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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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”.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Learn more about how Denim determines your factoring rate, and plug in your details to our freight factoring calculator here.
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.
Unlike traditional factoring companies riddled with hidden fees and complex terms that keep brokers in the dark, Denim provides:
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.
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Denim is excited to announce Joe Schulz, founder and president of Schulz Logistics, as the 2024 SmartBroker of the Year! Now in its third year, this award celebrates freight brokers who go above and beyond—innovating, adapting, and making a real difference in the logistics industry.
Joe’s story is nothing short of inspiring. In 2016, he started Schulz Logistics with just one employee and a simple mission: build a brokerage that avoided the mistakes he’d seen firsthand while working as a dispatcher for his father’s trucking company. Fast forward eight years, and Schulz Logistics is thriving. With 13 employees, nearly 20,000 loads moved, and over $52 million in revenue this year, Joe has turned his vision into reality.
But it’s not just the numbers that make Joe stand out. He’s in the office daily, working side-by-side with his team—teaching, problem-solving, and helping his brokers grow. Joe is always on the lookout for ways to serve his customers better, whether that’s consulting on new lane strategies or embracing cutting-edge AI tools to make operations smoother.
Schulz Logistics operates with a fully integrated technology stack, incorporating tools like a TMS from McLeod, appointment scheduling via Qued, pricing optimization through GreenScreens, communication tracking with Chaine, capacity management powered by Parade, and freight tracking using Trucker Tools. This seamless integration of advanced technologies has allowed Schulz Logistics to automate everything from bid management to carrier communication, proving that staying ahead of the curve is all about staying open to change.
"It feels great to be recognized for doing things differently. Schulz Logistics was built on honesty, transparency, and a commitment to helping our carriers and customers succeed. The SmartBroker of the Year Award validates that our approach works,” said Joe Schulz, Founder and CEO of Schulz Logistics
The SmartBroker of the Year Award continues to showcase outstanding freight brokers in the industry. This year’s finalists demonstrated impressive achievements and forward-thinking strategies that are helping redefine the future of logistics:
To Joe, the finalists, and everyone who continues to push the logistics industry forward—congratulations! Denim is honored to celebrate your hard work, creativity, and leadership.
Ready to join the ranks of SmartBroker, let Denim help with cash flow and back-office automation. Get started today!
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.
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.
This year marked the continuation—and hopefully the end—of the freight recession. The typical freight recession lasts 10 months; however, we are on month 34, making this the worst in history. Yet, even in challenging times, opportunities emerge.
2024 was a year of resilience and growth for Denim. Despite headwinds, Denim doubled revenue, and our clients’ volumes grew by 65%. From launching impactful new features to celebrating milestones alongside our customers, this year was all about moving forward, together. Let’s take a look back.
This year, we honored Natalie Schick of Alliance Logistix as the SmartBroker of the Year, a testament to her forward-thinking approach and the impact of adopting the SmartBroker mentality. Read her story.
We introduced six new integrations, including new partnerships with carrier vetting platforms MyCarrierPortal and Highway. Brokers can now directly import carrier payment settings and details directly from MCP or Highway into Denim. The integration protects sensitive data and saves brokers significant time from duplicative data entry.
Additionally, we’ve also expanded our TMS integrations to include McLeod, Rose Rocket, TAI, Revenova, and Aljex. Explore the benefits.
We celebrated processing $2 billion in payments—a major achievement and a sign of the growing trust freight brokers and trucking companies place in our solutions. See how we got here.
This year, our innovation and culture earned industry-wide recognition. We secured a spot on the FreightTech 25 list, standing out as one of only two factoring companies included. At the same time, our strong culture and supportive team environment earned us recognition as a Most Loved Workplace, with features in Newsweek and inclusion in Forbes' Best Startup lists.
These accolades reflect not only the dedication of our team but also the trust and success of the customers we serve every day.
At the Manifest conference, Denim’s CEO Bharath Krishnamoorthy sparked conversations about the future of factoring—or as we call it, ‘Reclaiming the F Word.’ He takes attendees through the history of factoring and how Denim is reimagining for a different kind of freight broker - the SmartBroker. Watch the highlights.
To support our clients at scale, we raised an additional $63M warehouse facility to ensure fast and flexible funding. Read more.
