Transport Invoice Template

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Table of contents

If you own a trucking company, you need to familiarize yourself with the transport invoice template. You must ensure that your goods are delivered on time and the carrier invoice includes the full payment process.

A trucking invoice will make it easier for you to keep track of your cash flow and the payments due from your customers. And for your invoice to include all of the essential details, you may want to use a template.

Why a Trucking Company Should Use Trucking Invoice Templates

As a trucking company owner, you can easily write your carrier invoices. However, considering that you will likely have many clients to bill, it might be better for you to use an invoice template instead.

A trucking invoice template will already have all the boxes and information necessary for you to request a payment. For the most part, you will only need to add details such as the trucking company name, the invoice number, the client name, and some info about the cargo.

There are plenty of platforms such as Bonsai where you can get a free template whenever you have a payment due. If you already have Bonsai Cash, then you are free to download an invoice template whenever you need it.

Trucking Company Invoice Format

When sending out an invoice, you need to be careful about the format you choose. Here are the most common invoice types that a transportation business will use:

Standard Invoice

This is the usual type of invoice that you will see in the industry - whether you run a truck or a freight business. It simply lists how much the client owes you after you have provided your trucking services.

Recurring Invoice

A recurring invoice is used by trucking companies that take ongoing payments. This usually happens when the transportation services offer weekly or monthly subscriptions.

Prepayment Invoice

Prepayment invoices are used when the trucking company gets a deposit for the services before the final payment is collected.

Time-Based Invoice

Trucking companies may use a time-based invoice when billing trucking or freight customers for a specific amount of time. This is also frequently referred to as an hourly invoice.

Debit Invoice

The trucking business may issue a debit invoice if additional services are added to the proforma invoice.

Credit Invoice

If the client receives a discount, a rebate, or a refund, a truck or freight service can issue a credit invoice.

Mixed Invoice

Mixed invoices are common in the transportation industry, as they include both the charges and credit. This is a good option for companies that frequently offer discounts or extra services.

Steps that Help You Create a Transport Invoice Template

When you are writing down freight invoices, you can do it either in Google Sheets or Google Docs - although the latter is the most popular option. Once you download the invoice template, follow the steps below:

  1. Add your trucking company name and the date of the trucking invoice. This should be followed by the address and contact information.
  2. On the right corner of the carrier invoice, add the unique invoice number, and any other reference invoice numbers that you may need.
  3. Enter the client's name, along with their address.
  4. Add a description of the services provided and the goods. Make sure to add the correct quantities.
  5. Add the payment terms.
  6. Add any potential comments in regard to the delivery or special services.

Each invoice must be customized based on the client and the services provided by the trucking business. Look for someone that offers you unlimited invoices to work with. Hello Bonsai can help you in this regard.

Tips for Sending Professional Invoices

When filling out a trucking invoice template, you must be very careful about the information you add there. As the owner, manager, or deliveryman of a trucking company, here is what you need to do invoice clients:

Always Add the Due Date

No matter if you will be asking for the final invoice at a later day or if you just completed the delivery, you need to add a "payment due" date to the invoice. This will indicate that you expect the client to make a payment, without seeming too aggressive about it.

List Delivery Dates

Delivery dates should also be on the invoice, even if the delivery is at a different date than the invoice. Make sure to add other details on the invoice template, such as the person of contact or potential unloading instructions.

Always Add Details

When it comes to invoices, it's all about the details. Are you carrying hazardous materials that need extra care? Or perhaps the client needs a specific method of shipping. Make sure that your customer understands everything that is required for the shipment to happen.

Include Multiple Accepted Payment Methods

Nowadays, clients like diversity when it comes to payments. Cash is not the only option. They may want to pay online, with card payment upon arrival, or through a bank transfer - to or from a Bonsai account, for example. Make sure you add multiple options there to cater to your customers' needs.

Add Custom Information

Every trucking company is different, both in terms of goods and services. For example, if you had to transport the cargo to another country, you should add the fees that you had to pay at customs and borders.

Follow Up When Necessary

If your client is late with their payment, you should not be shy about calling or emailing for a follow-up. Be polite and friendly as you remind them of it. Chances are that they simply forgot, and they will appreciate you for reminding them.

The Bottom Line

If you own a trucking company or just write invoices for them, it's important to know how to add the essential information into a template. Everything should be there whether it's your business name, the client name, or details regarding the delivery. This will eliminate potential confusion when payday comes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about this template.

How do I create an invoice for transportation?

Customize Bonsai's free transport invoice template and add your business information, client details, logo, contact information, invoice number, issue date, due date, and payment details.

How do you write a trucking invoice?

In a trucking invoice document, write down a unique invoice number, company details like name/address, date of the invoice, services delivered, payment details, amount of the services that need to be paid, and contact info.

What is a transport invoice?

When you are contracted to deliver or transport goods, you'll need to invoice your clients. An invoice is a legally enforceable receipt of the terms/conditions, payment information used to request payment from clients or customers.