Freight Factoring Rates: What Affects Your Costs?

truck factoring rates

Over the past several years, invoice factoring has become a popular cash flow solution, particularly for trucking companies. Invoice factoring allows customers, such as trucking companies, to receive payouts on their accounts receivables quicker than would traditionally be available. While the concept and process of invoice factoring might be easy to understand, figuring out exactly how much invoice factoring will cost is not as straightforward.
The cost of truck/invoice factoring will vary depending on the company that you choose. Typically, truck factoring rates fall between 1% and 5% of the invoice amount. However, there are a variety of additional factors that may influence your truck factoring rates, such as the creditworthiness of your customers, the credit history of your business, and the volume of invoices you’ll submit.

Total Cost of a Factoring Agreement

The total cost of a factoring agreement includes both the factoring rate and additional fees. To fully understand the total cost of a factoring agreement you need to understand how the factoring rate and additional fees are calculated.

Factoring Rate

The truck factoring rate is the percentage of the invoice that the factoring company keeps, in exchange for advancing the funds owed under the invoice to the trucking company. All factoring companies use the same four factors to determine the factoring rate they charge:
1. risk
2. volume
3. time
4. advance rate

Risk and volume are the two factors most heavily considered in determining a factoring rate. When assessing these factors, the factoring company takes several considerations into account. For example, the factoring company will consider the industry and type of business involved in the invoice. This is because some industries and businesses are inherently riskier, which has an impact on the likelihood of the invoice being paid.

The creditworthiness of the trucking company’s customers will also have an impact. Because invoice factoring shifts the creditor of an invoice from the trucking company to the factoring company, the factoring companies are more concerned about your clients’ credit history than yours. Thus, the more creditworthy your clients are the more likely you are to receive a lower factoring rate.

Additionally, volume impacts your factoring rate because the more invoices you factor with a company the more likely they are to give you a preferential factoring rate to help you maintain your business.

Time impacts your factoring rate because the types of factoring rates are based on time frames. For example, factoring agreements that have a flat rate charge a flat percentage for every invoice. You will pay that flat-rate upfront and then you don’t pay any additional amount for as long as the invoice stays open.

Let’s contrast flat rates to variable rates. In a factoring agreement that features a variable rate, the factoring company will typically take a percentage of the invoice for as long as it goes unpaid. Under variable factoring rates, the percentage of the invoice the factoring company takes will generally increase with set timeframes (for example, the factoring rate may be 2% if the invoice is paid within 1-30 days but 4% if paid within 31-45 days). Other variable rates may increase each day the invoice goes unpaid. The advantage to variable rates is that you may end up paying less if your client promptly pays the invoice.

The final factor which is considered when calculating a factoring rate is the advance rate. This is the percentage of the invoice which you are seeking to factor in. Typically, advance rates range from 75% to 100% of the invoice. The greater percentage of the invoice you wish to factor, the greater your factoring rate is likely to be.

Factoring Fees

A fleet of Red Trucks.
In addition to the factoring rate charge, there are likely to be additional fees added to any factoring agreement which impact the total amount a factoring agreement costs. Each factoring company and factoring agreement is different; therefore, it is important that you fully read the factoring agreement and discuss the agreement with the factoring company to fully understand any additional fees before entering into an agreement.

Some types of fees that are typically charged include a documentation fee. This is a one-time fee charged upfront to cover due diligence and legal processing. Typically, there are also utilized fees that cover tasks such as invoice processing and the transfer of money. Invoice factoring agreements are either recourse or nonrecourse.

In nonrecourse agreements, you are not liable for any unpaid invoices. However, nonrecourse agreements will generally include a fee to cover credit protection to provide full liability protection against unpaid invoices. Additional fees typically charged include carrier payments, buyout fees, and early termination fees.

It is important for you to fully understand all associated rates and fees. If you don’t understand how factoring rates are calculated or what fees are associated with a factoring agreement you run the risk of accidentally paying more than expected for a truck factoring agreement. It is essential that you fully read each factoring agreement and discuss the agreement with the factoring company before signing any documents.

It is okay to ask for clarity on any rates or fees you do not fully understand. The better you understand a factoring agreement the more prepared you will be and the more you will be able to fully take advantage of the factoring agreement.

