93% of Truckers Want Instant Pay, Exposing a Supply Chain Weak Spot

The financial stability of the nation’s supply chain hinges on its fleet drivers, making the high turnover rate in this critical sector a pressing concern for financial services providers and logistics companies.

It’s been in the news lately as Visa has introduced new digital wallet options for fleet drivers and managers to streamline payments. Delays in payment receipt frequently strain truckers’ finances, as they often bear out-of-pocket expenses for maintenance and fuel, underscoring a vital opportunity for innovative payment solutions.

A new report, “Generation Instant: How Truckers Use Instant Payments to Support Their Lifestyles,” a collaboration between PYMNTS Intelligence and Ingo Payments, details the ways real-time payment methods are transforming the financial landscape for truck drivers. The study highlights that instant payments offer a viable solution to the financial challenges truckers face, potentially reducing the industry’s high turnover rates. These payment methods are particularly appealing due to their speed and the ease of remote fund access, enabling drivers to manage their finances more effectively.

The report’s findings reveal a strong preference and significant satisfaction among truck drivers for instant payment methods. Data shows that 2 in 5 truck drivers currently receive their income and earnings via instant payments. This group reports being 17% more satisfied than those using other payment methods.

Among truckers who receive earnings instantly, 85% report being very or extremely satisfied with the payment receipt, compared to 73% of those using non-instant methods. This higher satisfaction among truckers using instant payments suggests that their adoption will likely grow as more instant options become available.

Key data points from the report that further illuminate this trend include:

Overwhelming Demand Despite Limited Options: While 41% of truckers use instant payment methods for their earnings, 93% of truckers would choose instant payments if given the option. This strong preference far exceeds that of the average consumer, 79% of whom would choose instant payments. Notably, the report indicates that senders in the transportation and trucking industry significantly underestimate this demand, believing that only 50% of truckers would opt for instant payments. This disparity suggests an untapped opportunity for companies to differentiate themselves by offering instant pay.

Willingness to Pay for Speed and Convenience: Truck drivers not only prefer instant payments but are also more willing to pay a fee for them than the average consumer. Thirty-seven percent of truck drivers would be very or extremely likely to pay a fee to receive earnings disbursements instantly, which is 25% higher than the share of highly likely consumers. This willingness underscores the critical role instant funds play in helping truckers manage expenses, such as needing immediate funds for gas to get back on the road.

Core Drivers of Instant Pay Adoption: The primary reasons cited by truckers for preferring instant income disbursements are quick access to good funds (91%) and convenience (75%). Knowing precisely when funds will be available to spend is a significant factor for 35% of truckers choosing instant payments. Furthermore, more than half of truckers (52.5%) also cite security as a factor, with four times more instant users valuing security compared to non-instant users. These insights highlight that instant payments address fundamental needs for financial certainty and ease for truckers.

Beyond these critical findings, the report also examines how instant payments simplify financial management for truckers, acknowledging their unique on-the-go lifestyle. Convenience, at 80%, is the leading reason truckers desire immediate access to funds. The ability to avoid physical bank visits, cited by 59% of truckers, is a key appeal of digital instant payments. Immediate access to funds also helps truckers manage their finances and pay bills on time, with 49% reporting easier financial management and 32.4% needing payments for bills.

The methodology of the report involved two census-balanced surveys of U.S. consumers, conducted between August 2023 and January 2024, examining interest and satisfaction with instant payment methods from both government and nongovernment entities. The report emphasizes that transportation and logistics companies that offer instant payment options could gain a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining drivers.