Category Archives: Invoice Factoring

How to Get Loads for Your Trucking Business

Finding fresh loads is a constant hustle and sometimes a hassle for both truckers and trucking companies. But rest assured, with a shortage of truck drivers in the US; there are plenty of loads out there to source.

Whether you’re just starting to haul or have been moving goods for years, there are ways of finding new loads that are cost-effective and make doing business easier.

We will look at how to get loads for trucks and how to keep a steady flow of work coming your way.

Building a Strong Network of Clients and Partners

Networking is the backbone of established trucking companies. It can be time-consuming and hard to break through when branching out as an independent truck driver.

But building a solid network with clients and partners is beneficial and has a high payout over time.

Get involved with truck industry associations by going to events that focus on the types of freight that you are looking to haul. Some associations are exclusive and only allow entry if you work in their specific industry.

Keep in mind that trucking associates are not the place to find clients and are attended mainly by your potential competitors.

However, industry events are a great place to shake hands, exchange tips, and in some cases, build a prospect list.

Utilizing Online Load Boards and Freight Marketplaces

Load boards were once found on special television screens at most truck stops in the US. Now, you can easily find pick-up and drop-off locations, rates, and contact information all online.

You can find free online load boards, while others have paid options. Some load boards offer free trials and even have easy-to-access apps that send notifications about newly posted fresh loads.

Freight marketplaces and online load boards have the same basic function of connecting shippers, brokers, and carriers of shipments. But, a freight marketplace offers more services and is more comprehensive than a load board.

Online freight marketplaces use a load-matching algorithm to help shippers and brokers find suitable carriers for the job.

Developing Effective Marketing and Branding Strategies

You don’t have to be a million-dollar trucking company to develop an effective marking and branding strategy.

Organic social media content is an easy, cost-effective way to generate new business and build a reputation. When you post regularly, you’re putting your name out there and interacting with the shipping community. Just remain authentic to your brand and open to experimenting on different platforms.

Websites are great tools for spreading the word, but you want them to make a strong impression. One effective strategy is to work with an SEO professional to optimize keyword search and link building.

And we can’t forget truck wraps. A large vinyl decal can display your name, number, and an impressionable logo for thousands of people to see each day.

Maximizing Efficiency through Route Planning and Load Optimization

Load planning is about maximizing the capacity of you and your truck so that you can deliver multiple shipments in the fewest trips. But there are things you must consider your truck’s specifications (refrigerated), the center of gravity, where it’s going, and the product you’re hauling.

The main responsibility of a load planner is to maximize payload capacity. It also cuts unnecessary costs by considering loading sequence, destinations, overtime, and more.

Efficient route planning improves customer satisfaction because you can deliver goods on time, every time. It provides you with accurate time window management, real-time updates, effective other fulfillment, and services that focus on the customer’s preferences.

Using route planning and load optimization ensures better safety for drivers. It takes into account road conditions and road limits and helps you avoid high-risk areas. And when optimizing routes, you’re reducing fuel use and truck emissions, which lessens the environmental impact.

Maximizing efficiency through route planning and load optimization ensures that you’re complying with new trucking regulations. Manually planning and sequencing routes are inefficient, time-consuming, and leave too much room for errors.

Leveraging Technology and Automation for Streamlined Operations

In the trucking industry, technology is ever-evolving. Technological advancements and software solutions help streamline operations, reduce costs, and optimize overall performance.

Trucking companies and some owner-operators use fleet management software to track insights into vehicle locations, routes, fuel consumption, and maintenance schedules.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) have changed how large-fleet trucking businesses and owner-operators track and manage hours of service (HOS) to remain compliant.

Using a telematics system to track performance allows you to monitor speed, fuel consumption, braking patterns, and more to optimize fuel efficiency and address any maintenance issues faster.

Advanced analytics and predictive maintenance is another maintenance solution that proactively addresses maintenance issues and minimizes truck downtime and repair costs.

The evolution of automation using mobile applications has changed how the trucking industry does everything from GPS tracking to load management. Mobile apps streamline operations, reduce time-consuming tasks, and enhance overall productivity.

Conclusion

You have options when you’re in search of fresh loads to transport.