Invoice factoring offers businesses, especially trucking companies, many benefits that make the agreements worth it. The advance of funds that factoring provides can help a new business get started or an already established business to grow. Additionally, many factoring companies offer benefits to help trucking companies save money.

For example, factoring companies often offer gas card programs that provide discounts at gas stations throughout the country. These are only a few examples of the benefits that make truck factoring highly beneficial for companies.

Ask Advanced Commercial Capital About Truck Factoring Rates Today!

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 truck factoring rates work 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.

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.

Discover the Benefits of Transportation Factoring

The trucking industry employs millions of people and transports trillions of dollars of products every year. Many of us rely heavily on the work transportation companies provide. Without it, the convenience we have come to expect from product deliveries would create a big dent in production to businesses and people’s lives everywhere. Many people don’t know much about cash flow issues trucking companies often face despite making such a significant impact. Due to the importance of transporting goods, transportation companies need cash advances to cover expenses while waiting for invoice payments, called factoring. Factoring lets the trucking industry experience tons of benefits to help their companies grow and focus on what’s important. Read on for more on several different benefits of transportation factoring.

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 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.

You are not borrowing from anyone, taking out a loan, or putting yourself into any debt with factoring. 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.

Transportation Factoring Benefits

Due to the importance of the transportation industry, seeing the benefits to financing options such as factoring is pivotal to some trucking companies staying afloat. For those struggling with cash flow issues, review some of the benefits of transportation factoring to see how your trucking company can expand with the help of cash advances on your invoices!

Get Cash Immediately – Perhaps the greatest benefit to factoring is the immediate payout. Unlike traditional financing, where you fill out loan paperwork and await approval, factoring lets you get the cash you need in less than 24 hours.
Unlimited Capital – Instead of long-term financing, you can get cash advances as the need arrives, regardless of what it is, and you can do this as often as needed.

Protection from Bad Credit – Factoring allows companies, especially ones just starting out, to get the cash flow they need without any limitations based on bad credit or poor credit history. Non-recourse factoring also protects you from ruining your credit by covering the loss if your invoice cannot be paid and your company still gets paid.

More Flexibility – When you use a factoring company, your bookkeeping is covered so you can focus your time elsewhere! You won’t accrue any additional debt while using factoring, so you’re not adding onto your money going out while still getting your money quicker. With this flexibility, you can put more time back into your business or maintain a better work-life balance.

Simple Process – With factoring, you won’t have any hidden fees. Your factoring company will charge a flat fate for each invoice purchased but won’t charge you for applications, credit checks, or account management. Factoring tends to be straightforward, so you don’t have to worry about the logistics of a long-term contract.

Business Growth – Your immediate cash flow allows you to take on more loads than you otherwise could. Getting cash when you need it means adding on more drivers, purchasing new trucks, and paying for extra gas. Before you know it, your business will grow faster than you imagined possible without the help of cash advances.

Advanced Commercial Capital: Risk-Free Debt Factoring

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

These are just a few 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.

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.

The Benefits of Debt Factoring for Cash Flow

Cash flow is an ever-pressing matter for businesses. Payroll, taxes, operations, inventory, profits, and repairs depend on a healthy inflow and outflow of money from a company.

Unfortunately, maintaining a steady, positive cash flow is not always possible. Many industries, such as transportation, rely on the timeliness of their customers to fulfill invoices – and customers are not always prompt to pay. When invoices fall behind, and a company’s liquid assets begin diminishing, factoring is often considered.

Why do companies use factoring? Are there specific scenarios when factoring is a safe, healthy option for a faltering organization? In short, yes! In the content below, we define factoring and discuss three common circumstances that benefit from the unique financing solution.

How Does Factoring Work?

In the simplest terms, factoring is the process of purchasing unpaid invoices.

Traditional factoring includes a factor – such as our company – purchasing an unpaid invoice from a transportation company, putting cash in the hands of that company immediately. Once the customer pays the invoice, that money is given to us.

Many trucking companies wonder if they are liable to pay the invoice in the event that the customer never pays it. It depends! There are two main kinds of factoring, recourse and non-recourse, and both address this issue differently.

Recourse factoring places liability to repay the invoice in the hands of the trucking company. Non-recourse factoring assumes the responsibility of the invoice entirely. Thus, if the customer never pays back, the non-recourse factor takes the hit.

