As someone running a trucking company, you’re fully aware that time is of the essence when doing business. Your priority is ensuring goods are delivered on time and in excellent condition. After all, logistics is your area of expertise. Unfortunately, you’ll also need to do administrative tasks like invoicing. But why waste time creating invoices from scratch when you can opt for a convenient and easy-to-use trucking company invoice template?
This guide will discuss creating a trucking invoice template for your trucking company. With this template, you can spend time making sure your clients’ precious cargo is delivered at the exact time and not have to worry about invoicing again!
What is a Trucking Invoice Used For?
A trucking invoice is a document companies use to bill their clients for services rendered. This could include transportation of goods, storage fees, or other trucking services the company may offer. A trucking invoice will feature a list of items and services the trucking company has provided, along with the corresponding cost for each.
With this document, trucking companies can provide their clients with a clear and concise breakdown of the services rendered and the total amount owed. This will help avoid confusion or misunderstanding between the trucking company and its client. Furthermore, a trucking invoice can also be used as a legal document should any disputes arise in the future.
How To Create a Trucking Invoice
Creating a trucking invoice requires you to determine the type of invoice you will make, among other considerations. However, to create a simple invoice for your trucking company, you should start with a blank slate.
Some might suggest downloading a template online; however, you won’t be able to tailor it to your trucking company’s specific needs. The only upside to downloading a free template is that it is convenient. However, if you create one from scratch, you can use personalized templates unique to your trucking company.
When creating a trucking invoice from scratch, you’ll need to include the following:
- Company assets such as your trucking company’s logo, name, address, and contact information
- The client’s name, address, and contact information
- A description of the services provided
- A unique invoice number
- The date that the services were rendered
- The total amount owed for the trucking services.
- Payment terms, such as payment method and other factors such as late payment penalties
- Policy and legal information
- Notes or a personal line, if any.
This information should be included on all trucking invoices, regardless of the type of trucking company you run.
- To create a trucking invoice, open a blank Microsoft Word document, Google Doc, or whatever platform you prefer.
- Then, add your trucking company’s name, address, and contact information in the header.
- Next, add the client’s name, address, and contact information below your trucking company’s.
- After that, begin adding a description of the services provided. Again, include as much detail as possible to avoid any confusion.
- Then, add the date that the services were rendered.
- Finally, include the total amount that your clients owe you for the trucking services. Also add your trucking company’s policy and legal information.
- If you have additional notes for the client, include them at the bottom of the trucking invoice.
And that’s it! You’ve now created a trucking invoice from scratch. Remember that while platforms such as Google Docs or Microsoft Word are great, they don’t offer customization and convenience capabilities as a platform like ReliaBills (more on us later).
Types of Invoice Templates for Trucking Companies
Choose the best invoice template for your specific trucking company or needs. That way, you will know how to format your custom invoice to suit whatever trucking services you provide.
- Standard trucking invoice template: Perfect for trucking companies that provide transportation services and nothing else. This type of invoice will feature a list of services provided, as well as the corresponding cost for each.
- Storage trucking invoice template: Ideal for trucking companies that offer storage services in addition to transportation. This type of invoice will feature a list of services provided, as well as the corresponding cost for each.
- Combined trucking invoice template: Best for trucking companies that offer transportation and storage services. This type of invoice will feature a list of services provided, as well as the corresponding cost for each.
- Special cargo: For trucking companies that specialize in transporting special cargo, this type of invoice will feature a list of services provided, as well as the corresponding cost for each.
- Crossing borders: Trucking companies that often transport goods across borders will need this type of invoice, which features a list of services provided, as well as the corresponding cost for each.
- Time-sensitive shipments: This invoice is perfect for trucking companies transporting time-sensitive shipments. It features a list of services provided, as well as the corresponding cost for each.
While there are many trucking invoice templates, these are some of the most popular ones.
Why Trucking Companies Should Send Invoices
Whether you’re a trucking company specializing in transportation, storage, or both, sending invoices to your clients is important. Not only does this help ensure you get paid for your services, but it also cultivates transparency and trust between company and client.
There are a few key things to keep in mind regarding trucking invoices.
- Make sure that your trucking invoices are clear and easy to understand. The last thing you want is your clients to be confused about what they’re being charged for.
- Include as much detail as possible. Your customer will better understand your invoice if you can provide the right amount of information to it. It will also help prevent unnecessary misunderstandings down the road.
- Be sure to include your trucking company’s policy and legal information. Doing so will protect you if something goes wrong.
At the end of the day, trucking invoices are a necessary part of running a trucking company. They help ensure that you get paid for the services you provide, and they help you build a strong relationship with your clients.
When is the Right Time To Send a Trucking Invoice?
Ideally, you should send a trucking invoice as soon as the job is completed. This way, you won’t have to deal with confusion regarding what was done and when, and you can avoid any delays in getting paid.
Of course, there are exceptions to the rule. For example, if you’re working with a large client with many invoices to process, it’s understandable if they need a little more time. However, in this case, sending your invoice is best as soon as you have all the necessary information.
In addition, if you’re working with a new client, it’s always a good idea to send an invoice sooner rather than later. This will help build trust and ensure they’re comfortable working with you.
The bottom line is that trucking invoices should be sent as soon as the job is completed. But if you’re ever in doubt, it’s best to be cautious and send your invoice as soon as possible.
Why Choose ReliaBills When Making Trucking Invoices?
Creating a trucking invoice from scratch can be time-consuming, so trucking companies should use a custom-made invoice template. This template will help save time and ensure that invoices are accurate and professional-looking.
There are many trucking invoice templates, but we highly recommend you create one for your company using ReliaBills. That way, you can guarantee that your trucking invoices are customized specifically for your needs.
ReliaBills is an invoicing and payment processing system that lets you create invoice templates from scratch. With its array of tools and features, you’ll be able to create both professional-looking and accurate invoices.
With ReliaBills, invoicing and payment processing can be done all in one place, which is extremely convenient. You can also opt to structure your payment processing in the most convenient way possible. ReliaBills lets you create a recurring billing system for your trucking company so you can get paid on time.
What’s more, ReliaBills is available for FREE—with a small $24.95 per month fee if you want to upgrade to ReliaBills PLUS (our premium version). So you can try it out now and see how easy it is to use. Click here to create your account today!
Wrapping Up
Creating the right invoice for your trucking company is crucial to getting paid on time. Using a trucking invoice template can save time and ensure that your invoices are accurate. If you’re looking for an easy-to-use trucking invoice template, we recommend using ReliaBills. With its many features and tools, you’ll be able to create professional-looking and accurate invoices. Get started today!