How to politely request late payment from a logistics client

Late payment from a logistics client usually comes down to their process, not bad faith. Here's who pays, when, what tends to hold payment up, and a polite reminder you can send today.

Who pays, and when

An operations manager approves. Finance pays, often through a carrier or vendor portal. Payments typically run 30 to 60 days and need proof of delivery or completion.

Why payment runs late

Missing paperwork, like proof of delivery, holds invoices up.

Tips for chasing a logistics client

Attach proof of delivery or completion to the invoice.
Use their reference numbers for loads or jobs.
Ask whether they offer faster payment. Some do, for a fee.

Example reminder email

Subject: Quick reminder: invoice [number] Hi [first name], I hope all's well. Invoice [number] for [amount] was due on [date]. If it's already on its way, thank you, and please ignore this. Proof of completion and your reference numbers are attached. Is any paperwork missing for this invoice to be approved? You can pay here: [payment link] Thanks, [Your name]

Write your reminders

Fill in the invoice to get four emails for a logistics client, from a heads-up to a final notice, with the dates to send them. Nothing you type leaves your browser.

Your reminders will appear here.

Want these sent for you?

We're building a tool that sends these reminders automatically from your own Gmail when a Stripe invoice goes overdue, all in one email thread, and stops the moment it's paid. It isn't ready yet. Planned price: $19 a month.