Last2First Podcast

Jason Burns
  • 5.0 (9)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Last 2 First, the podcast dedicated to exploring the final mile in logistics and the unique challenges faced by business owners in this vital industry. Each episode features insightful conversations with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who share their experiences, strategies, and innovations shaping the future of final mile delivery. Join us as we dive into topics like optimizing delivery routes, enhancing customer satisfaction, navigating regulatory hurdles, and leveraging technology for efficiency. Whether you're a seasoned logistics professional or a business owner looking to improve your operations, Last 2 First offers valuable insights and actionable advice to help you lead your business to success. Tune in and discover how to turn the last mile into your first priority!

  1. Deliver Different: The Courier Software Built from Real Operations

    5D AGO

    Deliver Different: The Courier Software Built from Real Operations

    In this episode of the Last2First Podcast, Jason sits down virtually with Steve Bonnici, founder of Urgent Couriers and co-founder of Deliver Different  joining from **Auckland. Steve breaks down the real origin story: how his family’s transportation roots shaped his path, how Urgent Couriers evolved from traditional messenger work into major medical + routed logistics, and why a decision in 1995 to build custom technology became the biggest “last to first” catalyst of his career. You’ll also hear the behind-the-scenes story of scaling during COVID, building gig-driver infrastructure that actually performs, and how Deliver Different was born out of solving real operator problems not tech theory.If you’re a courier operator, dispatcher, or logistics founder trying to scale profitably, this is a must-watch. ✅ Subscribe for more operator-to-operator conversations.👍 Like / Comment: What’s the #1 operational bottleneck holding your company back right now? ⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps 02:00 – Intro (virtual episode + Steve joins from Auckland)03:15 – Urgent Couriers today: scale, revenue, market size (New Zealand)05:10 – Family roots in transportation (grandfather → coaches → ski field transport)08:05 – Starting Urgent Couriers in 1989: “They’re doing it badly — I can do it better”10:40 – The courier industry shift: documents → fax/email → new verticals12:35 – Early adoption: online booking in 1995 (before people were ready)15:05 – Why Steve built his own system (cost, necessity, scalability)18:10 – Independent contractors vs employees: productivity difference21:00 – Home delivery evolution: retailers resisted, then the market changed24:10 – Urgent Tonight / evening home delivery + the Uber Eats disruption27:25 – The operational spark: food box delivery + resource constraints30:10 – Building gig-driver tools: routing, training, onboarding, compliance34:30 – The performance surprise: new drivers + great tech beat “experienced” drivers37:10 – Scaling during COVID: 10K → 30K deliveries/week and visibility dashboards40:20 – Route building at scale: capacity, vehicle types, sequence optimization43:10 – Error elimination: scanning + pallet validation (reducing missorts)46:15 – Losing HelloFresh + the margin reality (why “cheaper” didn’t work)49:10 – Where the industry is going: specialized, high-integrity, high-value delivery52:10 – “Solve 10 apps on a phone”: the no-app portal for partner/agent deliveries55:10 – Steve’s “Last to First” moment: the 1995 tech decision57:00 – Wrap-up + conferences (Air Cargo, CLDA, ECA) 🔗 Follow / Listen📺 YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Last2FirstPodcast🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3gDS58wo6IWeLl48LHukdP🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/hn/podcast/last2first-podcast/id1778491941🏈 Join the Huddle: www.l2fhuddle.com 📌 Shoutout to our Sponsors! Dropoff Inc.https://www.dropoff.com/info@dropoff.com+1 888-376-7633 GigSafehttps://www.gigsafe.com/+1 407-496-9882 Deliver Differenthttps://deliverdifferent.com/ SCIhttps://sciadmin.com/

    1h 19m
  2. Courier vs Carrier + Air Freight Regulations: Ralph Perrothers on TSA, IAC & STA Training

    FEB 3

    Courier vs Carrier + Air Freight Regulations: Ralph Perrothers on TSA, IAC & STA Training