1. Factoring to Invest

Sometimes, the perfect investment opportunity appears out of thin air – right when your company does not have the financial freedom to jump on it. In other scenarios, investment opportunities are more deliberate. Perhaps you need to purchase a new fleet of vehicles or hire new employees.

Regardless of the venture, investments are designed to produce exponential growth in the future. However, they require a lump sum of money.

Small businesses and startups without a large customer base or steady cash flow often face this challenge: one must spend money to make money. When an opportunity presents itself, but your company is waiting on invoices to be paid, factoring is an immediate, safe solution.

2. Factoring to Repair

The importance of commercial truck maintenance cannot be overstated. Your fleet of trucks is crucial to a thriving company, and preventative maintenance plays a significant role in business growth and resource preservation.

Logistics companies often look to factoring to increase cash flow for truck maintenance. The truck driver can perform some maintenance before he or she begins transport. Other maintenance requires a professional. When something breaks down, a repair person should be alerted and hired to make necessary repairs.

Why would a transportation company require factoring to pay for repairs? Can truck repair wait for a brighter financial future? Most often, the answer is no. Truck maintenance should not be delayed.

We often list five arguments for the importance of truck maintenance:

– Fewer breakdowns. Proactive maintenance will help reduce the number of unexpected breakdowns – dramatically. When a truck breaks down, shipments fall behind and jobs are delayed. Ultimately, spending money for a repair will save on future disruptions.

– Fewer accidents. Fewer breakdowns mean fewer accidents. Working headlights, working brakes, etc. promote driver safety. When truckers are safe, other vehicle drivers are protected. The well-being of your employees is worth the investment of truck maintenance.

– Operational optimization. Maintained trucks work well! A fleet that is taken care of should operate at optimal functionality, lowering fuel expenses and lengthening the lifetime of your trucks.

– Happy customers. Smooth shipments, without unexpected breakdowns, often result in satisfied customers. Satisfied customers are often repeat customers.

– Legal requirements. Last, but certainly not least, the law requires commercial trucks to meet proper road safety standards. When a vehicle in your fleet needs to take a Commercial Vehicle Road Worthiness Test (CRVT), maintained trucks are likely to pass immediately.

3. Factoring for Payroll

Are you falling behind on payroll? Payroll factoring is an excellent resource for companies that care about the wellbeing of their employees but are experiencing an unexpected cash flow shortage. This can be all too familiar for businesses with many outstanding invoices.

Factoring as a Bank Loan Alternative: 3 Benefits

In the three scenarios explored above, a traditional bank loan could provide the funds needed to address investments, truck maintenance and repair, in payroll difficulties. However, some logistics companies do not qualify for traditional bank loans. Why? Qualifying for a bank loan often requires several qualifications, including excellent credit and experience. Some transportation companies simply do not have those two qualifications. Perhaps you have poor credit or have just started your business.

Additionally, factoring can serve as a traditional bank little alternative when a company needs cash flow fast. Traditional bank loans often take time to process. Factoring is fast. Some factoring companies can begin an agreement within a few days of application.

Finally, when you take a loan from the bank, you have to pay the bank back! Thus a traditional loan builds debt. For many transportation companies, debt should be avoided whenever possible. Factoring is a debt-free financing option.

Advanced Commercial Capital: Factors Who Care

In the modern-day, finding a financial organization that cares completely about its customers can be difficult. At Advanced Commercial Capital, we break this mold. We aim to serve our customers in every area.

How do we show this? Firstly, we offer non-recourse factoring services, meaning we assume the responsibility of our customers’ invoices – completely. Secondly, we do not require long-term contracts. Our goal is YOUR good, and we aim to demonstrate our value consistently.

If you are interested in discovering how factoring could impact the health of your transportation company, we would love to get in touch. Reach out to a team member at 855-465-4655 or complete our online contact form. We look forward to starting a conversation!

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.

What is Factoring?

Most businesses have experienced the frightening pressure of withering cash flow. Whether unexpected expenses appeared, your customers are refusing to pay, or a conglomeration of both circumstances, a multitude of situations can stunt cash flow. Of course, a business can only scrape by from reserves for so long – eventually cash flow is necessary to keep the business alive.

