
Get paid in a day with freight factoring and understand the benefits and differences between recourse vs non recourse factoring.
What’s the difference between recourse vs non recourse freight factoring actoring? Say you’re an owner-operator who’s interested in freight factoring because you no longer want to wait 30 days to get paid for hauling a load. You come across a few factoring companies offering different rates and notice some are recourse factoring and others are non-recourse but don’t know which freight factoring option is best.
With recourse freight factoring, you agree to sell your invoices to a factoring company that will then pay you after hauling a load (days to pay vary) however, you’re responsible for collections from your client. Recourse factoring is commonly used in factoring finance however it presents the highest risk.
Even if a recourse factoring company has taken on your invoice or provided you an advance, you are still liable if they are unable to collect from your clients. This puts your business at risk for a potential loss.
The opposite is true for non recourse freight factoring. When you sell your invoices to the factoring company, you are not liable to collect from your clients. Instead, the factoring company pays you after hauling a load and they assume the risk if your client fails to pay. Due to this, typically a non recourse factoring rate is slightly higher because the burden to collect is placed on the factoring company and not you.
If you’re an owner-operator or manage a small fleet, it’s usually more beneficial to choose non-recourse factoring in order to avoid a potential loss in revenue if there are complications with collections. Choosing a non recourse factoring company like Trucker Path InstaPay allows you to focus on running your business and haul more loads.




Industry Update - January 24, 2020 <h4>By Paul DeCoste</h4>
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<h3><strong>Industry Update</strong></h3>
Curious about the top issues discussed in the trucking industry in 2019? Take a look at this graphic from the ATRI Top Industry Issues 2019 survey.
<h3> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/01/image002-1.png"><img class="size-medium wp-image-4869 aligncenter" src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/01/image002-1-300x244.png" alt="" width="300" height="244" /></a></h3>
<h3><strong>Weather Update</strong></h3>
<a href="https://www.freightwaves.com/news/snowstorm-lingers-into-weekend-for-midwest-northeast-with-forecast-video">This snowstorm</a> has been building up over the past few days and drivers need to be aware of some potential snowfall in the Midwest. The following locations should be driven on with caution for the weekend; Milwaukee and Green Bay, Wisconsin, Michigan’s upper peninsula, Chicago and South Bend, Indiana.
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<h3><strong>Pilot Name Change</strong></h3>
<a href="https://cdllife.com/2020/truck-stop-giant-announces-big-name-change/">Just yesterday, Pilot Flying J announced that</a> they are changing their company name to “Pilot Company”. This new corporate name is meant to, “serve as an umbrella that captures the total portfolio of the business as it continues to expand its retail and energy operations.”
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<h3><strong>Driver Saves Lives</strong></h3>
<a href="https://www.truckersnews.com/driver-fights-fire-at-accident-scene-honored-for-his-efforts/">Linden O’Donnell went out of his way to put out a car fire</a> and help several motorists. He was driving on the right side of Interstate 280 when he witnessed a car smash into the back of a stalled SUV. Thankfully the SUV was empty, but the passengers of the car were barely conscious and in need of help. As fire crept from the engine to the cab, Linden ran to grab his fire extinguisher and put out the flames. This allowed Linden to safely assist the drivers out of the car and out of harm’s way. His courage and ability to react deserves the honor he is receiving.
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<h3>New Tech</h3>
<a href="https://www.ttnews.com/articles/companies-explore-using-old-electric-car-batteries-cut-costs">This pilot study done by American Electric Power and Nissan Motor Co</a>., is testing the reuse of old batteries to reduce costs for electric cars. This new process has the potential to lower system costs by one-half and even extend the power of lithium batteries by one-third.
Industry Update - April 5, 2019 <h5>By Jeremy Feucht</h5>
<h3><strong><u>Did you Know?</u></strong></h3>
On April 3, 1974, the worst series of tornadoes ever recorded hit the US and southern Canada. With over 50,000 people affected in total and six states declaring a State of Emergency, many big rigs were sent in to do the cleanup. Xenia, Ohio was the first hit and it would need three months and over 200 trucks to finally cleanup the disaster.
