Do you dream of working for yourself as an owner-operator but can’t afford to purchase a truck outright? With these zero down lease purchase trucking companies, you can finance a rig and get driving right away.
Over your lease, you make monthly payments toward one day owning the truck outright. Check out the six best zero down lease purchase trucking companies to achieve your trucking career goals. And when you’re finished reading, check out the rest of our ‘Alternative financing for semi trucks’ article series:
- Guide to alternative semi truck financing options
- How to get zero down semi truck financing
- Best zero down lease purchase trucking companies
- Best semi truck financing with bad credit
Quicklook: Best zero down lease purchase trucking companies
- Best for career development: Roehl
- Best for insurance coverage: KSM
- Best for accessibility: Swift Transportation
- Best for lease plan options: JB Hunt
- Best for flexible financing: PGT Trucking
- Best for comprehensive support: Nova Lines
6 best zero down lease purchase trucking companies
Lease purchase trucking has exploded in popularity to become a highly competitive market. With so many companies competing for your business, it can be hard to decide which one will serve your needs best.
To help you make an informed decision, here is an overview of the six best lease to purchase trucking companies.
Roehl
Roehl Transport knows a thing or two about becoming a B.O.S.S. owner-operator truck driver. With their Business Owner’s Support System, lease purchase drivers get business ownership training and support from a business advisor. Roehl’s affordable no money down truck lease to own program includes new model years with the latest safety and efficiency technology. Their lease-purchase agreements conveniently deduct tractor payments and expenses straight from your settlements.
Best for: Career development
Special features
- Automatic tractor payment deduction
- Roehl Business Owner Support System
- Business advisor’s training and support
- Top fuel surcharge program
Benefits
- High pay and low turnover rates
- Mileage-based compensation
- New, top-of-the-line trucks
KSM
KSM is an excellent choice for a no-money-down truck lease-to-own arrangement for company drivers. Driving for KSM allows you to be your own boss while benefiting from industry experts’ backing. With KSM, you can work as a company driver and transition into their 0-down lease purchase truck program when ready. They also offer comprehensive insurance to all of their lease purchase drivers.
Best for: insurance coverage
Special features
- Ability to choose what you haul
- Paid cargo and liability insurance
- Company-paid trailer maintenance
- 3,000 miles weekly average
Benefits
- Structured pay raises
- Longevity bonuses
- Loaner trucks are available during repairs
Swift Transportation
Swift Transportation is a great choice for no money down truck lease purchase trucking because of the flexibility they offer drivers. Through the company’s zero-down lease purchase program, drivers can become owner-operators in as little as six months. With Swift, you also get to set your own schedule, choose whether to work solo or as a team driver and select the types of loads you want.
Best for: Accessibility
Special features
- Flexible freight options
- Parking is available at all terminals
- Licensing and permits paid by the company
Benefits
- Productivity bonuses
- Cheaper insurance premiums
- Detention pay
- Full-service terminals nationwide
JB Hunt
With multiple third-party lease purchase program options, JB Hunt is a great option for many types of aspiring owner operators. JB Hunt offers both mileage-based and percentage-based compensation plans — and flexible lease purchase terms so you can get started without upfront costs. Each lease purchase plan is customized, but all drivers benefit from being a part of one of the largest freight companies in the country.
Best for: Lease plan options
Special features
- Lease terms from 12 to 36 months
- Flexible weekly repayments
- Multiple lease plans
Benefits
- Get freight when you want it
- Discounts on fuel and insurance
- Deals on service and tires
PGT Trucking
Another excellent choice for 0-down lease purchase trucks is PGT Trucking. This trucking company makes it easy for qualified drivers to get started as owner-operators with 0 down and flexible financing options. Their affordable lease payments include tags, insurance, trailer rentals and escrows, simplifying drivers’ transition to becoming flatbed owner-operators.
Best for: Flexible financing
Special features
- $5,000 driver referral bonus
- $0 down and flexible financing
- Excellent percentage pay
Benefits
- Discounts on truck parts and tires
- Earnings of up to six figures yearly
- Free trailer rental for the first four weeks
Nova Lines
Nova Lines offers a lease purchase plan ideal for truckers ready to get started without any hassles. With Nova Lines’ path to ownership, a lease purchase truck driver benefits from friendly lease terms and flexible contracts that allows them to walk away at any time. Then, when the lease term ends, new owner-operators are better prepared for the future of their careers.
