Industry Insights with Route Consultant

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: routeconsultant.com/learn

• Register for a ...

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 management, expense control, and the uni...

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 role in protecting businesses from la...

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, and integrating express deliverie...

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 Amazon delivery arena, and opportuniti...

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 violations, and strategies for appealin...

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 logistics industry succeed. Whether ...

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 reliability in the medium-duty vehicle se...

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 existing distributors looking to ex...

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 lower turnover and a loyal workforce. T...

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 success, the realities of dealing with d...

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, behavioral changes, and the benefits...

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 maintaining strong relationships with custome...

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 planning, proven financial strategie...

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, Alex's insights on maintaining ...

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 their practical strategies for mainta...

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 the role of First Advantage in the bac...

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 successful product launches li...