Building a solid network of peers allows you to establish yourself in the trucking business as an owner-operator. And developing effective marketing and branding keeps your name out there.

Technology and the internet now allow trucking companies and independent contractors to access load boards and freight marketplaces from anywhere, maximize efficiency, and automate to streamline services.

Route planning and optimization come with plenty of advantages, including cost reduction, enhanced efficiency, better customer service, and more.

But understanding how to get loads for trucks is not the only way to increase cash flow and stay profitable. Saving money, improving cash flow, and remaining consistently profitable continues after you have picked up and dropped off a load.

We at Advanced Commercial Capital understand the things that truckers need to feel confident and succeed. We provide custom-tailored, fair and honest invoice factoringthat protects you against unpaid invoices due to fraud, bankruptcy, or delinquency.

You can contact us at Advanced Commercial Capital at 855-465-4655 or by using our contact form.

Trucking Key Performance Indicators

A blonde, female truck driver stands in front of a row of semi trucks, she is wearing a blue flannel with a red puffer vest, with her arms crossed, she's smiling knowing that she has solid data and information to increase the kpi for trucking companies

A Key Performance Indicator (KPI) for trucking companies is a metric that tells the staff more about how their operations are helping or hurting their bottom line. Known as Key Performance Indicators due to their unmistakable importance to an organization’s longevity, truckers need to pay attention both to what their KPIs are and how they change over time. Advanced Commercial Capital provides factoring for companies that prefer to have timely cash flow, which is why we encourage everyone to get a handle on how they work.

Cost Per Mile

How many miles a truck drives is easy to calculate, though most truck companies will break it up into loaded and dead-head categories. The loaded miles are known as those where the truck is carrying cargo, while the dead-head category refers to the return journeys. Clearly, the cost of loaded miles can vary throughout the journey, depending on whether the truck has multiple stops. (The tail end of a journey may not carry the same costs as those at the beginning, but it will have an effect on your total profits.) Dividing miles may not always be perfectly precise, but there needs to be a solid estimation as a jumping-off point for future calculations.

Gross Profit Margins

A gross profit margin refers to how much the company makes after deducting straight costs, like wages, maintenance, and fuel. Net profit margins refer to how much the company makes after deducting all expenses, which can include anything from annual taxes to business insurance. Assessing a gross profit margin comes down to having all of the right numbers, so it’s important to think about how much is spent at any given time on standard expenses. For instance, if you service all trucks at one time during the year, you can average out the costs to get a better idea of your gross profits per month.

Driver Turnover Rate

Driver turnover can often cost companies more than they realize. It’s not merely the cost of posting a job ad or calculating the amount in wages it takes to sort through the applications, run the interview process, etc. When one driver leaves, all of their training goes with them. If they had any relationships built up along the way, those bridges may be burned too. Though an extremely important KPI for trucking companies, the full costs of turnover rates aren’t always apparent until after a company gets into financial trouble.

While you’re considering the turnover rates, you should also think about employee satisfaction as a whole. The more happy and engaged employees are, the more productive they’ll be. If you’ve noticed that workers are ‘checked out’ to a certain extent, it may be worth more to incentivize them than it is to ignore the issue.

Safety Performance

Trucks are on the road day after day, so their safety performance will have a lot to do with how much every trip will make. When it comes to safety, ‘almost’ certainly does count. The more near-misses on the road, the more likely it is that the driver will have a mishap in the near future. Truckers may feel like they’re in unwinnable situations when it comes to their livelihoods: they have to be well-rested enough to function, yet they won’t make any money if they’re not on the road.

Careless drivers may be a great way to bolster short-term revenue for all involved but, overall, it’s a losing strategy. Improving this metric may involve anything from holding a one-time defensive driving class to entirely revamping the schedules of drivers. It seems like too much effort is being put into this one KPI for trucking companies, just consider what a single lawsuit would cost.

Freight Claim

It’s impossible to prevent every potential snag on the road when it comes to cargo. Sometimes the truck tilts at just the right angle in a way that could never have been predicted. However a company settles damage or loss to goods incurred on its trucks, though freight claims can cost trucking companies quite a bit if they’re not careful. Drivers are not always diligent when it comes to loading and counting their freight, and brokers and shippers are well aware of this. Pre-trip inspections, supervised loading, official reports, photos, well-stacked freight, and better driving can all go a long way when it comes to improving this KPI for trucking companies.

