Category Archives: Freight Bill Factoring

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.

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 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.

Invoice Factoring Rates: A Complete Guide

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

Common Pricing & Fees

What Is a Factoring Fee?

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

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

Monthly Volumes

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

Reserve Rate

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

Invoice Factoring Rates for Companies: What to Look For

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

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

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

What About Long-Term Contracts?

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

How Does Advanced Commercial Capital Compare?

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

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

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

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

Resources:

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

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

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

Freight Capital: Everything You Must Know

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

What is Freight Capital?

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

How to Capitalize on Your Freight Charges

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

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

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

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

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

Freight Capital: How it Can Help Your Business Flourish

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

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

Is Freight Factoring Right for You?

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

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

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

Guide: How to Become a Freight Broker with no Experience

If you have been looking for a way to boost your business while reducing time spent on the road, starting a freight brokerage may be the perfect solution for you. While it used to be quite difficult to start a freight brokerage company, new regulations created in the 1970s now make this opportunity more attainable for individuals across the country.

No experience? No problem. In our comprehensive guide on how to become a freight broker, we debunk the myth that prior industry experience is necessary. Discover essential strategies and insights tailored for beginners looking to enter the logistics world. From understanding industry regulations to mastering negotiation tactics, this guide equips you with the knowledge and confidence to kick-start your career as a freight broker. Explore the possibilities today and embark on a rewarding journey in the logistics industry.

Step 1: Gain Industry Experience

To facilitate relationships in the trucking industry, it is important to understand the ins and outs of the transportation industry.

Insider knowledge and understanding of the industry is a great place to start. Whether you’ve worked at a shipping company previously or with another freight brokerage, this work can give you insights into what one side of the industry is looking for from the other, putting you in a unique position to deliver the best service.

Additionally, you can help facilitate the development of your freight brokerage company with strong soft skills such as math, critical thinking, and communication. If you are looking for more official training, there are many online classes and educational books available.

Step 2: Develop A Business Plan

A strong business plan is really where your freight brokerage begins. In your business plan, you will specify your niche and target customers, fleshing out the specifics of how your business will run. A plan will also give you the ability to register your business name and apply for a line of credit to get started.

Step 3: Find the Right Carriers

As a freight broker, your goal is to develop strong working relationships with the right carriers for your business. Ideally, the carriers you work with will be a part of the niche you have chosen and will be trusted, reliable, and professional. While there are several online directories where you can peruse carrier options, you may already have direct references and connections with the carriers you would like to use, as mentioned in step one of this guide.

If you are having trouble deciding between several options, remember that there is nothing wrong with testing out your top contenders and going with the best option.

Step 4: Learn How to Handle Freight Brokerage Legal Affairs

Before beginning your business operations, you will need to address two major legal necessities: obtaining a USDOT number and becoming licensed as a Motor Carrier with Operating Authority.

A USDOT number is a unique identifier for your company that allows quick access to future safety information. That information is gathered during accident investigations, inspections, audits, and compliance reviews.

To apply for a USDOT number, you can follow the steps to register online at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website. After you receive your USDOT number, you will continue with the process of getting licensed as a Motor Carrier with Operating Authority. The total processing time for this is between four to six weeks.

Once your application has been approved, the FMCSA will send your MC number. When this is issued, it is posted on the register page of the FMCSA. After a 10-day period, in which people may protest your registration if they find a problem, you are officially granted MC authority and are ready to start your business.

Step 5: Hit the Ground Running, and Start Succeeding

Now that you have experience, a business plan in place, and all necessary legal affairs handled, it is time to open your business and get started! With the groundwork laid, you have everything you need for your freight brokerage firm to find success.

FAQS About Freight Brokering

What qualifications do I need to become a freight broker?

Typically, you need a high school diploma, strong organizational skills, and knowledge of the logistics industry. A freight broker license and bonding are also required.

How do I obtain a freight broker license?

Apply for a freight broker license through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) by completing the online application, paying the fee, and providing proof of bonding.

What is a freight broker bond and why do I need it?

A freight broker bond (BMC-84) is a financial guarantee that ensures you meet your contractual obligations. It protects shippers and carriers in case of non-payment.

Are there any training programs for freight brokers?