    Air freight compliance is one of the most misunderstood parts of the courier world, and it can cost you big if you get it wrong. In Episode 5, I sit down with Ralph Perrothers, Founder & CEO of On-the-Go Cargo (NY/NJ), to break down the real-world shift from expedited air freight to local on-demand after 9/11, how AOG (aircraft on ground) freight works, and the TSA compliance stack every operator needs to understand: IAC (Indirect Air Carrier), STA (Security Threat Assessment), training requirements, and agent compliance. We also get into a debate that matters more than people realize: courier vs carrier and what our industry should be calling itself. 02:01 — Intro: Ralph Perrothers + On-the-Go Cargo03:26 — What OTG does: expedited air freight → local on-demand05:41 — Why air freight changed before/after 9/1108:11 — AOG (Aircraft on Ground): why urgency is REAL11:31 — Media logistics: “then vs now” (cases → digital)14:11 — Ralph’s origin story: starting at 17 + learning fast18:21 — The early career path (Choice → AAA → PDQ → GM)22:51 — Scaling a small courier: $500K → $3.5–$4M in ~2.5 years26:11 — Why hiring “close relationships” can burn you (hard lesson)29:11 — Building balance: complementary verticals (air + local + medical)32:06 — Day-to-day challenges: attendance, software, ops waves35:11 — XLA vs CLDA: what’s different (express vs cartage world)39:11 — Courier vs Carrier: why the words matter43:11 — TSA 101: IAC explained (what it is + why it exists)47:11 — STA + training requirements (and why fines happen)52:31 — Agent compliance + why the system needs modernization56:11 — Varu: what it is + how it helps (digital compliance + transfers)59:21 — The CLDA push: direct regulation, fewer silos, better verification01:04:21 — Personal side: fatherhood + priorities01:08:11 — Ralph’s “Last to First” moment(s)01:11:41 — Final takeaways + wrap Guest: Ralph Perrothers, Founder/CEO, On-the-Go Cargo https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralph-perrothers-96554bb/Markets: New York / New Jersey (expanding to Florida in early 2026)otgcargo.com 👉 Subscribe on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Last2FirstPodcast🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3gDS58wo6IWeLl48LHukdP🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/hn/podcast/last2first-podcast/id1778491941🏈 Join the Huddle: www.l2fhuddle.com

    52 min
  3. The problem isn't the driver - it's leadership.

    JAN 27

    The problem isn't the driver - it's leadership.

    What does it take to build a final-mile delivery network that covers every ZIP code in Arizona and scales into Nevada/Utah without relying on independent contractors? In this clip, Jason Burns sits down with Ken Reynolds, Founder & CEO of Accurate Cargo Delivery, to break down how an air freight cartage company evolved into a diversified final mile operation with ~95 vehicles, including 26’ box trucks and semis with liftgates, plus dedicated fleet replacement services for customers who don’t want the liability of owning trucks and managing drivers. Ken shares real operator lessons on: ✅building route density (the “hook” account that starts it all)✅why Accurate is 100% W2✅service recovery and protecting your reputation✅safety-first culture (and why it’s non-negotiable)✅where AI fits in customer service without removing the human touch✅If you’re a carrier, 3PL, shipper, or final mile operator, this is a masterclass in scaling the “in-between” that keeps supply chains moving. Connect with Ken:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenreynolds/accuratecargo.com 01:54 Intro + why “the in-between” matters02:59 Accurate Cargo origin: air freight cartage → final mile03:59 Coverage: every ZIP in Arizona + parts of NV/UT05:04 Fleet size & equipment (box trucks, semis, liftgates)06:09 Final mile definition: residence, business, DC06:59 Why Accurate is 100% W2 (no ICs)07:59 Verticals served: HVAC, beauty, construction, grocery, hazmat09:04 Dedicated fleet replacement vs commingled routes10:19 Pricing approach: not one-size-fits-all (weight/distance/pallet)11:59 Building route density: the “hook” + rural routing strategy13:59 Ken’s origin story: real estate → trucking entrepreneur15:59 First big break: PetSmart freight + making it happen fast18:14 Responsiveness: cell phone mindset + reputation management20:04 Service recovery story (late-night delivery) + “hotshot” solution21:59 Culture shift: mentor vs manager + respect for drivers23:59 Safety as #1 (seatbelts, speed, hourly pay = slow down)26:04 Tech: driver cameras as exoneration + distraction prevention27:59 AI in customer service: automate the “robot work,” keep humans30:04 Book moment: “Your Next Five Moves” + critical thinking31:59 Last-to-First moment: hiring a COO + leading from 10,000 feet34:04 Close + how Accurate empowers drivers (quarterly 1:1s) 📌 Shoutout to our Sponsors! Dropoff Inc.https://www.dropoff.com/info@dropoff.com+1 888-376-7633 GigSafehttps://www.gigsafe.com/+1 407-496-9882 Deliver Differenthttps://deliverdifferent.com/ SCIhttps://sciadmin.com/ Follow + Subscribe:📺 YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Last2FirstPodcast🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3gDS58wo6IWeLl48LHukdP🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/hn/podcast/last2first-podcast/id1778491941🏈 Join the Huddle: www.l2fhuddle.com