Equipment Utilization

Equipment refers to your trucks, but it can also refer to any ancillary gear (e.g., dollies, straps, etc.) used to make the treks. Like many of the other KPIs listed here, there’s not always an easy way to determine the exact degree of wear and tear. For instance, if a driver is particularly hard on their brakes, this may not come to anyone’s attention until the brakes start to squeak (or, worse, when they start to lose their potency). The best way for truckers to measure this KPI is to look at their past records for spending trends. It’s likely that repair or replacement costs are worse for certain categories than others, which can give decision makers a better idea of whether the business can get more value from each asset.

KPIs and Cash Flow

Trucking companies don’t always boast the highest profit margins, but there is a good degree of wiggle room between the highs and lows. The best trucking companies are ones that operate with a keen eye on how their resources are being spent on any given day. They see not only how their short-term expenses are costing the company, but what can be done in the long-term to rein in their budget.

At Advanced Commercial Capital, our job is to get trucking companies the money they need to pay their staff, bring in new clients, and complete all maintenance on time. From fuel to insurance, we specialize in transportation factoring because we know how important it is for our clients to have someone to call. To learn more about our services, which do not include long-term contracts or setup fees, contact us today.

Trucking Technology Trends with Factoring

There is an abundance of technological solutions trucking companies may use to improve driving safety, improve the overall day-to-day driving experience, and help manage the business more efficiently. However, the money to fund these resources may be in a shorter supply. When your trucking business is just starting out or hits the slow period, you may not have the ideal technological resources to run your business as efficiently as you would like. So how can you compete with other trucking companies that offer more comforts and safety on the job? If you’re losing drivers faster than you’re receiving payment from your customers, partnering with a factoring company will get you ahold of your money faster so you can make necessary purchases to help your business grow and improve. In this article, we discuss how using invoice factoring and cash advances may provide the opportunity to invest in the latest trucking technology earlier than you ever could have anticipated.

Why Do Companies Use Factoring?

Whether your trucking company is new or has a reoccurring cash flow issue, invoice factoring can help. Companies commonly use factoring to cover their business expenses when awaiting payment from invoices—the trucking industry, in particular, deals with lots of logistical challenges. To be in a position best able to tackle the issues, sometimes immediate cash flow is needed.

Get Cash Immediately – The turn-around time for cash advances using factoring is often less than 24 hours. Unlike traditional financing, factoring eliminates the time spent filling out paperwork and awaiting loan approval, letting you focus on taking care of your business.

Unlimited Capital – There are no restrictions for how much or how frequently you get cash advances. Plus, you can simply get your money whenever the need arises, so you’re not locked into any long-term financing contract.

Business Growth – When you can get your money ahead of time, you can immediately address your business’ needs or issues. This means you can add more drivers and trucks to your fleet, while also addressing your drivers’ concerns and wants. Factoring allows you to finally take the next step in your business’ evolution by investing in technology to improve your operations.

Trucking Technology Trends to Look For

Curious about what kind of technology you may be missing out on? Staying updated with the latest technology will help improve driver retention. These types of advances allow truckers to stay on the job longer. By keeping truckers safe with cutting-edge technology, you may be able to attract new drivers who prefer a safer work environment over more traditional jobs in other industries. We list a few popular trucking technology trends below.

Dynamic Routing – Advanced GPS systems get as close as possible to providing you live traffic updates, automatically rerouting you when a shorter route is found based on live weather conditions, construction detours, or traffic accident information. You will save your business money by cutting down on gas costs and wear on the car, and have your drivers avoid hazardous or headache-inducing driving situations.

Safety Features – Unfortunately, heavy trucks attribute to plenty of vehicle accidents each year. Your drivers are likely aware of this risk and will look for reassuring measures to be made to assure their safety. Today, collision mitigation technology usually comes standard in most new trucks, but if you’re operating with an older fleet, you may want to find systems that can retrofit onto older trucks. In many instances, the passenger vehicle is actually the one responsible for accidents involving trucks, so finding an advanced system that uses sensing technology can avoid crashes by automatically taking emergency actions when needed. Having these features will prove you consider your employee’s safety as your top priority.

