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Last year, we compiled end-of-year freight and logistics industry predictions. Our expert contributors offered insights that proved to be quite accurate.

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In 2023, the freight market faced its share of challenges. We observed a sluggish market, an uptick in acquisitions and bankruptcies, and a strong push toward more efficient operations.

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Now, what's in store for 2024? The experts are ready to share their forecasts, and if history is any guide, you’ll want to pay attention.

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Back with a fresh set of predictions, our panel of industry veterans is armed with years of experience and an understanding of the nuances of the supply chain.

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These professionals shed light on potential technological impacts, market shifts, and emerging trends. Read on to discover the key predictions for 2024 and how they might shape the landscape of freight and logistics.

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1. The next freight cycle will start with another external shock from the broader economy in late 2024 or early 2025

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“The freight markets are now 22 months into the freight recession. While truck capacity is returning to balance with more normal load volumes, a truly balanced and healthy market doesn't seem to be around the corner. I don't see many green shoots in the broader economy. 

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Freight cycles are hard to predict, and many start with a sudden shock to networks from the broader economy. We'll likely see another shock to the system (hopefully not as severe as a pandemic) that will kick off the next bull market. Hopefully this will happen in the back half of 2024. Fingers crossed.”

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Kevin Hill

Owner of Brush Pass Research 

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2. Shippers will go back to the basics.

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“In my business, I have never been asked what my tech stack looks like by any of my shipper customers. I truly feel that automation is a great tool to utilize as long as there is core fundamental training behind the broker using the software. You cannot automate bad training, and I truly feel that shippers are returning to the basics of service & execution.”

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Chris Jolly

Founder of Freight Coach 

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3. There will be a shift in how visibility and connection are thought of. 

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“In recent years, visibility has meant tracking. Connection has been transactional. Whether the connection is powering payment, tracking, or load tender and acceptance, it has been a bottoms-up transaction driven mostly by technology companies promulgating their specific solution. 

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2024 will see growing demand from shippers, brokers, and carriers for true trusted connections starting at the top of the value chain that brings together multiple parties operating in historically disparate digital environments. When we think about verified identity, rates, location + movement, risk management instruments, and settlements, those will still exist with separate vendors but streamlined in a connected ecosystem. This ecosystem we are building simultaneously pulls risk from any company's balance sheet and increases the speed of trade across many players dealing in the truckload sector.”

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Michael Caney

Chief Commercial Officer at Highway

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4. Shippers will award lanes to brokerages offering customized solutions with value-adds.

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“In 2024, shippers are expected to increasingly award lanes to freight brokerages that provide customized logistics solutions and significant value-added services. This shift is driven by the need for more adaptive and strategic supply chain management. Brokerages that excel in offering tailored services, such as advanced route analytics, real-time tracking, and sustainability initiatives, will stand out. This trend highlights a transition from transactional relationships to collaborative partnerships, where the ability to offer personalized, data-driven solutions is key to securing and maintaining business relationships with shippers.”

Lexi Farris 

Sr. Sales Manager at Denim 

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5. The truckload market will likely stay stressed until Q3 2024, but there could be a boost in Q2 due to increased demand during produce season.

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“In 2023, approximately 88,000 carriers ceased operations, along with the closure of around 8,000 brokerages. Even as volumes tend to be higher than pre-pandemic levels, they cannot sustain the continued glute of capacity. The challenges posed by double brokering and freight fraud have undoubtedly contributed to the prevailing market conditions. As more carriers and brokers either shut down or have their authority revoked, a gradual reduction in overcapacity within the market is anticipated.

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While it's unlikely that we'll experience a significant increase in Q1, given that it is traditionally a slower period after the holiday rush, I anticipate encountering some resistance, with tender rejections possibly rising at a higher percentage as we enter the Q2 produce season. The challenges in the industry are expected to persist into 2024, making it a demanding year.”

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Thomas Werdine

Founder at ThinkFreight

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6. The Fed will lower rates, leading to an increase in freight volumes.

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“Many analysts predict the Fed will lower interest rates around May 2024. 