    1h 1m
  4. Building a Delivery Business Without a Playbook

    JAN 20

    Building a Delivery Business Without a Playbook

    New Episode! Ryan Cunningham transitioned from the medical field to building a fast-growing last-mile operation, and within about 18 months, she scaled Snaps Logistics to 40 drivers. In this episode, Ryan breaks down how she started with gig apps in a sedan, upgraded into larger vehicle capacity, landed contracts, managed growth pains (including driver issues and missed deliveries), and what she’s focused on next: warehousing, company vehicles, and government contracting. We also talk about real operator problems: pricing work correctly, handling wait time, building a driver Rolodex, and why systems (TMS, POD workflows, optimization) become non-negotiable as you scale. Connect with Ryan:📩 contact@snapslogistics.com Subscribe to Last2First on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Last2FirstPodcastJoin the Huddle: www.l2fhuddle.com Chapters / Timestamps (update once final edit is locked)  02:12 – Intro + Ryan’s journey into logistics 04:17 – What Snaps Logistics does (e-comm, medical, cargo vans/box trucks) 06:22 – Medical background → inspiration from “women in logistics” 09:17 – Getting her CDL + early over-the-road experience 12:22 – The moment that sparked entrepreneurship (LLC + business mindset) 15:12 – Starting with gig apps (Uber/Lyft, catering, auto parts, medical) 18:27 – Income reality early on + upgrading from sedan → SUV 21:17 – First driver hired (auto parts route) + learning contracts as she went 25:12 – How she scaled from 1 driver to 40 drivers 28:22 – Landing routes via LinkedIn + Jitsu partnership 32:27 – Real growth pains: driver issues, abandoned packages, pay complaints 36:22 – Expanding into Minnesota + managing ops remotely 40:22 – Profitability talk: stacking opportunities + what’s “worth it” 44:17 – Pricing, RFPs, wait time, and why operators need better tools 49:27 – Systems gap: no TMS yet + manual POD workflows 53:22 – Future vision: warehouse, company vehicles, government contracts 58:32 – LegalShield: protecting drivers/business owners (citations + contracts) 01:01:32 – Ryan’s “Last to First” moment + inspiring her sister’s success 01:04:22 – Wrap-up + how to connect with Ryan Keywords: last mile delivery, courier company, women in logistics, logistics entrepreneur, gig apps to contracts, delivery business scaling, fleet growth, route contracting, RFP pricing, warehousing, government contracts, Snaps Logistics, Ryan Cunningham, Texas logistics. 📌 Shoutout to our Sponsors! Dropoff Inc.https://www.dropoff.com/info@dropoff.com+1 888-376-7633 GigSafehttps://www.gigsafe.com/+1 407-496-9882 Deliver Different https://deliverdifferent.com/ SCIhttps://sciadmin.com/ 🎥 Watch, then drop a comment: What’s the #1 KPI you track weekly? Follow + Subscribe:📺 YouTube:   / @last2firstpodcast  🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3gDS58w...🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/hn/podcast...🏈 Join the Huddle: www.l2fhuddle.com Guest: Ryan Cunningham, snappzlogistics.comHost: Jason Burns, Last2First Podcast #Last2First #Logistics #AirFreight #Cartage #3PL #Courier #IndependentContractors #KPIs #RiskManagement #SupplyChain Ask