This year, we brought our team together for not one but two offsites in Charleston and New Orleans, strengthening our connections and focus as we continue to grow.
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As we look back on 2024, we’re proud of how far we’ve come and excited for what’s ahead. Thank you to our clients, team, and partners who make this journey possible. Here’s to an even bigger 2025!
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Encounter Logistics was stuck in a back-office bottleneck. Factoring loads took hours, invoices were prone to errors, and weekly cash flow spikes left little room for growth or stability. The result? Frustrated carriers, strained resources, and an unsustainable system that kept the team buried in paperwork instead of building relationships.
Enter Denim. By automating processes and simplifying operations, Denim helped Encounter Logistics turn things around:
Encounter Logistics has overcome inefficiencies, strengthened carrier relationships, and positioned itself for sustainable growth with the help of Denim.
Founded in 2009, Encounter Logistics initially managed overflow for an asset carrier. By 2016, the company began operating independently, driven by the vision of principal partners Donald Browning and Paul Burton. Their dedication to building strong relationships and expanding the business laid a solid foundation for future growth.
In a strategic move to enhance efficiency, Justin Sowa joined the team to optimize computer systems and workflows, embracing a technology-forward approach. Last year Tom Burke joined as the Director of HR and Compliance. With a lifetime of experience in the HR field, Tom brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team. By 2024, Encounter Logistics had evolved into a full-fledged 3PL provider.
Guided by core values of passion, proactivity, and personability, Encounter Logistics fosters deep, family-like relationships with its carriers, proudly referring to them as their “lifeblood.” With a private carrier network and a steadfast commitment to innovation, the company skillfully balances traditional values with modern, forward-thinking solutions.
Encounter Logistics faced severe inefficiencies in their back-office operations. Each load required extensive manual paperwork, from scanning and uploading documents to combining files into PDFs and re-entering data into their previous factor’s portal. This repetitive process often took 2–3 hours per load and was prone to errors, including incorrect billing amounts that led to rejected invoices and the need to rebill customers.
The workload left little time for strategic tasks or relationship-building with carriers and customers. Payment delays caused frustration, with carriers frequently following up about lost or late checks. As Justin put it, “We had a racecar engine in a Pinto,” underscoring the gap between their potential and the limitations of their outdated systems.
Encounter Logistics needed a streamlined solution to reduce errors, speed up payments, and free their team to focus on more meaningful tasks.
When their previous factoring company refused to support an integration, Encounter Logistics turned to Tai Software for advice and was introduced to Denim. From the start, Denim’s team, led by Dan Igoe, provided hands-on support, carefully explaining their offerings and managing the transition seamlessly.
“Switching factoring companies is a big decision, but Denim made it smooth,” Justin shared. Within just 10 days of signing, Encounter Logistics was fully operational with Denim, a contrast to the slow communication they experienced with their old factor.
Denim’s proactive approach and seamless integration with Tai proved to be the right fit, giving Encounter Logistics the efficiency and automation they needed to scale.
Denim and Tai Software have improved Encounter Logistics’ back-office efficiency, providing dual benefits of saving time on invoicing and reducing the need for additional staff. Factoring, which previously took hours, now takes less than five minutes per load - a 91% increase in efficiency. After reviewing invoice details in Tai, the team simply clicks “factor,” and Denim handles the rest, including document verification, invoicing, and carrier payments.
This streamlined process has significantly reduced errors while freeing up the team to focus on meaningful work.
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Carrier relationships are the cornerstone of success for brokers. Onboarding new carriers and collecting sensitive details like banking information is a critical first step. It sets the tone for a strong, long-term partnership. Highway and Denim have joined forces to simplify this process, making it easier for brokers to build efficient, lasting relationships.
For brokers onboarding 20 or more carriers weekly, the process of creating profiles and transferring details manually is overwhelming.This integration eliminates the hassle by syncing Highway’s carrier data with Denim’s platform instantly. Payment details and factoring assignments are imported automatically, ensuring your records stay accurate and up-to-date.
Samantha Weiss of Cake Freight shared, “The Highway and Denim integration saves us 2 hours a week on manual data entry and bookkeeping.”
Highway is a leading technology provider specializing in Carrier Identity™ solutions, helping freight brokers reduce fraud and streamline the digital booking process. By automating compliance, Highway enables brokers to quickly and securely identify the right carrier for every load, ensuring their network is built with speed and trust.