Freight Tracking – Keep track of your trailers with GPS transponders and tracking systems. Protect your assets from theft or alert your drivers when they are driving through high-theft areas. Not only can you track trailers geographically, but you can use software to track valuable information such as maintenance records, so you will never need to guess when a trailer is due for service. You can also keep tabs on how trailers are being used, which is especially handy if you rent them out. This way, you will know how long trailers are idle or how much is being transported inside at all times.

Transportation Factoring Software

Not only does trucking technology exist to improve the conditions of your business, but you can also use transportation factoring software to help manage your finances as well. Ask your factoring company about methods of tracking the status of factored invoices, wiring funds securely, and integrating with accounting software you may use. Factoring should seamlessly flow into your current financial structures, and technology can help with this as well!

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.

5 Proven Tactics to Boost Your Truck Driver Retention

Fleet managers often struggle with drivers leaving, whether it’s for a different trucking company, or leaving the industry itself. New drivers tend to quit their careers after just one year as a result of a variety of different factors the driver may not have anticipated about the job. You will have more success with keeping drivers if they feel safe, healthy, and appreciated. You must consider what the long hours behind the wheel do to someone’s mental and physical health and find opportunities to improve working conditions to keep drivers in the industry and with your company. Ready to find out a few ways your trucking company can avoid driver shortages? We discuss some helpful tips on how to improve driver retention below.

1.)Open & Honest Communication

Nothing is more valuable than open and frequent communication, especially right from the start of employment. Be open and honest about a driver’s experience during the recruitment stage; your prospective employees will appreciate the transparency. Don’t forget to mention how your company will help improve day-to-day life on the job. Continue leaving an open line of communication to create strong relationships with drivers and create incentivizing programs for drivers who put in lots of miles to show your appreciation. Ask for feedback from employees to see where you can improve. Keeping this level of rapport will make it more likely for your employees to share their positive experiences with other drivers from other companies, creating an effective opportunity for recruiting you may not have considered.

2.)Ensure Propper Training

Recruiting is only part of the battle since the bigger concern is with keeping your drivers. Having good communication includes training your drivers whenever necessary, and this is often a full-time job. Make sure your employees are set up for success by ensuring they are familiar with the technology you use, such as electronic logging devices and dashcams. You can potentially offer a mentorship program to partner up a new driver with an experienced one. This is an easy way to get new employees hands-on experience where they can ask any questions in the moment while giving your drivers a chance to feel less isolated. Outside of properly operating technology, the onboarding period can be used to educate your trainees on company policies.

3.) Provide Updated Technology

Another common reason drivers leave the profession is due to a lack of updated technology and equipment. Most importantly, drivers need reliable vehicles. If the truck they drive constantly breaks down or needs repairs, the driver will be rightfully frustrated and inconvenienced, especially if breakdowns are happening in undesirable weather conditions. This is incredibly important for safety, so it is vital this is never overlooked as drivers who feel unsafe will likely leave at the first sign of danger. Even though safety should be prioritized, it doesn’t mean you should ignore comfort as well. Investing in high-quality equipment from heated seats to advanced navigation systems will make your drivers feel more at ease.

4.) Consider Employee Working Conditions

It’s sometimes easy to forget about the extremely sedentary life of a truck driver, so showing some empathy and implementing programs to aim for a healthier lifestyle will go a long way in the eyes of your employees. Make sure you offer a strong health insurance package in your benefits, and it doesn’t hurt to add different health programs. Many fleets are focused on prioritizing employee health and offer incentives such as gyms, nutritional programs, and free screenings. It’s vital for drivers to find ways to engage physically while on the road and finding ways to address concerns will make you stand out and decrease the chances of your new employees souring to the career. You can also check for trucks that come with systems that help with working out while driving, like resistance bands.

5.) Payroll Factoring

If your company uses payroll or invoice factoring, you assure your employees they will receive their paychecks on time no matter the circumstances of your business or the trucking industry. There are numerous expenses to juggle at a trucking company, and sometimes invoices for freights delivered aren’t paid on time, but employees still depend on getting paid at the same time every payday. Make sure you can offer your employees financial security no matter what happens.
Additional benefits from payroll factoring that could be helpful in retention rates include avoiding layoffs and preserving savings. Since factoring allows you to get advances, you can prevent pay cuts or letting go of drivers, creating a more motivated and happier workforce.

