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.

Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, understanding what drives the list price of a bread route is essential to making a smart purchase. While bread routes may seem simple on the surface—delivering fresh product to retail locations—there are multiple financial and operational factors that affect their market value.

Route Consultant was recognized as a winner in the 2024 BASA Awards, recognized for excellence in Transportation, Shipping & Logistics. The Best of America Small Business Awards exists to celebrate small businesses, visionaries, innovators, disruptors, and entrepreneurs for their notable efforts in growing and building our economy and a better working world.

HR technology plays a crucial role for FedEx contractors, and the technology from the team at Netchex can solve payroll and HR challenges many contractors will struggle with in day-to-day business.

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 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.

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.

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

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 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?

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?

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.