
Industry Insights
with Route Consultant
Welcome to Industry Insights with Route Consultant—your front-row seat to the fast-moving world of logistics and beyond. Each week, we bring you game-changing insights, real-world strategies, and fresh perspectives to fuel smarter investments and build stronger businesses. Join us as we sit down with expert guests to explore emerging trends and pressing topics across a wide range of industries.
Latest Episodes
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FedEx Route Equity Value: What Your Business is Really Worth
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.
Growth and Scaling in Linehaul with Alex Frum
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.
Hiring and Keeping Great Drivers for Your Bread Route
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.
50 Years in Trucking with Steve Crawford
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.
4 Pillars of a Successful Linehaul Contractor
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.
Hiring Strategies for Finding and Keeping FedEx Drivers
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.
Contractor + Vendor Entrepreneur Stories with Lee + Keely Muse
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.
FedEx Linehaul Entrepreneur Story with Alex Frum
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.
How FedEx Ground Drivers Are Paid
For the vast majority of FedEx Ground contractors, payroll is the largest operational expense. It’s no exaggeration that how you pay your drivers and manage your payroll expense will have a material effect on the profitability of your business as well as the productivity of your team.
The Impact of Fuel Prices on FedEx Ground Operations
Fuel cards are the way your drivers will pay for fuel (if you enroll in a fuel card program). These cards look like a credit card, but there are important differences between a fuel card and a credit card.
Are Electric Vehicles Viable in the Package Delivery Industry?
Electric vehicles (EVs) are all the rage in today’s consumer market. Many cities and states, particularly on the east and west coasts, are edging ever closer to lowering emissions and adopting a more electric vehicle friendly environment. FedEx Ground has vowed to be fully carbon neutral by 2040. EVs will certainly be a big part of that initiative.
How Bread Route Territories Work
A bread route territory is a contractually protected area in which you, as the distributor, have the exclusive right to deliver and sell products from a specific brand, such as Pepperidge Farm, Flowers Foods, or Bimbo Bakeries…Each bakery brand has its own policies for how territories are created and assigned, but the general goal is to ensure exclusive coverage without overlap between distributors.
Understanding FedEx Ground Territories: What Contractors Own
If you're thinking about buying a FedEx Ground route, one of the first things you’ll come across is the concept of territory rights. But what exactly does that mean—and how does FedEx define and enforce territories?
Understanding how FedEx territories are assigned, managed, and evaluated is essential to running a profitable and protected business.
Linehaul with Tim Goff
This week, we're talking with Tim Goff, Founder + CEO of mygroundforce, about his experience in the FedEx Linehaul industry and how he got started in his career.
Can I Buy FedEx Routes? A Look at the History and Opportunity Behind These Operations
Yes, you can buy FedEx Ground routes—and thousands of entrepreneurs already have. Learn the history of these operations, how they work, and why they’re a proven path for route-based business owners.
FedEx Ground Route Financials: Key Numbers Every Buyer Should Know
When evaluating a FedEx route business, one of the most important steps is understanding the financials that drive long-term success. Revenue numbers alone don’t tell the full story. In order to make an informed buying decision—or optimize a route you already own—you need to know how to analyze the key financial metrics that matter most.
Benefits of the Entry-Level Driver Program (ELDP) for Linehaul Drivers
The Entry Level Driver Program provides an opportunity to train drivers to your company’s standards while addressing driver shortages. Today’s post delves into the benefits of ELDP and how it can enhance operations.
Day in the Life of a Bread Route Owner
If you're considering investing in a bread route, one of the first questions you'll likely ask is: What does a typical day look like for an owner? While bread routes are known for offering early hours and consistent schedules, the daily routine depends on whether you're operating the route yourself or managing a driver.
Fuel Cost and Strategy for FedEx Ground Routes
Fuel is one of the most significant operating expenses for FedEx Ground contractors—often second only to payroll. Whether you operate a fleet of pickup and delivery (P&D) trucks or linehaul tractors, optimizing your fuel costs directly impacts your bottom line.
How Much Money Do Bread Routes Make? Margins, Profits, and Valuations Explained
Bread routes are a popular choice for first-time business owners—and for good reason. They offer protected territories, predictable income, and low overhead. But before you jump in, it’s essential to understand two key financial questions: How much money can you make? And what is a bread route actually worth?