On Industry Insights with Route Consultant, Josh interviews Michael Jones and Jeff Jones of Routeway 360 about insurance in bread and snack distribution and why many owners misunderstand their coverage until a claim happens. They break down Routeway 360’s platform for distributors, including incorporation, banking, accounting and tax support, and their new “Drive My Route” app for finding route relievers. The episode covers common insurance requirements, the risks of relying on personal auto policies, compliance and COIs, and major exposures like uninsured motorists and 1099 worker injuries without workers’ comp. They also explain how proper rating, garaging, remarketing, and telematics can help route owners manage premiums and reduce risk.

Recorded live at the Route Consultant Expo 2026, host Josh Gregory and broker Steven Rhine break down what it really takes to run and scale bread routes, covering staffing strategies like vacation runners, referrals, and retention, along with retail execution including merchandising, Walmart relationships, and display placement. They also explore fulfillment KPIs tied to online ordering, hiring pipelines, compensation structures, handling sales and overages, holiday planning using historical data, and how to grow through independent accounts, offering a practical look at the day to day realities of route ownership. 

Snack routes offer a flexible schedule, steady income, and strong resale value, making them one of the most attractive options in route-based business ownership. Before you buy, it's important to understand the business model, startup costs, earning potential, and daily workload. This guide covers everything you need to know to decide if a snack route is the right investment for you.

Running a successful snack route takes more than just showing up. From managing shelf space and product rotation to building strong retailer relationships and controlling costs, the best operators are strategic about every part of their business. This guide breaks down the daily routine, common challenges, and proven growth strategies to help snack route owners maximize profits and build lasting value.

Snack routes and bread routes are two of the most popular options in direct-store delivery, but they operate very differently. From shelf life and delivery schedules to profit margins and resale value, understanding the distinctions can help you choose the right investment. This guide breaks down the key differences so you can make a confident, informed decision about which route type fits your goals.

Recorded live at the Route Consultant Expo 2026, Josh Gregory and Andrew Polito (CFO at GoHQ) break down the realities of owning an Amazon DSP, including the application and “bench” process, stand-up timelines, and the capital needed to launch. They cover key cost drivers like payroll, fleet/rentals, insurance deposits and renewals, and how claims management and safety culture impact long-term premiums. Andrew explains Amazon’s pay structure (route-hour blocks, per-package pay, and fixed monthly fleet payments), the scorecard tiers and bonuses tied to safety and quality metrics, and why controlling labor hours versus allotted route hours is critical. They discuss staffing models, dispatch/rescues, management roles, cash forecasting, typical profitability and revenue ranges, growth opportunities like rural expansion, popups and the Pinnacle Program, and the outlook tied to Ship with Amazon and new terminal investment.

Thinking about using a vending locator service? Learn the pros, cons, and costs of outsourcing location sourcing, and whether it’s the right move for beginners or operators looking to scale.

Understand how vending machine profits really work. This guide explains how fees, competition, and product selection impact your margins, and how to structure deals that maximize long-term income.

New to vending? Learn how to secure your first vending machine location by pitching businesses, structuring deals, and offering trial placements. Includes proven strategies to land profitable spots without prior experience.

Learn how to evaluate vending machine locations using key factors like foot traffic, placement, and competition. This guide breaks down what actually drives sales so you can choose locations that consistently perform.

Explore underrated vending machine locations like coworking spaces, wellness centers, and dental offices. These low-competition environments often outperform traditional spots when paired with the right products and strategy.

Avoid the most common vending machine placement mistakes. Learn why locations like gas stations, rural areas, bars, and outdoor spots often fail, plus the hidden risks like vandalism and seasonality that can quietly reduce your profits.

Discover the most profitable vending machine locations, including hospitals, schools, office break rooms, and apartments. Learn how much each location can make, what factors drive sales, and how to choose placements that generate consistent monthly revenue.

This week, we compare two paths in the delivery business: Amazon DSP and Bread Route Investments. Stephen Rhein and Luke Price join us to break down the core differences between these models, what sets them apart, and what prospective operators should consider when evaluating each option. Tune in for a clear, high-level overview to help you understand how these opportunities differ and which may better align with your goals.

The 2026 route market is undergoing a fundamental shift in valuation and buyer behavior. From the structured pricing environment of Flowers Corporate routes to the scaling revenue of FedEx P&D operations, our latest benchmarks provide the data-driven clarity needed to navigate today's acquisition landscape. Download our latest snapshots to see how your operation measures up against current industry standards.

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.

This week on Industry Insights with Route Consultant, we focus on business exits and how to prepare long before a sale to maximize value and make the business transferable. Josh is joined by Steve Alverson and Austin Coley of McCall Wealth Advisors, who explain how they help owners plan through and beyond a sale by first clarifying personal goals and the “why” behind the business. They discuss why exit planning should start early, how buyers pay for future cash flow, and common value killers like taxes, fees, unrealistic expectations, and debt. 

This week on Industry Insights with Route Consultant, we focus on business exits and how to prepare long before a sale to maximize value and make the business transferable. Josh is joined by Steve Alverson and Austin Coley of McCall Wealth Advisors, who explain how they help owners plan through and beyond a sale by first clarifying personal goals and the “why” behind the business. They discuss why exit planning should start early, how buyers pay for future cash flow, and common value killers like taxes, fees, unrealistic expectations, and debt. 

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).