RoutCast
Claim This Podcastby Jake Hirsch & Emily Blair
Podcast Overview
<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>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
4/27/2026
3 verified contact emails on file for RoutCast
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Recent Episodes
July 14, 2026
When Efficiency Fails: How FedEx 2.0 Forced Taylor Maness to Start Over
<p>Connect with us!</p><p></p><p>Jake Hirsch - 541-213-1296</p><p>Emily Blair - 515-979-4689</p><p></p><p>Taylor Maness: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:Taylor@linehaulnews.com" target="_blank">Taylor@linehaulnews.com</a></p><p></p><p>In this episode, Taylor Maness (owner of Linehaul Summit and Linehaul News) sits down with us to break down the real world operational challenges, financial impacts, and growth strategies modern route owners need to know right now.</p><p></p><p>Taylor shares his honest experience navigating the early efficiency hits during his 2.0 rollout, how empowering managers created explosive operation growth, and what 2.0 and the recent FedEx Freight spin off might mean for the future of Linehaul contractors. Plus, we dive into his Custom Critical operation and why community events like the Linehaul Summit are crucial for long-term success.</p><p></p><p>Enjoyed this episode? Please give us a 5-star rating to help other route owners find the channel!</p><p></p><p>1:57 Effects of 2.0 Transition</p><p>5:03 Renegotiation after 2.0 starts</p><p>10:17 How to make bulk routes profitable (urban)</p><p>12:01 Driver incentives for 2.0</p><p>13:51 Tracking fuel efficiency on P&D</p><p>16:12 Using Linehaul lessons in P&D</p><p>18:04 Getting buy in from your managers and how to recruit</p><p>22:31 Managing efficiency metrics</p><p>24:14 Effects of 2.0 and FedEx Freight spin off on Linehaul</p><p>27:16 Running Custom Critical</p><p>30:36 Linehaul Summit and Linehaul News</p>
June 30, 2026
FedEx vs. Amazon: Which Logistics Business is Actually Better? (with Don Carthorn)
<p><b>Connect with us!</b></p><p>Jake (truck sourcing and financing) - 541-213-1296</p><p>Emily (used P&D trucks) - 515-979-4689</p><p></p><p><b>Ever wondered what it's really like to run both an Amazon DSP and a FedEx CSP simultaneously?</b></p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><h3>🕒 Key Moments In This Episode</h3><p>00:00 - Introduction </p><p>02:15 - 40 Years in Logistics: How Don arrived at Amazon & FedEx </p><p>07:30 - FedEx CSP vs. Amazon DSP: The Core Differences </p><p>14:45 - The Truth About Building Equity in Delivery Routes </p><p>21:10 - Driver Demographics, Pay Structures, & Employment Laws </p><p>28:40 - Putting People Over Packages: Leadership Secrets </p><p>35:20 - Technology and Route Optimization Tactics </p><p>42:00 - Final Advice for Aspiring Logistics Entrepreneurs</p>
June 16, 2026
Jessica Easler Nearly Tripled Her Business with 2.0 - Now She's Using AI to Stay Ahead
<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>
7 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is RoutCast?
<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> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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