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. Jun 30

    FedEx vs. Amazon: Which Logistics Business is Actually Better? (with Don Carthorn)

    Connect with us! Jake (truck sourcing and financing) - 541-213-1296 Emily (used P&D trucks) - 515-979-4689 Ever wondered what it's really like to run both an Amazon DSP and a FedEx CSP simultaneously? In this episode, we sit down with 40-year logistics veteran Don Carthorn. Don pulls back the curtain on what it takes to operate successfully within both the Amazon and FedEx ecosystems. He shares a deep-dive comparison of the two models, breaking down the unique challenges, investment strategies, and equity-building opportunities each one offers. Beyond the numbers, Don explains his core philosophy of putting "people over packages" and how focusing on driver demographics, fair pay structures, and employment laws ultimately transforms a delivery business into a vehicle for changing employees' lives. Whether you are an existing route owner looking to optimize or an aspiring entrepreneur weighing your options, Don’s decades of experience offer invaluable insights you can't afford to miss. 🕒 Key Moments In This Episode00:00 - Introduction 02:15 - 40 Years in Logistics: How Don arrived at Amazon & FedEx 07:30 - FedEx CSP vs. Amazon DSP: The Core Differences 14:45 - The Truth About Building Equity in Delivery Routes 21:10 - Driver Demographics, Pay Structures, & Employment Laws 28:40 - Putting People Over Packages: Leadership Secrets 35:20 - Technology and Route Optimization Tactics 42:00 - Final Advice for Aspiring Logistics Entrepreneurs

    46 min

  2. Jun 16

    Jessica Easler Nearly Tripled Her Business with 2.0 - Now She's Using AI to Stay Ahead

    Jessica Eastler shares her journey from a W-2 employee to a successful FedEx contractor, discussing the challenges and strategies for maintaining driver morale during change. She also provides valuable insights into financial planning, fleet expansion, and the implementation of Groundswell AI technology to optimize route planning and improve operational efficiency. Takeaways Maintaining driver morale during changeTransitioning from W-2 employee to FedEx contractor Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Routecast01:19 Transitioning to FedEx Contractor02:38 2.0 Transition17:40 Implementing Groundswell Software25:14 Fleet Maintenance28:15 Driver Communication and Support

    30 min

  3. Jun 2

    From the Driver Seat to Running Multiple Companies with Kelsey Turner

    Kelsey Turner shares her journey from FedEx driver to becoming an owner of a FedEx entity. She discusses the challenges she faced, how she's preparing for the upcoming transition to 2.0, and the lessons learned. Additionally, Kelsey talks about starting a maintenance business, managing fuel and insurance, and her favorite part of the journey. Takeaways Transition from driver to ownerStarting a maintenance businessLearning from other contractors Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Contracting Details05:00 Challenges and Growth12:56 Lessons Learned and Business Expansion20:35 Transition to 2.0 and Business Expansion25:10 Starting a Maintenance Business33:48 Fuel and Insurance Management

    32 min

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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
  • 6 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
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Jake Hirsch & Emily Blair
  • Show Website
    RoutCast

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