Author Archives: adcomcap

Common Trucking Scams: Protect Yourself & Your Business

As the owner of a trucking company, you’re managing a large pool of drivers, customers, and loads. You already have a lot to handle, so the last thing you want to deal with are scam artists wanting to take advantage of your busy schedule. As with every other industry, no one is immune from becoming a target of a scam, no matter the size or value. Staying informed will keep you one step ahead of fraudulent practices and keep your company and employees safe. If you’re looking for more information here are five common trucking fraud scams to be aware of and how you can avoid becoming the victim of one.

Common Trucking Fraud Scams

Driver in Need: If you’re a company with an exceptionally large number of drivers, you may be a target of this type of scam. The fraudster will collect information from another driver by conversing with them or overhearing it from a truck stop and will use it to call dispatch to request a cash advance.

Phony Repair Shop or Fake Towing: Trucks commonly need to be repaired or even towed during service. The trucking company covers the expenses for repairs, and occasionally a scammer can exploit this by making false calls to a company asking for payment. The scammer provides vehicle information and a driver’s name and sometimes a fake invoice. The goal is to make the trucking company believe the load will be withheld from the driver until payment is received to get the company to pay up.

Fake Police Officer or Department of Transportation (DOT) Inspector: This act of trucking fraud involves a scammer posing as a fake government official. They will contact a trucking company to demand payment over a fake violation to get the truck back. You should also look out for notices in the mail asking for payment for renewal fees and threatening fines for missing the payment.

False Freight: This scheme happens when the driver is not allowed to supervise loading. Often the doors are sealed shut, preventing the driver from being able to ensure inventory counts, but is often still required to sign off on it anyway. Only when the delivery is complete do you realize the piece count is off and the scammers likely stole some of the freight.

Load or Fuel Advance Scams: A popular scam in the industry that targets brokers. Scammers steal the identity of a legitimate trucking company and book loads without any attention of picking them up. Instead, they request a cash advance for fuel and travel expenses. Once received, one of two things could happen. The scammer either disappears or more aggressively, holds the load hostage to demand further payment. Either way, the broker is left with money out of pocket and still in need of finding an actual driver to haul the load, if you’re lucky enough to still have it.

Double Brokering: Although this act entirely involves legitimate parties, you want to make sure you do not become a victim of this, and it’s another one that focuses on brokers. This time it occurs when a broker books a load for a carrier, but in turn that carrier brokers the load to a third party without the consent of the original broker or customer. In this case, the actual carrier of the freight is not under the original contract and therefore is uninsured. If the company that booked the third party does not pay the carrier who moved the load, then the original broker could possibly be on the hook for both payments.

How to Avoid Trucking Fraud

As it happens, you already took the first step of avoiding trucking fraud by reading about common scams. Knowing how to identify scams as they occur will stop you from making a mistake.

Here are a few pieces of advice to follow as well:

• Train drivers to not divulge important information in public and to always be aware of their surroundings.
• Request an invoice, and if actually provided one, review it carefully. If no valid address or phone number can be found,
• Find ways to validate the carrier or service provider. Always speak with the driver directly to confirm they are who they say they are. Try asking for information not readily visible on the truck such as the DOT number or employee ID number.
• Directly transfer funds to the driver, not a provider. Don’t risk sending payment to an unknown third party. Also, it’s best practice not to issue fuel advances to a new carrier you haven’t worked with before. Wait until they establish trust by successfully delivering a couple of loads before granting permission to receive cash advances.
• Always be suspicious if someone is pressuring you for immediate payment. Ask yourself if the situation urgently requires you to do so. If absolutely necessary, then just issue a smaller percentage of the cash advance instead of the full amount.

Advanced Commercial Capital: An Industry Resource

Advanced Commercial Capital is here to help the freight industry continue to grow with confidence. We’re in the business of helping your business grow through fair and honest invoice factoring. We protect our clients from unpaid freight invoices due to fraud, bankruptcy, or delinquency, without any surprises. To learn more or go get in touch with our team, call our office at 855.465.4655 or fill out our online contact form today.

What is Invoice Factoring?

