contractor topics. Amy shares her experience running P&D and linehaul operations across multiple terminals, including operating under FedEx 2.0 and what contractors should expect around service expectations, late dispatch challenges, communication with FedEx, and opportunities for growth. 

In recognition of Women’s History Month, host Josh Gregory sits down with Annalee Cate, CEO of the RCPA Fuel Card, and Grace Bay, CEO of Hello Truck Lease, to discuss their paths into the male-dominated logistics industry and what they’ve learned as leaders.

In part two of Industry Insights with Route Consultant, Ellen Voie, founder of the nonprofit Women in Trucking, explains practical steps for employers and drivers to advance women’s participation in trucking and supply chain. She describes the association’s role as a collective voice providing education and networking, including free webinars, white papers like an anti-harassment employment guide, and data such as the Women in Trucking Index. Ellen shares recruiting and retention tips, discusses common barriers like hiring bias, lack of women in visible leadership, and workplace “covering,” and emphasizes building cultures that encourage feedback and make employees comfortable bringing their whole selves to work. The conversation highlights benefits of women in leadership and safety-focused roles, addresses preparing for transgender applicants, and notes the Women in Trucking Foundation’s scholarships and Ellen’s book, From Dispatcher to Disruptor.

In this episode of Industry Insights, Ellen Voie, founder of the Women in Trucking Association, shares how she entered the trucking industry and what led her to start a nonprofit focused on supporting women across all roles in transportation. She explains the organization’s mission to encourage employment, reduce barriers, and celebrate pioneers, along with the early challenges of building credibility and getting companies to take the issue seriously. Voie discusses how better data, stronger safety culture, and practical workplace changes can help attract and retain more women, and clarifies that the association is open to anyone who supports the mission, including men. The episode also highlights key moments of growth and impact and previews a follow-up conversation on practical implementation.

Recorded live at the Route Consultant Expo 2026, this special Industry Insights episode features a FedEx P&D contractor Q&A, hosted by Brenda Shelley. The panel shares operational moves that boost profitability. They break down driver pay models and incentives, what to look for when buying a first P&D route, why hybrid dense/rural markets can be highly profitable, and more. Finally, they address sharing drivers across terminals, preparing for unforeseen events, and how compliance and adapting to FedEx 2.0 impact contractor success.

Recorded live at the 2026 Route Consultant Expo, this special episode of Industry Insights features Roland Brewer, Co-Founder and President of Realm Health, explaining why healthcare premiums are rising and how logistics and last-mile business owners can control costs while improving driver retention.

Join Leah Nelson and Stephen Rhein from Route Consultant in this special episode of Industry Insights, recorded live at the Route Consultant Expo 2026. This episode provides a comprehensive guide on the financial aspects of bread route investments, including the core decisions that drive profitability. Topics covered include understanding gross and net revenue, territory knowledge, inventory management, expense control, and the unique valuation metrics within the bread industry. Whether you're considering entering the bread business or looking to optimize your existing routes, this episode is packed with practical strategies and expert insights.

In this special episode, recorded live at the Route Consultant Expo 2026, Alex Frum, owner of Alpha Kilo Logistics, emphasizes the critical need for Linehaul contractors to establish a comprehensive employee handbook. Alex shares his extensive experience and details why such handbooks are essential for compliance with federal, state, and FedEx requirements. He also discusses the handbook's role in protecting businesses from lawsuits, communicating company culture and expectations, and ensuring standardized treatment of all employees. Tune in for practical insights and industry advice on building a safer and more structured work environment.

Join us for this special episode of Industry Insights with Route Consultant, recorded live at the Route Consultant Expo 2026. COO Amy and BC Manager Mike from Slicker Trucking share their experiences and insights on the FedEx 2.0 transition after two years of implementation. Learn about the challenges and solutions they faced, including managing new time commitments, maintaining security standards, and integrating express deliveries. Gain valuable strategies for making smarter investments and building stronger businesses in the logistics industry.

Join Josh Gregory, VP of Operations at Route Consultant, for a special episode of Industry Insights recorded live at the 2026 Route Consultant Expo. This episode provides an introduction to the logistics space, offering actionable strategies and fresh perspectives for both new entrants and experienced professionals. 

Learn about the FedEx P&D and Linehaul models, the nuances of entering the Amazon delivery arena, and opportunities in the bread distribution industry. Gain insights on navigating financials, safety, and fleet management to ensure long-term success in the logistics industry.

In this episode of Industry Insights with Route Consultant, we sit down with Alex Frum, owner of Alpha Kilo Logistics, to discuss the critical topic of safety in the logistics industry. Alex explains how FedEx tracks and grades contractor safety using the Safety Results Summary (SRS) and Safety Results Indicator (SRI).