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Speed is critical in freight. So it’s always struck me as odd that while a shipment can move across the country overnight, internal operations still struggle to keep up.

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Documents arrive in dozens of formats. Rate confirmations get buried in inboxes. Routine updates require back-and-forth emails or manual checks across systems. These aren’t one-off problems—they’re everyday delays that add friction to the work of moving freight.

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We’ve seen how AI can make a meaningful difference—not by automating everything, but by eliminating the bottlenecks that slow teams down. Below are four workflows where the right application of AI creates real momentum for brokers, carriers, and operations teams alike.

Transportation Management Systems (TMS) are at the heart of every freight broker’s tech stack. They help brokers streamline their operations, improve efficiency, and grow their brokerage. 

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But, not all TMS platforms are created equal. Some are made for specific freight sectors, while some offer a broader feature set for brokers who need to do it all. But with so many TMS options out there, there’s sure to be one that fits every broker’s needs. Say goodbye to manual spreadsheets and outdated systems and hello to a TMS transportation software that will help you scale. 

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Here, we break down some of the best TMS software for brokers, including their key features and the types of brokerages they best serve.

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.

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.

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.

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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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.

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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