This article will show you how to own a FedEx route. This is the starting point for any business seeking to partner with FedEx.
We’ll also be discussing the profit potential, expenses involved, financing options available, and the type of FedEx routes available.
FedEx Route Ownership
If you wish to start a logistics operation, one of the things you need to be focused on is owning a viable route. Working with a renowned company like FedEx opens up great earning possibilities.
FedEx relies on smaller logistics businesses that buy and service designated routes.
Two Route Categories
One of the things you need to know when buying a FedEx route is the category or types available. This allows you to determine what’s best for your business or operation.
The routes offered by FedEx include the Pickup and Delivery Ground route and the FedEx Linehaul Route.
i. FedEx Pick-Up and Delivery Ground Route
Under this route, you can make deliveries to residential and commercial addresses. Apart from deliveries, this route also handles pickups at commercial addresses, including residential locations.
The FedEx pickup and delivery route help with attending to set schedules.
ii. FedEx Linehaul Route
FedEx Linehaul route, on the other hand, caters to the needs of persons seeking more flexibility with route ownership.
For example, the FedEx linehaul route can operate on a set schedule route, dedicated or undedicated basis. You might find this interesting as a tractor-trailer driver.
How to Buy a FedEx Route
To own a FedEx route, specific steps need to be followed. These are essential to the ownership process. Buying a course involves asking the right questions.
Also, figuring out cost details and preparing adequately is another necessity. You must also sign an ISP agreement as part of the ownership process.
Finding available routes and carefully assessing each will help you pick the best ways. Sign the contract and finance the course. With these processes followed and completed, you now have a FedEx route to service.
What’s left is to commence your operations.
i. Asking the Right Questions
There are tons of questions to ask when seeking to own a FedEx route.
Asking the right questions gives you a better understanding of your future and helps to identify the risks. For example, “Why are so many FedEx routes for sale in your area?”
When buying a route from an existing owner, asking about the number of drivers and FedEx routes owned is essential.
You might also wish to know the number of FedEx deliveries handled per route. What happens if a driver is sick? Are there changing trends?
What’s the reason for selling the route? What are the qualifications for buying a FedEx route? How much funding is sufficient for owning a course?
ii. Figuring out the Cost Details
Every interested buyer must thoroughly understand the cost implications of owning a FedEx route.
This is necessary for budgeting and setting financial goals. The cost will largely depend on the type you wish to buy and the number of routes you want to own.
Multiple FedEx routes can be owned. Based on this, the cost will vary in several ways. Now your financial capacity will determine whether or not you’re able to meet up with the obligations of FedEx route ownership.
Expenses will include the ownership fee and purchase of operational vehicles.
Apart from operational vehicles, you’ll need other essential equipment such as uniforms, rain bags, dollies, and gloves.
There are also running costs covering driver payment and retention, ongoing maintenance, fuel, and oil changes. On average, startup costs will amount to $100,000.
iii. Sign an ISP Agreement
Every FedEx route owner needs to sign an Independent Service Provider (ISP) agreement.
This agreement governs critical aspects of operation, such as complying with route requirements, personnel employment, and other details.
You’ll need legal help with signing the ISP agreement, as it requires detailed interpretation and understanding to ensure both parties are on the same page.
This process is essential as it helps prevent conflicting interests that can affect your partnership and business.
iv. Find Available Routes
The following line of action towards owning a FedEx route involves finding available ways to buy.
Of course, FedEx is the primary source for these routes. While that is true, other places offer these routes to interested buyers.
Examples include BizQuest.com and BizBuySell.
Other places to find FedEx routes include The Route Exchange, Route Advisors, Dealstream, Capital Route Sales, Route Consultant, and KR Capital. You can also find FedEx routes at Buildagroundbiz.
You can find a suitable route that meets your needs by visiting these sources.
v. Careful Assessment of Routes
Finding available routes is one thing, and carefully assessing each is another. Not all FedEx routes have similar potential, as some tend to be more promising than others.
Careful assessment involves due diligence as you seek to examine details like turnover rates while also finding out the condition of vehicles in the fleet.
Understanding industry averages and employee information involves a lot of work. Sometimes, this can be too much for prospective route owners to process.
For a thorough assessment job, you’ll need expert help. A due diligence expert will help with all the details.
vi. Sign the Contract and Finance the Route
With the above processes carefully followed, you’re now ready to sign the contract for ownership of your preferred FedEx route.
For the most part, buyers tend to use two financing options: term loans and seller/buyer financing. You might find any of these interesting or have your preferred financing option.
As stated earlier, legal help is essential when signing ownership contracts for the FedEx route. You get a detailed understanding of what you’re getting into and whether the offer is fair or not.
You can take ownership of the route and commence operation upon contract signing.
There you have it! Owning a FedEx route involves all of the details outlined above. It’s essential to follow the guidelines provided to avoid mistakes carefully.