Best for: Comprehensive support
Special features
- Consistent revenue stream
- Choose your own routes
- Return every week or drive four weeks in a row
Benefits
- Only well-maintained trucks and trailers
- Lease terms range from three to five years
- No balloon payment
What is a lease-purchase program?
A lease-purchase trucking program is an agreement that allows truck drivers to purchase their rigs without a down payment.
With many lease-purchase programs, drivers are classified as owner operators right away. However, some companies may require you to wait a few months before classifying you as an owner operator truck driver.
The best lease purchase programs allow drivers to set their own routes and schedules. In addition, some companies offer multiple lease options so drivers can choose the best plan for their needs.
Most leasing companies require drivers to be at least 21 years of age. Drivers can get insurance through company-approved vendors. However, coverage must comply with the lease contract requirements.
Driving for the best lease purchase trucking companies is a good decision for many truckers because they provide access to well-maintained trucks and trailers. Companies may also offer the option of trading your rig for a newer one every few years, reducing maintenance costs.
Owner operators are typically responsible for all maintenance and repairs, but the lease purchase trucking company will pay many of these costs with a leased truck. They also often provide the permits and fees necessary to get the truck on the road.
How do lease purchase programs work?
The best semi truck leasing companies help drivers fast track from being company drivers to become owner operators.
When you sign a lease-purchase contract, you buy a truck through a specific trucking company. You will have monthly payments towards the truck’s cost through the agreement term. Then, at the end of the lease, you can either give the vehicle back to the company or complete the final terms of the contract and take ownership of the truck.
With lease to own trucking companies, you are an owner operator. However, you are still bound to the leasing company and cannot use the rig to haul for other companies.
What to consider with zero down lease purchase trucking companies
Buying a semi truck through a lease purchase program is an easy way to start a business, but you must consider the pros and cons carefully. In addition, each company has different agreement requirements, so it’s important to do your research upfront.
Don’t forget to consider down payments, pay, benefits, technology, equipment and the routes you may need to take.
The obvious: Zero money down
A no-money-down truck lease-to-own option is great for drivers who don’t have good credit or enough cash for a new vehicle down payment. Many trucking companies with lease purchase programs even allow you to enter the contract without a credit check.
However, some contracts come with a large balloon payment at the end. Keep this in mind before you sign with lease trucking companies.
Great pay and benefits
Many lease-purchase companies offer excellent pay and benefits you might not get as a company driver. The average lease-purchase starting salary in the U.S. is $72,800 per year. This averages out to $37.33 per hour. Experienced drivers can make upwards of $180,000 per year.
Latest technology and equipment
Leasing 0 down lease purchase trucks is an excellent way to drive newer commercial vehicles. You can upgrade to a newer truck with the latest technology and equipment during the lease.
For instance, newer trucks have collision mitigation technology that uses radar and sensors to minimize accidents. Additionally, telematics monitors the vehicle using GPS to provide onboard diagnostics and record movements.
Consistent, stable routes
Truckers are often away from home for weeks at a time. With lease purchase companies, you will work as an owner-operator, giving you far more control over your schedule. Additionally, most companies allow drivers to choose their routes, and many do not require drivers to work with dispatch.
The top zero down lease purchase trucking companies
Finding the best lease purchase trucking company can help you reach new heights as an owner-operator. You can start immediately with no money down and finance a truck at an affordable rate when you work with any of these six options. So, contact one of these zero-down lease purchase trucking companies to take your career to the next level.
FAQ
It depends on individual circumstances. Consider factors like financial stability, terms of the agreement, and long-term goals before deciding.
Leasing a semi truck through a lease purchase program allows drivers to buy trucks from carriers by paying off the lease while working for the company.
The best semi truck for owner operators is typically considered to be the Freightliner Cascadia due to its fuel efficiency, driver comfort features, reliability, and strong resale value. Many owner operators also look for trucks with an extended warranty and support from both the truck manufacturer and engine maker to minimize repair costs during ownership.
