Debt Recovery · Transport & Logistics
Recover unpaid freight invoices, storage fees and owner-operator pay.
Transport and logistics businesses operate on thin margins and long payment terms — a handful of unpaid freight invoices can put an owner-operator out of business. Shipper insolvencies, freight rate disputes, and demurrage claims withheld without documentation are common across the industry. Recovia's recovery team understands freight contracts, carrier liability terms, and how to pursue a transport debt without losing the lane.
Industry challenges
Why Transport & Logistics businesses struggle to collect.
Freight rate disputes
Shippers dispute the agreed rate after delivery — claiming fuel surcharges weren't agreed, rates were superseded by a verbal negotiation, or the load was mis-described. The freight contract and proof of delivery are critical.
Damage claim offsets
Shippers use unresolved cargo damage claims as a set-off against freight invoices, even when the damage claim is unsubstantiated. We separate the freight entitlement from the damage dispute and pursue each on its own merits.
Shipper insolvency
When a key shipper enters administration, outstanding freight invoices become unsecured creditor claims. Early placement and PPSR registration can improve your position before the administration is complete.
Owner-operator payment
Owner-operators working for freight aggregators or brokers are particularly exposed to non-payment — they've delivered the service, but the intermediary hasn't been paid by the shipper or isn't passing payment on.
How Recovia helps
Recovery built for Transport & Logistics.
Freight contract review
We review your consignment notes, rate agreements, and proof of delivery before first contact — identifying the strongest basis for the claim and anticipating the debtor's likely objection.
Damage claim separation
Where a debtor uses a cargo damage claim to offset a freight invoice, we prepare a structured response separating the two — pursuing the freight entitlement while putting the damage claim on its own timeline.
Owner-operator support
We work directly with owner-operators to recover freight pay from aggregators and brokers. If you've delivered and haven't been paid, place the invoice with us.
Demurrage and storage recovery
Demurrage and storage charges are frequently disputed on technicalities. We pursue them with the contract and notifications trail and recover what the contract entitles you to.
No win, no fee
Commission-only on recovery. Transport businesses pay nothing upfront — you keep the margin on the delivered service, we recover the invoice.
Portfolio placement
Multiple accounts? Upload them as a single CSV. We prioritise by balance and age and report recovery status per account.
FAQ
Common questions about Transport & Logistics debt recovery.
Can you recover freight invoices where the shipper is disputing the rate?
Yes. Rate disputes are the most common reason freight invoices go unpaid. We review your consignment note, rate agreement, and proof of delivery, and pursue the documented rate. If there's genuine ambiguity in the agreement, we advise on a negotiated resolution.
What if the debtor is using a cargo damage claim as a set-off?
We separate the freight entitlement from the damage dispute. You're entitled to your freight revenue regardless of a damage claim — the damage claim is a separate matter to be resolved on its own merits.
Do you help owner-operators?
Yes. Owner-operators are among the most underserved businesses when it comes to invoice recovery. We accept individual freight invoice placements and charge commission only on what we recover.
How long does it take to recover a freight invoice?
Undisputed freight invoices with a clear proof of delivery typically recover within 21–35 days of first contact. Disputed invoices can take 45–90 days depending on the complexity of the dispute.
Ready to recover your transport & logistics debts?
Commission-only, no upfront cost, and a team that understands your industry. Place your accounts today.