When I first got into the logistics world over a decade ago, I was doing everything the hard way. I mean, back then, I was using a TomTom GPS to figure out my way around. Yeah, it was that long ago. I’d spend hours trying to map things out, only to find out I’d missed something obvious. Fast forward to today, and let me tell you—technology has leveled up big time. But no matter how advanced the tools get, one thing stays the same: your routes need to work for you, not the other way around.
Let me share a story from one of my coaching clients, Michael, and how we turned his logistics game around. Trust me, you’re gonna want to hear this.
The Wake-Up Call: Michael’s Route to Change
Michael came to me completely stressed out. His courier business was hanging on by a thread. He had contracts, clients, and drivers—everything you’d think he needed to succeed. But his profits? Practically nonexistent. He was working nonstop, yet still falling behind.
When I took a closer look, it was crystal clear what was going on: his routes were a hot mess. Drivers were crisscrossing all over town, burning fuel and time. To make matters worse, his pricing wasn’t covering his costs. Basically, he was working hard just to stay broke.
First things first, we tackled his route chaos. I introduced him to Shipday, a dispatch software I personally use and love. This app made route planning a breeze. It gave him real-time tracking, better communication with clients, and eliminated so much of the guesswork. Within a month, Michael’s fuel costs dropped by 20%, and he finally had some breathing room.
Pricing for Profit: Stop Undervaluing Yourself
With his routes under control, we moved on to the next big issue: pricing. Let’s get real for a second—if you don’t know your numbers, you’re setting yourself up to fail. Michael’s rates were so low that he wasn’t just breaking even—he was losing money.
I walked him through a pricing strategy that broke down every cost in his business: fuel, maintenance, wages, you name it. We added a solid profit margin on top, and just like that, Michael started charging what he was actually worth. Not only did his profits go up, but he finally had the confidence to say no to low-paying gigs.
How to Make Your Routes Work for You
If you’re sitting there thinking, “This sounds way too familiar,” here are a few steps you can take to get your routes (and your business) on track:
- Get the Right Tools: Stop wasting time and energy. Tools like Shipday make route optimization so much easier. You can check it out here.
- Review and Adjust: Don’t just set it and forget it. Regularly look at your route performance to see what’s working and what’s not.
- Know Your Numbers: Pricing isn’t guesswork. Factor in all your costs, and don’t forget to pay yourself!
- Cut Deadhead Miles: Plan smarter. Coordinate pickups and deliveries to avoid running empty even if you need to update your client route times.
- Be Flexible: Stuff happens. Whether it’s traffic, weather, or cancellations, having a backup plan is key in this industry.
Why I Created Routes to Riches
After seeing so many people struggle like Michael, I created Routes to Riches, a program designed to teach you how to price your services and understand all the factors that affect pricing. This isn’t just about fixing your routes—it’s about transforming your entire operation. Here’s what you’ll learn:
- How to factor in costs like fuel, route complexity, maintenance and so much more
- Pricing strategies that actually make sense and make you $
- Advanced route optimization tips
- How to land high-paying contracts
- Scalable systems to grow your business without losing your sanity
If you’re serious about taking your courier business to the next level, this program is for you.
Your Next Step
Michael’s story is proof that it’s possible to turn things around. Start small: evaluate your routes, give Shipday a try, and take a hard look at your pricing. If you’re ready for the full game plan, join Routes to Riches. Let’s make your logistics business the success you’ve been working so hard for.