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 get in touch with our team, call our office at 855.465.4655 or fill out our online contact form today.

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.

How Trucking Invoice Factoring Can Help with Trucker Shortages

The trucking industry is currently experiencing a massive shortage of truck drivers. Despite unemployment rates remaining high throughout the country, factors such as restrictive rules regarding drivers, long hours, and inconsistent wages are serving as roadblocks to more workers joining the trucking industry. This lack of drivers is inhibiting trucking companies’ business, leading to reduced load capacity, missed delivery deadlines, and overall unhappy customers. However, trucking invoice factoring may be able to help companies with these struggles.

What is Trucking Invoice Factoring?

Trucking invoice factoring allows companies to receive payment immediately from unpaid invoices. Essentially, a trucking company will submit an invoice from a load they delivered to a third party and that third party will pay the company the amount of the invoice within a day or two, for a small fee. The third-party will then collect payment on the invoice from the customer, instead of the trucking company.

There are two types of trucking invoice factoring services – recourse and non-recourse factoring. The difference between the two involves the risk retained by the trucking company.

Recourse factoring provides that the trucking company remains ultimately responsible if the customer does not pay the invoice. Fees for recourse factoring arrangements are often lower than in non-recourse factoring arrangements, to compensate for the risk retained by the company.

Additionally, invoice factoring companies will often provide credit check services on the trucking company’s client so that the company can properly evaluate the likelihood of the client defaulting on the invoice. This helps the company to make a fully informed decision before taking on the additional risk of a recourse factoring arrangement.

Non-recourse factoring arrangements protect the trucking company in the event their client does not pay the amount of the invoice to the factoring company and the factoring company takes on the risk. Thus, in the event of a default by the client the trucking company is not financially responsible. Fees on non-recourse factoring arrangements are generally higher than those on recourse factoring agreements.

How Does Trucking Invoice Factoring Work?

First, the trucking company will deliver the load contracted for as normal. Then, the company will submit a copy of the invoice, or bill of lading, to the factoring company. Depending on the factoring company utilized this may be through email, facsimile, or a web-based portal maintained by the factoring company. The factoring company will then verify the invoice and then pay the trucking company, oftentimes that same day.

In a recourse factoring agreement, the trucking company will receive the agreed advance once the invoice is verified. Then the factoring company will pay the trucking company the remaining amount of the invoice, minus fees, once the client pays the factoring company.

Why Trucking Invoice Factoring?

Participating in invoice factoring arrangements can have several benefits for trucking companies. For example, invoice factoring provides companies with needed funding quickly. Waiting for clients to pay invoices once a load is delivered may take thirty to ninety days and obtaining long-term loans or other forms of traditional financing can be hard to get at times.

In contrast, invoice factoring delivers much-needed funds to trucking companies, oftentimes within twenty-four hours, and is much easier than more traditional forms of financing. While loans require credit checks of the trucking company, invoice factoring weighs the client’s credit as opposed to the trucking company’s because it is the client liable for the money due.

Additionally, while traditional loans involve the paying of interest, which can add up over time, invoice factoring only requires a small one-time fee to utilize invoice factoring services. And in the same vein, invoice factoring does not involve the repayment of debt like traditional methods of financing, because invoice factoring operates to provide trucking companies with the money they are otherwise owed.

Another benefit of invoice factoring is fuel advances. Some invoice factoring companies offer fuel advance programs as part of their invoice factoring. This involves an advance of the cost of fuel for the delivery of a load before the load is actually delivered.

In addition to advances in the cost of fuel, many invoice factoring companies also have programs to help their clients save on the cost of fuel. These savings come in the form of fuel discount cards, which can be utilized at tens of thousands of truck stops nationwide and can save trucking companies thousands on the cost of fuel.

Having a predictable cash flow also makes it easier for trucking companies to grow their business. Having a steady cash flow allows truck companies to consider expanding their current routes, which will increase the profits made from current routes, and allow truck companies to expand the reach and profitability of the company.