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My guess is this provides a short-term boost to the housing market because many of the potential buyers sitting on the sidelines will try to buy at once. Thus, more freight will be moved for things like renovations & new construction. The darker side is that the prices of single-family homes will shoot up.” 

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Travis Vaught

Demand Generation Manager at Denim

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7. Challenging freight market conditions will continue for most of 2024, increasing business risk for both Fleet and Broker businesses. However, many growth opportunities will still exist for a Smart Fleet or Broker business.

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“As the freight market comes out of the doldrums, shippers may pay higher prices to ship their Freight later in 2024. Expect the next stage of the freight cycle to be harder on freight brokerages than shippers. Many shippers have started to prefer asset-based carriers in their routing guides, which has meant lost volume for brokers. Lower volumes mean lower margins for brokers. Consequently, many brokers with freight committed to contract rates will see their margins squeezed.”

JJ Singh

CEO of EKA Solutions, Inc. 

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8. In the next five years, innovation will be led by SmartBrokers, combining deep industry relationships with cutting-edge third-party technology.

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“Over the past five years, venture-backed digital brokerages like Convoy and Uber have set the pace for innovation in our industry. They’ve shown how technology can transform freight brokering, making it more efficient and transparent. However, the next phase of innovation will be dominated by SmartBrokers. These traditional brokers have deep-rooted industry connections and are now integrating advanced third-party technologies into their operations. This blend of relationship-driven business and tech-savviness will define the future of freight, offering a more holistic, efficient, and customer-centric approach.”

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Bharath Krishnamoorthy

CEO and Co-Founder at Denim 

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9. The surviving carriers are going to largely “chase the money” around the country to survive as shippers continue to take advantage of lower-than-normal rates.

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"In light of the recent Panama Canal challenges, a stark contrast is evident: the LB/LA ports on the West Coast are witnessing historically high volumes while Houston and Atlanta experience lower volumes. This scenario fosters accelerated recessionary patterns in Houston and Atlanta, juxtaposed with stabilization or growth in the Southern California market. In response, surviving carriers will likely 'chase the money' across the country, adapting to these regional imbalances. Expect unusually rapid, region-specific shifts – both inflationary and deflationary – throughout the year, eventually leading to a general trend of nationwide inflation once the market corrects the current oversupply."

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Alex Schick

Co-Founder and COO at Alliance Logistix 

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10. Credit Crunch will continue for asset-lite businesses.  

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“We’ve seen several brokerages this past year get into trouble with Asset Based Lines of credit, and as brokerages continue to experience drops in volumes and in rates the temptation to use that capital to fund operations will continue to grow.  As interest rates remain at this high level, we will see brokerages turn to factoring as an added source of control and working capital.”

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Sean Smith 

VP of Product at Denim 

Facing 2024's Freight Challenges: Enhance Your Cash Flow with Flexible Factoring

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Navigating 2024’s market swings will require not just foresight but also flexibility. The insights from our experts paint a picture of a sector that's continually adapting to new challenges and opportunities. From technological advancements to economic shifts, staying ahead in the freight industry means being ready for anything.

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One key aspect of this readiness is financial stability, and that's where factoring comes into play. In a landscape where cash flow is king, factoring can be a game-changer for freight businesses, especially those looking to adapt to the dynamic market conditions we've discussed. Whether you're dealing with slow-paying clients or looking to expand your operations, factoring offers a reliable way to keep your finances in check.

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Are you curious about how factoring can benefit your business in 2024? Learn more about our flexible factoring solutions. Discover how you can transform your financial strategy to meet the challenges of 2024 and beyond.

Running a freight brokerage is no easy task, and managing your books is often one of the toughest parts. Between tracking payments, handling invoices, and staying on top of reserves, it can feel like your accounting team is always playing catch-up. But what if the problem isn’t just the workload—it’s the way things are being done?

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If your freight invoice bookkeeping processes feel overwhelming, here are five signs it’s time to rethink how you manage your books.