A very happy supply chain worker ready to talk answer
Even when your business gets everything done on time, sometimes the favor isn’t returned. When starting a new business, you put forth the effort to complete any measures that set you up for success, rewarding you with your first customers. However, in the business-to-business industry, there are some things that are beyond your control. B2B companies rely on another business’ ability to pay their invoice on time so you can continue to pay for the things your business needs to stay afloat. Even when you provide exceptional, timely services or delivery of products, you may find the delivery of money isn’t as punctual. This is where factoring comes in. Understanding factoring in business might make all the difference when it comes to getting your business off the ground. Read more to find out what factoring is and how it can help your new or growing business.

What is Invoice Factoring?

Factoring works differently from bank loans in many ways. Factoring companies buy invoices from your business, so you get your cash upfront right away. The factoring company in turn collects the invoice once paid by the client and claims a small percentage. Businesses starting out with low cash flow use factoring companies to help pay for necessary expenditures while waiting for payments from their customers. Companies that also experience slow business during certain times of the year, or companies dealing with exponential growth can also take advantage of factoring where an advance is needed.

With factoring, you are not borrowing from anyone, taking out a loan, or putting yourself into any debt. Instead, you are simply given your own money in advance. Approval is given much quicker than a bank since there are no contracts or debts involved. This way cash is given quickly, usually within a day or two so you can take care of important expenses almost immediately.

How Can Factoring Benefit My Business?

Factoring is a great way to help both businesses that are starting out and businesses that cannot keep up with their growth. When you need cash now, that is when you can turn to factoring companies. Late payments from customers cause cash flow shortages, limiting your ability to pay for necessary expenditures like utilities and salaries, and capping your chance of growth. Even when your business has high revenue, you still might not be seeing your cash right away. While using invoice factoring, you can pay off all your bills on time and improve your credit score, allowing for chances of larger investments or loans in the future.

Business loan approval can take months to process and require you to pay back much more in interest, and this is all assuming you are able to qualify for one right away. Factoring is the ideal short-term solution for your business to get the capital needed quickly since approval is much more achievable, and in fact is more dependent on your customers’ financial situation rather than your business’.

While there are fees involved with factoring, there is a chance to save money by reducing time and money spent on administration tasks associated with invoice collections. Factoring companies will handle collecting paid invoices from your customers. You may be able to eliminate the need for an administrative assistant, or at the very least free up more time for your employees.

What is Factoring in Business?

Factoring companies are more concerned about your client’s financial situation than yours. They buy your invoices, so in order to pay them back, you need the client to pay your invoice. You may need to confirm your customers’ payment history to establish credibility to get more capital upfront.

It’s wise to keep in mind that once a factoring company purchases your invoice, you will need to pay it back regardless of whether or not the invoice is paid. This could potentially result in a double loss, putting you in a similar spot to where you started. Factoring is a quick solution, but one that requires some diligence. Look into non-recourse factoring which places the responsibility on the factoring company, where they will suffer the loss from an unpaid invoice instead of your business.

Factoring is a one-time transaction to draw from whenever you need it. It is not reoccurring funding or a contractual agreement. However, this gives you the power to create capital from the beginning or as needed, without any obligations. Either way, factoring can be a great short-term or long-term solution.

Advanced Commercial Capital: Risk-Free Debt Factoring

With Advanced Commercial Capital, your trucking business assumes very few risks! Because of the unique nature of our non-recourse freight factoring service, there are no consequences to you if your clients fail to pay their invoices. We also do not require any long-term contracts and do not charge termination fees.

Additionally, we offer:

• Fast and flexible funding options, paying you in as little as one hour for your freight bills
• Strong relationships that foster your success
• And valuable benefits that save you both time and money, from our free fuel discount card program to free credit checks
All of these are just some of the reasons why our clients choose to stay with us for the long haul.
Advanced Commercial Capital can help your trucking company succeed in ways you never thought were possible.
Talk with our team to learn more about how non-recourse debt factoring works by giving us a call at 855.465.4655 or reaching out via our online contact form. We look forward to offering you the easiest and smartest way to factor your freight bills and get the cash you need, without any surprises.

Invoice Factoring Companies for Trucking

In B2B industries, such as logistics, the financial stability of one company often depends on the initiative of another to pay their invoice. When customers are late to pay, cash flow suffers, and essential expenditures – such as maintaining salaries and important equipment – are hindered.