Having a working relationship with an invoice factoring company can also help trucking companies save on their insurance. All truck companies need insurance to protect their fleet while on the road. Many invoice factoring companies help their trucking clients save on these costs by providing pre-negotiated discounts from the nation’s top insurers.

How Exactly Trucking Invoice Factoring Can Help with Trucker Shortages

The financial benefits of invoice factoring discussed above can help trucking companies address the shortage of truck drivers. To start, the increase in cash flow and faster payment of invoices can help companies increase their payroll to be able to recruit new drivers. Additionally, truck companies can focus on retaining their current drivers by increasing compensation packages and benefits, as well as being able to allow drivers to have more time at home with family once new drivers have been recruited and trucking fleets are fully staffed.

Trucking companies will also be able to provide additional benefits to their drivers, such as reloadable fuel to cover gas expenses. Finally, these companies can make investments in technology to manage their workforce and increase the efficiency and happiness of their workforce.

In summary, the trucking industry is currently facing many challenges including a shortage of truckers. Advanced Commercial Capital can help trucking companies address the shortage of truckers by adding predictability to trucking companies’ cash flow. This increased cash flow can then be utilized to hire new truckers, incentivize current truckers to stay in the industry, and increase efficiency amongst the workforce. Contact us today!

What is Freight Invoice Factoring & How Does it Work?

Freight bills can oftentimes take up to two months to be paid out, creating a significant delay for trucking companies from the time they deliver a truckload to the time they are paid for that delivery. For trucking companies who are trying to get established or expand their operations and need money sooner rather than later this delay in payment can pose problems. One method available to trucking companies to address this issue is freight invoice factoring.

Invoice factoring allows trucking companies to immediately receive payment from unpaid invoices. Invoice factoring companies provide trucking companies quick payment on their unpaid invoices, in exchange for a small fee. The trucking company can then use that money for whatever purposes they need, such as covering payroll, taking on more loads, or expanding their business.

How Does Invoice Factoring Work?

Invoice factoring is simple and easy to utilize. Most invoice factoring plans follow the same basic outline. First, the trucking company delivers the load to their customer as they normally would. The trucking company then sends the freight bill to the customer and submits a copy of the freight bill to the invoice factoring company. The invoice factoring company will then send you the advance by money wire or direct deposit. And finally, your client pays the invoice amount directly to the invoice factoring company.

How Can Invoice Factoring Help a Trucking Business?

The most obvious method in which invoice factoring can help your trucking business is by providing you with cash from the loads you deliver faster. This allows you to ensure you have sufficient funds on hand to cover costs such as fuel, vehicle maintenance and repair, containers, drivers’ payroll, licensing fees, and insurance expenses. Quicker payments also help improve cash flow and allow your business to operate in a more efficient manner.

Another major benefit of invoice factoring is the ability to allow your business to grow. Whether you are looking to expand your fleet, take on additional loads, hire more drivers, or invest in additional marketing and promotional work, your trucking company requires cash. When you have to constantly wait for payment from loads already delivered it can be difficult to save up the capital necessary to expand.

You may also find yourself stuck in a cycle of waiting for payment, then having to use that payment once it comes in to fund future loads. This cycle is preventing you from ever accumulating the capital necessary to grow your business. Utilizing invoice factoring services helps you get the money on hand to achieve your business goals.

Additionally, emergencies can’t wait. Every business experiences some sort of unexpected expense at some point. If you haven’t had the opportunity to save sufficient funds your trucking company may find itself in a bind. Invoice factoring can help you get the money you need when an unexpected cost comes up.

Why You Should Use an Invoice Factoring Company

First, as discussed at length, invoice factoring provides you with immediate cash flow. Additionally, invoice factoring allows you to get immediate funding even if your trucking business has bad or no credit. Invoice factoring is essentially an advance of the money your client already owes you, as opposed to a loan that is not associated with a guaranteed cash flow.

In addition, your eligibility for an invoice factoring plan is not heavily influenced by your company’s credit history (or lack thereof). In fact, it is likely that your client’s credit history may have a greater impact on your eligibility for an invoice factoring plan than your own credit report.

