Monthly Archives: December 2020

Invoice Discounting vs Factoring

With the wide range of potential financing options available today, it can be difficult to know which is best for your business. Which option will serve all my needs? Which can I be approved for? Luckily, you do not have to make your decision alone.

Here, we will look at the specifics of invoice discounting and invoice factoring, comparing the two and describing some of the benefits or potential drawbacks of each. By the time you finish this blog, you will be well informed and well on your way to making the best decision for your business. Let’s get started.

Invoice Discounting

Invoice discounting allows business owners to better control the value of their unfinished sales. In invoice discounting, when an invoice is sent to your customer, a proportion of the total amount becomes available from the lender, providing a valuable source of working capital throughout the month.

While very similar to factoring, your customer may not be aware that you have taken on cash flow finance when you use the power of invoice discounting. You remain in control of your sales ledger, collecting payments as normal, and sending out reminders.

This system allows you to maintain your own style of communication and standards of customer service. In many cases, those factors are key to the success of your company.

Factoring

Like invoice discounting, factoring also allows you to turn your sales ledger into working capital. However, as stated previously, when you decide to pursue a factoring option, your customers will be aware you are using this method. The factoring company will be the one communicating with them, sending reminders for payment.

There are also significant benefits to factoring. Non-recourse factoring with Advanced Commercial Capital protects you from accruing debt. If your customers do not pay their invoices, you are not held responsible, and the factoring company takes on the risk involved.

Additionally, your ability to be approved for invoice discounting is dependent upon your own reliability and credit, whereas factoring companies such as Advanced Commercial Capital make their decisions based on the reliability and credit of your clients.

Which One Best Suits Your Needs?

Even with the differences laid out, it can still be difficult to know which is best for you. However, invoice discounting may be a promising option if:

• Your credit control procedures are proven to be effective
• You have minimal to no debt
• Your customers generally pay on time
• You meet the minimum level of turnover required by the lender

Conversely, if you do not carry out credit management processes in-house, invoice factoring is likely the better option.

Work with Advanced Commercial Capital

Advanced Commercial Capital is in the business of helping your business grow through fair and honest invoice factoring. If, after reading this blog, you would like to have a more in-depth discussion about your financial needs, including whether invoice factoring may be right for you, call our office at 855.465.4655 or fill out our online contact form today.

Guide: How to Become a Freight Broker with no Experience

If you have been looking for a way to boost your business while reducing time spent on the road, starting a freight brokerage may be the perfect solution for you. While it used to be quite difficult to start a freight brokerage company, new regulations created in the 1970s now make this opportunity more attainable for individuals across the country.

No experience? No problem. In our comprehensive guide on how to become a freight broker, we debunk the myth that prior industry experience is necessary. Discover essential strategies and insights tailored for beginners looking to enter the logistics world. From understanding industry regulations to mastering negotiation tactics, this guide equips you with the knowledge and confidence to kick-start your career as a freight broker. Explore the possibilities today and embark on a rewarding journey in the logistics industry.

Step 1: Gain Industry Experience

To facilitate relationships in the trucking industry, it is important to understand the ins and outs of the transportation industry.

Insider knowledge and understanding of the industry is a great place to start. Whether you’ve worked at a shipping company previously or with another freight brokerage, this work can give you insights into what one side of the industry is looking for from the other, putting you in a unique position to deliver the best service.

Additionally, you can help facilitate the development of your freight brokerage company with strong soft skills such as math, critical thinking, and communication. If you are looking for more official training, there are many online classes and educational books available.

Step 2: Develop A Business Plan

A strong business plan is really where your freight brokerage begins. In your business plan, you will specify your niche and target customers, fleshing out the specifics of how your business will run. A plan will also give you the ability to register your business name and apply for a line of credit to get started.

Step 3: Find the Right Carriers

As a freight broker, your goal is to develop strong working relationships with the right carriers for your business. Ideally, the carriers you work with will be a part of the niche you have chosen and will be trusted, reliable, and professional. While there are several online directories where you can peruse carrier options, you may already have direct references and connections with the carriers you would like to use, as mentioned in step one of this guide.

If you are having trouble deciding between several options, remember that there is nothing wrong with testing out your top contenders and going with the best option.

Step 4: Learn How to Handle Freight Brokerage Legal Affairs

Before beginning your business operations, you will need to address two major legal necessities: obtaining a USDOT number and becoming licensed as a Motor Carrier with Operating Authority.

A USDOT number is a unique identifier for your company that allows quick access to future safety information. That information is gathered during accident investigations, inspections, audits, and compliance reviews.

To apply for a USDOT number, you can follow the steps to register online at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website. After you receive your USDOT number, you will continue with the process of getting licensed as a Motor Carrier with Operating Authority. The total processing time for this is between four to six weeks.

Once your application has been approved, the FMCSA will send your MC number. When this is issued, it is posted on the register page of the FMCSA. After a 10-day period, in which people may protest your registration if they find a problem, you are officially granted MC authority and are ready to start your business.

Step 5: Hit the Ground Running, and Start Succeeding

Now that you have experience, a business plan in place, and all necessary legal affairs handled, it is time to open your business and get started! With the groundwork laid, you have everything you need for your freight brokerage firm to find success.

FAQS About Freight Brokering

What qualifications do I need to become a freight broker?

Typically, you need a high school diploma, strong organizational skills, and knowledge of the logistics industry. A freight broker license and bonding are also required.

