Last2First Family this episode is all about finding MORE volume… and more importantly, PROFITABLE volume.
We are joined by Timur, Founder & CEO of Small Parcel (and host of Logistics Remix). Timur lives “in the middle” between shippers, 3PLs, and the carriers who actually execute the last mile. We break down what shippers care about, how small parcel pricing really works, why FedEx/UPS keep adding complexity, and how regional carriers can position themselves to win meaningful share.
We also cover zone skipping (in plain English), carrier footprint expectations, the two biggest blockers in shipper onboarding (tech + legal), and what carriers should do right now to get in front of the right shippers.
✅ If you’re a last-mile operator trying to grow smart, this one’s for you.
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02:29 – Intro: finding profitable volume + why this guest matters
03:34 – Timur’s origin story: Ohio State → Honda logistics analyst
05:34 – Cutting teeth at CH Robinson (freight brokerage across modes)
07:09 – Startup rocket ship: 20 employees → 1,000 + IPO in 4 years
08:44 – uShip + Shipping Wars: the accidental media growth engine
10:49 – LSO (regional parcel) + what Timur learned inside a carrier
12:59 – The 2 biggest blockers in shipper onboarding: Tech + Legal
15:39 – What SmallParcel.com does (“TurboTax for Shipping”)
17:34 – The 3 savings buckets: better rates / carrier switch-add / claims & rebates
19:39 – How Timur generates demand: LinkedIn + becoming the trusted expert
22:34 – Carrier perspective: how to price opportunities when margins tighten
25:09 – Market reality: more entrants, VC expansion, why bids got so competitive
27:39 – Where regional/alternative carriers win: speed, niche, reliability
29:09 – Zone Skipping explained (real-world example: LA → NY)
31:49 – Minimum footprint: what shippers need for it to be “worth it”
33:44 – FedEx/UPS reactions: surcharges, pricing knobs, dimensional rounding
36:39 – What happens next: opportunity shift toward regional networks
38:04 – If you’re a regional carrier: how to get in front of shippers (events + partnerships)
40:34 – Timur’s “Last to First” moment: moving into product/tech at Echo
42:39 – Wrap + Timur joins as a coach in the Last2First Huddle
43:29 – Outro
📺 YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Last2FirstPodcast
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3gDS58wo6IWeLl48LHukdP
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/hn/podcast/last2first-podcast/id1778491941
Join the community: Last2First Huddle → https://www.l2fhuddle.com
💼 Connect with our guest:
🔗 Timur Eligulashvili / https://www.linkedin.com/in/timureli/
📌 Shoutout to our Sponsors!
Dropoff Inc.
https://www.dropoff.com/
info@dropoff.com
+1 888-376-7633
GigSafe
https://www.gigsafe.com/
+1 407-496-9882
Deliver Different
https://deliverdifferent.com/
SCI
https://sciadmin.com/