RoutCast

Jake Hirsch & Emily Blair
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Entrepreneurship

Routcast is a podcast built for FedEx Ground contractors — delivering real-world best practices, industry insights, and straight talk for navigating the contractor ecosystem. Hosted by Jake Hirsch and Emily Blair, two insiders with years of hands-on experience working alongside contractors across the United States, Routcast cuts through the noise to bring you the conversations and strategies that actually move the needle in your operation. "FedEx" and "FedEx Ground" are registered trademarks of Federal Express Corporation. Routcast is not endorsed by, recommended by, or affiliated with Federal Express Corporation or FedEx Ground. Federal Express Corporation has not approved and has no involvement with any content, opinions, or information shared on Routcast.

Episodes

  1. May 19

    Kamran Taqui's Playbook to Successful Scaling in FedEx

    In Episode 3 of RoutCast, Jake and Emily talk with FedEx ISP owner, Kamran Taqui. Kamran discusses his approach to changing team culture, optimizing routes through simulation, managing driver pay and workload, building relationships with FedEx, and handling the administrative burden of running multiple entities. Takeaways Culture ChangeRoute Optimization Liability control through separate entitiesFleet management service for mechanics and repairs Chapters 00:00 Culture Change and Team Communication10:06 Driver Pay and Workload Management19:01 Operational Management and Growth24:09 Entity Structure and Liability Control

    46 min

  2. Apr 27

    Surviving 2.0 Twice with Charlie York: Here's what he's doing differently this time!

    The conversation covers the challenges and adaptations related to the transition to 2.0 in the FedEx delivery business. It explores the impact on revenue, margin, safety, and operational strategies, as well as the role of contingency contracts. The conversation with Charlie York covers various aspects of the delivery business, including fleet strategy, contingency planning, driver management, and employee benefits. Charlie shares insights on managing peak seasons, financing truck purchases, and the challenges of 2.0 transitions. He also discusses the importance of work-life balance for drivers. Takeaways Transition to 2.0 brings significant challenges and requires continuous adaptation.Safety is a critical focus and requires daily attention and reinforcement. Contingency planning involves addressing various challenges such as hiring struggles, poaching contractors, and personal reasons for contractor unavailability.Fleet strategy and truck financing play a crucial role in managing peak seasons and addressing the demands of 2.0 transitions. Chapters 00:00 Transition to 2.0 Challenges08:47 Revenue and Margin Impact13:49 Safety and Operational Strategies27:11 Contingency Contracts and Assistance33:04 Driver Management and Work-Life Balance46:00 Challenges of 2.0 Transitions

    50 min

  3. Apr 27

    FedEx Route Values, 2.0 DRO Tips & EV's with Steve Ramsthel

    Steve Ramsell discusses the impact of FedEx 2.0 transition on route valuations, the integration of AI and DRO in route optimization, and the challenges and benefits of the transition. He also highlights the risks and opportunities for route owners in the pre-2.0 and post-2.0 world. The conversation covers topics related to route optimization, DRO (Dynamic Route Optimization), electric trucks, and the challenges and benefits associated with transitioning to electric vehicles. Steve Ramsthel shares insights on route planning, DRO, the impact of human input on freight, and the advantages of electric trucks, including cost savings and maintenance benefits. He also discusses the considerations for choosing electric truck brands and the importance of charging infrastructure. Takeaways FedEx 2.0 transition has a significant impact on route valuations and presents both risks and opportunities for route owners.The integration of AI and DRO in route optimization is crucial for adapting to the changes brought about by the FedEx 2.0 transition. Route optimization is crucial for efficient and balanced freight planning.Understanding DRO and its impact on route planning is essential for effective logistics management.Transitioning to electric trucks offers cost savings, reduced maintenance, and environmental benefits.Choosing the right electric truck brand and establishing charging infrastructure are key considerations for contractors. Chapters 00:00 Impact of FedEx 2.0 Transition on Route Valuations10:55 Integration of AI and DRO in Route Optimization24:04 Challenges and Benefits of the FedEx 2.0 Transition33:57 Route Optimization and DRO40:49 Transitioning to Electric Trucks46:03 Charging Infrastructure and Considerations53:04 Choosing Electric Truck Brands01:01:21 Benefits and Challenges of Electric Trucks Contact Steve at https://sellmydeliveryroutes.com/

    45 min
  • 3 Episodes

About

Routcast is a podcast built for FedEx Ground contractors — delivering real-world best practices, industry insights, and straight talk for navigating the contractor ecosystem. Hosted by Jake Hirsch and Emily Blair, two insiders with years of hands-on experience working alongside contractors across the United States, Routcast cuts through the noise to bring you the conversations and strategies that actually move the needle in your operation. "FedEx" and "FedEx Ground" are registered trademarks of Federal Express Corporation. Routcast is not endorsed by, recommended by, or affiliated with Federal Express Corporation or FedEx Ground. Federal Express Corporation has not approved and has no involvement with any content, opinions, or information shared on Routcast.

Information

  • Creator
    Jake Hirsch & Emily Blair
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Jake Hirsch & Emily Blair
  • Show Website
    RoutCast

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