
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.
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How the best contractors screen drivers: A Comprehensive Guide
As a route owner in sectors like FedEx P&D, bread delivery, waste management, and Emergency Medical Services, hiring the right drivers is crucial to your operation's success. Proper screening ensures safety, compliance, and reliability. Here’s a friendly and detailed guide on how to effectively screen drivers for your business.
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.
Are FedEx Routes Good Investments?
Although it feels as if our world is already dominated by e-commerce, the market is not nearly done growing! We predict the e-commerce expansion to rise steadily for the next ten years. The total e-commerce volume will be so significant that we believe there will be enough business for all the current logistics players to sustain themselves and for new players to enter the market and thrive.
Preparing for Peak Season 2024: Essential Strategies for Logistics Professionals
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.
NEMT vs EMS: The Value of an EMS Operation
NEMT vs EMS: The Value of an EMS Operation
Learn the business benefits of operating a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) vs. the value and requirements of operating an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) operation from Route Consultant.
Buying and Approval Process for Bread Routes
Buying a bread route is one of the most approachable paths to business ownership in the logistics space. These routes are typically low-overhead, high-stability operations with protected territories and consistent weekly sales. But what does the actual buying and approval process look like?
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?
Day in the Life of a FedEx Contractor
One of the most common questions new investors ask is, “What does a typical day look like for a FedEx Ground route owner?” While the level of involvement varies depending on the size and maturity of the business, all successful contractors understand the importance of setting daily systems in motion, even if they’re not in the driver’s seat themselves.
Best Technology for FedEx Ground Contractors
Technology plays a critical role in the day-to-day operations of FedEx Ground contractors. From managing logistics to improving safety and communication, the right tools can increase efficiency, lower operating costs, and help contractors stay compliant with FedEx standards.
Buying and Approval Process for FedEx Ground Routes
If you're considering purchasing FedEx Ground routes, it's important to understand that buying the business is only part of the equation. Unlike many traditional small businesses, acquiring a FedEx route requires approval from FedEx Ground and adherence to a specific transfer process.
Before You Buy a FedEx Linehaul Route: Get the Details and Understand the Pros and Cons
There are two distinct types of FedEx businesses: pick-up and delivery (P&D) routes or a linehaul run. Linehaul runs are a lucrative and risky business. Some contractors say linehaul runs are 90% boredom and 10% terror. But they can be an incredibly profitable investment for the right contractor. Are you the right contractor for a linehaul run?
Schedule L
The Schedule L announcement comes with two major changes: New quarterly incentives and disincentives based on an all-new safety ranking system, and an update to the accident indemnification amounts for contractors. With these changes, contractors can see impacts on quarterly revenue anywhere from +2% to -3% based on their safety performance. This new system ranks contractors in a new “class” of 1-10, with 10 being the best.
Structuring a Deal for FedEx Ground Routes
Buying a FedEx Ground route business is more than just agreeing on a price—it requires careful deal structuring to ensure the terms protect both buyer and seller. How a deal is structured affects risk, cash flow, financing options, and the long-term success of the operation.
Truck Types and Leasing Options for Bread Routes
For entrepreneurs exploring the bread route industry, one of the most important operational decisions you’ll make is selecting the right delivery vehicle. The type of truck you use impacts route efficiency, supplier approval, maintenance costs, and overall profitability.
Truck Types and Leasing Options for FedEx Ground
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or scaling your current FedEx Ground operation, one of the most important components of running a successful logistics business is your fleet strategy. The types of trucks you purchase—or lease—and how you manage them will have a direct impact on your costs, efficiency, and long-term profitability.
Diversifying Into Waste Management Routes
Waste management is an essential industry that plays a crucial role in keeping our communities clean and safe. Whether you're considering entering this field or simply want to learn more about it, understanding the dynamics of waste management routes, capital requirements, and the opportunities it offers can provide valuable insights.
Understanding the Financial Terminology of Waste Management Routes
In the ever-evolving realm of waste management, environmental consciousness, regulations, and technology continually shape the landscape. Understanding the fine lines within financial terminology, particularly regarding financials and valuations, is vital for those hoping to attain sustainable and enduring success. Whether you’re just entering the waste management industry or looking to expand an existing business, the ability to navigate and comprehend financial metrics, valuations, and financing options is a major advantage. These financial pillars, when firmly understood and leveraged, serve as the foundation for your profitability, growth, and long-term viability. Waste management routes don’t have to be difficult. Unraveling the pieces sheds light on the opportunities for success in this demanding and changing sector.
What Determines List Price for FedEx Ground Routes?
If you're evaluating FedEx Ground routes for sale, one of the first numbers you’ll look at is the list price. But how is that number determined?
Understanding what drives the valuation and list price of a FedEx Ground business can help you make a smarter investment—and avoid overpaying for an underperforming operation.
Fundamentals of Bread Route Ownership
Bread routes are a vital part of the bakery industry, ensuring the timely delivery of fresh bread and related products to retail establishments. If you're curious about how bread routes work and are considering venturing into this industry, this blog is for you. We will delve into the fundamentals of bread routes, covering their structure, operations, and key considerations. Let's explore the fascinating world of bread routes!
Fleet Strategy for FedEx P&D Routes
Our team of actual FedEx contractors worked through the math of new FedEx trucks versus used FedEx trucks in our own operations. We always want to make the most efficient choice for our fleets. We have compelling data that shows new trucks are the superior option for routes that are 150 miles per day or less. Why is this the case?