Industry Insights with Route Consultant

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 se...

Recorded live at the Route Consultant Expo 2026, this special episode features Kevin Brunner, owner of SellMyFDX and Q Companies, sharing practical tax strategies for business owners planning an exit. Kevin explains how a 537 Installment Sale Trust can defer taxes by routing sale proceeds through a trust, allowing sellers to reinvest more capital, create flexible income streams, and potentially im...

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, c...

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.  They share how being young women shaped early client dynamics, how strong culture and open communication can improve performance, and why ca...

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,...

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 credibi...

Recorded live at the Route Consultant Expo 2026, this special Industry Insights episode features a FedEx P&D contractor Q&A, hosted by Brenda Shelley. The panel shares operational moves that boost profitability. They break down driver pay models and incentives, what to look for when buying a first P&D route, why hybrid dense/rural markets can be highly profitable, and more. Finally, th...

Recorded live at the 2026 Route Consultant Expo, this special episode of Industry Insights features Roland Brewer, Co-Founder and President of Realm Health, explaining why healthcare premiums are rising and how logistics and last-mile business owners can control costs while improving driver retention. • Learn more about Realm Health: realmhealth.com • Learn more about route-based businesses: route...

Join Leah Nelson and Stephen Rhein from Route Consultant in this special episode of Industry Insights, recorded live at the Route Consultant Expo 2026. This episode provides a comprehensive guide on the financial aspects of bread route investments, including the core decisions that drive profitability. Topics covered include understanding gross and net revenue, territory knowledge, inventory manag...

In this special episode, recorded live at the Route Consultant Expo 2026, Alex Frum, owner of Alpha Kilo Logistics, emphasizes the critical need for Linehaul contractors to establish a comprehensive employee handbook. Alex shares his extensive experience and details why such handbooks are essential for compliance with federal, state, and FedEx requirements. He also discusses the handbook's ro...

Join us for this special episode of Industry Insights with Route Consultant, recorded live at the 2026 Route Consultant Expo. COO Amy and BC Manager Mike from Slicker Trucking share their experiences and insights on the FedEx 2.0 transition after two years of implementation. Learn about the challenges and solutions they faced, including managing new time commitments, maintaining security standards...

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 Am...

In this episode of Industry Insights with Route Consultant, we sit down with Alex Frum, owner of Alpha Kilo Logistics, to discuss the critical topic of safety in the logistics industry. Alex explains how FedEx tracks and grades contractor safety using the Safety Results Summary (SRS) and Safety Results Indicator (SRI).  He also covers the administrative classifications, impact of accidents and vio...

Expo 2026 is just around the corner, and we're gearing up by releasing a previous episode, all about what to expect at our biggest event of the year. In this episode, we dive deep into what to expect from the Route Consultant Expo 2026, featuring insights from experts Stephen Rhein and Butch Butler. Gain exclusive previews on sessions, trends, and strategies that will help contractors in the...

Join us on Industry Insights as we explore the future of the electric vehicle industry with guest John Harris, CEO of Harbinger Motors. Learn about the commitments major corporations are making to renewable energy and the importance of electric vehicles in the logistics sector. John sheds light on Harbinger's unique approach to building from the ground up, emphasizing affordability and reliab...

In this episode of Industry Insights with Route Consultant, we sit down with Chad Johnson, VP of Franchise Services at Flowers Foods. Join us as we explore the process and requirements for becoming an independent distributor with Flowers Foods, including initial steps, financing options, business plan development, and the support provided by Flowers.  Chad offers invaluable advice for both new and...

This week on Industry Insights with Route Consultant, we sit down with Alex Frum, owner of Alpha Kilo Logistics. Alex shares his approach to recruitment and employee retention through effective benefits and compensation packages. From 401k programs and healthcare to safety incentives and unique perks like personalized swag and holiday steaks, Alex reveals how these strategies have resulted in lowe...

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 succe...

Welcome to Industry Insights with Route Consultant! This week, we explore one of the biggest expenses in the logistics industry: fuel. Annalee Cate, CEO of the RCPA Fuel Card, joins us to discuss effective fuel management strategies, common challenges, and how the RCPA Fuel Card can help save money and improve efficiency. Annalee offers valuable insights into the importance of security controls, b...

In this episode of Industry Insights with Route Consultant, Chad Johnson, VP of Franchise Services at Flowers Foods, shares his expertise on the longevity and growth of the bread industry. Discover Flowers Foods' strategic plans for expansion, the challenges of logistics in the bread market, and the opportunities for independent distributors to thrive. Learn about the importance of maintainin...

Welcome back to Industry Insights with Route Consultant. This week, we sit down with Kevin Brunner, founder and owner of Q Companies, to explore essential financial strategies for business mergers, acquisitions, and tax planning. Kevin shares his journey from mowing lawns and trading penny stocks to becoming a financial advisor with a proven track record. Learn about the importance of early exit p...

This week on Industry Insights with Route Consultant we’re unpacking the rollout of Picture Proof of Delivery (PPOD) in the FedEx space with Dave + Amy Byers — exploring its origins, key metrics, and operational challenges. Learn how PPOD is reshaping delivery standards across the industry, and gain practical strategies for maintaining efficiency and exceptional customer service as this new proces...

This week on Industry Insights with Route Consultant, we're exploring essential truck maintenance strategies with Alex Frum, owner of Alpha Kilo Logistics. Alex shares invaluable tips on preventative maintenance, building strong relationships with dealers, and managing breakdowns efficiently. Whether you're using OEM schedules, third-party software for tracking, or full-service leases, A...

In this episode of Industry Insights with Route Consultant, join Amy and Dave Byers of Slicker Trucking as they delve into the critical topic of accountability within the logistics industry. They discuss the importance of defining and communicating accountability, the distinction between job responsibilities and end results, and the cultural shifts that influence driver performance.  Learn about t...

Join us in this episode of Industry Insights as we delve into the complexities of recruiting within the logistics and transportation sector with Alex Frum, owner of Alpha Kilo Logistics. Alex shares his insights on the importance of effective recruiting strategies, the decision between outsourcing and internal recruitment, and the nuances of managing teams in diverse markets.  He also discusses th...