Finding the best commercial truck financing rate doesn’t need to be complicated. There are many options for trucking businesses and owner-operators alike, from national banks and semi-truck financing companies to alternative lenders and anything in between.
Ultimately, having a good credit score and maintaining healthy business finances will help you secure the best interest rates. However, choosing the right lender for your situation is important as well because it could save you money, making it easier for you to focus on the road ahead in your career.
How Does Commercial Truck Financing Work?
Similar to other types of financing, commercial truck financing allows business owners to purchase trucks before they have all of the money that they need upfront. Instead of buying a commercial vehicle outright, the business owner will secure a loan by offering the truck as collateral. The lender, in turn, holds the title of the truck until the loan is paid off in full.
Who Offers Commercial Truck Financing?
Business owners and owner-operators can secure commercial truck financing through many lenders, including commercial financing companies, large national banks, and even alternative lenders.
Commercial and Semi-Truck Financing Companies
Some companies specifically offer commercial and semi-truck financing. The most considerable benefit of choosing to finance through one of these companies rather than a traditional bank is the company’s industry-specific knowledge and experience with financing commercial vehicles.
There are even zero-down lease purchase companies that can provide financing without requiring a down payment. These lease purchase programs can fast-track regular CDL drivers in their pursuit of becoming owner-operators.
Large National Banks
Big banks are great lenders for commercial truck financing. They often offer lower semi truck financing rates and longer-term loans than both alternative lenders and financing companies alike. As a result, business owners without any credit problems can usually find the best terms and rates when working with large banks.
However, bank financing usually requires a stricter and more complicated approval process. This means that only highly qualified borrowers are approved.
Alternative Lenders
For the fastest financing and highest chance of approval, you may want to consider online or alternative lenders. However, these alternative lenders typically have higher interest rates and shorter repayment terms. For CDL drivers with bad credit or otherwise cannot meet the conditions of a bank loan, alternative lenders may be the only option for becoming owner-operators
Understanding Commercial Truck Financing Rates and Terms
Finding the best commercial truck financing rates is much easier to understand how truck loan rates work.
Interest Rates
On average, you can expect an annual interest rate anywhere from 5% to 30% for semi truck financing. If that sounds like a large variation, that’s because it is. Several factors will be considered when determining your semi-truck financing rate.
Both your personal and business credit score make the most significant impact on your interest rate. However, the age of your business, as well as the condition and the model of your semi-truck, will also matter a lot.
Loan Terms
As with interest rates, loan terms can vary based on your creditworthiness, the type of lender, and the truck you are financing. Typical semi-truck loan terms range between 12 and 84 months.
It’s essential to be aware of your loan terms and work with your lender to settle on terms that work for you, so you don’t end up in a bad financial situation or defaulting on your loan.
Down Payment
With commercial truck financing and zero down payments, you can secure up to 100% coverage of your loan with the help of truck financing. This can be an excellent option for new trucking companies that have yet to be established.
However, many lenders require some down payment, and it can be beneficial to put one down in the long run. By applying a down payment, borrowers can reduce their monthly payments and the amount of interest they will pay.
Fees
There are some common fees and fines to be aware of for truck financing. Standard fees include early repayment fees and late payment fines. Be sure to understand your loans’ conditions and work with lenders that are upfront about their fees so you don’t get hit with unexpected costs.
Buying vs Leasing a Commercial Truck
If you’re trying to decide whether to lease your commercial truck or buy it outright, you should consider a few things. On the one hand, leasing has a lower upfront cost since you can pay off the vehicle over time. You may also have less risk and less maintenance with a truck you don’t fully own.
On the other hand, you will likely pay more for your truck through interest and fees if you decide to lease. Also, finding a beneficial lease agreement can be complicated and time-consuming.
5 Steps for Finding the Best Commercial Truck Financing Rates
To get approved for the best commercial truck financing, you need to be prepared. You will want to gather information about your truck, important financial documents, and research lenders and their requirements.
Step 1: Information About Your Commercial Truck
Before approaching lenders, gather all the necessary information about your truck they might need. This includes the following details:
- Make
- Model
- Serial number
- Mileage
- Year
- Condition report
- Vehicle repair receipts
- Photos of your truck
Step 2: Business Financial Document
Lenders will also be looking at your company’s health to determine your ability to repay your loan. Be sure to collect:
- Proof of a registered business
- Business tax returns from the past three years
- Bank statements from at least the past year
- Balance sheets
- Business certifications and licenses as applicable
Step 3: Personal Financial Documents
It’s not just business-related financial documents lenders will look at. They also want to be sure you are personally trustworthy and eligible for truck financing. Be prepared to provide your:
- Commercial driver’s license
- U.S. Department of Transportation number
- Motor carrier number
- Credit score
- Credit history
- Lending history
- Background check
Step 4: Understand Lender Requirements
Different lenders have different eligibility and paperwork requirements. All will require basic information on your vehicle and your creditworthiness. However, conditions do vary between types of lenders.
Truck Financing Companies: Getting financing from a direct commercial truck loan company is more flexible than traditional bank loans, but still be prepared with financial statements and a decent credit rating for the best commercial truck financing rates.
Banks: National banks will typically require the most documented proof of your ability to repay your truck loan. When applying for truck financing at a bank, try to have as much documentation as possible.
Alternative Lender: Typically the most flexible lenders, alternative lending companies will begin with an online application that will require your personal and business credit history and financial statements.
Step 5: Compare Lenders
Choosing the right commercial truck financing is not a decision to be taken lightly. Depending on your situation and business needs, different loans may be better than others, so be sure to take the time to weigh your options.
Semi-Truck Financing Rates Made Simple
Whether it’s your first truck or your fiftieth, commercial truck financing can help you grow your business by allowing you to pay off your truck over time. So whether you look to big banks or specialized lenders, there is a truck financing solution that’s right for you!
FAQ
The best way to finance a truck is with a commercial truck loan from a national bank or truck financing company
Semi-truck financing interest rates vary, but for borrowers with great credit and long company history, they can be as low as 5% or 6%.
It’s best to have a credit score of at least 600 for getting a decent truck loan. However, some alternative lenders will work with lower credit borrowers in exchange for higher interest rates.