“This partnership with Denim highlights Highway’s commitment to simplifying and securing freight transactions,” said Michael Caney, Chief Commercial Officer at Highway. “By integrating with Denim’s platform, we’re bringing new levels of efficiency and control to brokers while giving them the ability to onboard carriers with speed and confidence.”
This collaboration highlights the power of technology that can drive better outcomes for brokers, carriers, and their clients alike. Smart integrations like this empower brokers to confidently meet today's demands while preparing themselves for future opportunities.
“Partnerships and innovation can simplify the most tedious parts of running a freight brokerage,” said Denim CEO, Bharath Krishnamoorthy. “By integrating with Highway, we’re helping brokers stay agile and focused on relationships instead of getting bogged down by back-office tasks.”
If you are ready to streamline your carrier onboarding with Denim and Highway, talk to one of our experts to get started today.
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Staying ahead in the freight industry means keeping up with the latest trends and technologies—and there’s no better way to do that than by attending industry conferences and events. 2025 is packed with can’t-miss opportunities for brokers and fleets to learn, connect, and grow. Here’s our curated list of top transportation and logistics events (and a few where you might even spot us!).
Date: February 10–12, 2025
Location: The Venetian, Las Vegas, NV
Manifest is the premier industry event that unites innovators in end-to-end supply chain and logistics. The gathering features everyone from Fortune 500 global supply chain executives to startup logistics service providers. Attendees can expect unprecedented access to the people and technologies that are changing the way the world moves.
Denim is excited to attend Manifest 2025! Stop by Booth 1036 to meet the team, or schedule a time to chat with us during the event.
Date: February 26, 2025
Location: Virtual (FreightWaves TV)
The FreightWaves 3PL Summit is a virtual event dedicated to addressing the challenges and opportunities in the third-party logistics industry. Featuring expert speakers and insightful sessions, it covers market trends, technology, and strategies for success.
Attendees can gain actionable insights into improving operational efficiency and building competitive advantages, all from the convenience of their office. The event is perfect for 3PL professionals looking to stay informed and connected.
Date: March 27–29, 2025
Location: Louisville, KY
Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) is the largest trucking trade show in the United States, featuring over 1,000 exhibitors and numerous educational sessions. Discover the latest trucking equipment, services, and industry trends while networking with trucking professionals from around the country.
Date: April 9–12, 2025
Location: JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country, San Antonio, TX
The TIA Capital Ideas Conference & Exhibition is a meeting for third-party logistics providers. It's a once-a-year opportunity to interact with representatives from throughout North America and abroad. At TIA, attendees can engage with 3PL representatives and decision-makers, participate in educational sessions, and connect with top suppliers in the 3PL realm.
We’re excited to attend the TIA 2025 Conference. We can't wait to see you there!
Date: April 29–May 1, 2025
Location: Crowne Plaza Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN
The Broker Carrier Summit is a dynamic event designed to bridge the gap between freight brokers and carriers, fostering stronger partnerships and improving communication. This two-day event offers educational sessions, panel discussions, and hands-on workshops tailored to address the challenges brokers and carriers face in today’s ever-changing logistics environment.
Date: June 8–10, 2025
Location: Royal Sonesta Stephen F. Austin Hotel, Austin, TX
Organized by the Transportation Marketing & Sales Association, Elevate is tailored for professionals in transportation and logistics marketing and sales. The event focuses on innovative strategies, branding, and customer engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights into building stronger customer relationships and improving ROI on marketing and sales efforts.
Denim will be attending Elevate and we can’t wait to meet more transportation and logistics professionals.
Date: July 2025 (Exact date TBD)
Location: Nashville, TN
The annual Bitfreighter Charity Golf Tournament brings together logistics and technology professionals for a day of networking and philanthropy. Proceeds benefit industry-related charitable causes. At the event, attendees combine business networking with a meaningful cause while enjoying a relaxed, fun atmosphere on the golf course.
Denim will be participating in the 2025 Bitfreighter Charity Golf Tournament. Here’s to good golf and an even better cause!
