Freight factoring companies, also known as trucking factoring firms, provide cash to trucking businesses in exchange for their unpaid invoices. These companies can be valuable for trucking operations needing quick working capital or lacking personnel to handle invoicing and collections. However, it’s essential to be aware of potential hidden costs and unclear contracts.
Below are our recommendations for freight factoring companies and some additional insights to determine if this financing option suits your business.
Best for Upfront Factoring Pricing
While many trucking factoring firms don’t disclose their fees, these companies provide transparent pricing information.
TruckSmarter
Time to funding: Within 24 hours.
Good to know: TruckSmarter is upfront about its rates and caters to small and medium enterprises. It features a mobile app offering fuel discounts of up to $1.50 per gallon without any transaction fees.
Pricing details: TruckSmarter charges a 2% rate and provides a TruckSmarter Visa Card with 1% cash back. There are no monthly submission minimums, and contracts can be terminated with a 30-day notice.
Transportation Management Group
Time to funding: Same-day funding.
Good to know: This group offers 100% advance rates along with access to fuel cards, equipment financing, and small credit lines. A mobile app is not available.
Pricing details: Their truck factoring rates start at 0.675%, with no monthly minimums, and contracts are said to be short-term.
Best Trucking Factoring Companies for Funding Speed
The following factoring companies are noted for quick funding times.
Apex Capital
Time to funding: Minutes via its Blynk payment service or same-day/next-day funding.
Good to know: Apex factors freight invoices during nights, weekends, and holidays. The Blynk payment service allows payments via debit, Zelle, or bank transfer, primarily serving small and medium trucking firms.
Pricing details: Apex offers personalized rates based on specific needs, with no minimum monthly volume fees or long-term contracts.
TAFS
Time to funding: One hour during weekdays, plus advances on weekends and holidays.
Good to know: Their mobile app lets clients submit invoices directly from a smartphone. TAFS operates as a recourse-only factoring company, meaning the trucking company is responsible for non-payment risks.
Pricing details: Specific pricing information is not available online, but will be discussed with the sales team.
Understanding Freight Factoring
Freight factoring involves a factoring company purchasing discounted invoices from a trucking company, providing immediate cash once the service is delivered. This arrangement helps trucking firms access quick funding, and in exchange, the factoring company charges a fee.
Pros of Using a Factoring Company
The benefits include flexibility in factoring only when needed and no reliance on credit scores.
Cons of Using a Factoring Company
Potential downsides include possibly higher costs compared to bank financing, and the lender may pursue the trucking company if customers fail to pay.
Conclusion: Is Factoring Right for Your Business?
If your trucking company requires rapid cash flow to meet payroll or manage expenses without pursuing traditional loans, factoring could be a beneficial solution. However, reviewing contracts for transparency on costs is vital before committing.