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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Every day, Route Consultant’s FedEx routes for sale receive a record number of inquiries about listings via our website and hotline. Our team, and other vendors in this space, are inundated with requests and questions throughout the day. SBA lenders are in a similar position, particularly right now. Our goal is to prepare you to get to the front of the SBA lending line.

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.

Did you know that 99% of all of our transactions are asset purchase agreements (APAs)? When purchasing a FedEx Ground business, it’s imperative to be aware of the type of sale you intend to make.

Need a quick refresher on FedEx Route financials in order to make the right purchase? Here’s the top financial terms and definitions you need to understand to review a FedEx Ground route for sale.