Factoring companies in the trucking industry offer a valuable service that can help trucking companies manage their cash flow and cover expenses. However, like any financial service, factoring has its pros and cons. In this post, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of factoring, as well as provide an overview of a few popular factoring companies and their fees.
Pros of Factoring:
- Faster Cash Flow: Factoring allows trucking companies to get paid quickly for completed jobs, rather than waiting for their customers to pay. This can help improve cash flow and provide funds to cover expenses like fuel, maintenance, and payroll.
- No Need for Collateral: Factoring companies typically do not require collateral, unlike traditional loans. This can be beneficial for trucking companies that do not have significant assets to use as collateral.
- Easier Approval Process: Factoring companies typically have a simpler approval process than traditional lenders. As long as the trucking company has invoices from creditworthy customers, they can usually qualify for factoring.
- Improved Credit: Factoring can help improve a trucking company’s credit by providing consistent cash flow and allowing them to pay bills on time.
Cons of Factoring:
- High Fees: Factoring fees can be high, ranging from 1-5% of the invoice amount, depending on the factoring company and the creditworthiness of the customer.
- Short Terms: Factoring typically involves short-term financing, meaning that the trucking company may have to repay the factor in a matter of weeks or months.
- Loss of Control: Factoring companies may require the trucking company to sign a non-recourse agreement, which means that the factor assumes the risk of non-payment by the customer. This can result in the loss of control over the collection process and the relationship with the customer.
- Limited Availability: Factoring is not available to all trucking companies, and some factoring companies may have specific requirements or limitations on the types of invoices they will purchase.
Popular Factoring Companies:
- TBS Factoring: TBS Factoring is a popular factoring company in the trucking industry that offers same-day funding and a high advance rate of up to 97%. Their fees range from 1.5-5%, depending on the creditworthiness of the customer and the volume of invoices.
- Triumph Business Capital: Triumph Business Capital is another popular factoring company that specializes in the transportation industry. They offer same-day funding and a high advance rate of up to 90%. Their fees range from 1.5-4%, depending on the creditworthiness of the customer and the volume of invoices.
- Riviera Finance: Riviera Finance is a factoring company that offers flexible funding solutions to trucking companies. They offer same-day funding and a high advance rate of up to 95%. Their fees range from 1.5-3%, depending on the creditworthiness of the customer and the volume of invoices.
- Apex Capital: Apex Capital is a full-service factoring company that offers same-day funding and a high advance rate of up to 97%. Their fees range from 1.5-5%, depending on the creditworthiness of the customer and the volume of invoices. Apex Capital also offers additional services, such as fuel cards and back-office support, to help businesses manage their finances more efficiently.
In conclusion, factoring can be a useful tool for trucking companies that need quick access to cash flow. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully and choose a factoring company that offers competitive fees and terms that meet the specific needs of your business.