<h3><strong><u>Trucking tip of the Week</u></strong></h3>
Its that time of the year again. Spring is here which means warmer weather and concern about your tires needs to be at the front of your mind. As the weather warms, the amount of air pressure in your tires and the tread remaining on them will really start to show. Lower air pressure means more friction on your tires. More friction that your tires create, the more stress that is placed on them. Be careful out there.
<h3><strong><u>Toll Road Fight</u></strong></h3>
OOIDA and the National Motorist Association, for now, have lost its bid against the state of Pennsylvania <a href="https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/04/04/Pennsylvania-Turnpike-federal-lawsuit-dismissed-tolls-truckers-organization-Port-Authority/stories/201904040090">to remove the tolls</a> on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. On April 4, 2019, US District Judge Yvette Kane approved a motion by lawyers for the turnpike and the state of Pennsylvania to dismiss the charges that claimed over $6 billion in tolls had been collected illegally since 2007.
<h3><strong><u>Truckers to the Rescue</u></strong></h3>
As I have long stated, this country would fold without the work of truckers. Here is some more proof of that. With the flooding and devastation that has occurred across the Midwest, farmers and ranchers are having a difficult time keeping their heads above water, let alone that of their cattle. Knowing their plight, <a href="https://www.freightwaves.com/news/trucking/truckers-step-up-to-help-farmers">truckers have come to their rescue</a> with hay to help get them through. Where would we be without the American trucker?
<h3><strong><u>Regulations</u></strong></h3>
With so many regulations, and general vagueness that the personal conveyance rule is written, it is no wonder FMCSA’s <a href="https://www.ttnews.com/articles/fmcsa-drivers-dont-overthink-personal-conveyance-time">Joe DeLorenzo had to field so many questions at MATS</a> surrounding the issue. His message was simple: “Don’t over think it.” He basically stated that if what you are doing is for personal reasons, looking for food, parking, etc. then it is personal. If it is not personal, then it falls under hours of service. It does not matter if you are hooked to your trailer or not.
How to Become a Freight Broker?
[h2] How to Become a Freight Broker? [/h2]
[p]To become a freight broker you need to understand the <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/trucking-industry-trends/">trucking industry trends</a> first. Thousands of products need to be moved across America and companies use every venue possible to ship their freight, but none more than through truck freight. The trucking industry produced $726.4 billion in revenue for 2015 and freight tonnage has increased since. Freight is hauled by truck drivers but moved by freight brokers. Here's how you can become a freight broker and enjoy a piece of the lucrative pie.
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[h2]1. Register your Freight Broker Company [/h2]
[p]
There are a couple routes you can choose to become a freight broker. The easiest way to start is to get hired by an established freight broker company. There you will fall under their insurance and use their capital as well as being provided training about the trucking industry. If you've already done this and have the necessary capital, this is where you would be registering your business with the local licensing department. Once you register your LLC you will receive your Tax ID Number [a href="https://irs-tax-id.com/?utm_source=bing&utm_medihttps://irs-tax-id.com/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=irs%20tax%20id%2Fein&utm_term=irs.gov%20tax%20id%20number&utm_content=irsum=cpc&utm_campaign=irs%20tax%20id%2Fein&utm_term=irs.gov%20tax%20id%20number&utm_content=irs"]from the IRS[/a].
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[h2]2. Have a Plan For Your Freight Broker Company [/h2]
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The most important part of becoming a freight broker is to have a clear vision and plan, especially if you need to generate funding from lenders. Know your target, stick to your strengths, and don’t be afraid to grow.
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[p] Understand your region and what types of loads move through, who's your ideal customer base? What type of services will you offer? How will you market your freight brokerage?
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[h2]3. Build a Carrier Base [/h2]
[p]Life as a freight broker is all about who you know. Networking and connecting with motor carriers is the only way you will succeed in moving freight. You need to start building a list of trucking companies with capacity and willingness to work with you.
