The Hard Truth About Rates, 3PLs & Growth in Final Mile

Episode 36 is OUT TODAY! Host Jason Burns sits down in Chicago with Assif Hussain, Founder & CEO of Great American Delivery Service, for an unfiltered look at last-mile entrepreneurship: the immigrant grind, that first dock-door win, riding out cash-flow pain, and the real math behind 3PL vs direct customers. Assif came to the U.S. with $40 and big dreams. He learned the streets from a map book, drove as an IC, then took the leap: company formation, insurance battles, a scary empty warehouse… and the first shipment that changed it all. Today his team of ~75 handles messengers/courier/expediting across Chicagoland and beyond (24/7/365). What we cover ✅From driver to founder: airport work, expediting and learning the craft ✅The “empty warehouse” chapter → when it finally paid the rent ✅Why the first big customer matters (and how he got it) ✅3PL vs direct: margin squeeze, control, and customer experience ✅Pricing pressures vs UPS/FedEx increases — how smaller carriers survive ✅TMS, communication, and the customer you lose when you don’t communicate ✅CLDA/ECA networking that actually turns into revenue ✅Leadership, responsibility, and keeping payroll safe when AR slips 👍 Like the episode, 💬 comment your biggest takeaway, and ↗️ share with your team. 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Spotify 🎧 https://open.spotify.com/show/3gDS58wo6IWeLl48LHukdP?si=gmhv7Lh8QvyY5xxFS9ZpPA Apple Podcasts 🍎 https://podcasts.apple.com/hn/podcast/last2first-podcast/id1778491941 YouTube ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@Last2FirstPodcast 💼 Connect with our guest: 🔗 Asif Hussain —https://www.linkedin.com/in/asif-hussain-3413a41ab/ 📌 Shoutout to our Sponsors! Dropoff Inc. https://www.dropoff.com/ [e-mail] [phone] GigSafe https://www.gigsafe.com/ [phone] Deliver Different https://deliverdifferent.com/

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!