How do I obtain a freight broker license?

Apply for a freight broker license through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) by completing the online application, paying the fee, and providing proof of bonding.

What is a freight broker bond and why do I need it?

A freight broker bond (BMC-84) is a financial guarantee that ensures you meet your contractual obligations. It protects shippers and carriers in case of non-payment.

Are there any training programs for freight brokers?

Yes, there are various training programs and courses available that cover the basics of freight brokering, industry regulations, and best practices.

What skills are important for a successful freight broker?

Key skills include strong communication, negotiation, organization, problem-solving, and an understanding of transportation logistics.

Advanced Commercial Capital: An Industry Resource

Advanced Commercial Capital is here to help the freight industry continue to grow with confidence. To get in touch with our team, call our office at 855.465.4655 or fill out our online contact form today.

What Should I Know About a Freight Broker Line of Credit?

As intermediaries between carriers and shippers, freight brokers face distinctive business challenges, from managing cash flow to learning about the credibility of companies they work with. A freight broker line of credit can assist brokerages in managing financial stresses, overcoming challenges, and understanding the trustworthiness of potential clients.

Primary Challenges for Freight Brokers

Why is a line of credit necessary for freight brokers? Business credit for trucking is essential to address challenges common to most freight brokerages, including surety bonds, insurance, competition, liability, and cash flow.

1. Surety Bonds

By definition, “a surety bond is a promise to be liable for the debt, default, or failure of another. It is a three-party contract by which one party (the surety) guarantees the performance or obligations of a second party (the principal) to a third party (the obligee.)”

Every freight broker is required to obtain a surety bond from the government to operate legitimately in the United States. This agreement between the broker and the government is a guarantee that the freight broker will meet all contracts with shippers and carriers.

Freight brokers are required to obtain a $75,000 surety bond. If a freight broker does not live up to its contracts with a shipper or a carrier, the surety bond assures shippers and carriers that the broker has the cash or assets to cover at least the amount of the bond.

2. Insurance

Freight brokers can procure surety bonds from insurance companies. However, brokers are required to pay premiums. To lower premiums, freight brokers can demonstrate that their company is low-risk and reliable with good credit scores.

3. Competition

The freight broker industry is extremely competitive. Once again, low-risk engagements and reliability help freight brokers stand out amongst the competition.

4. Liability

Although not always the case, freight brokers are sometimes liable for shipment or equipment damages during travel. To limit liability, freight brokers should evaluate the dependability and credibility of potential carriers before accepting new engagements.

5. Cash Flow

Financial strain is one of the most significant challenges faced by freight brokers, specifically consistent cash flow. While starting a freight broker business is relatively inexpensive, financial challenges arise quickly. Because carriers are often paid before shippers are billed, cash flow can become clogged or entirely depleted. As the intermediary between shippers and carriers, transportation brokers are often forced to satisfy and balance both parties involved before acknowledging personal cash flow issues.

However, unacknowledged cash flow issues eventually cripple a company. Amid balancing such significant challenges, freight brokers may look for additional financial assistance to promote business growth and livelihood. Freight factoring is one such option.

Benefits of a Freight Broker Credit

1. Surety Bonds & Insurance

As mentioned, strong business credit scores can help freight brokers appear low-risk, credible, and reliable to insurance companies, often resulting in leverage to negotiate lower premiums.

2. Competition

Again, freight brokering is a competitive space, and strong business credit will make your company stand out among the rest. Additionally, business credit may allow your freight brokerage to negotiate for higher prices. Shippers and carriers appreciate low-risk, reliable brokers.

3. Liability

One business credit service explores the emphasis placed on credibility in the freight brokerage industry for both shippers and carriers.

• Shippers “will pull credit because they’re trusting the broker with their load. The brokers credit will offer detailed information about payment patterns and financial responsibility (or lack thereof).”
• On the other hand, carriers “will pull the brokers credit because they want to make sure there is a consistent history of payments on time. Carriers need to be able to depend on timely payments from the broker to fund their operations and turn a profit.”

Likewise, as a broker, you should also check business credit files of potential shippers and carriers. As mentioned, business credit files help you choose the best companies to engage with, reducing liability risk.

4. Cash Flow

A freight factoring line of credit for brokers directly addresses cash flow issues. In the freight factoring process, the factor purchases invoices directly from the broker, providing the brokerage with immediate cash needed to pay carriers. The factor then waits to receive payment for the invoice, instead of the freight brokerage. Factoring provides companies with cash needed to continue business on slow-paying invoices.

Factoring Line of Credit vs Bank Line of Credit

When considering financial assistance, freight brokers may consider acquiring a bank line of credit in comparison to a factoring-based line of credit. While a bank line of credit may be viable for several issues, consider a few potential downsides to pursuing this form of financial assistance as a freight broker:

1. A bank line of credit can add to the debt already carried by the broker. As with any business, avoiding debt when possible is best.

2. Additionally, a bank line of credit has its limits. Eventually, a maximum borrowing limit will be met, stopping cash flow. Once the broker can no longer rely on the bank line of credit, he/she is forced to rely on shippers once more, often an unreliable source of cash flow.

Advanced Commercial Capital

At Advanced Commercial Capital, we protect our clients from unpaid freight invoices due to fraud, bankruptcy, or delinquency – without any surprises. To learn more about the ins-and-outs of a freight factoring line of credit, reach out to our team at 855.465.4655 or via our online contact form!