The freight brokerage industry is at a critical juncture. Over the past two years, the industry has lost 5,409 brokerages, with the total number of brokerages sitting at just 25,334 as of the end of 2024. While year-over-year declines are slowing, the lingering effects of these closures highlight the challenges brokers face, including fraud risks, inefficiencies, and volatile costs. To thrive in 2025, brokers must embrace smarter tools and streamlined processes.

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By adopting a unified strategy, brokers can address these challenges head-on. Advanced platforms for carrier vetting, pricing, automation, and communication offer more than just solutions—they provide the foundation for a more efficient, secure, and profitable brokerage. The choices brokers make now will determine their ability to succeed in the year ahead.

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1. Reduce risk of fraud with carrier vetting

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Carrier vetting is a cornerstone of operational success in 2025, offering brokers the protection and reliability they need to navigate a competitive and high-risk market. Evolving fraud tactics, such as double brokering and cargo theft, coupled with regulatory complexities, make a proactive vetting process essential. By ensuring their networks consist of legitimate, qualified carriers, brokers can safeguard their financial stability, maintain compliance, and build trust with customers.

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To minimize fraud and maintain compliance, brokers should implement a few key best practices:

1. Validate carrier operating authority and safety rating through the  FMCSA records.
2. Ensure the carrier has adequate insurance limits for the shipment they are hauling
3. Monitor carriers continuously for performance and compliance issues post-onboarding.
4. Utilize automated tools to flag inconsistencies and identify potential risks in real-time.

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Highway equips brokers with the tools to handle these challenges effectively. Its real-time fraud detection capabilities analyze critical data points such as lane preferences, equipment capabilities, and insurance verification, along with other key operational metrics. Automated checks identify red flags early, enabling brokers to make swift, data-driven decisions and maintain a reliable carrier network. With Highway, brokers gain the confidence and clarity needed to navigate an increasingly complex landscape while prioritizing operational integrity and client satisfaction.

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2. Optimize carrier networks with performance tracking

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Service quality will set brokers apart in 2025 as shippers demand reliability in a competitive market. To meet these expectations and grow margins, brokers need a data-driven approach to monitor carrier performance. Key metrics like on-time delivery, bounce rates, and shipment utilization provide the foundation for building a network of dependable carriers who align with shipper needs. 

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ISO supports brokers with tools that provide deep insights into carrier performance. From tracking bad bounce rates and the associated costs to analyzing shipment utilization, ISO’s comprehensive scorecards and analytics help brokers pinpoint strengths and address risks. With ISO, brokers can proactively optimize their networks, ensuring they deliver consistent, reliable service while building trust with clients.

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By adopting a service-first approach powered by ISO, brokers can improve efficiency, strengthen shipper relationships, and position themselves for long-term success in a competitive market.

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3. Save time on AP and AR with freight factoring 

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Accounts payable and receivable are some of the biggest time wasters for freight brokers, with 78% saying their business would be more successful if they spent less time managing these tasks. Endless spreadsheets, manual follow-ups, and payment tracking often take brokers away from what matters most—building customer relationships and driving growth.

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Denim’s factoring solution combines flexibility and automation to simplify cash flow management. Brokers can choose which loads to factor and set customized payment terms, ensuring capital is used only when needed. Automated invoicing sends bills as soon as proof of delivery is received, speeding up cash flow and preventing delays. The contractor portal keeps carriers informed with real-time payment updates, significantly reducing inquiries and allowing brokers to maintain positive relationships.

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By integrating powerful tools like QuickPay management and advanced reporting capabilities, Denim helps brokers shift their focus from back-office tasks to growth. With automation driving efficiency, brokers can achieve operational excellence while delivering the reliability their shippers and carriers expect.
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Spend less time on payments and more time on profits.

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4. Boost profitability with AI-powered dynamic pricing

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Effective pricing requires more than just knowing market rates—it’s about building a strategic process that balances profitability with competitive offerings. To stay ahead in 2025, brokers need to anticipate market shifts, analyze lane performance, and implement standardized pricing strategies that align with their goals. Best practices like leveraging dynamic pricing tools, monitoring market benchmarks, and setting custom pricing rules for specific shippers or conditions ensure pricing accuracy and maximize margins.

