Invoice factoring is a form of invoice funding that allows a business to convert its unpaid accounts receivable into immediate working capital. Instead of waiting 30, 60, or even 90 days for clients to pay their invoices, a factoring company buys the invoice at a discount, providing cash advances—typically within 24 hours. The remaining balance is paid once the customer settles the invoice, minus a factoring fee.
The factoring process is straightforward. After delivering goods or services, the business submits the invoice to a factoring provider. The factor verifies the invoice, assesses the debtor’s creditworthiness, and disburses a percentage of the invoice value, usually 80 to 95 percent. The factor then collects directly from the customer.
To better understand how factoring applies specifically to trucking, see The Ultimate Guide to Invoice Factoring for Your Trucking Company.
Factoring isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but for many industries, it’s a powerful tool for managing cash flow. Small businesses, especially in sectors like trucking, manufacturing, staffing, and wholesale distribution, often struggle with slow-paying clients and thin margins. These businesses rely on consistent cash inflow to pay drivers, maintain equipment, or keep inventory stocked.
New businesses also benefit from factoring because approval is based on the creditworthiness of the customer paying the invoice, not the age or financial history of the factoring client.
Companies that have limited access to business loans or that need to fund startup costs often find factoring to be a more accessible solution.
To see how factoring supports scaling operations, check out 4 Must-Do Steps to Grow Your Trucking Company.
Everyone loves to get paid faster, not just you. With a good cash flow plan in place funded by invoice factoring, you will be able to take advantage of volume and early pay discounts from your vendors, an immediate increase to your bottom line that often outweighs the costs of factoring.