Libsyn Directory

The 5 Failures of Final Mile with Jason Burns

Release Date: 05/29/2025

The Threads of Trade: How Global Events are Reshaping Cotton Logistics with Michael Symonanis

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

In “The Threads of Trade: How Global Events are Reshaping Cotton Logistics”, and , Director of Strategic Network at Louis Dreyfus Company, discuss how global events are reshaping cotton logistics, leveraging Michael’s dual perspective as a BCO and former ocean carrier, and the importance of collaboration and data transparency. About Michael Symonanis doesn’t just move containers - he moves conversations forward. With 30+ years in international container shipping, Michael brings a rare dual lens as both a BCO and former ocean carrier. Now in his 20th year at Louis Dreyfus Company, he...

REPOST: Beyond the Tracks: The Next Frontier of American Rail with Martin Lew

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

and discuss beyond the tracks: the next frontier of American rail. Martin is CEO at , a tech-enabled rail logistics provider with a team of experienced rail professionals, an extensive network of partners, and a best-in-class technology platform that simplifies the movement of freight and creates a competitive advantage. About Martin Lew is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Commtrex, the largest tech-enabled logistics platform in North America (US, Canada, and Mexico) for shippers to directly connect with railroads, transloaders, storage facilities,...

REPOST: Avoiding Logistics FUD with Steve Elwell

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

and discuss avoiding logistics FUD. Steve is the Founder and Managing Director of Partners, a boutique leadership, business strategy and turnaround consulting firm. Summary: Avoiding Logistics FUD In this episode, Joe Lynch and guest Steve Elwell tackle the pervasive issue of Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt (FUD) and its impact on various aspects of business, particularly in logistics. Joe and Steve provide valuable insights into overcoming FUD by establishing trust and eliminating disruptive elements within business relationships, and leadership. The...

Supply Chain Reset: Overcoming Pharma & Healthcare Supply Chain Challenges with Michael Needham

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

In “Supply Chain Reset: Overcoming Pharma & Healthcare Supply Chain Challenges”, and , a Principal at Efficio, discuss how to build resilient supply chains using data-driven strategies and a hands-on consulting approach to achieve both cost savings and operational resilience in the complex pharma and healthcare sectors. About Michael Needham is a Principal Consultant at Efficio, the leading global consultancy, dedicated to helping clients achieve their supply chain and procurement goals. Michaël has 20+ years of experience working across the pharmaceutical manufacturing,...

REPOST: The Revenue Engine with Kara Smith Brown

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

and discuss the revenue engine. Kara is the Founder and CRO of , the premier B2B marketing and PR firm dedicated to helping logistics companies increase lead generation through targeted marketing strategies and media coverage. About Kara Brown A prominent thought leader in B2B go-to-market strategy, is CEO of LeadCoverage, the pioneering consultancy transforming approaches to PR, demand generation and marketing across the supply chain, heavy industrial, and tech sectors. Her successful corporate career started at Echo Global Logistics where she played a key...

Beyond LTL & Truckload: The Expedite All Approach to Smaller Truck Solutions with Mike Ernst

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

In “Beyond LTL & Truckload: The Expedite All Approach to Smaller Truck Solutions”, and , the President of Expedite All, discuss how specialized small truck solutions, spearheaded by networks like Expedite All, deliver efficient, on-demand transportation for time-critical shipments, leveraging cargo vans, box trucks, and straight trucks to bypass the limitations of traditional LTL and Truckload. About Mike Ernst , President of Expedite All, brings over 25 years of experience in the logistics industry to the company. He has held leadership roles such as Vice President of...

U.S. Maritime Modernization: Policy Driven Changes in Ocean Shipping with Lauren Beagen

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

In “U.S. Maritime Modernization: Policy Driven Changes in Ocean Shipping”, and , the Founder of Squall Strategies and The Maritime Professor, discuss how recent U.S. policies, like OSRA 2022 and strategic efforts to move supply chains from China, are significantly reshaping the ocean shipping industry. About Lauren Beagen is a seasoned maritime attorney and the founder of and . Ms. Beagen is often called on for her industry expertise by notable trade networks, including features on CNBC and FreightWaves. has extensive experience in oceanborne commerce...

2025's Top 100 3PLs: How Logistics Giants are Confronting Uncertainty with Seth Clevenger

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

In “2025's Top 100 3PLs: How Logistics Giants are Confronting Uncertainty”, and , Managing Editor of Features and Multimedia at Transport Topics, discuss the Top 100 logistics companies, 2024 performance, changes to the list, and the trends impacting the industry. About Seth Clevenger Seth Clevenger is managing editor of features and multimedia at Transport Topics. He plans, writes and edits news features for Transport Topics’ weekly newspaper, supplemental publications and . He also creates video and audio content for Transport Topics’ webcasts, podcasts and radio...