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With Greenscreens’ dynamic pricing technology, brokers gain real-time insights and tools to adapt to changing market conditions. Features like customizable pricing rules allow brokers to respond to events like weather disruptions or adjust rates for specific shippers. By standardizing pricing processes and leveraging AI-powered data, brokers can improve profitability, reduce errors, and build trust with shippers—all while staying competitive in an ever-evolving freight market.

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Running a successful fleet requires more than just keeping trucks on the road, without appropriate accounting practices many operations will struggle. For established fleet owners, outdated bookkeeping practices can hurt profitability, complicate compliance, and stall your growth. Below we’ll cover seven strategies to improve and refine your financial operations, backed by industry insights and modern tools.

We’re only a month or so in and 2025 has already had its fair share of adversity for freight brokers and trucking companies. In addition to economic, political, and environmental factors that we’re predicting will impact brokers in 2025, relationships are also determining whether brokers survive the squeeze or thrive this year. 

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One of those key relationships is the relationship you have with carriers. With talk of carrier revenge and an impending power shift, it’s more important than ever to build strong carrier relationships. Let’s look at why these relationships matter, how you can become carriers’ broker of choice, and how financial partners like Denim can help.

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Why strong carrier relationships are essential in 2025

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There’s no shortage of challenges for brokers, including rising carrier costs and stagnant shipper budgets. However, successful brokers don’t let these factors hold them back and in fact, they use the motivation to invest even more in building strong relationships with their carriers. 

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Here are just a few reasons why having strong carrier relationships can help turn challenges into opportunities. 

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Consistency for shippers

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One key advantage of prioritizing carrier relationships is the ability to provide consistent service for shippers. When brokers maintain reliable partnerships with carriers, they can promise steady capacity and predictable delivery times. This reliability not only strengthens the broker’s reputation but also builds trust with shippers, positioning them as a dependable solution in a volatile market.

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Access to reliable capacity

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Your brokerage is only as good as the loads it can carry and strong carrier relationships open the door to accessing reliable capacity. Carriers are more likely to prioritize brokers who value and respect their contributions, especially during high-demand periods or when capacity is tight.

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Enhanced trust

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Being known as a broker who values and supports carriers boosts your reputation, making it easier to build new relationships and retain existing ones.

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Looking to build a trusting relationship between your brokerage and its carriers? Two words: timely payments. Carriers depend on predictable cash flow to manage their operations. Brokers who demonstrate financial reliability by paying on time—or even early—send a powerful message that they are trustworthy partners. Timely payments are the key to successful long-term collaboration. 

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Win carriers over with these strategies

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The freight industry of 2025 is not for the faint of heart, but brokers who adopt the right strategies can position themselves as the go-to partners for carriers. Here are some actionable ways to stand out and build lasting partnerships.

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1. Prioritize clear and transparent communication

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Clear communication is the foundation of any successful relationship, and it’s especially critical in the world of freight brokers. Providing carriers with key information, such as load requirements, payment terms, and performance expectations, helps eliminate misunderstandings and reduce friction between both parties. 

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By using technology to streamline communication, brokers can communicate clearly with their carriers so they feel informed and valued every step of the way.

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2. Always pay on time (or early)

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Nothing erodes trust faster than late payments. Carriers rely on steady cash flow to cover expenses like fuel, maintenance, and payroll. Brokers who pay on time—or better yet, early—signal that they respect the carrier’s business and are committed to supporting their success. 

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Offering expedited payment options, such as QuickPay, demonstrates a willingness to go the extra mile. Denim’s flexible factoring solutions make it easy for brokers to process prompt payments, helping to solidify their reputation as reliable partners.

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3. Add value beyond loads

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Brokers who position themselves as business advisors, rather than mere intermediaries, have a significant advantage when it comes to being a carrier’s preferred partner. Providing carriers with access to resources like factoring companies, fuel cards, and insurance providers shows that you’re invested in their long-term success. 