In these cases, trucking companies often look for financial assistance elsewhere, such as a bank loan or invoice factoring. When cash flow is hurting and you need a reliable push to stabilize your business, invoice factoring is often the best option.

In the content below, we define invoice factoring, explore how the financing option works, and dive into the pros and cons for trucking companies!

What is Invoice Factoring?

Invoice factoring is the process of turning unpaid customer invoices into immediate cash. Once the invoice is officially paid, the seller reimburses the factoring company.

How Does Invoice Factoring Work?

Invoice factoring is a simple process. Invoices are sold to a factoring company for a discounted rate or factoring fee, putting working capital into the hands of the company at the needed time. Once the invoice is paid, the factoring company is reimbursed.

For example:

• Trucking Company A has an unpaid invoice of $1,000.
• Trucking Company A sells the invoice to a factoring company for a 5% fee of $50.
• Trucking Company A receives $950.
• When Company A’s customer pays the invoice, the factoring company receives $1,000.

While exploring invoice factoring options, two variations of invoice factoring should be considered: recourse and non-recourse.

Recourse Factoring

Recourse factoring places the responsibility of collection on the invoice seller (i.e. your trucking company). This means collateral is required. In many cases, recourse factoring companies use your receivables as such. Recourse factoring mimics the process of invoice factoring, and in turn, your company receives immediate cash for unpaid invoices. However, if the customer neglects to pay the invoice, the factoring company may collect the money from you.

As the seller, you are solely responsible for the invoices purchased by the factor and will be responsible for refunding the factor whether your customer comes through or not.

If the customer never pays your invoice, you are left in a similar position as when you first sold the invoice – in need of cash. Because of the risk associated with recourse factoring, businesses often prefer non-recourse factoring.

Non-Recourse Factoring

Non-recourse factoring places the responsibility of collection on the factor. If the customer does not pay, the non-recourse factoring company suffers the loss.

Additionally, this form of factoring does not demand collateral.

Is Invoice Factoring Right for My Trucking Company?

Invoice factoring is often utilized by businesses who work for other businesses – a customer base that doesn’t always pay on time. However, payment procrastination can hurt an organization with employees to pay, equipment to maintain, and growth opportunities to pursue.

For trucking companies, a stagnate cash flow could cripple the business. Although cash flow is important, invoice factoring might not be right for every trucking company. Consider the following questions:

1. Is your cash flow hurting?
2. Are you looking for growth opportunities, such as purchasing trucks or hiring employees?
3. Are you looking for a fast way to stabilize your business?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, invoice factoring could be an excellent choice for your trucking company!

Invoice Factoring Pros

– Invoice factoring is an excellent option for trucking companies working for other businesses, especially those that procrastinate payments.
– As already mentioned, invoice factoring provides trucking companies with fast cash, improving cash flow immediately.
– Invoice factoring is easy to be approved for.
– Non-recourse invoice factoring is collateral-free.

Invoice Factoring Cons

– If working with a recourse factoring company, you may be required to buy back unpaid invoices.
– If your company works directly for consumers, invoice factoring may not be a viable option.
– Certain factoring companies tack on hidden fees to the factoring services, such as late fees or processing fees. Be certain to select a trustworthy factoring company and understand all the terms and conditions before moving forward!
– Because invoice factoring approval is based on the credit history of your customers, you don’t have full control of approval – it depends on the financial strength of your clients.

Is Invoice Factoring Different from Invoice Financing?

Invoice financing resembles recourse factoring, detailed above.

One financial resource states: “Instead of selling your invoices to a factoring company, you use the invoices as collateral to get a cash advance and you remain responsible for collecting payment on the invoices.”

Why Don’t I Just Get a Bank Loan?

Invoice factoring delivers almost immediate approval. With the right freight factoring company, you could get paid within three days. On the other hand, applying for and receiving a traditional loan could take weeks, if your company is approved.

Approval for factoring funding and loan funding differs significantly. For example, banks consider your creditworthiness and the ability to afford payments, while most invoice factoring companies consider the creditworthiness of your customers.

Often, factoring companies take business values into consideration as well. Is your trucking company well-managed and known for integrity? You’re likely to be approved for invoice factoring within a matter of days, regardless of credit history.

