Monthly Archives: April 2025

two trucking professionals talking about truck load pay and how different hauls impact it.

Truck Load Pay: What Drivers Earn for Different Hauls

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Understanding what affects load pay helps both company drivers and owner-operators make informed decisions. Several key variables impact how much a driver can expect to earn from a particular haul.

But how much do box truck loads pay? What are the highest-paying truckloads in general? The answers to those questions require you to keep a few key things in mind.

Factors that Influence Load Pay

Freight Type

One of the biggest factors that influences load pay ultimately comes down to freight type. Pay rates will vary due to not only the specific types of items being transported, but also the complexity and the risk involved. Hazardous materials, for example, often pay more due to dramatically increased regulatory oversight.

Oftentimes, high-value goods may also offer higher rates because there is an increased level of responsibility that comes with them.

Distance

Depending on the length of transportation, some loads might not be paid by the mile. Instead, drivers will get paid a specialty fee for the length of the trip. Having said that, some short-haul trips might pay out at a higher rate per mile to make the job worth it.

Weight & Volume

Heavier or bulkier freight usually means more wear and tear on equipment and higher fuel consumption, which translates to increased compensation. This is especially true when it comes to full truckloads, often commonly referred to as FTL loads for short.

Specialized Skills / Endorsements

Obviously, when you’re talking about transporting heavy equipment, a driver will need a commercial vehicle license or CDL. But some freight goes beyond that, requiring CDL endorsements or even specialized training. These types of jobs come with premium pay for the efforts.

Examples of this include, but are certainly not limited to, things like hazmat certifications, tanker endorsements, and more. Not only that, but drivers with these credentials are higher in demand – and can ask for better rates – when negotiating their next job.

Urgency

As is true with just about any other industry, if a job needs to be completed quickly, you can expect to pay an additional fee on top of it. Expedited freight is no different, and items like medical supplies, essential repair parts, and others are prime examples of this. Not only do same-day or next-day deliveries often add to the amount a driver can make, but working on the weekend or holidays can as well.

Seasonality

Finally, seasonality will likely impact the amount that a driver can expect to earn for different hauls based solely on how it will increase supply and demand. If you live and work in an area with a lot of agricultural activity, for example, harvest season will likely see a boost in your pay. Because of events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and their importance.

Common Haul Types & Average Pay

Dry Van

Dry van drivers start at $0.45 per mile for a company and $1.50 per mile as an owner-operator.

Reefer

Refrigerated drivers start at $0.50 per mile for a company and $1.75 per mile as an owner-operator.

Flatbed

Flatbed truck drivers start at $0.55 per mile for a company and $2.00 per mile for an owner-operator.

Tanker

Tanker truck drivers start at $0.60 per mile for a company and $2.25 per mile for an owner-operator.

Oversized

Most oversized load operators make between $3.00 and $6.00 or more per mile, depending on the scope of the job.

LTL

Typically, less-than-truckload drivers will get paid an hourly rate if they’re working for a company. The rate for an owner operator can vary wildly depending on all the factors outlined above, which makes it difficult to assign a single number to it.

Regional Pay Differences

As one might expect based on all of the above, rates can also vary pretty wildly depending on which region of the country you’re driving in. On the West Coast, for example, you may be dealing with a high volume of freight, but the area itself is also highly competitive, as there are a lot of drivers to go around. The best rates tend to be those found around the ports.

In the Midwest, there is a strong manufacturing industry presence. Because of that, freight volumes tend to be consistent all year round. They don’t necessarily vary significantly with the seasons like they do in other areas.

In the south, drivers often have to contend with a lower pay per mile, comparatively speaking, of course. Having said that, the area is also known for having a lower cost of living.
Thanks to tighter delivery windows and congestion all around, the northeast tends to pay higher rates.

Finally, you have many of those mountain states that may not be heavily populated, but that will often surprise you due to the rates drivers can make. It has a lot to do with the fact that the roads are very challenging when you’re trying to haul heavy equipment up or down a mountain.

Owner Operators vs Company Drivers

As you advance your career, you will need to wrestle with an important choice: do you become an owner operator or a company driver?

Owner-operators set their own schedule and choose the loads that they’re willing to take on. They take on more control over the finished product, but also more risk. They tend to have a higher gross pay, ranging anywhere from $1.50 to $3.00 or more per mile, depending on where you live. Having said that, they are also responsible for fuel for their vehicle, maintenance, insurance, paying their own taxes, and more.

Company drivers, on the other hand, have less freedom but far more stability than their owner-operator counterparts. They may only make between $0.40 and $0.80 per mile, but benefits will typically be included. This is the benefit of working with a company as opposed to on your own. You get to collect a paycheck with far fewer business-related issues to concern yourself with.

So, which one is best? The answer to that question will obviously vary depending on the individual. Some want the freedom and the increased pay per mile that only comes with being an owner-operator. Others will want the steadiness of working directly for a company over the long term. Only you can decide.

How Factoring Can Smooth Out Cash Flow

Freight factoring, and by association, the companies that offer it, like Advanced Commercial Capital, can help smooth out your cash flow as a truck driver in a variety of ways. At a high level, they buy your invoices and pay you immediately, minus a small fee for the service. This can help not only cover any fuel and maintenance costs that you’re dealing with, but can also help avoid late bill payments, and more. But more than anything, it’s a way to keep cash flow steady, which is especially critical for new drivers in particular.