Sometimes, these frightening times coincide with growth opportunities! What should you do if you don’t have the capital to jump on expansion prospects (let alone pay for an equipment repair)? For many companies, financing is the best option. In the logistics industry, freight factoring is a common option.

In the content below, we define factoring and compare factoring with both forfaiting and traditional bank financing, offering insight into which is best for the long-term success of your business.

What is Factoring?

Factoring at its simplest definition is a method of financing, also known as accounts receivable financing or invoice factoring.

Trucking companies often approach freight factoring organizations with multiple unpaid invoices and cash flow needs. When a trucking company approaches the factoring organization, the factor will often purchase unpaid invoices from the company at a discounted rate. The factor will then pursue the client who needs to pay the invoice. Once the invoice is paid, the factor receives the money. Because the invoice was purchased at a discounted rate, the freight factor will come out net positive.

Freight factoring also benefits the trucking company. Waiting for customers to pay invoices can strangle cash flow, inhibiting companies from hiring drivers, repairing trucks, or taking advantage of growth opportunities. Factoring provides the company with immediate cash flow.

Unlike a traditional bank loan, factoring financing turnaround is extremely fast. Factoring companies choose to work with trucking organizations based on the credit history of the company’s clients, not on the credit history of the company itself. This allows for fast financing and higher acceptance rates. Using a factor provides quick cash access – even when banks aren’t willing to lend.

Recourse Factoring vs Non-Recourse Factoring

There are two distinct factoring methods, and both are important to understand when looking for the best factoring company for your needs: recourse factoring and non-recourse factoring.

Recourse factoring puts the responsibility of paying the invoices into the hands of the trucking company. For example, if the factor purchases three invoices and your customer does not pay them, you are responsible for fulfilling that debt. For leverage, the factor will often accept a deposit and hold it until the invoice is paid.

Alternatively, non-recourse factoring puts the responsibility of fulfilling the invoice into the hands of the factor. Once the factor purchases your invoice – typically at a discounted rate – the factor takes responsibility.

Even if the client does not pay, you are not liable for paying the factor or purchasing the invoice back. As you may assume, trucking companies often prefer this method! Non-recourse factoring is safe.

Factoring vs Other Financing Methods

Factoring vs Forfaiting

Forfaiting is another method of export financing. One small business resource writes: in the forfaiting scenario the “export sells its claim on medium and long-term trade receivables to a forfeiter at a discounted rate to receive fast access to cash.”

Because the trade receivables are sold at a discounted rate, the forfeit does not demand a reserve. The responsibility to pay the receivable is not on the importer. In this aspect, forfaiting resembles non-recourse factoring.

If both methods follow similar functions, how are they different?

Factoring and forfaiting have one major difference: factoring can be applied to international and domestic trade while forfaiting only applies to international trade.

Three additional distinctions between both financing methods include:

1. Timing: While factoring is typically applied to short-term accounts receivables, forfaiting involves long-term accounts.
2. Type of Goods: Factoring applies to any variety of normal goods; forfaiting applies to capital goods.
3. Process: Though both financing methods provide companies with fast cash, the processes differ slightly. As discussed earlier, factoring involves the factor of purchasing unpaid invoices from trucking companies at a discounted rate. In contrast, forfaiting involves the forfeiter purchasing rights of trade receivables from an exporter.

Factoring vs Traditional Bank Financing

A traditional bank loan works well for certain companies. However, for those who need cash fast without accruing additional debt, factoring is often the better option.

The lending market is simply not as fast or acceptant as factoring companies. If your trucking company does get approved, the loan is set and may not be enough to ease your financial strain. Additionally, you will eventually have to repay that debt. Factoring allows companies cash flow without strings attached – if you have an invoice to sell, you can earn immediate cash.

Advanced Commercial Capital: Freight Factoring Resource

Need a cash flow boost? At Advanced Commercial Capital, our non-recourse freight factoring service is as-needed and commitment-free. We give our customers zero unpleasant surprises, and therefore, we are the industry leader in factoring for trucking companies.

With over 100 years of combined experience, our team of financial experts has helped hundreds of struggling trucking companies with cash flow needs. We are ready to help your company succeed too.

Contact us for a freight factoring quote today! Give our team a call at 855-465-4655 or complete our online contact form.

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.