Ad hoc payments are a fact of life in industries like transportation, hospitality, gaming, gig economy, and property management. The urgency of these payments — whether for services rendered or goods delivered — is driving a strong shift toward instant disbursement methods. For companies that rely on a distributed workforce or independent providers, slow payments don’t just frustrate — they create risk.
A recent study shows that 20 percent of enterprises frequently need to send urgent, one-off payments. Instant payments go beyond operational efficiency — they’re essential for maintaining service levels, ensuring timely delivery, and retaining trusted providers.
In trucking, for example, there’s no room for delay. Fuel payments are treated with urgency, but driver pay often isn’t. While 97 percent of logistics companies say timely fuel payments are non-negotiable, fewer than half apply the same urgency to driver compensation. That disconnect has consequences: 93 percent of drivers now prefer instant pay, and many say it’s a critical factor in choosing where to work. Some are even willing to pay a fee for faster access. Delays in pay may lead to delays in hiring and contracting — and that’s a cost no fleet can afford.
Push to debit: fast, familiar, and preferred
According to PYMNTS, push to debit has emerged as the top choice for consumers receiving instant payments, thanks to its speed and convenience. Push to debit allows companies to send funds directly to a recipient’s debit card — often in near real-time — offering a seamless experience without the delays of ACH or checks.
For workers, it’s fast and familiar. For businesses, it’s a scalable way to meet expectations and maintain workforce satisfaction.
Pre-funded cards offer operational flexibility
Compensation isn’t the only financial need in motion. Many logistics and service businesses must also manage recurring operational expenses — fuel, tolls, lodging, or equipment — typically handled through reimbursements or complex approval chains.
Pre-funded debit cards streamline that process. Routes and costs are often predictable, making it easy to load cards with expected funds before a shift begins. This not only reduces administrative overhead but also empowers drivers to manage costs in real time.
These cards can double as incentives: drivers who come in under budget might earn a bonus or unlock additional rewards — turning operational discipline into loyalty.
Why it matters now
In today’s competitive labor environment, speed isn’t a perk — it’s a requirement. Whether paying drivers, gig workers, or contractors, businesses that offer instant, intuitive payouts earn more than satisfaction. They earn trust, loyalty, and continued service.
Modern disbursement tools like push to debit and pre-funded cards let you meet that expectation with precision and scale. It’s no longer a question of whether to offer instant payments — it’s a question of how soon you can start.