Yes, there are various training programs and courses available that cover the basics of freight brokering, industry regulations, and best practices.

What skills are important for a successful freight broker?

Key skills include strong communication, negotiation, organization, problem-solving, and an understanding of transportation logistics.

Advanced Commercial Capital: An Industry Resource

Advanced Commercial Capital is here to help the freight industry continue to grow with confidence. To get in touch with our team, call our office at 855.465.4655 or fill out our online contact form today.

What Should I Know About a Freight Broker Line of Credit?

As intermediaries between carriers and shippers, freight brokers face distinctive business challenges, from managing cash flow to learning about the credibility of companies they work with. A freight broker line of credit can assist brokerages in managing financial stresses, overcoming challenges, and understanding the trustworthiness of potential clients.

Primary Challenges for Freight Brokers

Why is a line of credit necessary for freight brokers? Business credit for trucking is essential to address challenges common to most freight brokerages, including surety bonds, insurance, competition, liability, and cash flow.

1. Surety Bonds

By definition, “a surety bond is a promise to be liable for the debt, default, or failure of another. It is a three-party contract by which one party (the surety) guarantees the performance or obligations of a second party (the principal) to a third party (the obligee.)”

Every freight broker is required to obtain a surety bond from the government to operate legitimately in the United States. This agreement between the broker and the government is a guarantee that the freight broker will meet all contracts with shippers and carriers.

Freight brokers are required to obtain a $75,000 surety bond. If a freight broker does not live up to its contracts with a shipper or a carrier, the surety bond assures shippers and carriers that the broker has the cash or assets to cover at least the amount of the bond.

2. Insurance

Freight brokers can procure surety bonds from insurance companies. However, brokers are required to pay premiums. To lower premiums, freight brokers can demonstrate that their company is low-risk and reliable with good credit scores.

3. Competition

The freight broker industry is extremely competitive. Once again, low-risk engagements and reliability help freight brokers stand out amongst the competition.

4. Liability

Although not always the case, freight brokers are sometimes liable for shipment or equipment damages during travel. To limit liability, freight brokers should evaluate the dependability and credibility of potential carriers before accepting new engagements.

5. Cash Flow

Financial strain is one of the most significant challenges faced by freight brokers, specifically consistent cash flow. While starting a freight broker business is relatively inexpensive, financial challenges arise quickly. Because carriers are often paid before shippers are billed, cash flow can become clogged or entirely depleted. As the intermediary between shippers and carriers, transportation brokers are often forced to satisfy and balance both parties involved before acknowledging personal cash flow issues.

However, unacknowledged cash flow issues eventually cripple a company. Amid balancing such significant challenges, freight brokers may look for additional financial assistance to promote business growth and livelihood. Freight factoring is one such option.

Benefits of a Freight Broker Credit

1. Surety Bonds & Insurance

As mentioned, strong business credit scores can help freight brokers appear low-risk, credible, and reliable to insurance companies, often resulting in leverage to negotiate lower premiums.

2. Competition

Again, freight brokering is a competitive space, and strong business credit will make your company stand out among the rest. Additionally, business credit may allow your freight brokerage to negotiate for higher prices. Shippers and carriers appreciate low-risk, reliable brokers.

3. Liability

One business credit service explores the emphasis placed on credibility in the freight brokerage industry for both shippers and carriers.

• Shippers “will pull credit because they’re trusting the broker with their load. The brokers credit will offer detailed information about payment patterns and financial responsibility (or lack thereof).”
• On the other hand, carriers “will pull the brokers credit because they want to make sure there is a consistent history of payments on time. Carriers need to be able to depend on timely payments from the broker to fund their operations and turn a profit.”

Likewise, as a broker, you should also check business credit files of potential shippers and carriers. As mentioned, business credit files help you choose the best companies to engage with, reducing liability risk.

4. Cash Flow

A freight factoring line of credit for brokers directly addresses cash flow issues. In the freight factoring process, the factor purchases invoices directly from the broker, providing the brokerage with immediate cash needed to pay carriers. The factor then waits to receive payment for the invoice, instead of the freight brokerage. Factoring provides companies with cash needed to continue business on slow-paying invoices.