Date: September 21–23, 2025
Location: Denver, CO
McLeod’s annual conference connects over 70 transportation technology vendors so attendees can gain valuable insights on products and services that can benefit their business. Experience cutting-edge technology, new integrations, and more. Plus, attendees have the chance to win some exciting prizes!
Our team will be representing Denim at the McLeod Software User Conference. Stop by booth to say hi.
Date: September 25–28, 2025
Location: Houston, TX
FreightFest is an annual conference that brings together entrepreneurs in transportation and logistics. It offers educational sessions on everything from last mile delivery to heavy hauling to running a freight brokerage. FreightFest is a must-attend event for those seeking to grow their network and stay ahead in a competitive market.
Date: October 5–8, 2025
Location: National Harbor, Maryland
CSCMP EDGE is one of the largest supply chain management conferences in the world, featuring more than 100 sessions and an exhibit hall showcasing innovations in the supply chain. Stay ahead of trends with presentations from top supply chain leaders and network with professionals from around the globe.
We’re so excited to attend CSCMP EDGE in 2025.
Date: October 2025 (Exact date TBD)
Location: Kansas City, MO
Hosted by DAT Freight & Analytics, DATCon focuses on the latest in freight analytics, TMS integrations, and marketplace trends. Attendees will gain a deep understanding of freight trends and tools to optimize their logistics operations.
Denim will be in attendance at DATCon 2025. Come say hi at our booth!
Date: October 14–17, 2025
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Innovate 2025 User Conference is where local, state, DOTs, federal and private sector organizations from across the globe go to learn, grow and connect. Previous agendas included a broad range of sessions, exhibits, training, and networking opportunities.
Date: October 25–28, 2025
Location: San Diego, CA
Organized by the American Trucking Associations, the ATA Management Conference & Exhibition is one of the most important events of the year for trucking industry leaders. It features policy discussions, educational sessions, and exhibits showcasing the latest products and services.
We can’t wait to visit sunny San Diego and meet fellow trucking leaders. Come stop by our booth!
Date: November 4–6, 2025
Location: Chattanooga, TN
FreightWaves F3 focuses on technology and innovation in freight and offers immersive demos, networking opportunities, and thought-provoking discussions. The event brings together freight and technology companies from across the country to talk innovation and supply chain. Explore cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of freight, from AI to blockchain.
Date: November 3–6, 2025
Location: Dallas, TX
The Women in Trucking Accelerate! Conference & Expo promotes gender diversity and empowerment in the transportation and logistics industry and features keynote speakers, workshops, and an extensive expo. The event highlights the achievements and opportunities for women in trucking.
Attendees will have access to over 70 educational sessions that feature more than 100 thought leaders and subject matter experts. The event focuses on six educational areas: leadership, professional development, HR/talent management, operations, sales & marketing, and professional drivers.
There are so many informative events happening in 2025 in the trucking and logistics industry that you really can’t go wrong, no matter which ones you choose to attend. Here’s to a successful year of networking, learning, and innovations. We'd love to meet up - take a look at events Denim is attending near you.
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The freight industry is no stranger to challenges, but 2025 promises to be a year of steady transformation. From the rise of automation and AI to shifts in market dynamics and a renewed focus on collaboration, industry leaders are looking ahead with cautious optimism.
We’ve gathered insights from some of the most influential voices in freight to understand what lies ahead. Their predictions touch on technology, market trends, and strategies that will shape the future of the industry. Let’s explore what’s next for freight in 2025.
"I don’t foresee massive overnight gains, but over the next 12-18 months, we’ll see incremental changes that add up," explains Chris Jolly, Founder of the Freight Coach. "Companies will likely invest in automation to stay lean and offer more competitive pricing."
The 2025 freight market is shaping up to mirror 2024 with gradual rate increases rather than dramatic shifts. By adopting automation and focusing on operational efficiency, companies aim to manage costs while remaining competitive. This steady approach could pave the way for sustained growth over the long term.
"The freight industry in 2025 won’t be about who’s the biggest—it’ll be about who’s the most adaptable," says Bharath "B" Krishnamoorthy, CEO of Denim. "Brokers and fleets that embrace flexibility in operations, financing, and partnerships will be the ones that thrive."
As market dynamics continue to shift, companies that prioritize flexible solutions—whether through innovative technology, tailored financing options, or strategic collaborations—will stand out. Denim’s focus remains on empowering brokers and fleets to navigate challenges with agility, setting them up for sustained growth in an evolving industry.
