How is the amount decided for a fleet?
Funders size revenue-based financing mainly on recent monthly deposits and how consistent they are. They also consider time in business, credit, low-balance days and existing payments. Requirements vary by product and funder. A fleet hauling for many shippers on predictable lanes usually receives stronger offers than one whose deposits jump with a single broker's payment timing.
Because deposits drive the offer, bank statement quality matters:
- Deposit all freight revenue into one business account
- Keep overdrafts and returned payments rare
- Explain one-time deposits, like an equipment sale, that are not freight revenue
- Note seasonal patterns, such as produce or holiday peaks
How are payments structured?
Some agreements use a fixed daily or weekly debit, and some use a percentage of revenue so payments move with deposits. The agreement states the amount received, the total repaid and how payments are calculated. For a fleet, check how the payment behaves during a storm week or a port backup, not just an average week.
Ask each funder whether the payment is fixed or adjusts, how adjustments are reviewed, what happens if a payment is returned and whether there is any benefit for early repayment.
Which fleets are a good fit?
Revenue-based financing tends to fit established fleets with strong, steady deposits and a clear use that protects or adds revenue: carrying a new lane through its first payment cycles, or bridging a known disruption. It fits poorly for fleets with thin margins, falling revenue or existing payments that already squeeze cash, because another debit adds pressure.
- Better fit: a dedicated dry van fleet with consistent weekly customer payments. See dedicated vs. spot freight cash flow.
- Better fit: a last-mile fleet with steady contract billing. See last-mile delivery fleets.
- Weaker fit: a fleet whose lanes lose money on each run.
- Weaker fit: buying long-lived equipment. Use equipment financing.
How is it different from a loan?
A traditional loan charges interest on a balance over time. Revenue-based financing is often structured as a purchase of future revenue or a fixed repayment amount agreed up front, and its cost is usually shown as total payback rather than an interest rate. That makes direct comparison harder, so compare total dollars repaid.
Put every offer into three numbers: what you receive, what you repay in total and over how long. Include any term loan or line of credit offers in the same comparison.
What does it cost, honestly?
Cost varies by funder, term, payment frequency and your fleet's profile, and it is typically higher than bank financing because it relies less on collateral and moves faster. Weigh the total repayment against what the money does. If it lets you keep a profitable lane running, the cost may be justified. If it only delays a shortfall, it adds to the problem.
Before borrowing against a lane's revenue, review whether that lane actually makes money. See East Coast lane economics for fleets.
How I-95 Funding helps fleets compare
I-95 Funding helps fleets get funded through our funding partners. We match your deposits and needs with funders offering revenue-based programs, then explain each offer's amount, total repayment, payment method and term in plain terms. If a line of credit or term loan would serve your fleet better, we will tell you.
Some approvals come within a day or two, depending on documents. You can decline any offer. Start your application or read how it works.
Frequently asked questions
Do payments drop when freight is slow?
It depends on the structure. Percentage-based agreements may adjust as deposits fall, though review processes vary. Fixed daily or weekly debits stay the same regardless of freight volume. Ask which structure an offer uses and read the adjustment terms.
Can a fleet with existing funding get revenue-based financing?
Sometimes. Funders check whether deposits can support another payment. If current payments already strain cash, adding another usually makes it harder, and it may be better to ask about lowering your current payment or stretching the term.
Does revenue-based financing require collateral?
It is usually not tied to a specific asset like a truck or chassis. Most agreements still include a personal guarantee or similar owner commitment, and many funders file a general lien on business assets. Read the agreement carefully.
Is it better than freight factoring?
They work differently. Revenue-based financing is sized to your total deposits and does not involve your customers. Freight factoring is an alternative some owners compare, tied to specific invoices. Compare total cost and how each fits your customer relationships.
How fast can it be funded?
It is often among the faster options because it relies mainly on bank statements and basic business details. Some approvals come within a day or two, depending on documents. Missing statement pages and unexplained deposits cause most delays.
See what your freight deposits can support
Apply once and compare revenue-based options from our funding partners side by side.
Updated September 14, 2026 · I-95 Funding Team