In Episode 44 of the Last2First Podcast, we sit down with Chris Bartley, COO of Fifth Dimension Logistics (New Jersey), to break down what it really takes to run a customized logistics operation from air freight cartage and contract logistics to scaling with an independent contractor (IC) model, managing peak-season uncertainty, and building a weekly KPI dashboard that keeps the business accountable and profitable.
We also dig into a big one: broker vs motor carrier structures for IC fleets, why it matters for risk + insurance, and how rigid compliance platforms can create real friction for operators doing things the right way.
- 02:00– Intro: Innovators moving the industry “from last to first”
- 03:05 – Why Chris prefers the COO seat (and what it says about scale)
- 05:10 – What Fifth Dimension Logistics actually does (customized logistics)
- 07:05 – Cartage/air freight vs courier: “two different worlds”
- 09:10 – The origin story: Atlantic Freight, XPO acquisition, and the spin-off
- 12:10 – Why California + remote ops didn’t work (and the operator lesson)
- 14:05 – The Vegas turnaround: giving the station to employees (factoring model)
- 18:10 – Fleet breakdown: sprinters → 26’ box trucks → 53’ trailers
- 20:45 – Growth during COVID: what changed and how they handled capacity
- 24:10 – Why Chris protects speed: “no red tape” ops + fast RFP response
- 27:10 – Air freight tariffs + average shipment economics (and why volume matters)
- 31:35 – Peak season + tariffs: uncertainty, inventory surges, and consumer pressure
- 35:10 – Broker vs motor carrier for IC fleets (risk, misclass, compliance friction)
- 42:15 – Insurance + building requirements: why margins get squeezed
- 46:10 – KPIs & dashboards: weekly pro forma P&L, cost controls, profit sharing
- 52:20 – Automating reporting (bots, dashboards, real-time visibility)
- 56:10 – “Last to First moment”: legacy, family business, and long-term outlook
- 59:05 – Closing + how to connect with Chris / Fifth Dimension
📌 Shoutout to our Sponsors!
Dropoff Inc.
https://www.dropoff.com/
info@dropoff.com
+1 888-376-7633
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+1 407-496-9882
Deliver Different
https://deliverdifferent.com/
SCI
https://sciadmin.com/
🎥 Watch, then drop a comment: What’s the #1 KPI you track weekly?
Guest: Chris Bartley, COO Fifth Dimension Logistics (NJ) https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartleychris/ https://www.5dmlx.com/
Host: Jason Burns, Last2First Podcast https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasongburns/
#Last2First #Logistics #AirFreight #Cartage #3PL #Courier #IndependentContractors #KPIs #RiskManagement #SupplyChain
What is Last2First Podcast?
Welcome to Last 2 First, the podcast dedicated to exploring the final mile in logistics and the unique challenges faced by business owners in this vital industry. Each episode features insightful conversations with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who share their experiences, strategies, and innovations shaping the future of final mile delivery.
Join us as we dive into topics like optimizing delivery routes, enhancing customer satisfaction, navigating regulatory hurdles, and leveraging technology for efficiency. Whether you're a seasoned logistics professional or a business owner looking to improve your operations, Last 2 First offers valuable insights and actionable advice to help you lead your business to success.
Tune in and discover how to turn the last mile into your first priority!