Becoming an owner-operator can be a rewarding decision both professionally and financially. It takes money to make money - unless you've saved enough to buy a truck with cash, you'll need to get financing before you can start your new business.
If you're a new entrepreneur looking to get into the trucking industry for the first time, the prospect of finding a lender to finance your dreams can seem a bit daunting.
The process for financing a commercial truck is not exactly the same as applying for a traditional personal or business loan. While they share similarities, traditional small business lenders typically use your personal credit history, business revenue stream, and length of time you have been in business to determine your eligibility for financing.
However, with a commercial truck loan, the truck you buy will serve as collateral, reducing the lender's risk, which of course greatly improves your chances of qualifying. For the same reason, commercial truck loans generally have more variation and flexibility in terms, which can also benefit you.
Qualifying for a truck loan largely depends on the specific truck you want to buy and the different rules and regulations of the lender you approach. Nevertheless, there are some basic guidelines to follow that can greatly improve your chances of being approved.