If you’d like to find out more information about truckload pay and what drivers can earn for different hauls, or if you have any additional questions that you’d like to go over with someone in a bit more detail, please don’t hesitate to contact Advanced Commercial Capital today.

Semi truck being loaded at a freight factoring company.

Choosing a Freight Factoring Company: 5 Must-Know Tips

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If you had to make a list of some of the biggest pain points for owner-operator truck drivers today, cash flow would undoubtedly be right at the top.

When you’re an owner-operator, there’s the potential for a major reward in terms of your career. You’re also accepting a significant amount of risk, however, particularly when it comes to payment. Just because one of your clients isn’t paying in a timely manner doesn’t mean that you can avoid paying for maintenance, taxes, or other bills.

Thankfully, there are many solutions that exist that help enormously to that end. For many owner-operators, freight factoring in particular can be a game-changer. It can provide you with access to the immediate funds you need without having to wait weeks or even months for an invoice to be paid.

But not all factoring companies are created equal. From hidden fees to rigid contracts, the wrong partner can cost you time, money, and stress. To help you make the right decision, here are five essential tips when choosing a freight factoring company.

Tip 1: Understand the Fee Structure

Before signing on with any factoring company, it’s crucial to get a clear picture of their fee structure. Remember, if you’re going to be entering into an agreement where you will eventually have to pay someone back for a service, you want to know the terms and conditions related to that agreement up front.

Some providers advertise low rates but tack on hidden charges for things like same-day funding, credit checks, or minimum volume requirements. Ask for a full breakdown of costs, including flat versus variable rates, and always make sure the percentage taken from each invoice is transparent and competitive.

A slightly higher upfront rate may still be a better deal if it means fewer surprise fees down the road. Simply paying attention to this at your earliest opportunity before you make a decision could save you a lot of money (not to mention heartache).

Tip 2: Look for Flexibility, Not Long-Term Contracts

Another thing that you’ll want to keep in mind is that the best factoring companies typically understand the ups and downs of the freight industry and won’t lock you into inflexible, long-term agreements.

This is one of the many reasons why it’s important to enter into relationships with people who actually understand the business you’re in. If something unique to the trucking industry happens that prevents you from making a payment, you need someone who will be able to offer sympathy. Not everyone has that.

Avoid providers that demand multi-year contracts with hefty termination fees. Instead, look for month-to-month terms or contracts that allow you to factor only the invoices you choose. This gives you the freedom to scale your factoring as your business grows – or temporarily pause if your cash flow improves.

Tip 3: Evaluate Speed & Simplicity of Funding

Whether you’ve been a career professional for decades or are just getting into the field for the first time, one age-old rule to remember is that cash flow is king in the trucking business, and delays can derail your operations.

One minute, you’re working a steady stream of jobs. The next unexpected maintenance takes you off the road indefinitely. Every minute that your foot isn’t on that gas pedal is a minute you’re losing money.

Because of that, a good factoring company should offer fast approvals, streamlined onboarding, and consistent next-day – or even same-day – funding.

From the moment you pick up the phone and have your first interaction, you should ask how long it typically takes from invoice submission to cash in hand, and whether they support mobile apps or digital tools for submitting paperwork. The less time you spend chasing payments, the more time you can spend on the road.

Tip 4: Consider the Level of Customer Support

Never let yourself forget that freight factoring isn’t just about money – it’s also about partnership. You want a freight factoring company with responsive, knowledgeable support staff who understand the unique challenges of the freight industry.

Will you get a dedicated account manager? Do they offer extended hours for support? How do they handle disputes or client concerns? These are just a few of the critical questions that you should have answers to before you sign on the dotted line.

A supportive, easy-to-reach team can make a big difference, especially when things don’t go as planned.

Tip 5: Check Their Reputation & Industry Experience

Finally, never let yourself forget that trust matters. This is true regardless of the industry that you’re talking about, but it’s especially true in trucking.

Research any factoring company’s reputation before signing on. Look for online reviews, Better Business Bureau (otherwise known as the BBB for short) ratings, and testimonials from other carriers. Do this for every company that you’re thinking of entering into a relationship with.

A company with deep experience in freight factoring will understand industry-specific issues, like dealing with slow-paying brokers or compliance requirements.

Longevity in the industry is often a good sign of reliability and customer satisfaction. If a freight factoring company develops a reputation of being unsympathetic or untrustworthy towards truckers, it won’t remain a freight factoring company for very long.

Key Takeaways

Understand the free structure of a freight factoring company before you enter into any type of contract with them.

Remember that life can be unexpected – look for flexibility in a freight factoring partner, don’t lock yourself into a long-term contract.

Look at the speed and simplicity of funding, especially if you’re trying to fix a fairly urgent problem.

Investigate customer support so that you know in the event that you need help, you’ll never have to go very far to find it.

Look into a freight factoring provider’s reputation, as well as industry experience, to make sure you’re finding a partner that understands your needs.

If you’d like to find out more information about the tips and best practices that you should follow before choosing a freight factoring company, or if you have any additional questions that you’d like to go over with a team of professionals in a bit more detail, please don’t hesitate to contact the Advanced Commercial Capital team today.