What is Freight Factoring?
Definition of Freight Factoring
Freight factoring is a financial transaction that enables trucking companies to convert their outstanding freight invoices into immediate cash. This process allows businesses to maintain a steady cash flow, cover operational expenses, and focus on growth without waiting for long payment terms from clients. Freight factoring is a specialized form of invoice factoring tailored to the unique needs of the transportation industry. By leveraging freight factoring, trucking companies can ensure they have the necessary funds to keep their operations running smoothly, even when dealing with slow-paying customers.
How Freight Factoring Works
Freight factoring works by allowing trucking companies to sell their unpaid freight invoices to a factoring company in exchange for a quick cash advance. The process is straightforward: once a trucking company delivers a load and invoices the customer, they can submit that invoice to a factoring company. Typically, within 24 hours, the factoring company advances a significant portion of the invoice’s value to the trucking company. The factoring company then takes on the responsibility of collecting the full payment from the customer. Once the customer pays the invoice, the factoring company deducts their fee and remits the remaining balance to the trucking company. This arrangement provides trucking companies with immediate cash flow, enabling them to cover expenses such as fuel, maintenance, and payroll without delay.
Types of Freight Factoring
Recourse Freight Factoring
Recourse freight factoring is a type of factoring where the trucking company is ultimately held responsible for unpaid invoices if customers fail to pay. In this arrangement, the factoring company advances the majority of the invoice amount to the trucking company, but the trucking company is liable for any unpaid amounts. Recourse factoring is often used by fleets and larger trucking companies that have a stable cash flow and can absorb potential losses. However, it may not be the best option for owner-operators or smaller trucking companies that require more financial protection. This type of factoring can be more cost-effective due to lower fees, but it does come with the risk of having to repay the advance if the customer defaults.
Freight Factoring Companies Help the Trucking Industry
Should you consider partnering with a freight factor? Factoring benefits a variety of trucking companies, from owner-ops to mid-sized trucking firms, including freight brokers.
- Trucking companies with rapid expansion and growth
- New carriers with a short operating history
- Transportation companies that are experiencing turnaround situations
- Freight carriers with negative cash flow due to slow paying customers, seasonal trends, etc.
- Freight companies that have gone through past losses
Additionally, a mobile app can enhance the convenience and efficiency of managing these services, offering features like invoice submission, account management, and load status tracking.
Freight factoring provides options. The first is recourse freight factoring, in which the initial company sending the invoice still has a responsibility to pay the factor if the client refuses to pay. The other is non-recourse freight factoring, in which payment will go to your trucking company even if the invoice doesn’t get paid and the factoring company will assume the risk of buying your outstanding invoices.
Benefits of Freight Factoring Companies
Working with freight factoring companies comes with an array of benefits:
- Immediate cash
- No limit exists on funding
- Flexibility in funding options
- Freight industry expertise and customer service
- Company credit history doesn’t stand as a factor in funding
- Factoring gives you the ability to use your new money where it’s needed
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Freight Factoring Companies Help the Trucking Industry
Should you consider partnering with a freight factor? Factoring benefits a variety of trucking companies, from owner-ops to mid-sized trucking firms.
- Trucking companies with rapid expansion and growth
- New carriers with a short operating history
- Transportation companies that are experiencing turnaround situations
- Freight carriers with negative cash flow due to slow paying customers, seasonal trends, etc.
- Freight companies that have gone through past losses
Freight factoring provides options. The first is recourse freight factoring, in which the initial company sending the invoice still has a responsibility to pay the factor if the client refuses to pay. The other is non-recourse freight factoring, in which payment will go to your trucking company even if the invoice doesn’t get paid and the factoring company will assume the risk of buying your invoice.