Factoring Line of Credit vs Bank Line of Credit

When considering financial assistance, freight brokers may consider acquiring a bank line of credit in comparison to a factoring-based line of credit. While a bank line of credit may be viable for several issues, consider a few potential downsides to pursuing this form of financial assistance as a freight broker:

1. A bank line of credit can add to the debt already carried by the broker. As with any business, avoiding debt when possible is best.

2. Additionally, a bank line of credit has its limits. Eventually, a maximum borrowing limit will be met, stopping cash flow. Once the broker can no longer rely on the bank line of credit, he/she is forced to rely on shippers once more, often an unreliable source of cash flow.

Advanced Commercial Capital

At Advanced Commercial Capital, we protect our clients from unpaid freight invoices due to fraud, bankruptcy, or delinquency – without any surprises. To learn more about the ins-and-outs of a freight factoring line of credit, reach out to our team at 855.465.4655 or via our online contact form!

Recourse Vs. Non-Recourse Factoring

All small businesses experience both financial plateaus and expansive growth, each phase proving to be a challenge. Small business owners may struggle to stay afloat during scarcity but fight to scale extreme growth during unprecedented expansion. In both cases, business owners may look to financial services for assistance and direction.

Trucking companies looking to tackle new opportunities or struggling to maintain profitability may look to freight factoring for financial assistance. In the content below, we discuss factoring as a financial service, recourse vs non recourse factoring, and how to determine if non recourse freight factoring is right for the long-term growth of your company.

What is Freight Factoring?

Freight factoring is a financial service whereby a factoring organization purchases invoices from a business at a discount from the face value of the invoice. The organization purchasing the invoices is called the “factor,” while the discount amount is coined the “factoring fee.” The factoring company then waits to get paid for the invoice.

How Does Freight Factoring Benefit Trucking Companies?

Freight factoring encourages cash flow. Once the factor purchases the invoice, the trucking company receives enough capital to begin hauling another load. As a result, the trucking company no longer needs to wait for the client to pay the invoice – which are oftentimes delayed – to seize available opportunities and continue company growth. Therefore, with freight factoring, unpaid invoices become immediate cash.

Factoring receivables allows your trucking company to cover daily expenses, such as repairs or fleet maintenance, fuel, or payroll, and plan for long-term success without going into debt or diluting equity ownership in your company.

What is Recourse?

Although subjective in definition between varying organizations, most factoring companies agree that the term “recourse” defines who holds the liability and the action that occurs if the factoring client’s customer (or account debtor) does not pay the debt.

For example, if a freight factoring business purchases a discounted invoice from a trucking company in need of cash and the trucking company’s client never pays the invoice, recourse is the resulting action. According to the recourse factoring agreement, the factoring business is entitled to get paid by the trucker, and the trucking company is required to repurchase the invoice from the factoring company.

Some factoring companies allow recourse to occur by providing another invoice as repayment or simply removing money from a reserve account. Regardless, the trucking company is ultimately held responsible for paying the invoice amount in full.

Benefits of Recourse Factoring

Recourse factoring offers significant benefits for small trucking businesses by providing immediate cash flow from unpaid invoices. This financial solution allows truckers to access working capital without waiting for customer payments, ensuring they can cover expenses such as fuel, maintenance, and payroll. By converting receivables into cash quickly, recourse factoring helps small trucking companies maintain smooth operations and seize new opportunities without the stress of delayed payments. Additionally, it simplifies cash flow management, enabling business owners to focus on growth and customer service

What is Non Recourse Freight Factoring?

Non recourse freight factoring is another popular factoring option. Non recourse factoring is a type of financial assistance where the factor bears all collection risk on purchased invoices. Thus, if the account debtor does not pay his or her invoice, the trucking company is not held responsible to pay the invoice. In fact, the factor cannot demand payment on any purchased invoices if payment is not received due to credit reasons.

Benefits of Non Recourse Factoring

Nonrecourse factoring provides invaluable benefits to businesses by offering immediate cash flow while also protecting against the risk of non-payment. Unlike recourse factoring, where businesses must repay the advance if the customer defaults, nonrecourse factoring shifts this risk to the factoring company. This financial solution ensures that businesses can maintain steady cash flow and cover essential expenses without the burden of potential bad debt. By mitigating credit risk, nonrecourse factoring allows business owners to focus on growth and operations with greater peace of mind.

