
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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Unlocking ERC Funds with Intero Capital
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!
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.
Local Inbound Service with Dave + Amy Byers
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.
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.
Navigating First Advantage
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.
SBA Financing for FedEx Routes: Down Payment and Standby Explained
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.
Navigating the FedEx Contractor Model
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.
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.
OVD Insurance with Steve Binnig
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.
FedEx Entrepreneur Story with Amy + Dave Byers
This week, we're sitting down with Amy and Dave Byers to hear the inspiring story behind their journey as FedEx contractors. From navigating the early days of business ownership to scaling a successful operation together, the Byers share the challenges, lessons, and wins that shaped their entrepreneurial path. Whether you're exploring FedEx as an investment or already operating routes, this candid conversation offers real-world insights on partnership, growth, and what it takes to thrive in the logistics space.
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.
What to Expect In Expenses for FedEx Routes for Sale
FedEx Ground routes have predictable revenues with few variables. It’s what makes these businesses such solid investments!
If your revenue is predictable with few variables to significantly change it, then how do you impact your Net Operating Income (or take-home pay)? You focus on Total Expenses.
Can I Lease My Fleet?
What many contractors don’t know, however, is that there is a strong argument for using full-service leases in some cases. If you have routes that travel 35,000 miles a year or less, a full-service vehicle lease may be the best option for you.
Pros and Cons of FedEx Ground P&D Routes
There are two types of FedEx Ground routes: pickup and delivery (P&D) routes and linehaul runs. If you are investing in FedEx Ground routes for the first time, we highly recommend P&D routes. Why? P&D routes are easy to learn, less expensive than linehaul, and have a consistent revenue stream each month.
What is a Labor Market Analysis?
As we continue to face labor shortages, contractors struggle to recruit drivers for their operations. To help combat the challenges of finding drivers, we have partnered with Bright Flag Recruiting. One of the biggest challenges contractors face when buying or operating in a market is determining what they need to pay to be competitive when recruiting and retaining drivers.
SBA Loans for FedEx Contractors with Tucker Herring, GBank
This week, we're in the studio with Tucker Herring, Vice President of SBA Development at GBank. Tucker shares his journey into SBA lending, the process of securing financing for business acquisitions, and the advantages of SBA loans compared to conventional lending.
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.