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Sharing financial insights or strategies to improve profitability can also help strengthen the partnership you have with your carriers. When carriers view you as a valuable resource, they’re more likely to prioritize your loads over those of other brokers.

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4. Simplify processes with technology

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Time is a precious commodity for carriers, and time-consuming processes can be a major pain point. By leveraging technology like transportation management systems (TMS) and automation tools, brokers can reduce administrative burdens for carriers. Simplified workflows, efficient load booking, and easy access to payment tracking make the carrier experience seamless and stress-free. 

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When working with you feels effortless, carriers are more likely to choose you time and again.

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5. Show consistency and reliability

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Consistency and dependability are essential traits for brokers who want to stand out. When you make a promise to a carrier, whether it’s about payment, load details, or scheduling, keep it. Over time, these small acts of reliability build a strong foundation of trust. 

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For example, we helped Running Ox Logistics “cement” their carrier relationships by helping them QuickPay carriers and also alleviate a lot of their operational headaches. With increased efficiencies, they were able to continue their unmatched commitment to service.

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6. Reward loyalty and foster respect

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Carriers appreciate recognition for their hard work and loyalty and because of this, brokers who go beyond transactional relationships to create meaningful connections can differentiate themselves. Implementing loyalty programs, offering perks for repeat partnerships, or simply expressing appreciation can go a long way. 

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Additionally, treating carriers as equal business partners fosters mutual respect. When carriers feel valued and respected, they’re more inclined to prioritize your business over others.

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How Denim supports brokers in building strong carrier relationships

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Building strong relationships with carriers takes a lot of time and effort, but you’re not alone. As a leader in freight factoring, Denim can help you build and maintain these relationships using tools and solutions designed to simplify broker operations. 

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• Denim’s flexible payment options eliminate the uncertainty of delayed payments, giving carriers the confidence that their hard work will be rewarded on time. 
• The platform also reduces administrative burdens through automation and integrations, allowing brokers to focus on fostering relationships rather than managing paperwork. 

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By helping brokers focus on financial reliability and operational efficiency, Denim helps them stand out as trusted partners in the freight industry and build strong carrier relationships. 

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Be your carriers’ broker of choice in 2025

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Despite all the challenges of 2025, the new year also presents an opportunity for brokers to rise above the competition by focusing on carrier relationships. By prioritizing clear communication, timely payments, and mutual respect, brokers can position themselves as the carrier’s broker of choice. Building strong, strategic relationships with carriers creates consistency for shippers, fosters trust, and lays the groundwork for long-term success.

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Ready to strengthen your carrier relationships and stand out in 2025? Discover how Denim’s tools and expertise can help you build trust, streamline your processes, and create lasting partnerships. Let’s grow your brokerage together—Get started today!

Another year, another incredible Manifest in the books!

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Manifest: The Future of Logistics is where supply chain and logistics leaders come together to shape the future of freight. Industry innovators, investors, and technology providers gather to discuss emerging trends, connect with decision-makers, and discover solutions that drive efficiency and profitability. It’s not just about where the industry is today—it’s about where it’s headed next.

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For the past two years, we’ve taken the stage to challenge the status quo.  In 2023, we talked about why SmartBrokers will win the future of freight. Last year, we reimagined factoring as the strategic advantage for SmartBrokers. This year, we took the Innovation Stage to spotlight a critical issue in freight: how transactional relationships quietly drain profits and efficiency.

SmartBrokers know that prioritizing carrier relationships isn’t just about service—it’s a competitive advantage. The best brokers are turning their carrier partnerships into profit centers, creating sustainable revenue streams while strengthening their networks.

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If you missed our session at Manifest: Future of Logistics 2025, here’s a recap of the key takeaways to keep you ahead of the curve.

Why one-and-done carrier relationships cost you

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Focusing only on the next load keeps you in a costly cycle. Constantly chasing new carriers means more churn, more risk, and less stability—all eating into your margins.