Advanced Commercial Capital: Trustworthy Non-Recourse Factoring

At Advanced Commercial Capital, we pride ourselves in being an honest, trustworthy non-recourse factoring solution for trucking companies in need of financial stability.

Our team would love to get in touch with your organization. To learn more about what we do, give us a call at 435.673.4655 or complete our online contact form!

How Does Debt Factoring Improve Cash Flow?

Your trucking company is doing everything it can to succeed. Shipments are arriving on time and business is booming. The only problem is your clients are not paying their invoices in a timely manner.

An important part of any business, cash flow in the trucking industry can be sporadic and unpredictable, even at the best of times. Fortunately, debt factoring can help trucking companies maintain consistent cash flow via immediate payments. Below, we will consider the basics of how debt factoring can work for your company.

Will It Improve Your Cash Flow?

Even though it is often referred to as debt factoring, factoring does not involve taking on debt, but rather involves selling an asset you already own. Debt factoring is the process by which a third-party factoring company purchases either a portion or all your company’s invoices. Once an agreement is reached, the factoring company advances you an agreed-upon amount. As a result, you do not have to rely on customers paying their invoices immediately for your business to run smoothly.

Why Would a Business Use a Factoring Company?

There are several advantages to the debt factoring system. Chief among them are the following:

1. Debt factoring provides a quick infusion of cash, allowing for steady company growth – even when invoices are unpredictable. Many businesses struggle to maintain a steady cash flow. In turn, this often prevents them from growing and thriving. Due to the relatively immediate nature of debt factoring, once your invoices are purchased, you can expect a quick and reliable influx of cash to help your business continue to thrive.

2. Debt factoring saves time and administrative resources, including overhead costs. When you sell your outstanding invoices to a factoring company, that company takes over the management of your invoices. Because they are handling customer payments and debt collections, you do not have to pay an employee to handle this task, saving you time, administrative resources, and the overhead cost of an extra employee.

3. Non-recourse factoring helps work against accumulating debt. Non-recourse factoring is a type of debt factoring that protects you from accruing debt if your clients do not pay. For example, if a shipper were not to pay the invoice that you sent them after providing your services, you would not be on the hook for paying back the factoring company under a non-recourse factoring system.

What Are the Different Types of Debt Factoring?

We previously mentioned the benefits of non-recourse factoring. However, it is important to note that non-recourse factoring is not the only type of factoring available. Some companies may use a type of factoring known as recourse. The difference between this type of factoring and non-recourse lies in the risk placed upon you and your business.

Recourse factoring puts your company on the hook for customers who do not pay their invoices. By requiring additional collateral in addition to your invoices, the factoring company has the right to collect money for the unpaid invoice directly from you. Typically, companies that use this type of factoring hold some of your money in reserve.

In a non-recourse factoring agreement, the factoring company fully assumes the risk. Accordingly, if the freight broker or shipper does not pay their invoice, the factoring company suffers the loss. Generally, non-recourse factoring companies do not hold any of your money in reserve, as there is no need to do so.

Advanced Commercial Capital: Risk-Free Debt Factoring

With Advanced Commercial Capital, your trucking company assumes very few risks! Because of the unique nature of our non-recourse freight factoring service, there are no consequences to you if your clients fail to pay their invoices. We also do not require any long-term contracts and do not charge termination fees.

Additionally, we offer:
• Fast and flexible funding options, paying you in as little as one hour for your freight bills
• Strong relationships that foster your success
• And valuable benefits that save you both time and money, from our free fuel discount card program to free credit checks

All of these are just some of the reasons why our clients choose to stay with us for the long haul.
Advanced Commercial Capital can help your trucking company succeed in ways you never thought were possible.

Talk with our team to learn more about how non-recourse debt factoring works by giving us a call at 855.465.4655 or reaching out via our online contact form. We look forward to offering you the easiest and smartest way to factor your freight bills and get the cash you need, without any surprises.

Invoice Factoring Rates: A Complete Guide

Are you considering going into business with a factoring company, but still need some answers before doing so? What kind of risks are involved? When can you expect to receive your funds? How much do freight factoring companies charge? In this article, we will address the determining components of how much freight factoring companies charge, including common pricing, special fees, and more to help get you jumpstarted on the basics.

