FedEx Linehaul Q&A: Contractor Strategies from Route Consultant Expo 2026

Recorded live at the 2026 Route Consultant Expo, this special episode of Industry Insights features Butch Butler hosting a FedEx-focused Q&A with experienced linehaul contractors Steve Crawford, Randy Kurek, Alex Frum, and Jen Parrish. The panel shares practical guidance on building profitability through unassigned rotations, earning points toward dedicated routes, and the operational habits that keep contractors competitive. 

They discuss what strong infrastructure can look like as fleets grow, how to approach expanding from P&D into linehaul, and what newcomers should consider when buying versus starting organically. The conversation also touches on recruiting and retention realities for CDL drivers, key safety and documentation expectations during incidents, and how operating across states and adhering to contract language can impact long-term success.