Quick answer
Import & Export companies typically wait 60–120 days including transit. Trade-focused PO financing issues LCs or wires to foreign suppliers, then converts to AR financing on delivery.
Key takeaways
- Overseas suppliers want payment or letters of credit before goods ship, and transit adds weeks before you can invoice.
- Common uses: letters of credit, supplier wires, freight & duties, container volume.
- Funding usually arrives within 24–48 hours after setup.
Why is cash flow so tight in import & export?
Overseas suppliers want payment or letters of credit before goods ship, and transit adds weeks before you can invoice.
Payment terms of 60–120 days including transit are the norm, which means profitable companies can still run out of cash while waiting.
The fix: finance your receivables
Trade-focused PO financing issues LCs or wires to foreign suppliers, then converts to AR financing on delivery.
Because approval depends on your customers' credit, growing and younger import/export businesses can qualify.
What the funds are used for
Import & Export clients most often use funding for letters of credit, supplier wires, freight & duties, container volume.
Practical cash-flow habits
Invoice the same day work is completed, confirm the customer's approval process upfront, track days-sales-outstanding weekly and keep documentation (POs, delivery proof, timesheets) attached to every invoice — funders pay faster when files are complete.
Get a funding quote in 24 hours
Talk to a National Invoice Factoring specialist at (929) 658-8087 or apply online — no obligation.
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Written and reviewed by the National Invoice Factoring funding team — specialists in receivables and trade finance since 2009.
