Growth in trucking doesn’t just depend on revenue—it hinges on cashflow. For companies in the 10-to-25 truck range, managing cashflow is often the biggest barrier to scaling successfully.
So how do the top trucking fleets manage their cashflows? They plan for it. They track it. And they treat it as a strategic priority rather than as an accounting function.
Start with visibility. If you’re not already reviewing your profit and loss statements monthly, now’s the time. Break down your costs by category: fuel, maintenance, insurance, payroll, tolls, and permits.
Compare those numbers against your revenue per mile. Are your most expensive lanes also your most profitable? Are you factoring in deadhead miles? Knowing your true margins is the first step to controlling cashflow.
Many fleets run into trouble because they’re waiting too long to get paid. Reduce your days sales outstanding (DSO) by tightening your billing process. Invoice quickly, follow up consistently, and offer digital payment options when possible
For some growing fleets, factoring may be a short-term solution, but be cautious of high fees and make sure you’re not creating long-term dependency.
Breakdowns, weather delays, and unexpected repairs are part of the business. Build a rolling reserve fund into your budget so those events don’t drain your day-to-day operations. Use telematics and maintenance tracking to help predict and prevent costly failures.
Unexpected claims can cause major cashflow disruptions. That’s why insurance should be part of your cashflow strategy—not just a checkbox. Work with a partner who understands transportation and can help you manage deductibles, reduce exposure, and prepare for scalable options as your business matures.
The top fleets do more than just manage their finances—they streamline them. Even for smaller operations, there are affordable platforms that make a big difference: QuickBooks, Rigbooks, and fleet card systems all help with budgeting, payroll, and expense tracking.
The key is to pick tools that integrate with your workflow—and stick with them.
Expanding your fleet is about more than buying trucks—it’s about building a business that can sustain itself. Managing cashflow with intention is how the top trucking fleets stay ahead.
At Joe Morten & Son, Inc., we help our clients see the big picture when it comes to financial protection and business strategy. Reach out if you’re ready to grow with confidence.
Note: These lists are not intended to be all-inclusive.
This material is intended to be a broad overview of the subject matter and is provided for informational purposes only. Joe Morten & Son, Inc. does not provide legal advice to its insureds or other parties, nor does it advise insureds or other parties on employment-related issues, therefore the subject matter is not intended to serve as legal or employment advice for any issue(s) that may arise in the operations of its insureds or other parties. Legal advice should always be sought from legal counsel. Joe Morten & Son, Inc. shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss, action, or inaction alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the information contained herein. Reprinted with permission from Great West Casualty Company.