Common Pricing & Fees

What Is a Factoring Fee?

Factoring fees are the initial percentage of the invoice taken by the factoring company. While they can vary depending on the company you work with, a good rule of thumb is to gauge anywhere between 2-4%. If it is much higher than this, you should know that better options exist, and you may be working with the wrong factoring company.

One exception to this rule may come from non-recourse factoring plans. Because non-recourse factoring poses more of a risk to the factoring company, the costs may be slightly higher. In this scenario, most companies start their factoring fee around 5% for non-recourse factoring and can go as high as 8%.

Monthly Volumes

Some factoring companies also require carriers to meet certain benchmarks known as “monthly volumes.” This term means that your shipping company must factor in a certain amount of loads each month or risk an additional charge. The form this fee takes could either be a single flat fee, or an increase in the factoring fee percentage. In either case, it is important to have a conversation with your factoring company about what their monthly volume requirements are if any, and what the penalty may be.

Reserve Rate

For factoring companies that use a recourse factoring structure, a deposit will be kept on hold as a form of insurance against delinquent payments. Again, the amount can differ between companies, but usually, it is returned to the carrier whenever the factoring company receives their payment.

Invoice Factoring Rates for Companies: What to Look For

Typically, factoring companies in the trucking industry offer a flat fee structure. This system means that you pay a one-time fee that remains the same, no matter how long it takes your customers to pay their invoices.

However, some companies will calculate their invoice factoring rates using a variable structure. As previously discussed, most companies will take a small percentage (2-3%) of the invoice for as long as the invoice goes unpaid. However, an added caveat to this structure could be that the longer the customer takes to pay their invoice, the more you will pay in fees.

For example, your factoring company may charge you 3% for the first 30 days. For every two weeks that pass after those 30 days in which the invoice balance is left unpaid, the factoring company will charge an extra 0.5%. Make sure you are working with reputable clients who will pay their bills on time to avoid such an issue.

What About Long-Term Contracts?

Some factoring companies require you to sign contracts that bind you to work exclusively with them for long periods. However, this is not true of all factoring companies in the industry. If it is important for you not to be tied to one factoring company for the long term, there are options out there for you.

How Does Advanced Commercial Capital Compare?

At Advanced Commercial Capital, we understand that our mission is to help your trucking business succeed. That is why we do everything in our power to offer you the best deals and earn your business every day.

Advanced Commercial Capital has one of the most competitive non-recourse factoring rates in the industry, no long-term contracts, and no set-up or termination fees. We know that making a significant change to your business model is stressful enough, and we do not want to charge you for doing so.

If you decide that factoring is not for you, our Freedom Back Guarantee allows you to leave at any time. While not every factoring company offers this guarantee, not every factoring company cares about the wellbeing of its customers like Advanced Commercial Capital does.

Fill out our contact form, or call us at 855.465.4655 if you’d like to have a conversation about how our freight factoring can be beneficial to your trucking business. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you succeed.

Resources:

https://www.invoicefactoring.com/factoring-blog/factoring101/much-invoice-factoring-cost

https://www.factorfinders.com/cost-of-factoring#:~:text=A%20factoring%20company%20may%20charge,fee%20is%20charged%20up%20front.

https://www.getinstapay.com/blog/common-freight-factoring-fees

Freight Capital: Everything You Must Know

In its purest form, capital refers to the assets you possess which increases your economic standing and power. But what is freight capital and how can it help your company grow? Together, we will outline everything you need to know about freight capital and how to ensure it contributes to the success of your business.

What is Freight Capital?

In the freight industry, capital most often takes the form of your unpaid invoices. If you manage your own invoices, you often wait as many as 90 days before receiving payment. This delay not only stalls the growth of your business but can also hinder your ability to pay bills or meet payroll deadlines. However, there is a better way to handle your invoices.

How to Capitalize on Your Freight Charges

By selling invoices, you can generate immediate cash flow for your business and facilitate immense growth.

Under the traditional model, your process likely looks something like this:
• You haul and deliver a shipment to your customer.
• You send an invoice to your customer for the completion of the job
• You wait for the customer to pay their invoice before seeing any of the profits of your work.