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Denim’s data shows the average carrier relationship lasts just five loads. If you move 6,000 loads a year, that means working with 800 different carriers annually. Every time you start over, you spend valuable time and money vetting, onboarding, and ensuring compliance—resources that could go toward strengthening customer relationships and securing better freight.

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Long-term carrier partnerships change the game. Reliable carriers book more loads, prioritize your freight, and communicate proactively—reducing uncertainty and improving service. Strong relationships don’t just boost your margins; they make your business more resilient.

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Your carriers are more than a resource—they're your competitive edge. When they thrive, so do you.

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New revenue streams that strengthen carrier loyalty

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The freight market may be stabilizing, but carriers are feeling the squeeze. Operating costs have hit a 16-year high of $2.270 per mile—putting immense pressure on their bottom line. In this environment, great carriers aren’t just looking for loads. They’re looking for brokers who help them stay profitable.

QuickPay has rapidly become the preferred method for how to pay carriers, making it a required payment option for brokers across the country. With this rise in popularity, many brokers have noticed the challenges of QuickPay with traditional factoring companies, including high fees, data security risks, and frustrating manual processes. Brokers using these traditional companies can quickly be bogged down by the fees and new operational needs.

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That’s where Denim’s QuickPay shines - by changing a mundane and cumbersome process into a strategic business advantage. Whether you're looking to improve cash flow or create a new source of income, this article will show you how Denim is the best QuickPay provider for brokers.

Freight brokers have long followed real-time accounting practices borrowed from other industries, meticulously tracking every single line item for each load. While this may be considered a best practice, it’s not well-suited to the high-volume nature of freight brokering—especially when factoring is part of the equation.

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For every brokered load, traditional accounting requires logging receivables, advances, reserves, carrier payments, and more—quickly adding up to thousands of entries. It’s time-consuming, tedious, and often unnecessary.

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There’s a better way: batch entry accounting. Instead of logging each transaction, you can group them at the entry type. For example, brokers can consolidate advances receivable from Denim into one entry. This simplifies the process and gives you a clearer view of cash flow. Batch processing saves time and reduces complexity.

If you’re wondering how factoring companies determine their rates, don’t worry, you’re not alone. While almost 60% of freight brokers use freight factoring, the lack of transparency around how their rates are determined can be confusing and frustrating.
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While many factoring companies will try and hide this info, in this article we’ll break down some of the most important components used to calculate your base rate, like client payment terms, load volume, and carrier payment schedules. 

We believe every broker deserves complete clarity on how their factoring rates are determined, so they can choose the right partner based on their current business needs. 

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Why Transparency in Factoring Rates Matters

Most brokers have almost no information on how factoring rates are determined, but not for lack of trying. It can be like pulling teeth to try and find out what affects your rates from a traditional factoring company.

These unclear pricing policies restrict brokers, making it more difficult to price their services, negotiate rates, and set terms for clients. Let alone comparing one factor to another!

With a better understanding of which parts of your business impact your rates, brokers can make better-informed decisions. For example, a broker might offer favorable payment terms to an important shipper, without realizing this will hurt the rates they receive from their factoring company. 

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The 3 Components That Determine Your Factoring Rate

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There are three components that have the biggest impact on your base factoring rate: Your client payment terms, load volume, and business history. This base rate is used as a baseline to determine your overall factoring rate.

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Client Payment Terms and History

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Did you know that your client’s payment behavior can impact your base factoring rate? This is one of those often hidden metrics that can confuse brokers when comparing factoring rates.

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Your client payment terms are the number of days your client has to pay an invoice - such as Net-30, Net-60, or Net-90. These terms generally align with the amount of time it takes for your clients to pay invoices, known as “Days to Pay”.

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A shorter Days to Pay history for your clients will improve the rates you’ll be offered from a factoring company. Brokers with Net-30 terms and a history of clients paying within 30 days will receive the best rates from factoring companies.

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When clients pay invoices quickly, the risk for the factoring company is reduced, allowing them to offer better rates. If your clients historically pay your invoices on time or early, but your clients have Net-90 terms, you’ll still likely get a worse rate than another broker with Net-30 terms. 