    46 min
  5. Air Freight + Final Mile: How to Build Routes, Fill Trucks, and Protect Margins

    JAN 13

    Air Freight + Final Mile: How to Build Routes, Fill Trucks, and Protect Margins

    In Episode 44 of the Last2First Podcast, we sit down with Chris Bartley, COO of Fifth Dimension Logistics (New Jersey), to break down what it really takes to run a customized logistics operation from air freight cartage and contract logistics to scaling with an independent contractor (IC) model, managing peak-season uncertainty, and building a weekly KPI dashboard that keeps the business accountable and profitable. We also dig into a big one: broker vs motor carrier structures for IC fleets, why it matters for risk + insurance, and how rigid compliance platforms can create real friction for operators doing things the right way. 02:00– Intro: Innovators moving the industry “from last to first”03:05 – Why Chris prefers the COO seat (and what it says about scale)05:10 – What Fifth Dimension Logistics actually does (customized logistics)07:05 – Cartage/air freight vs courier: “two different worlds”09:10 – The origin story: Atlantic Freight, XPO acquisition, and the spin-off12:10 – Why California + remote ops didn’t work (and the operator lesson)14:05 – The Vegas turnaround: giving the station to employees (factoring model)18:10 – Fleet breakdown: sprinters → 26’ box trucks → 53’ trailers20:45 – Growth during COVID: what changed and how they handled capacity24:10 – Why Chris protects speed: “no red tape” ops + fast RFP response27:10 – Air freight tariffs + average shipment economics (and why volume matters)31:35 – Peak season + tariffs: uncertainty, inventory surges, and consumer pressure35:10 – Broker vs motor carrier for IC fleets (risk, misclass, compliance friction)42:15 – Insurance + building requirements: why margins get squeezed46:10 – KPIs & dashboards: weekly pro forma P&L, cost controls, profit sharing52:20 – Automating reporting (bots, dashboards, real-time visibility)56:10 – “Last to First moment”: legacy, family business, and long-term outlook59:05 – Closing + how to connect with Chris / Fifth Dimension 📌 Shoutout to our Sponsors!  Dropoff Inc.https://www.dropoff.com/info@dropoff.com+1 888-376-7633 GigSafehttps://www.gigsafe.com/+1 407-496-9882 Deliver Different https://deliverdifferent.com/ SCIhttps://sciadmin.com/ 🎥 Watch, then drop a comment: What’s the #1 KPI you track weekly? Follow + Subscribe:📺 YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Last2FirstPodcast🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3gDS58wo6IWeLl48LHukdP🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/hn/podcast/last2first-podcast/id1778491941🏈 Join the Huddle: www.l2fhuddle.com Guest: Chris Bartley, COO Fifth Dimension Logistics (NJ) https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartleychris/  https://www.5dmlx.com/Host: Jason Burns, Last2First Podcast https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasongburns/ #Last2First #Logistics #AirFreight #Cartage #3PL #Courier #IndependentContractors #KPIs #RiskManagement #SupplyChain

    1 hr
  6. How Regional Carriers Win Bigger Shippers: Footprint, Tech, Contracts & Partnerships

    JAN 6

    How Regional Carriers Win Bigger Shippers: Footprint, Tech, Contracts & Partnerships