This “hurry up and wait” process is less than ideal to say the least, not to mention inconducive to steady business growth.

But with the addition of a trusted factoring company, the process can instead look more like:
• You haul and deliver a shipment to your customer
• You sell the invoice to a factoring company
• The factoring company then sends you the cash for that invoice while they wait to collect the payment.

Sounds like a great deal, right? It gets better.

Freight Capital: How it Can Help Your Business Flourish

Of course, the quick cash flow is great for growth during prosperous economic times, but freight capital is also debt-free. The money the factoring company sends to you is not a loan, but rather funds you have already earned. You simply get access to the freight capital faster with a factoring company.

Gathering your freight capital in this way can also relieve the worry that comes from waiting for your clients to pay their invoices. Gone are the sleepless nights, wondering if you will be able to pay next month’s bills or your team. Instead, feel the confidence that comes from knowing you will get paid on time for your hard work.

Is Freight Factoring Right for You?

Non-recourse financing from Advanced Commercial Capital can assist your business in creating positive cash flow to streamline your accounts receivable process. If you are tired of constantly worrying over whether you will be able to make payments, pay your drivers, or grow your business, then freight factoring is a solution worth looking into.

There are many excellent reasons to choose Advanced Commercial Capital as your factoring company, such as our lack of long-term contracts and fees.

You can reach out and learn more about us via phone at 855.465.4655 or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to speaking with you and helping your business succeed.

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!

Payroll Factoring Guide for Small Businesses

In tough financial situations, such as a global pandemic, finding ways to make payroll and ensure your employees are taken care of may keep you tossing and turning at night.

However, there is a solution for every problem, and a financing option known as payroll factoring may be just the answer you have been looking for. Below, we’ll explore everything you need to know about what payroll factoring is and how it can help your business continue to thrive.

Payroll Factoring: What Is It?

Payroll factoring is a method by which businesses with outstanding invoices and long net terms can create a steady cash flow earlier than what they would normally expect from their clients. For example, if your net term is 30, or even 60 days, multiple payment periods can hit before you receive full payment from your clients.

Contrary to some beliefs, payroll factoring isn’t a loan, but rather a transfer of invoice from your business to another called a factoring company. The factoring company then supplies you with an advancement, allowing your business to continue operating smoothly.

Payroll Factoring Benefits

1. Avoiding Layoffs
Finding the right people for the right roles is never an easy task. You worked hard to create the team you have in place, and payroll factoring can help ensure that you can keep your team happily employed and motivated to stick with you.

2. Preventing Lawsuits / Additional Debt
Failing to pay your employees for their work will put you at risk for governmental tax penalties, lawsuits from your employees, and accruing additional debt. Payroll factoring ensures you can pay your employees on time and avoid these issues before they even start.

3. Preserve Your Savings
It is common for business owners to take a pay cut or dip into their savings to pay their employees when money becomes scarce. While an admirable decision, payroll factoring makes this particular sacrifice unnecessary.

How Payroll Factoring Works

While different factoring companies will have different policies, the general process is much the same. At Advanced Commercial Capital, we recommend first researching your options thoroughly to find a factoring company that fits your specific needs.

After you find someone whom you trust and can cater to your type of business, you will sign a factoring agreement. The stipulations, fees, and general guidelines will be something you should look over closely to ensure you are getting the best deal possible. After that agreement has been signed by both parties, the payroll factoring process will begin.

Finally, once your client pays the invoice, the factoring company will send you any remaining balances, known as the reverse amount.

Can Your Business Benefit from Payroll Factoring with Advanced Commercial Capital?

If you have a business with employees, then yes, payroll factoring will be beneficial for you, your employees, and the overall success of your business. Advanced Commercial Capital understands the strain that owning a trucking business with unpaid invoices can create, which is why we offer non-recourse freight factoring services.

Non-recourse factoring is designed to give you the maximum benefit possible from a factoring program, as our company bears the credit and collection risk on purchased invoices. This method of payroll factoring means that we won’t charge you if your customers fail to pay their bills.

To learn more about our non-recourse factoring services, and to see if Advance Commercial Capital is the right support team for your trucking business, give us a call at 855.465.4655 or fill out our online contact form today.