Industries · Trucking & logistics
Trucking and logistics financing and payments
Trucking and logistics companies most often finance tractors and trailers, need working capital to cover fuel and payroll while freight invoices are paid, and expand by adding trucks or buying smaller fleets. Lenders look at shipper concentration, equipment age and operating authority history.
Profit Theory is not a lender and may earn referral fees or commissions from the lenders and providers we work with. How we get paid: /referral-disclosure
Typical financing needs for trucking and logistics
Tractors and trailers
Equipment financing with terms matched to mileage and useful life.
Fuel and payroll float
Lines of credit or receivables-based funding can bridge freight payment terms.
Fleet expansion
Adding units or buying a fleet requires showing lanes and shippers that keep trucks loaded.
Worked example: $165,000 tractor purchase
Payment = P × r ÷ (1 − (1 + r)^−n), r = rate ÷ 12, n = years × 12
- • Equipment model at 10% illustrative rate, 5-year term
- • Monthly payment ≈ $3,506
- • Annual debt service ≈ $42,069
- • Cash flow needed at 1.25x DSCR ≈ $52,586
- • Illustrative only. Estimates only. Results vary. No guarantee of approval, rates or savings.
Payments: what drives processing cost in trucking and logistics
- • Shippers paying on 30 to 60 day terms
- • ACH versus card for broker and shipper payments
- • Fuel card fees
Effective rate = total monthly processing fees ÷ monthly card volume × 100
- • Illustrative: $3,200 in fees ÷ $200,000 in card volume × 100 = 1.60%
- • Illustrative only. Your statement, card mix and pricing model determine your actual rate.
Trucking and logistics financing FAQ
Can a new trucking authority get equipment financing?
Some lenders work with newer authorities, often requiring larger down payments or more personal credit support. Every lender sets its own criteria.
Is factoring the same as a line of credit?
No. Factoring sells invoices for an advance; a line of credit is a loan. Compare the total cost of each before choosing.
What equipment age do lenders accept?
Policies vary by lender. Older units may get shorter terms or need more down payment.
Does Profit Theory lend to trucking and logistics businesses?
No. Profit Theory is not a lender. A financing specialist helps you plan and package the request, then, with your consent, introduces you to providers we select based on fit. Lenders make every credit, rate and term decision.
What should I prepare before I apply?
Usually two to three years of business tax returns, year-to-date financial statements, a debt schedule, and a short explanation of what the money is for and how it will be repaid. The loan package checklist lists items by loan type.
Profit Theory is not a lender and may earn referral fees or commissions from the lenders and providers we work with. How we get paid: /referral-disclosure
Last reviewed Nov 3 2026