    Last2First Family this episode is all about finding MORE volume… and more importantly, PROFITABLE volume. We are joined by Timur, Founder & CEO of Small Parcel (and host of Logistics Remix). Timur lives “in the middle” between shippers, 3PLs, and the carriers who actually execute the last mile. We break down what shippers care about, how small parcel pricing really works, why FedEx/UPS keep adding complexity, and how regional carriers can position themselves to win meaningful share. We also cover zone skipping (in plain English), carrier footprint expectations, the two biggest blockers in shipper onboarding (tech + legal), and what carriers should do right now to get in front of the right shippers. ✅ If you’re a last-mile operator trying to grow smart, this one’s for you.Follow/Subscribe to Last2First: 02:29 – Intro: finding profitable volume + why this guest matters03:34 – Timur’s origin story: Ohio State → Honda logistics analyst05:34 – Cutting teeth at CH Robinson (freight brokerage across modes)07:09 – Startup rocket ship: 20 employees → 1,000 + IPO in 4 years08:44 – uShip + Shipping Wars: the accidental media growth engine10:49 – LSO (regional parcel) + what Timur learned inside a carrier12:59 – The 2 biggest blockers in shipper onboarding: Tech + Legal15:39 – What SmallParcel.com does (“TurboTax for Shipping”)17:34 – The 3 savings buckets: better rates / carrier switch-add / claims & rebates19:39 – How Timur generates demand: LinkedIn + becoming the trusted expert22:34 – Carrier perspective: how to price opportunities when margins tighten25:09 – Market reality: more entrants, VC expansion, why bids got so competitive27:39 – Where regional/alternative carriers win: speed, niche, reliability29:09 – Zone Skipping explained (real-world example: LA → NY)31:49 – Minimum footprint: what shippers need for it to be “worth it”33:44 – FedEx/UPS reactions: surcharges, pricing knobs, dimensional rounding36:39 – What happens next: opportunity shift toward regional networks38:04 – If you’re a regional carrier: how to get in front of shippers (events + partnerships)40:34 – Timur’s “Last to First” moment: moving into product/tech at Echo42:39 – Wrap + Timur joins as a coach in the Last2First Huddle43:29 – Outro 📺 YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Last2FirstPodcast🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3gDS58wo6IWeLl48LHukdP🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/hn/podcast/last2first-podcast/id1778491941 Join the community: Last2First Huddle → https://www.l2fhuddle.com 💼 Connect with our guest:🔗 Timur Eligulashvili / https://www.linkedin.com/in/timureli/  📌 Shoutout to our Sponsors!  Dropoff Inc.https://www.dropoff.com/info@dropoff.com+1 888-376-7633 GigSafehttps://www.gigsafe.com/+1 407-496-9882 Deliver Different https://deliverdifferent.com/ SCIhttps://sciadmin.com/

    55 min
  7. Inside the SDS Rx Story: 17 Years to a Game-Changing DHL Exit

    12/09/2025

    Inside the SDS Rx Story: 17 Years to a Game-Changing DHL Exit

    In this Off-Season Exclusive of the Last2First Podcast, Jason Burns sits down with Drew Kronick, former Founder & CEO of SDS Rx (now part of DHL Supply Chain) to unpack how he built a national healthcare last-mile platform, partnered with private equity, and ultimately sold to the largest logistics provider in the world. Drew shares his journey from growing up in a family delivery business to launching SDS Rx in 2009, scaling it to thousands of routes across all 50 states, leading in pharmacy, radio pharma, and health systems, and building the technology and culture that positioned SDS Rx as DHL’s missing capability in its global healthcare strategy. You’ll hear powerful lessons on leadership, risk, conviction, mission, values, and what it feels like to sit across from DHL as they show you where your company fits into their global 2030 vision.  This conversation is a masterclass in focus, differentiation, and long-term thinking in the final-mile industry. 💡 In this episode, we cover: How SDS Rx became a national healthcare last-mile powerhouseWhy technology partnerships and audit innovation set them apartHow mission, vision & values held a decentralized team togetherWhat institutional capital taught Drew about value creationWhy DHL saw SDS Rx as an essential capability acquisitionWhat founders need to know about multiples, strategy & exitsDrew’s advice on risk, family, conviction, and the real meaning of the entrepreneurial journey🎬 LIVE Film Study with Drew Kronick We’re taking this episode further with a deep-dive breakdown session: 🎬 Film Study with Drew Kronick (former SDS Rx Founder + CEO) 📅 Tuesday, Dec 17 ⏰ 10:15 AM – 11:00 AM CST 👉 Please click on the link and join the event (and activate your 10-Day Free Trial of The Huddle): https://www.l2fhuddle.com One link. Join the event → Access The Huddle → Get your 10-day free trial. 🎧 Subscribe to the Last2First Podcast: Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/hn/podcast/last2first-podcast/id1778491941 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/3gDS58wo6IWeLl48LHukdP?si=gmhv7Lh8QvyY5xxFS9ZpPA

