A load advance (sometimes called a factoring advance) is the upfront payment you receive from a factoring company like eCapital when you sell an unpaid invoice (for a delivered load) to them. Instead of waiting for your customer or broker to pay - which can take weeks - you get most of the money right away.
Not every broker or shipper offers load advances, but that doesn’t have to slow you down. Through our exclusive factoring partner eCapital, you can receive a load advance before you get on the road, helping you buy fuel and cover key expenses so you can deliver your load on time.
Why would a business use a load advance?
A load advance helps trucking companies to:
💸 Boost cash flow immediately instead of waiting for slow-paying brokers.
🛠️ Cover operating expenses like fuel, repairs, payroll, and insurance.
📈 Grow or scale operations without taking on traditional debt.
Is a load advance the same as a loan?
No - a load advance is not a business loan. You’re selling an asset (the invoice) to the factoring company, not borrowing money against future earnings.
With a load advance:
There’s no debt to repay with interest.
Funding is based on the creditworthiness of your customer, not your business’s credit score.
What percentage of the invoice will I get upfront?
The exact percentage — also called the advance rate - varies depending on factors like customer credit profile and industry, but it typically ranges between 40-60% of the invoice value.
When do I get the rest of the money?
After your customer pays the invoice to eCapital, you’ll be paid the remaining balance minus any fees. The part held back until payment is received is called the reserve.
Are there fees?
Yes - factoring companies charge a factoring fee for advancing your funds and handling collections. This fee is typically a percentage of the invoice amount and is deducted before you receive the reserve.
How do I get started?
With our exclusive factoring partner, once you are a eCapital client you can request a load advance 6 days a week.