I have talked to some sub-contractors that wanted to come over and work for me. From what they told me there are contracts to buy but every year someone can outbid you for the route. They are running like ground did back in the day which will change at some point. 1099 all of their drivers "subcontractors" make them use their own fuel, van, uniforms, etc.
All of these guys that talked to me are making close to what I start people at before expenses little better deal over here since my guys don't pay for their truck, uniforms, scanners, fuel, taxes, etc.
Sounded like a hard way to make much money being that you have to bid in cheap enough to get the route, pay that little of a wage, and outsource all expenses to turn a profit being the middle man.