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[p]This is when networking meets relationship building. Establishing trust and showing that your work efficiently and provide good service can be the difference when finding carriers. The best way to find carriers is by using load boards from trusted companies like Trucker Path Truckloads. Load boards allow you to post your freight for carriers to view and then contact you if they're interested in hauling them. This way you can move more loads quickly and from anywhere. [/p]
[p] Don't forget, freight brokers also need to connect with shippers who need freight moved. Here's a closer look at <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/how-do-freight-brokers-find-shippers/">how freight brokers find shippers</a>.
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[h2]4. Freight Broker Authority [/h2]
[p]You’re well on your way to becoming a freight broker now that you have a registered business and a carrier group to connect with, but there are still a few more requirements. You must apply for a US DOT number with your local Department of Transportation branch. Once you are approved, take your DOT Number to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to get a Motor Carrier (MC) number and broker authority. This is approved through the completion of the [a href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/form-op-1-application-motor-property-carrier-and-broker-authority"]OP-1 Form which includes a $300 application fee[/a].[/p]
[p] Here are a few more details as to how you can get your <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/freight-broker-license/">freight broker license</a>.
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[h2]5. Freight Broker Bond [/h2]
[p]
To show carriers and companies alike you have the financial backing to broker your business you will need at least a $75,000 <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/freight-broker-bond/">Freight Broker Bond </a>(BMC-84 or BMC-85). Think of this as insurance for your business. This will cover you in the instance something goes wrong leading to monetary losses of a company.
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[p] Let's say the carrier you contracted to haul a load shows up to the receiver with a truckload of spoiled milk because you instructed them to cool the reefer to 74 degrees instead of 47. You were deemed responsible and your client seeks repayment of damages for a load of milk valued at $65,000. Your bond covers that cost similar to the way car insurance companies handle a car accident.
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[h2]6. BOC-3 Blanket of Coverage [/h2]
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One of the last filings you will have to complete in order to become a freight broker is your [a href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/form-boc-3-designation-agents-service-process"]BOC-3[/a].
This is the Blanket of Coverage for your company. Basically, you must file your BOC-3 in each state you will be operating. You will need to select a process agent to file. The process agent is the company who will be handling your legal processes in each state you have operating authority.
[button-white href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/process-agents"]List of FMCSA Agents[/button-white]
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[h2]7. Freight Broker Essentials [/h2]
[p]The tools of the trade for a freight broker are office equipment and supplies to make work easier and more organized. You'll need the basics like a computer with internet, printer, scanner, and fax machine. But you'll also need a phone with several lines and a quality headset to communicate with drivers and clients.
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[p]
Don't forget<a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/freight-broker-software/"> broker software</a> as you'll want software that allows you to keep track of your loads, customers, carrier locations, and truck status (some load boards will do all of this for you). DR Dispatch and ITS Dispatch are a few of the programs that can be beneficial.
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Look for broker software offering GPS tracking based on logged location updates, bill of lading/invoice generators, pickup and delivery location (shed) logs, note taking/documentation, and most importantly rate confirmation generation. These are the essential functions needed to manage your loads from pick up to delivery.
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[h2]8. Freight Brokerage Financials [/h2]
[p]In order to continue your carrier relations, you need to get backing from a bank. As a freight broker, you will be paying the carrier after they deliver the load. Pay terms for carriers range from 1-28 days (sometimes more). Whereas you will be extending the customer a line of credit or they will pay up front for the services.
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[p] You make your money off of the margin known as the "spread". For example:
[ul]
[li]Company X pays you $3,000 to find a motor carrier[/li]
[li]You pay Carrier Y $2,500 to haul the load[/li]
[li]You earn $500 for brokering the arrangement. Of course, this isn't all profit as overhead costs will apply, but you get a general idea.[/li] [/ul]
[h2]9. Marketing Your Freight Company [/h2]
Lastly, in order to succeed as a freight broker, you have to make a name for yourself by building awareness surrounding your freight company. Reliable service that is transparent and convenient is key to building a reputation with carriers. Word of mouth is critical for growing your freight business locally but you have to put yourself out there and raise awareness just like any other startup if you want to be a successful freight broker.
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[button-green href="https://truckerpath.com/truckloads/broker-load-board/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=becomeafreightbroker&utm_campaign=july12"]Get Started With Truckloads[/button-green]