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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!

Joe Schulz Named Denim’s 2024 SmartBroker of the Year

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.

Financial

6 Smart Tax Deductions Every Trucking Company Should Know

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.

Celebrating Our Clients

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.

Driving Innovation with New Features

  • Express Factoring made its debut, allowing brokers and trucking companies to access payments in minutes—day or night—giving businesses unmatched flexibility. Learn more.
  • Brokers unlocked a new revenue stream with the ability to monetize QuickPay by adding a fee to carrier payments.
  • New flexible factoring options empower brokers and trucking companies to save on costs—offering additional discounts for clients who pay faster than N30. 

Seamless Integrations to Save Time

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.

A Milestone Year in Payments

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.

Recognition That Matters

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.

Taking the Stage at Manifest

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.

Bharath Krishnamoorthy presenting at Manifest
Bharath Krishnamoorthy presenting at Manifest.

Investing in Our Growth

To support our clients at scale, we raised an additional $63M warehouse facility to ensure fast and flexible funding. Read more.

Building Our Team and Culture

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.

Denim Team in Charleston for offsite.

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!

Market Trends

2024: A Year of Innovation, Growth, and Recognition at Denim

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:

  • Time Savings: Factoring loads now takes less than 5 minutes, down from 2–3 hours.
  • Avoided adding headcount while scaling: With only 5 employees, the team avoided hiring for 15 additional roles. Now, they’re focusing on hiring roles for business development, not manual data entry. 
  • Improved Carrier Payments and Revenue: With more reliable ACH payments and QuickPay options, they’re now generating revenue that offsets their factoring costs.
  • Faster Credit Approvals: New customer credit requests are now approved within hours, instead of days.

Encounter Logistics has overcome inefficiencies, strengthened carrier relationships, and positioned itself for sustainable growth with the help of Denim. 

About Encounter Logistics

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.

The problem: manual processes stifling growth 

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.

Choosing Denim

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.

The benefits of working with Denim 

Lean and streamlined operations

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.

Encounter Logistics Reduces Invoice Time by 91% and Scales without Adding Staff

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.

Key Benefits of the Integration:

  • Enhanced Risk Management: Streamline carrier vetting and minimize delays.
  • Faster Onboarding: Simplify processes to foster stronger relationships with carriers.
  • Improved Efficiency: Free up time by cutting down on repetitive tasks.
  • Build your QuickPay Program: Seamlessly import QuickPay elections from Highway to ensure carrier satisfaction and quick revenue realization. 

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.

Back-Office

Denim Partners with Highway to Streamline Carrier Data Management

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!).

Manifest 2025

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.

3PL Summit 2025

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.

Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS)

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.

TIA 2025 Capital Ideas Conference

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!

Broker Carrier Summit

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.

TMSA 2025 Elevate Conference

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.

Bitfreighter Charity Golf Tournament

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!

McLeod Software User Conference

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. 

FreightFest

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.

Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) EDGE Conference

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.

DATCon

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!

Trimble Innovate User Conference 2025

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.

ATA Management Conference & Exhibition

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!

FreightWaves F3: Future of Freight Festival

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. 

Accelerate! Conference & Expo

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.

Market Trends

Must-Attend Freight Conferences and Trade Shows for 2025

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.

Slow and steady growth expected

"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.

Flexibility will define success

"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.

Fraud prevention is the key to a trust based freight market

“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.

AI takes the wheel: the rise of intelligent freight solutions

"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.

Preparing for “carrier revenge” in a shifting freight market

"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.

Mid-Sized 3PLs are poised to outpace industry giants

"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.

Freight costs set to rise amid uncertainty

"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.

Climbing out of the freight recession in 2025

"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.

Rising costs ahead for fresh produce and tech

"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.

Optimistic growth and tech-driven efficiency in 2025

"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.

Freight brokers going multi-product

"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.

Policy shifts and consumer demand will shape freight recovery

"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.

Set yourself up for success in 2025

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.

Market Trends

2025 freight predictions: perspectives from 10 industry leaders

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.

Continuous innovation that makes a difference

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.

Real results that matter

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.

Fostering better relationships in freight

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.

Looking ahead

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.

Denim celebrates $2 billion in payments processed—what this milestone means for the freight community

Freight brokers now have access to faster payments with Express Factoring, Denim’s latest service providing near-instant cash flow. Advances are in your bank account within minutes* of job submission, removing the hassle of traditional cut-off times or ACH windows. Whether you or your contractors need quick access to funds, Express Factoring ensures immediate payment processing, any time of day.

Sometimes, waiting for payments isn’t an option. Express Factoring gives brokers and fleets more flexibility and control over their finances while helping them build stronger relationships with carriers. By offering even faster service than your standard QuickPay options, you can stand out to top-tier carriers and position yourself as a preferred partner. Additionally, Express Factoring opens up opportunities to monetize quicker payments, allowing brokers to provide same-day or next-day cash flow as a premium service.

Getting started with Express Factoring is simple. Clients can set their advances to default to Express Factoring or manage contractor payment settings in Denim. Once approved, payments are transferred within minutes, keeping your cash flow in sync with your operational needs.

“Our goal with Express Factoring is to give brokers more control over their cash flow, because timing is everything. Freight brokers and carriers need flexibility in today’s fast-paced market, and this feature offers just that,” says Bharath Krishnamoorthy, CEO and Co-Founder of Denim. “It’s another step in Denim’s mission to help businesses thrive by getting paid faster.”

Express Factoring is now available to eligible clients. If you’d like to learn more or see if it’s the right fit for your operations, contact our team for more details.

*Subject to destination bank limitations and account restrictions.

Introducing Express Factoring: New Feature for Faster Payments, Anytime