Looking for a logistics business plan template? Learn how to structure your operational strategy, fleet management, and financial projections for success.

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.

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).

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.

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.

Join us in this episode of Industry Insights with Route Consultant as we discuss the complexities of the logistics industry with industry veterans Dave and Amy Byers of Slicker Trucking. This episode covers the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in the logistics sector, the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, and the impact of emerging trends. Dave and Amy share their strategies for success, the realities of dealing with difficult customers, and how to foster a supportive community among contractors. This conversation highlights the importance of adaptability, community engagement, and positivity in navigating the logistics landscape.

Welcome to Industry Insights with Route Consultant! This week, we sit down with Chad Johnson, Vice President of Franchise Services at Flowers Foods, to explore the current trends and challenges in the bread industry. Chad discusses the importance of regional market information for independent distributors, the value of brand equity, and the advantages of the Flowers independent distributor model.

We delve into why investing in this model is a smart and stable choice, the diverse brands under Flowers Foods, and what it takes to be successful as an independent distributor. From practical tips for managing your business to understanding market dynamics, this episode is packed with valuable information for anyone interested in the logistics and bread industry.

This week on Industry Insights with Route Consultant, we're joined by Roland Brewer, President of Realm Health. Roland shares his unique journey from being a golf professional to leading an innovative health insurance company. He discusses the challenges and strategies in providing affordable benefits to FedEx contractors, the importance of business succession planning, and Realm Health's continuous efforts to cater to the evolving needs of small business owners in the logistics industry. 

Learn more about Realm Health at https://realmhealth.com/.

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.

As we head into the 2024 peak season it’s time for logistics professionals to roll up their sleeves and get ready. Two recent “Wednesday Webinars” hosted by Josh Gregory, VP of Education at Route Consultant, provided invaluable insights from industry experts Ken Davenport and Amy and Dave Buers.