    1h 12m
  8. 50 Years of Priority Dispatch: Jeff Thomas on Family, Drivers & Growth

    12/02/2025

    50 Years of Priority Dispatch: Jeff Thomas on Family, Drivers & Growth

    Ladies and gentlemen, Last2First family… we’re closing out Season 4 with a heavyweight. Jeff Thomas is the President & CEO of Priority Dispatch, a second-generation leader who helped turn a one-vehicle operation serving Procter & Gamble in 1973 into a nearly $100M regional powerhouse in the Midwest. In this Season 4 finale, we sit down in his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio to unpack: ✅The legacy of his father – a true pioneer and founding force behind the Messenger Courier Association (now CLDA) ✅What it was like growing up in the family business, stuffing envelopes and sweeping warehouses for free ✅How Jeff inherited a $4–5M company and bet big on banking, growing Priority to $10–12M with facilities across Ohio ✅The real story behind the power struggle with his dad as growth, risk and vision started to collide ✅How his father’s health crisis unexpectedly cleared the way for Jeff to lead – and forced him to build a smarter leadership team ✅Why he embraces the idea that he’s a leader, not a micromanager, and hires people “a lot smarter than me” ✅The Opportunity Matrix his team still uses today to evaluate every new deal so they’re not “just making deliveries for delivery’s sake” ✅Why drivers – ICs and W-2s – are “not a means to an end, they are the end itself” ✅How Priority has navigated banking, pharma distribution, healthcare and multiple reinventions over 50 years ✅Why he’s resisted private equity and stayed privately held to better serve customers, associates and drivers ✅His take on the future of last mile, local vs. national providers, and why he believes: “Bigger is not always better, but better is better.” If you’re in the last mile space and you want to get smarter, more profitable, and more intentional about the work you say “yes” to… this episode is loaded with game-changing insight. Apple Podcasts 🍎 https://podcasts.apple.com/hn/podcast/last2first-podcast/id1778491941Spotify 🎧 https://open.spotify.com/show/3gDS58wo6IWeLl48LHukdP?si=gmhv7Lh8QvyY5xxFS9ZpPA 💼 Connect with our guest:🔗 Jeff Thomas- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-thomas-327807b/ 📌 Shoutout to our Sponsors!  Dropoff Inc.https://www.dropoff.com/info@dropoff.com+1 888-376-7633 GigSafehttps://www.gigsafe.com/+1 407-496-9882 Deliver Different https://deliverdifferent.com/

    49 min
See All (63)

Trailer

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Welcome to Last 2 First, the podcast dedicated to exploring the final mile in logistics and the unique challenges faced by business owners in this vital industry. Each episode features insightful conversations with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who share their experiences, strategies, and innovations shaping the future of final mile delivery. Join us as we dive into topics like optimizing delivery routes, enhancing customer satisfaction, navigating regulatory hurdles, and leveraging technology for efficiency. Whether you're a seasoned logistics professional or a business owner looking to improve your operations, Last 2 First offers valuable insights and actionable advice to help you lead your business to success. Tune in and discover how to turn the last mile into your first priority!

Information

  • Creator
    Jason Burns
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    63
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Jason Burns
  • Show Website
    Last2First Podcast