REPOST: A Decade of Loadsmart: A Look Back to Move Forward with Felipe Capella

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

and discuss a decade of Loadsmart: a look back to move forward. Felipe is Co-founder and CEO of , where they provide logistics solutions powered by industry experts and next-gen technology that lower costs, increase efficiency, and digitize transportation. About Felipe Capella Co-founder and CEO of , a leading digital freight technology company. Previously advised companies on corporate strategy and M&A in Brazil and New York for 8 years. Joined the Inter-American Development Bank in Washington to advise on sovereign guaranteed development...

REPOST: Beyond the Yard: How Velostics Streamlines Scheduling

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

and discuss beyond the yard - how Velostics streamlines scheduling. Gaurav is the Founder and CEO of , a company on a mission to revolutionize the logistics landscape. Summary: Beyond the Yard: How Velostics Streamlines Scheduling In this podcast, Gaurav Khandelwal, CEO of Velostics, discusses how their cloud-based logistics software automates scheduling and streamlines processes for shippers, carriers, and logistics providers. Velostics aims to eliminate manual scheduling, reduce friction in the handoff process, and provide user-friendly tools for better...

More Episodes

In “The 5 Failures of Final Mile,” Joe Lynch and Jason Burns, Host of Last2First Podcast and Insurance Producer at CUI Agency, discuss the common mistakes that final mile companies make.

About Jason Burns

Jason Burns is a native of New Orleans and a passionate business leader in the final mile transportation industry. He is a 2006 graduate of Vanderbilt University where he was a SEC Academic Honor Roll student-athlete in football and selected as the recipient of the Head Coach’s Dedication Award. After beginning his professional career in the parking industry, Jason returned to his hometown to assume a leadership role in his family’s business enterprises, including Burns Management Group (BMG), Global Parking Systems (GPS), and QCS Logistics (formerly Quick Courier Services, Inc). As a second-generation owner and President of QCS, Mr. Burns led the company’s resurgence by developing new service offerings, implementing a new technology platform, and expanding operations into new markets. These initiatives resulted in record growth and QCS was selected to the Inc. 5000 list as one of America’s fastest growing companies for four consecutive years. QCS was also recognized as a Top 100 Icon of Industry by ICIC (Initiative for a Competitive Inner City) in 2014. In 2020, QCS was acquired by Dropoff Inc, a national same-day delivery company headquartered in Austin, Tx. with operations in over 25 states. In this new role, he served as Dropoff’s Director of Corporate Development, leading the company's M&A efforts. In 2022, Dropoff was ranked #2,607 on the annual Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. He recently transitioned into the commercial insurance industry joining CUI Agency, focusing on bringing transportation literacy to owners who are challenged with finding solutions to the increasing cost of insurance. In 2022, Jason was elected as the first African-American President of the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association (CLDA), the nation's leading association for the final mile delivery industry since 1987. He now serves as the Immediate Past President. When he's not on the clock, you can find Jason spending time with his pride and joy; 9-year-old twins Jason Jr. (JJ) and Jordyn (JoJo). He coaches JJ's travel baseball & JoJo’s flag football teams and is one of the loudest dads cheering from the sidelines. By the end of 2024, he launched the Last2First podcast. Through his engaging podcast, Last2First, he extends an open invitation to final-mile enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and transportation professionals, encouraging a collaborative exploration of strategies, innovations, and stories of transformation. Jason's mission is clear: to share the wealth of knowledge he's accumulated, fostering a community where every member can thrive from last to first.

About Last2First Podcast

The Last2First (L2F) Podcast, hosted by Jason Burns, is a trusted resource for entrepreneurs, enthusiasts, and leaders in the first, middle, and last-mile delivery industry. Focused on actionable insights and expert interviews, the podcast empowers listeners with inspiring and insightful information to lead their businesses and succeed in this dynamically growing market. Join them as they dive into topics like optimizing delivery routes, enhancing customer satisfaction, navigating regulatory hurdles, and leveraging technology for efficiency. Whether they're a seasoned logistics professional or a business owner looking to improve their operations, Last 2 First offers valuable insights and actionable advice to help them lead their business to success.

Key Takeaways: The 5 Failures of Final Mile

In “The 5 Failures of Final Mile,” Joe Lynch and Jason Burns, Host of Last2First Podcast and Insurance Producer at CUI Agency, discuss the common mistakes that final mile companies make.
Understanding the True Cost of Final Mile: Many businesses underestimate the hidden costs associated with final mile delivery, leading to underpriced services and financial strain.
Navigating Driver Classification: Properly classifying drivers as employees or independent contractors is crucial to avoid legal issues and ensure compliance in the final mile industry.
Strategic Customer Selection: Not all customers are equally valuable. The episode highlights the importance of strategically choosing clients to ensure sustainable growth and profitability.
The Impact of Your Services: Recognize the significant impact final mile services have on the overall customer experience, and value your offerings accordingly.
Protecting Your Business with Proper Insurance: Adequate and appropriate insurance coverage is essential for mitigating risks and safeguarding your final mile business from unforeseen liabilities.
Actionable Insights for Success: Drawing from the expertise shared by Jason Burns, the episode provides practical advice for entrepreneurs and leaders in the delivery industry.