The transport and logistics industry has long struggled with late payments. Extended payment terms, insolvent clients, and rising operational costs make maintaining cash flow a critical challenge. One solution that’s gaining popularity among transport companies is the debt exchange platform – a modern tool that enables the sale and purchase of outstanding receivables.
What is a debt exchange platform?
A debt exchange is an online platform where companies can sell and buy receivables – typically overdue invoices or contractual debts. The process is simple:
- A company that hasn’t received payment lists the debt for sale.
- Interested buyers can offer to purchase the receivable – usually at a price below its nominal value.
- Once an agreement is reached, the receivable is formally transferred to the buyer through an assignment of rights (cession).
Legal basis for debt assignment
According to Article 509 of the Polish Civil Code:
“A creditor may transfer a claim to a third party without the debtor’s consent, unless it is contrary to law, a contractual clause, or the nature of the obligation.”
This means that in most cases, a receivable can be sold without the debtor’s knowledge or approval, as long as the original agreement doesn’t include a clause prohibiting assignment.
🔍 Practical tip: Before listing a receivable for sale, review the original contract. Anti-assignment clauses are becoming more common, especially in larger commercial agreements.
Why do transport companies use debt exchanges?
In the transport sector, payment delays can seriously threaten financial stability. Selling receivables on a debt exchange can be a smart alternative to time-consuming collection efforts. Key benefits include:
- Faster recovery of funds tied up in unpaid invoices,
- Improved cash flow, which is crucial for covering operating costs,
- No need for internal debt collection – responsibility for recovery shifts to the buyer.
What happens after the sale?
The buyer of the receivable gains all the rights associated with the debt, including:
- the right to pursue payment,
- the right to charge statutory interest for late payment,
- the ability to initiate collection or legal proceedings.
Selling a debt can also act as leverage against the debtor – knowing the debt has been sold may motivate them to settle the obligation more promptly.
Is a debt exchange platform the right choice for every case?
Not all receivables are suitable for sale. Most platforms accept:
- receivables that are due and overdue,
- debts supported by documentation (e.g., invoices, delivery notes, signed transport orders),
- claims where attempts at amicable resolution have failed.
It’s good practice to contact the debtor first and try to reach an agreement before listing the receivable for sale.
A debt exchange platform can be an effective financial risk management tool for transport and logistics companies. It helps recover funds faster, reduce exposure to unpaid invoices, and improve liquidity without engaging in lengthy recovery processes.
While it’s not the right solution for every situation, it can be an essential part of a broader cash flow and risk strategy