Invoice factoring also saves your company time and stress associated with collections. Once you have engaged in an invoice factoring plan it is as if you assign the associated invoice to the invoice factoring company. Thus, the invoice factoring company then handles the general accounting responsibilities associated with that invoice, such as collections and accounts receivable. These are major responsibilities (and potential headaches) that you no longer have to worry about, freeing up your time to focus on other tasks.

Invoice factoring companies also provide you with a great deal of flexibility. Invoice factoring plans are generally done on an invoice-by-invoice basis, therefore, there are no long-term contracts involved. You can decide how many invoices you would like to submit to the invoice factoring company. You decide whether to use invoice factoring as a one-time solution for a quick payout or you may plan to use invoice factoring regularly to simply speed up the payment process.

Another benefit of invoice factoring is that it provides lower associated costs than traditional financing. Asset-based loans or lines of credit have an associated timeline of when you need to pay back the money associated with the loan. These forms of financing also come with interest rates that require you to pay an increased premium the longer it takes to repay the loan. In contrast, with invoice factoring, there is one fee associated with the plan which is paid upfront.

Invoice factoring companies often provide additional benefits to their clients, such as fuel card programs. These fuel cards allow you to load money onto the card to pay for fuel and often provide savings options at designated fueling stations. The invoice factoring company may also provide the option to receive a fuel advance once an invoice has been booked. These programs make it easier for trucking companies to track fuel costs and provide money-saving opportunities.

As you can see invoice factoring provides many benefits beyond simply paying a freight bill faster than the typical client. The next time your trucking company is in need of cash or requires a quicker payment consider an invoice factoring service.
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.

What is Freight Factoring & How Does it Work?

Freight factoring is one of the most readily utilized methods of financing in the logistics industry. Though popular, every business is unique: what works for one trucking company may not be the best option for yours.

How do you know if freight factoring is the right financing method for you? This blog is a great place to start! In the content below, we define freight factoring, answer financing method FAQs, and examine a few of the most compared financing methods.

What is Freight Factoring?

Freight factoring serves as a strategic collaboration between a factor and a trucking company, addressing the challenge of unpaid accounts receivables. When a trucking company faces outstanding invoices, the factor steps in, acquiring these receivables at a discounted rate. This prompt transaction injects much-needed cash directly into the hands of the trucking company.

The process is straightforward: the trucking company’s client fulfills the invoice, the freight factoring company is reimbursed in full. This relationship ensures that the wheels keep turning smoothly, with the trucking business enjoying a continuous cash flow.

The appeal of freight factoring is its flexibility and ability to meet various financial needs of trucking companies. Whether it’s seizing business opportunities, covering daily repairs and vehicle maintenance, managing payroll, or even fuel expenses, freight factoring proves to be a versatile solution.

The two primary methods of freight factoring are: recourse and nonrecourse factoring. These avenues offer trucking companies flexibility in choosing the model that aligns with their specific requirements. Whether opting for the added flexibility of recourse or the risk mitigation provided by nonrecourse factoring, trucking businesses can tailor their approach to suit their financial objectives.

In essence, freight factoring emerges as a dynamic financial strategy, ensuring a steady and increased cash flow for trucking companies. It’s not just a transaction; it’s a partnership that propels the trucking industry forward, providing the financial stability needed for growth and operational resilience.

How Does Freight Factoring Work?

A key benefit to freight factoring getting paid quickly, providing a boost for trucking businesses. The way this works is, trucking companies submit invoices for same-day processing, ensuring a steady cash flow to keep operations running smoothly.

This collaboration benefits everyone involved. Trucking companies enjoy speedy payments, avoiding the usual delays of traditional invoicing. Factoring companies make money by charging a percentage during the invoice purchase, which they earn when collecting from the customer. Customers can trust dealing with financially secure partners in the industry.

Here’s a quick overview of the process:

Application and Agreement:
• Trucking companies start by submitting an application. Once approved, a detailed factoring agreement is set up, covering rates and fees.

Load Booking and Submission:
• With approval, the trucking company books a load and submits essential documents, including a bill of lading and rate sheet, to the factoring company.

Advance and Payment Terms:
• The factoring company advances the invoice amount, deducting a predetermined fee based on agreed-upon payment terms.