“Companies that fail to prioritize fraud prevention will not only face increased financial and reputational risks but will also struggle to compete in a market where trust is everything. Elimination fraud is the foundation that makes the rest of the broker’s tech stack effective. Without a tool like Highway, inefficiencies grow at an exponential rate throughout the rest of the tech stack. You can’t automate bad data,” says Michael Caney, Chief Commercial Officer at Highway.
Caney’s perspective underscores a critical point for the future of freight. Fraud prevention is more than a safeguard; it is the cornerstone of operational efficiency and trust in the market. Without addressing fraud at its core, brokers risk inefficiencies that ripple through their entire operation, undermining even the most advanced technology.
"By 2025, artificial intelligence will be the backbone of freight optimization," says Dale Prax, President and CEO of Direct Expedite. "From predictive load matching to automating routine tasks, AI will redefine how freight moves by making every step of the supply chain smarter and faster."
AI's integration will streamline operations, allowing brokers and fleets to operate more efficiently while reducing costs. Expect to see advanced machine learning models analyzing massive datasets in real-time, enabling better decision-making, mitigating risks, and driving unprecedented levels of productivity across the industry.
"As operational costs climb and carriers face unsustainable pressures, brokers must brace for a market shift that puts carriers in the driver’s seat," explains Alex Schick, CEO of Alliance Logistix. "Strengthening relationships with trusted partners is no longer optional—it’s essential to weather the coming changes."
The freight market is on the cusp of a significant supply and demand shift. Rising trucking rates, coupled with strained carrier sustainability, could lead to a dynamic where carriers reclaim leverage in negotiations. Brokers who invest in long-term partnerships and adapt their strategies during this bid cycle will be better positioned to navigate these changes while remaining competitive.
"Smaller to mid-sized 3PLs are taking market share from the top 5-10 brokers because shippers want consistency," explains Chris Brewer, CEO of River City Logistics. "They want the same account manager handling their business, not a revolving door of reps at larger operations."
Over the past two years, the shift in shipper priorities highlights the growing demand for reliable, personalized service. Mid-sized 3PLs, with their focus on consistency and strong client relationships, are increasingly outpacing larger brokers that struggle to deliver the same level of individualized care. As a result, these agile players are redefining the competitive dynamics of the freight industry.
"Predicting the future is tricky with so many global variables at play, but one thing seems clear: US freight costs will rise in 2025," says Mike Hane, Director of Product Marketing, Transportation Management Solutions at Descartes. "Spot rates are already trending upward as consumer demand grows."
While black swan events like geopolitical conflicts, natural disasters, or pandemics remain unpredictable, the freight market is already showing signs of increased costs. Factors like regulatory changes and shifting consumer demand could moderate these trends, but businesses should prepare for higher expenses as the industry navigates an evolving global landscape.
"I think we’re all optimistic that 2025 will be a climb out of the freight recession," shares Walter "Mitch" Mitchell, CEO at Tai Software. "It’s been a tough time for the industry, and a shift toward prosperity would be welcome by all."
As the freight market transitions to recovery, technology will play a pivotal role. The continued maturity of AI in processes and workflows is set to enhance operations, delivering meaningful value to teams and driving efficiency across organizations. These advancements could help turn optimism into tangible growth in the year ahead.
"In 2025, we’ll see substantial cost increases for fresh produce and imported technology, with most of those costs being passed on to consumers," predicts Max Leach, Strategic Account Manager at Port TMS.
Economic pressures and supply chain challenges are expected to drive up prices for key goods, particularly fresh produce and tech imports. These increases will ripple through the supply chain, ultimately impacting consumer spending and influencing market trends across industries. Preparing for these cost hikes will be essential for businesses and consumers alike.
"Barring any major geopolitical or economic disruptions, we’re cautiously optimistic about 4%-6% growth in trucking freight demand and revenue next year," says JJ Singh, CEO of EKA TMS.
2025 is expected to bring significant advancements in AI and workflow automation, transforming carrier and broker operations and boosting back-office efficiency. Near real-time reporting and business intelligence tools will also become more widely adopted, improving decision-making across the board.