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Load Volume

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The next component that helps determine a broker’s rates is their load volume - higher and steadier load volumes demonstrate predictable revenue, which can work in your favor as a broker. 

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Brokers with consistently high load volumes will receive better rates from factoring companies than those with fewer loads or less consistency. When brokers have higher load volumes that are consistent, their business is seen as more reliable and safer than those with less volume. Predictable revenue streams give your factoring company a more accurate risk assessment when determining rates, which can help them offer you lower rates.

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Business History

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The last major impact on your factoring rates is your business history as a broker. This is closely tied to your credit history and broker credit score, as well as other business history such as:

• Years in operation
• Historical payment performance (e.g. paying invoices on time, not missing payments)
• Overall business stability and/or growth
• Industry reputation 

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Businesses that are well established, have years of positive credit history, and a proven track record with lenders and vendors are far more likely to receive favorable payment terms. 

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Flexibility Beyond the Base Rate

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We understand that your business needs can change over time (sometimes overnight!) which is why we give you control after your base rate has been determined.

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Denim’s flexible factoring lets brokers choose the timing of invoice advances, saving on fees while also maintaining the flexibility to receive advances within minutes when cash flow gets tight.

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Brokers can also set carrier payment schedules, based on your needs and the needs of your carrier, providing flexibility and corresponding rate adjustments as needed.

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Learn more about how Denim determines your factoring rate, and plug in your details to our freight factoring calculator here.

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How Denim Stands Out

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We’ve built our factoring services from the ground up to focus specifically on the needs of brokers like you, with a dedication to transparency and flexibility that helps you get paid faster, reduce back-office stress, and put control back in your hands.

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Unlike traditional factoring companies riddled with hidden fees and complex terms that keep brokers in the dark, Denim provides:

• A transparent process for determining your base factoring rate, with no frustrating hidden fees or surprise charges.
• Clear rate calculations based on your needs for faster advances, carrier payment schedules, larger advances, and more.
• Built-in tools and resources to help you manage and optimize your cash flow.
• The flexibility for every broker to adjust your rates based on your unique business needs.

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With the tools and insights brokers need to make informed decisions, Denim’s flexible approach ensures you’re never locked into a one-size-fits-all solution.

Managing the financial side of a trucking company or brokerage can be overwhelming. If invoicing delays, reconciliation headaches, or frequent accounting errors are becoming the norm, your bookkeeping processes could be slowing you down. Outdated accounting methods create unnecessary roadblocks—but modernizing your approach can make a big difference.

Batch entry, a proven method used in high-volume industries like retail and banking, can streamline your workflow and improve accuracy. Making the switch to batch entry doesn't need to be complicated. It can be done in four easy steps.

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Tax season doesn’t have to be stressful. For trucking companies, managing rising expenses—like fuel costs—can feel overwhelming. With federal fuel taxes at 24.4¢ per gallon of diesel and 18.4¢ per gallon of gasoline, plus state averages of 34.7¢ for diesel and 32.4¢ for gasoline (as of January 2024), every penny counts.

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The good news? Smart tax planning can help you keep more cash in your business. This guide breaks down six tax deductions that could make a real difference in your bottom line.

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The freight industry is no stranger to unpredictability. Even though some experts expected the market to rebound as we entered 2024, we’re instead seeing that volatility may be the new normal. The saying that “the only constant is change” holds true, especially for freight brokers and fleet owners. 

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Because of this volatility, financial flexibility is more important than ever. Without keeping your capital flexible, even the most efficient fleets or brokerages may struggle to keep up with the competition. The ability to adapt, optimize cash flow, and reduce costs is the key to survival in this dynamic environment. 

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Through our suite of flexible freight factoring solutions — including Selective Factoring, Flex Factoring, Express Factoring, and QuickPay — we offer freight brokers and fleets the tools they need to maintain control over their finances so they can respond quickly to changing conditions. Even if you haven’t considered factoring in the past, now might be the time. 

