According to a U.S. Bank study, 82% of businesses fail due to poor cash flow management. It’s not only about attracting good clients or delivering exceptional service; it’s about having enough cash on hand to keep the business running. The freight industry is no exception.
No one starts a business expecting to fail. When you launch a trucking company or logistics business, the path to success seems straightforward. But market unpredictability can make staying afloat a challenge. Understanding how to manage cash flow effectively can mean the difference between thriving and merely surviving in the freight industry.
Your truck is more than just a vehicle—it’s the backbone of your business. Choosing the right equipment is crucial for long-term profitability. While older trucks may have a lower upfront cost, they often come with hidden expenses, such as 20-40% higher fuel consumption due to outdated technology, heavier designs, and poor aerodynamics. Frequent maintenance and higher insurance premiums can further add to your operating costs. To maximize efficiency, weigh the initial price of a new truck against long-term expenses like fuel, repairs, and insurance to find the most cost-effective solution for your business.
Fuel is one of the most significant expenses for owner-operators. To avoid surprises, calculate your fuel cost per mile before committing to a truck purchase or lease.
Formula: Divide fuel price per gallon by the truck’s average miles per gallon (MPG). Then, multiply by your expected annual mileage.
This method helps you make an informed decision about which truck is the best long-term investment for your business.
Securing clients that pay competitive rates is essential, but payment terms can stretch up to 45 days in the freight industry. This delay can leave you scrambling to cover immediate costs like fuel, repairs, and driver wages.
To protect your cash flow:
PRO TIP: Even with reliable clients, waiting weeks for payment can strain your cash flow. But with the right strategy and allies, you can avoid unnecessary stress. With Summar Financial’s freight factoring, you can get paid within 24 hours of delivering a load, ensuring you always have cash on hand for fuel, repairs, and payroll. Need help finding loads? We work with trusted dispatch allies who can connect you to high-paying freight opportunities so you can keep your truck moving and your business growing. Turn your invoices into immediate working capital and stay ahead in the industry.
Read more: Simple Tips To Improve Your Negotiation Skills With Freight Brokers
Freight factoring isn’t just a financial solution—it’s a lifeline for trucking companies facing cash flow gaps due to slow-paying clients. Factoring gives you access to up to 97% of your invoice amount within 24 hours of delivering a load, ensuring you have working capital to cover operational costs.
Key benefits of freight factoring include:
Freight factoring doesn’t just solve cash flow issues—it gives you the financial security to scale your business.
Many factoring companies provide fuel card programs to help offset one of your most significant expenses.
For example, with Summar Financial’s fuel card, you can:
Using a fuel card and factoring together can save you thousands of dollars per year, ensuring fuel prices never slow down your business.
With Summar Financial, you can keep your business running smoothly. Our freight factoring programs provide the cash flow you need to cover operational expenses, ensure timely deliveries, and focus on growth.
We also offer fuel cards, fuel advances, and dispatch support, helping you operate more efficiently.
Freight factoring is the smart solution trucking companies trust to stay competitive and thrive.