Payment by Broker or Shipper:
• The final step involves the freight broker or shipper making payment to the factoring company within 30 to 90 days.

As part of the process, credit checks on clients help reduce risks, aiding trucking companies in choosing reliable partners. The choice between recourse and non-recourse factoring agreements adds flexibility, allowing businesses to tailor their approach based on specific needs.

In essence, freight factoring offers a straightforward solution for trucking businesses seeking immediate payments and financial stability.

Recourse Factoring

As the name implies, recourse factoring involves recourse. Recourse factoring companies require collateral. If a customer does not fulfill the invoice, the trucking company is then held responsible for repaying the purchased account receivable.

To help minimize risk, most recourse factoring companies only accept trucking companies with creditworthy clients. Even so, sometimes customers fail to pay completely, positioning the trucking company with the same cash flow concerns as before.

Why would a trucking company choose recourse freight factoring? Though recourse factoring is riskier than nonrecourse, companies with enough capital to repay for an unfulfilled accounts receivable may choose this option, because recourse factoring rates are often lower. However, not all trucking companies have the capital to take the risk.

Nonrecourse Factoring

Nonrecourse factoring does not involve recourse, therefore dropping the collateral requirement. Although the factoring rate is sometimes higher than recourse, the factoring company assumes all the risk of purchasing the account receivable. If a customer fails to pay their invoice, the factor absorbs the bad debt.

Small to-mid sized trucking companies often utilize nonrecourse factoring because of the security involved.

Freight Factoring FAQ

As a nonrecourse factoring company, we readily receive questions about freight factoring. Hopefully, we will address any concerns or questions you may have.

Who is Responsible if My Customers Don’t Pay?

As mentioned, this depends on the method of freight factoring. Recourse factoring places responsibility for unpaying customers in the hands of the trucking company, while nonrecourse factoring places responsibility on the factor.

At Advanced Commercial Capital, we have a nonrecourse program where we assume all risk on purchased invoices.

What is the Difference Between Factoring and Securitization?

Although there are multiple differences between factoring and securitization, the primary involves the number of individuals purchasing the receivables. Factoring involves a sale to a single factor, while securitization often includes multiple investors.

Who Receives the Payments From My Customers?

Once the factoring company purchases an invoice, the customer will pay the factor directly. Payments accidentally given to the trucking company should be immediately forwarded to the factor.

How Long Do I Have to Factor?

Although we cannot speak for all factoring companies, we strive for flexibility at Advanced Commercial Capital. Thus, our customers are not obligated to factor for a specific length of time, and there are no maximum or minimum number of invoices or dollar volumes needed to qualify for our factoring program.

How Quickly After Submitting an Invoice Can I Get Paid?

Once the invoice and all supporting documents have been received, the trucking company receives payment within one business day. In certain circumstances, quicker payment can be provided.

Freight Factoring vs Traditional Bank Loan

For some companies, a traditional bank loan may be a better financing method. However, we often encourage trucking companies in need of immediate cash flow to pursue freight factoring.

Consider these three elements:

• Firstly, bank loans can be challenging to acquire. Factoring companies consider the creditworthiness of a trucking company’s clients, while banks consider the creditworthiness of the trucking company itself. Thus, if a trucking company has bad credit, it will have a difficult (if not impossible) time pursuing a loan.

• Secondly, bank loans take time to receive. When a trucking company needs cash fast, factoring provides cash flow within a matter of days – sometimes sooner. The process of applying for and receiving a bank loan is much longer.

• Finally, factoring is flexible. Choose a trustworthy transporting company with no minimum volume requirements or long-term contracts. Your business can benefit from the financing as needed… and only as needed. Factoring offers a sense of financial freedom and flexibility that traditional bank loans cannot.

Advanced Commercial Capital: Trustworthy Freight Factoring

Still, have questions about freight factoring? Our team at Advanced Commercial Capital is ready to respond!

We provide cash flow for trucking companies with zero unpleasant surprises. Additionally, our program involves numerous benefits – from a free fuel discount card program to free credit checks – designed to help you be successful at your job while saving time and money.

Interested in pursuing freight factoring for your company? Give us a call at 855-465-4655 or complete our online contact form! A specialist will respond shortly.

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!

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.

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?

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.