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Let’s look at the factoring solutions we provide in more detail. 

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Selective Factoring – empowering choice in a dynamic market

Selective Factoring allows freight brokers and fleets to choose which loads they want to factor, giving them the flexibility to manage cash flow on their own terms. 

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Unlike traditional freight factoring, where businesses are often forced to factor every load, Denim’s Selective Factoring provides the freedom to decide which loads to factor depending on what makes the most sense for your business.

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For example, a freight broker might choose to factor high-value or slow-paying loads to ensure immediate cash flow while managing the rest independently. This not only helps optimize cash flow but also enables brokerages to maintain independence and control over their financial strategy.

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The key benefit of Selective Factoring is its versatility. Brokers and fleets can use capital when they need it, without the pressure to factor every transaction. This balance of predictability and flexibility helps businesses stay agile, even in the face of market fluctuations.

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Flexible Factoring – Optimize Costs on Your Schedule

Denim’s Flexible Factoring goes far beyond just providing capital—it allows businesses to save significant money with the combination of adjusting payment schedules and shippers who pay fast.

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By choosing when to pay contractors or when to receive payments, brokers and fleets can benefit from discounted fees. The longer payments are delayed, the lower the fee, meaning costs can be reduced without sacrificing operational efficiency.

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Flexible Factoring is especially beneficial for companies that work with shippers who consistently pay faster than 30 days. With Flexible Factoring, the faster the payment is received, the lower the fee, allowing companies to save even more money while maintaining cash flow.

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For example, a broker may delay an advance to a contractor for a few days, choosing to lower their fees by strategically managing their cash flow. In addition, they might have shippers who pay earlier than expected, further reducing costs. Flexible Factoring provides unmatched flexibility, helping businesses optimize their capital use while reducing fees.

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Express Factoring – immediate access to capital

Sometimes, waiting for payments isn’t an option. Freight brokers and fleet owners often face immediate expenses, such as fuel costs, payroll, and maintenance, that need to be covered quickly. 

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Denim’s Express Factoring addresses this by providing access to funds within minutes of submitting a job. Unlike other freight broker factoring services that may have cut-off times or delays due to bank processing, Express Factoring provides near immediate funding.

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Maybe a broker needs to cover urgent operational expenses but is waiting for payment. With Express Factoring, they can submit their job and receive an advance almost instantly, without worrying about ACH windows or other delays. 

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This immediate access to capital can be a game-changer for brokerages facing tight deadlines or unexpected costs, ensuring that cash flow is never an obstacle when keeping their business running. 

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QuickPay – unlock a new revenue stream

Denim’s QuickPay service offers freight brokers a unique opportunity not only to expedite payments to carriers, but also generate additional income. QuickPay allows brokers to charge a fee for speeding up payments to carriers, and best of all, they can keep 100% of the fee.

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Implementing QuickPay creates a new revenue stream for brokers while providing carriers with the benefit of faster payments. A broker can charge a QuickPay fee to expedite a carrier’s payment, and the fee collected becomes an additional source of income for the broker. In a competitive market, QuickPay can help position brokers as a reliable partner who can provide timely payments when needed. This also helps strengthen carrier relationships. 

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By offering faster payment options to carriers, brokers can increase their earnings while providing a valuable service to their partners, strengthening relationships and driving long-term business success.

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Take control of your financial future with Denim

Denim’s flexible freight factoring solutions for trucking companies are designed with one goal in mind: to help freight brokers and fleet owners thrive in a constantly changing market. Each solution—Selective Factoring, Flex Factoring, Express Factoring, and QuickPay—offers factoring benefits that can be tailored to fit the unique needs of your business. Whether you need immediate capital, want to reduce costs, or are looking to create new revenue streams, Denim provides the tools to make it happen.

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In today’s unpredictable market, financial flexibility is not just an advantage—it’s a necessity. Discover how Denim’s flexible factoring solutions can support your business by scheduling a demo today. We’ll help you build a financial strategy that keeps you competitive, agile, and thriving, no matter the market conditions.

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