Industry Insights with Route Consultant

Join us on this week's episode of Industry Insights with Route Consultant as we explore the dynamic world of the bread industry with Chad Johnson, VP of Franchise Services at Flowers Foods. In this episode, we delve into the shifts in consumer preferences, particularly the growing demand for health-conscious products.  Chad shares Flowers Foods' strategies for staying relevant, including...

Join us on this episode of Industry Insights with Route Consultant as Amy and Dave Byers discuss the critical topic of drug testing for FedEx Ground employees and drivers. Learn about the mandatory drug testing practices, including pre-employment, random, and suspicion-based testing. They also explore the complexities of compliance with both federal and state regulations, the consequences of faili...

Join us this week as we sit down with Brian Haney, CEO of LifeCare EMS of Georgia. Brian takes us through his incredible journey from the early struggles of starting an EMS business to leading a successful multi-million dollar company. Learn about the challenges he faced, the strategies he employed, and the lessons he learned along the way. Discover how he navigated financial hurdles, focused on q...

Welcome to Industry Insights with Route Consultant! 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 logistics industry succeed. Whether you're in the FedEx, bread distribution, or other logistics sp...

Welcome to Industry Insights with Route Consultant! In this episode, we sit down with Grace Bay, CEO of Hello Truck Lease, to discuss how HTL is revolutionizing the last mile delivery space. Grace shares her journey from managing one of the largest FedEx contracting entities to founding HTL, a full-service lease program for FedEx contractors. We dive into the challenges of fleet management, the be...

In this episode of Industry Insights with Route Consultant, we dive deep into effective linehaul truck acquisition strategies and capital management with Alex Frum, owner of Alpha Kilo Logistics. Discover game-changing tips on selecting the right trucks, financing options, and maintenance strategies to boost your logistics business.  Learn about the nuances of leasing vs. financing, the importance...

This week, we're sitting down with ERC experts from Intero Capital Solutions - Gillian Gradidge, Darryl Steyn, and Dan Leathers. Discover how Intero Capital Solutions aids contractors and small business owners in accessing their Employee Retention Credit (ERC) funds, providing invaluable insights into financing strategies and unlocking trapped capital. Whether you're seeking immediate li...

This week on Industry Insights with Route Consultant, we sit down with Chad Johnson, VP of Franchise Services at Flowers Foods. With over 30 years in the baking industry, Chad shares his experiences from starting as a bread route operator to advancing into corporate roles. Chad discusses the independent distributor model, the evolution of Flowers Foods, and the critical role of communication in bu...

Join us this week on Industry Insights with Route Consultant as we delve into the intricacies of FedEx service metrics with Dave and Amy Byers from Slicker Trucking. In this episode, we explore what service means from a FedEx perspective and how it impacts contract management. Learn about the holistic approach of FedEx's MEDALs system that rates service, safety, productivity, and customer sat...

This week on Industry Insights with Route Consultant, we're in Atlanta, GA sitting down with Brian Haney, a serial entrepreneur and the owner of Trinity EMS Billing and Consultants. Brian shares his extraordinary journey from the corporate world to owning one of the fastest-growing EMS companies in the Southeast.  Brian delves into his early life, his transition from sales to the EMS industry...

This week, Alex Frum shares game-changing insights on scaling a logistics business. Learn about growth strategies, including acquisitions, organic growth through the FedEx point system, and overcoming challenges in the industry. Alex provides valuable tips on building solid relationships within the FedEx network and navigating the complexities of managing multiple trucks and runs. Whether you&apos...

This week on Industry Insights with Route Consultant, we sit down with Steve Crawford, a veteran in the trucking industry with over 50 years of experience. Steve shares his journey from growing up in a trucking family to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the logistics sector. He discusses the evolution of the trucking industry, the challenges faced, and the importance of adaptability in an eve...

Welcome to Industry Insights with Route Consultant! This week, Dave and Amy Byers discuss the crucial yet challenging process of hiring and screening drivers using the First Advantage platform for FedEx contractors. They detail the end-to-end process from initial application to qualification, the common pitfalls, and tips for minimizing delays. Whether you're a seasoned FedEx contractor or ne...

Join us this week as we welcome Tamara Taylor, an entrepreneur who turned her knowledge of coding into a thriving business. In this episode, learn how she supports and empowers EMS professionals to navigate the complex world of medical coding. Tamara highlights her journey to entrepreneurship and the challenges and triumphs she encountered along the way.  Tamara also shares valuable insights into...

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'...

Join us this week on Industry Insights with Route Consultant as we sit down with Alex Frum, owner of Alpha Kilo Logistics, to explore key strategies for being a successful FedEx Linehaul contractor. We delve into the four crucial pillars: safety, financial stability, service, and availability. Alex shares his expert insights and practical advice on managing safety protocols, understanding financia...

This week, we're diving into the intricacies of the FedEx contractor model with Amy and Dave Byers of Slicker Trucking. We discuss the significant differences between independent service providers (ISPs) and transportation service providers (TSPs), the evolving expectations and compliance standards, and how these roles relate to FedEx as a customer. Amy and Dave share their experiences and st...

This week, we're sitting down with Lee and Keely Muse, the forces behind Tread Transportation Services and Forward Arrow Solutions. Join us as they share their inspiring journey from the oil and gas industry to becoming successful in the FedEx Linehaul space – both as a vendor and a contractor. Discover how Lee’s entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with Keely's operational insight, helped th...

Join us in this gripping episode of Industry Insights with Route Consultant, where we sit 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 lineha...

Welcome back to Industry Insights with Route Consultant! This week, we're sitting down with Steve Binnig, Final Mile Program Manager at OVD Insurance. Steve shares his unique journey from a college intern to a major player in the insurance industry, focusing on the final mile sector. We delve deep into the importance of safety culture, trends in the FedEx and Amazon DSP insurance spaces, and...

This week, we’re diving into a critical industry: security. We’re sitting down with Andy Willis, a security expert with decades of experience protecting high-stakes industries. Andy breaks down the evolving threats and shares practical advice on how to stay one step ahead. If you’re looking to take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey in the fast-moving and critical world of security, che...

This week, we're sitting down with Amy and Dave Byers to hear the inspiring story behind their journey as FedEx contractors. From navigating the early days of business ownership to scaling a successful operation together, the Byers share the challenges, lessons, and wins that shaped their entrepreneurial path. Whether you're exploring FedEx as an investment or already operating routes, t...

This week, we're sitting down with Melody Sundwall, Chief Human Resources Officer of Patton Logistics, to hear the story behind her unique career path.. Melody shares how her experience with processes and people led her through a variety of roles in human resources, ultimately steering her into the world of logistics and delivery. Tune in as we talk about the surprising overlap between HR and...

This week, we're in the studio with Stephen Rhein, owner of Not By Bread Alone, LLC. Stephen shares his story and experience in the bread routes industry, from his days on a truck in high school through expanding distribution territories in Tennessee. • Learn more about route-based businesses: routeconsultant.com/learn • Register for a free event: routeconsultant.com/events • Contact our team...

This week, we're sitting down with Tucker Herring, Vice President of SBA Development at GBank, to discuss the ins and outs of SBA loans specifically tailored for FedEx contractors. Tucker shares his journey into SBA lending, the process of securing financing for business acquisitions, and the advantages of SBA loans compared to conventional lending. He also offers insights on evaluating FedEx...