Non Recourse vs Recourse Factoring

As discussed, the primary difference between non recourse and recourse factoring is the responsibility of the trucking company to pay recourse. The use of reserve accounts is another distinction. Recourse factoring will collect a reserve account in the event that the account debtor does not pay. As mentioned, the factor may withdraw money from the reserve if an invoice is left unpaid.

However, non recourse factoring does not incorporate a reserve because it is not necessary. Alternatively, a refund is not demanded if account debtors cannot pay their bills.

When is Non Recourse Right for Your Trucking Company?

Evaluating whether non recourse freight factoring is right for your trucking company begins with answering a few questions. If your trucking company is currently experiencing one of the following scenarios, non recourse freight factoring may be an ideal course of action for your organization.

Are you a startup trucking company in need of immediate cash?

Non recourse factoring can be an excellent opportunity for startup trucking companies to front the day-to-day expenses of managing a business. Every small business startup is a financial investment, and non recourse factoring is a good avenue to begin purchasing a fleet, hiring drivers, and completing jobs.

Are you an established trucking company experiencing extreme economic difficulty?

In times of economic distress, non recourse factoring can save a trucking company! In some situations, invoice factoring may be the only avenue of cash available to a trucking company, allowing it to stay afloat and prepare in advance for the economy to turn around.

Have you inquired about a traditional bank loan, but your bank is not willing to lend?

The ability to qualify for factoring services is primarily based on the creditworthiness of your customers – not you. Thus, trucking companies have a better chance of receiving financial assistance from a factoring company than a bank, especially if the company has not had enough time to build substantial creditworthiness. Additionally, factoring companies are generally much quicker during setup than applying and getting approved for a bank loan, allowing for immediate cash flow.

Do you spend more time chasing past-due receivables than performing jobs?

Time spent chasing past-due receivables can significantly stunt company growth! When opportunities for expansion present themselves, your company should be positioned to seize the opportunity without feeling burdened by unpaid invoices.

Do you find yourself feeling at-risk of clients paying late or not paying at all?

If you find your company drowning when a client pays late (if at all), non recourse factoring may be the perfect solution to achieve a greater level of business stability. Freed from managing operations at the whim of account debtors, you may be comfortable to invest in business expansion and long-term success.

Find the Right Freight Factoring Program at Advanced Commercial Capital

At Advanced Commercial Capital, our non recourse freight factoring program is one-of-a-kind. We charge no setup fees, offer low, competitive rates, and never force clients into long-term contracts. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality factoring services for as long as the financing solution is best for your trucking company!

If you have any questions about how non recourse freight factoring can benefit your company, please feel free to reach out at 855.465.4655 or via our online contact form today!

Ways to Prepare Your Trucking Company For A Recession

During times of unprecedented economic turmoil, the chances of corporate endurance or success can appear slim and dismal. As a small or mid-sized trucking company, navigating complex economic distress may feel inundating.

However, survival is possible. In the content below, we offer practical advice on maintaining business health during economic crises from advanced preparation to non-recourse factoring opportunities.

How a Trucking Company Can Survive Economic Turmoil

1. If possible, prepare for economic crises in advance.

Unfortunately, most economic disasters are undetectable from miles away, leaving individuals, businesses, and governments unprepared. However, some level of consistent planning and forethought is required to respond appropriately when unfortunate economic turmoil arrives.
Below are several actionable insights and strategies to help you prepare in advance.

Evaluate your company’s financial health often.

Understanding where your trucking company stands financially will allow you to make informed, quick decisions when needed.

Identify your financial cushion.

Identify areas within your trucking company that may provide a financial cushion should a crisis occur. Do you have room to give, if necessary?

Seek to grow during profitable times.

Expand your services and geographic expertise whenever possible, performing research into stable markets that remain constant during unstable times.

Reduce the possibility of crippling debt.

One simple way to mitigate future expenses is through commercial truck maintenance. Performing regular upkeep on your fleet reduces the possibility of unexpected breakdown and expensive repair. If you own old and unreliable equipment, consider replacing it during positive economic conditions.

Finally, make sure you are aware of current financial standings with all creditors, lenders, and debtors. Check in often.