The focus will be on three key priorities: providing customers with value to seize opportunities in an improving market, scaling investments for growth across business segments, and driving long-term returns for shareholders. These strategies position the industry for steady progress in the year ahead.
"Leading SMB freight brokers will introduce new products for carriers and shippers in 2025. We’ve heard a bit of it this year and I think next year we will see SMB brokers expand beyond freight into offering carrier services, warehousing, financial products and more. These SmartBrokers will be ahead of the pack." says Sean Smith, VP of Product and Client Services at Denim.
Freight brokers build very powerful and expansive distribution channels to offer a number of solutions for carriers and shippers. Especially as the market turns to the carriers favor, brokers who prioritize deepening these relationships will be set up for success.
"I believe the freight market will recover significantly in 2025, with the first quarter showing the strongest activity," predicts Thomas Werdine, Founder of ThinkFreight. "This will be driven by potential policy changes, such as new tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada, which could lead to a rush in imports as companies work to front-load inventory. The January 15 ILA strike deadline will also play a major role, causing a surge in freight volumes before the strike and creating bottlenecks afterward that will increase rates."
Thomas’ prediction highlights a freight market ready for recovery but shaped by complex forces. Tariff changes and the looming ILA strike could create bottlenecks and rate surges, while consumer sentiment will be crucial in sustaining demand throughout the year.
The freight industry might bring its share of surprises in 2025, but one thing is clear: steady cash flow and smart financial management are key to growth. Whether you’re looking to invest in automation, adjust to market shifts, or strengthen your operations, having a strong financial foundation is critical.
Let’s make 2025 your best year yet. Get started with Denim today and see how our solutions can help your business thrive.
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Denim hit a major milestone this quarter: over $2 billion in payments processed for brokers, shippers, and carriers across the country. With hundreds of broker and fleet customers trusting Denim, this milestone isn’t just a number; it’s a symbol of Denim’s commitment to making the freight industry’s cash flow smoother and faster.
Denim’s mission has always been to support freight businesses by getting money moving faster and removing roadblocks in day-to-day operations. And with this $2 billion mark, it’s clear that Denim is helping to create real change in the industry.
This past year, we didn’t just sit around—we kept pushing forward and made real progress. Denim’s team has rolled out over 574 individual improvements to the platform and joined forces with 6 new integration partners to make the platform even more powerful for our customers. We know the freight industry faces unique challenges, so every enhancement we’ve made is designed to save time, cut down on manual tasks, and put brokers in control of their finances.
So what does Denim’s impact look like on the ground? Here’s how Denim is making a difference for brokers and carriers every day:
Faster payments: Denim customers see payments come in faster, with an average Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) of 30 days—10 days quicker than the industry average. That’s money they can reinvest in their businesses right away.
Extra revenue from QuickPay: Denim’s QuickPay feature has always been free to use, and now it’s even more powerful. Customers can now import carrier QuickPay preferences directly from vetting programs like MCP and Highway, making it simple to set up and manage fee programs tailored to their needs. Since its launch just a few months ago, QuickPay has already helped Denim customers generate an additional $75,000 in revenue.
Growing while the industry shrinks: Despite the worst freight recession in history, Denim’s customers have seen a 65% volume increase in the last year. We’re helping our customers stay strong and competitive regardless of market conditions.
Beyond the numbers, Denim has become a trusted partner in building stronger connections within the logistics community. Our platform equips brokers with the tools to pay carriers on time, a crucial factor in maintaining positive, long-term relationships. For fleets, Denim simplifies and streamlines back-office processes—handling invoicing, payment tracking, and paperwork—so they can dedicate more energy to what truly drives growth: building strong relationships with shippers. By reducing the day-to-day administrative burden, Denim allows brokers and fleets to focus on service quality and expansion while we ensure cash flow remains steady and operations run smoothly.
This $1 billion milestone is only the beginning. Our vision for the future is to create a more connected, efficient freight industry where financial operations don’t hold brokers back but push them forward. With more tools and integrations on the way, we’re excited to keep empowering brokers and carriers to thrive.
“Reaching this milestone shows just how much of a difference we’re making for our customers. Our mission is simple: help brokers and carriers succeed, no matter the market. And we’re just getting started,” said Bharath Krishnamoorthy, Denim CEO.
With an eye on the future, we will keep driving innovation to help the freight industry succeed, one milestone at a time.
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