Working Capital for Trucking & Transportation
Fuel costs hit Friday. Driver payroll hits Monday. Freight payment arrives in 45 days. The timing mismatch between operating costs and shipper payment defines trucking finance. Working capital bridges the gap so you can keep trucks moving.
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Working Capital in Trucking Operations
Trucking working capital must account for immediate fuel costs, driver pay cycles, equipment maintenance, and the 30-60 day reality of shipper payment terms.
The Payment Gap
Fuel spent today. Driver paid Friday. Load delivered Monday. Shipper pays in 45 days. The gap is structural and constant in trucking.
Fuel Cost Scale
Fuel represents 25-35% of operating costs. A 10-truck fleet easily spends $50,000+ monthly on fuel alone.
Payment Term Reality
Most shippers pay in 30-60 days. Brokers sometimes faster, sometimes slower. Working capital bridges this constant gap.
Seasonal Variation
Freight rates fluctuate by season. Q4 peak means high volume but also high expenses before payment.
Trucking Working Capital Challenges
The timing mismatch between operating costs and freight payment defines trucking finance.
Fuel Cost Timing
Fuel costs are immediate. Every trip requires fuel purchase before revenue collection.
Shipper Payment Terms
Shippers pay in 30-60 days. Operating costs cannot wait that long.
Driver Payroll
Drivers expect weekly pay. Cannot wait for shipper payment to meet payroll.
Equipment Repairs
Breakdowns happen. Repairs cannot wait for freight payment.
Growth Capital
Adding trucks means adding fuel, driver, and insurance costs before additional revenue.
Seasonal Cash Needs
Peak season means more loads but also more expenses before collection.
Working Capital Application Process
From application to funding in days, not weeks.
Application
Complete online application with company information and capital needs.
10 minutes
Documentation
Provide bank statements showing deposits and operating patterns.
Gather documents
Evaluation
We review financials understanding trucking economics.
24-72 hours
Funding
Accept terms and receive funds deposited to your account.
Same or next day
Cash Flow Support for Trucking Operations
Working capital structured for trucking operations provides the bridge between operating costs and freight payment. Cover fuel, payroll, and repairs without waiting for shipper payment.
Fuel Ready Capital
Cover fuel costs when loads require it. Keep trucks moving.
Trucking Understanding
We evaluate carriers understanding payment terms and operating costs.
Driver Payroll
Meet weekly payroll regardless of shipper payment timing.
Fast Decisions
Trucking cannot wait. Get capital decisions in hours to days.
Equipment Repairs
Cover unexpected repairs that cannot wait for freight payment.
Growth Capital
Add trucks and drivers without depleting fuel reserves.
Working Capital Applications
Common scenarios where trucking working capital makes the difference.
Fuel Coverage
Cover fuel costs across your fleet while awaiting freight payment.
Typical funding: $25K-$100K
Driver Payroll
Meet weekly payroll when shipper payments are delayed.
Typical funding: $30K-$150K
Equipment Repairs
Cover unexpected repairs to keep trucks on the road.
Typical funding: $15K-$75K
Insurance Payment
Cover large insurance payments that don't align with cash flow.
Typical funding: $25K-$100K
Fleet Growth
Fund operating costs for additional trucks.
Typical funding: $50K-$200K
Peak Season
Fund increased fuel and payroll during high-volume periods.
Typical funding: $40K-$150K
Working Capital Options for Trucking
Understanding available options for trucking working capital.
| Feature | Working Capital Loan | Freight Factoring | Bank LOC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | 24-72 hours | Setup 1-2 weeks | 30-60 days |
| Trucking Understanding | High | High | Low |
| Payment Structure | Fixed schedule | Per invoice | Interest on draws |
| Shipper Notification | No | Usually yes | No |
| Fuel Card Integration | No | Sometimes | No |
| Best For | General capital | Invoice-by-invoice | Established fleets |
| Total Cost | Moderate | 1-5% per invoice | Lower |
| Credit Requirements | Moderate | Shipper focused | Strong |
Working Capital Requirements
General requirements for trucking working capital loans.
Operating History
Established trucking operation with freight history.
1+ year preferred
Revenue Level
Demonstrable freight revenue showing viability.
$250,000+ annual
Bank Activity
Business bank account showing freight deposits.
4+ months statements
MC/DOT Authority
Active operating authority in good standing.
Active authority
Fleet
Operating trucks with active operations.
Active fleet
Current Obligations
Current on existing obligations.
No current defaults
Strong freight revenue and shipper relationships support working capital approval regardless of temporary cash flow gaps.
Real Results
Heartland Freight Services
Regional Trucking, Missouri
The Challenge
Heartland had 12 trucks with $85,000 monthly fuel costs. Major shipper switched to 60-day terms. Cash flow gap threatened fuel coverage and driver payroll.
The Solution
We structured $110,000 working capital based on their $180,000 monthly revenue. Payments aligned with adjusted freight payment timing.
The Result
Fuel coverage maintained. Driver payroll never missed. Fleet kept running through payment term transition. New shipper now represents 40% of revenue.
“When our biggest shipper went to 60-day terms, we had a 30-day gap. Working capital bridged us through. Never missed a fuel fill or paycheck.”
Trucking Working Capital Data
Industry benchmarks for trucking working capital needs.
Working Capital Advantages for Trucking
Why carriers choose working capital loans.
Fuel Coverage
Keep trucks fueled regardless of payment timing.
Driver Retention
Never miss payroll. Retain good drivers.
Equipment Repairs
Fix breakdowns immediately. No delayed repairs.
No Shipper Notification
Unlike factoring, shippers are not notified.
Speed
Get capital when you need it for operations.
Growth Support
Add capacity without cash flow stress.