Analyze the health of your current alliances.

Are relations with your partners, clients, staff, and technicians strong? Developing and fortifying a community of trust and transparency can help your trucking company maintain valuable clients and staff during economic turmoil.

Unfortunately, not every trucking company is aptly prepared for economic distress. The day-to-day challenges of running a business are draining – proactively preparing for disaster is not often on the to-do list. If this is the case, there is still hope for your trucking company in times of unexpected hardship!

2. Save money wherever possible.

Saving money begins with accurately assessing costs. Micro-manage spending. For example, do you know your accurate cost-per-mile? Rudimentary calculation may seem sufficient for times of plenty, but economic distress demands a precise calculation. If utilizing a tracker, be sure to update it every week, per vehicle and driver.

Assess your cost-per-mile.

Assessing your cost-per-mile involves understanding all fixed and variable costs. Your fixed costs may include equipment, collision/comp insurance, permits, health insurance, an office lease, etc. Regardless of how many miles are driven, these costs remain present and reoccurring. Variable costs depend on frequency and volume of usage. These costs include tires, fuel price fluctuations, taxes, lodging, vehicle maintenance, equipment repairs, etc. Comprehending an accurate cost-per-mile involves understanding how overhead costs effect profit.

Implement a pay-for-performance plan.

Consider implementing a pay-for-performance plan for employees. Pay-for-performance plans incentivize drivers to go above and beyond while being appropriately, competitively compensated.

Forbes explains pay-for-performance plans well:

Pay-For-Performance is a way of saying ‘People should get a reasonable salary, and the preponderance of what they can earn should be based on the productivity and results of their own role, along with the overall results of the organization.’ A pay-for-performance plan for your drivers should not be tied to safety or on-time deliveries, that is their job! Driver incentives should be customized to each driver and tied to profit. The driver is the profit center, and based on what that driver produces, above and beyond some standard that you set, the profit is shared with them in some pre-agreed formula.

3. Explore new trucking opportunities.

New opportunities may come in the form of unfamiliar territory. For example, if your trucking business is accustomed to extensive, cross-country trips, yet – in economic turmoil – shorter hauls are more available and lucrative, adapting to the current need and available market. The opposite may be true as well. Regardless of the specific circumstance, adaption during economic distress is often necessary to maintain business health.

4. Take it slow and try to maintain financial stability.

In times of uncertainty and unprecedented distress, our gut response is often panic. As a business owner, panic is often dangerous. Therefore, evaluate your financial situation and ensure your personal finances are in order before making hasty decisions.
One major financial area of evaluation is cash flow. How will you work to keep revenue coming in? Many truck drivers turn to non-recourse freight factoring for survival during times of economic distress.

5. Protect your cash flow with non-recourse factoring.

Trucking companies are more than aware of limited cash flow throughout tough economic conditions. The risk of simply not getting paid increases. Non-recourse factoring can be a trucker’s saving grace during times of uncertain cash flow.

Ultimately, non-recourse freight factoring protects trucking companies from falling into debt if a client does not pay an invoice. When a trucking company is trying to navigate economic turmoil, the risk of clients failing to pay invoices on time or at all can be destructive.

Why choose non-recourse factoring over recourse factoring?

When working with a recourse factoring business, trucking companies are still responsible for the invoice if the client fails to pay in full. Non-recourse factoring completely protects the trucking company from unpaid invoices. Within a non-recourse factoring agreement, the trucking company is not legally responsible to reimburse the bill if the client does not pay – the factoring company accepts the risk.

Prepare for Economic Changes with Advanced Commercial Capital

Advanced Commercial Capital offers a fixed-rate, non-recourse freight factoring program, one of the most popular in the industry. The program is excellent for startup trucking companies – or companies in need of assistance during unprecedented economic distress.

Our non-recourse freight factoring program gives you peace of mind knowing that you will never be responsible to buy back uncollected invoices, and your rate will never change. Furthermore, we do not lock trucking companies into long-term contracts. We will work hard every day to earn your business – and you can choose a different route as needed.

For more information about our non-recourse factoring program, feel free to reach out at 855.465.4655 or via our online contact form.

We look forward to working with you through difficult economic circumstances.