<![CDATA[RoutCast]]>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.

]]>https://routcastpod.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:49:34 GMTThu, 16 Apr 2026 19:54:35 GMT60Jake Hirsch & Emily Blair<p>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.<br /></p><p>"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.</p>episodicJake Hirsch & Emily Blairroutcastpodcast@gmail.comno<![CDATA[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 change
  • Transitioning from W-2 employee to FedEx contractor

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Routecast
  • 01:19 Transitioning to FedEx Contractor
  • 02:38 2.0 Transition
  • 17:40 Implementing Groundswell Software
  • 25:14 Fleet Maintenance
  • 28:15 Driver Communication and Support
]]>b9bd0523-58f4-4587-a218-b86b88928b9dTue, 16 Jun 2026 12:27:25 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Maintaining driver morale during change</li><li>Transitioning from W-2 employee to FedEx contractor</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to Routecast</li><li>01:19 Transitioning to FedEx Contractor</li><li>02:38 2.0 Transition</li><li>17:40 Implementing Groundswell Software</li><li>25:14 Fleet Maintenance</li><li>28:15 Driver Communication and Support</li></ul>no00:30:105Jessica Easler Nearly Tripled Her Business with 2.0 - Now She's Using AI to Stay Aheadfull<![CDATA[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 owner
  • Starting a maintenance business
  • Learning from other contractors

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Contracting Details
  • 05:00 Challenges and Growth
  • 12:56 Lessons Learned and Business Expansion
  • 20:35 Transition to 2.0 and Business Expansion
  • 25:10 Starting a Maintenance Business
  • 33:48 Fuel and Insurance Management
]]>9bd5a93b-ba58-47a7-a472-ee8e5e8d5b99Tue, 02 Jun 2026 13:02:30 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Transition from driver to owner</li><li>Starting a maintenance business</li><li>Learning from other contractors</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and Contracting Details</li><li>05:00 Challenges and Growth</li><li>12:56 Lessons Learned and Business Expansion</li><li>20:35 Transition to 2.0 and Business Expansion</li><li>25:10 Starting a Maintenance Business</li><li>33:48 Fuel and Insurance Management</li></ul>no00:32:174From the Driver Seat to Running Multiple Companies with Kelsey Turnerfull<![CDATA[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 Change
  • Route Optimization Liability control through separate entities
  • Fleet management service for mechanics and repairs

Chapters

  • 00:00 Culture Change and Team Communication
  • 10:06 Driver Pay and Workload Management
  • 19:01 Operational Management and Growth
  • 24:09 Entity Structure and Liability Control
]]>d7175c72-0ce8-4ff9-b41e-cf0c4dcdf599Tue, 19 May 2026 19:13:59 GMT<p>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. </p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Culture Change</li><li>Route Optimization Liability control through separate entities</li><li>Fleet management service for mechanics and repairs</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Culture Change and Team Communication</li><li>10:06 Driver Pay and Workload Management</li><li>19:01 Operational Management and Growth</li><li>24:09 Entity Structure and Liability Control</li></ul>no00:46:023Kamran Taqui's Playbook to Successful Scaling in FedExfull<![CDATA[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 Challenges
  • 08:47 Revenue and Margin Impact
  • 13:49 Safety and Operational Strategies
  • 27:11 Contingency Contracts and Assistance
  • 33:04 Driver Management and Work-Life Balance
  • 46:00 Challenges of 2.0 Transitions
]]>6b30f65a-7413-468a-820a-7f2ff14de01aMon, 27 Apr 2026 22:07:05 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Transition to 2.0 brings significant challenges and requires continuous adaptation.</li><li>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.</li><li>Fleet strategy and truck financing play a crucial role in managing peak seasons and addressing the demands of 2.0 transitions.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Transition to 2.0 Challenges</li><li>08:47 Revenue and Margin Impact</li><li>13:49 Safety and Operational Strategies</li><li>27:11 Contingency Contracts and Assistance</li><li>33:04 Driver Management and Work-Life Balance</li><li>46:00 Challenges of 2.0 Transitions</li></ul>no00:49:38Surviving 2.0 Twice with Charlie York: Here's what he's doing differently this time!full<![CDATA[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 Valuations
  • 10:55 Integration of AI and DRO in Route Optimization
  • 24:04 Challenges and Benefits of the FedEx 2.0 Transition
  • 33:57 Route Optimization and DRO
  • 40:49 Transitioning to Electric Trucks
  • 46:03 Charging Infrastructure and Considerations
  • 53:04 Choosing Electric Truck Brands
  • 01:01:21 Benefits and Challenges of Electric Trucks

Contact Steve at https://sellmydeliveryroutes.com/

]]>2d912014-e805-410f-ab79-8c66e69ae1c1Mon, 27 Apr 2026 20:55:19 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>FedEx 2.0 transition has a significant impact on route valuations and presents both risks and opportunities for route owners.</li><li>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.</li><li>Understanding DRO and its impact on route planning is essential for effective logistics management.</li><li>Transitioning to electric trucks offers cost savings, reduced maintenance, and environmental benefits.</li><li>Choosing the right electric truck brand and establishing charging infrastructure are key considerations for contractors.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Impact of FedEx 2.0 Transition on Route Valuations</li><li>10:55 Integration of AI and DRO in Route Optimization</li><li>24:04 Challenges and Benefits of the FedEx 2.0 Transition</li><li>33:57 Route Optimization and DRO</li><li>40:49 Transitioning to Electric Trucks</li><li>46:03 Charging Infrastructure and Considerations</li><li>53:04 Choosing Electric Truck Brands</li><li>01:01:21 Benefits and Challenges of Electric Trucks</li></ul><p></p><p>Contact Steve at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://sellmydeliveryroutes.com/" target="_blank">https://sellmydeliveryroutes.com/</a></p>no00:44:3111FedEx Route Values, 2.0 DRO Tips & EV's with Steve Ramsthelfull