Truck finance, answered.
The questions transport operators ask us most. Can't see yours? Call 0417 000 316 and ask a specialist.
How does truck finance work?
Truck finance allows you to purchase a new or used truck without paying the full purchase price upfront. A lender funds the purchase, and you repay the amount over an agreed term through regular repayments. The process generally starts by looking at the truck you want to buy, your business profile, credit history and preferred loan structure. We then compare options across 80+ lenders to find a suitable lender, rate and repayment structure for your circumstances. Depending on the lender and your situation, you may be able to choose a loan term, include a balloon or residual payment, and finance the truck with or without a deposit. Once you’re happy with the proposed finance option and give us the go-ahead, we submit the application to the most suitable lender. This is when a formal credit enquiry may be made. If approved, the documents are signed and the lender pays the seller, allowing you to take ownership of the truck and begin making your agreed repayments.
What types of trucks can I finance?
We finance almost every type of new and used truck, including prime movers, rigid trucks, semi-trucks, tippers, dump trucks, concrete agitators and concrete pump trucks, refrigerated trucks, pantechs, tautliners, curtain-siders, flatbeds, tray trucks, tilt trays, crane trucks, tow trucks, car carriers, livestock trucks, water trucks, vacuum trucks, garbage and waste trucks, hook-lift trucks, skip-bin trucks, fuel tankers, road tankers, logging trucks, service trucks, mining trucks and other specialised heavy vehicles. We can also arrange finance for trailers and related equipment, including flat-top trailers, drop decks, low loaders, refrigerated trailers, tipper trailers, tanker trailers and livestock trailers.
Can I get truck finance with just an ABN?
Not with an ABN alone. If you’re a new business or don’t have full financials, there are lenders that may still consider your application, but they’ll generally want to see a registered business, a confirmed source of work with a reputable company, and usually a deposit. The work doesn’t necessarily need to be under a formal contract, but the lender will typically want to verify the work details verbally. The deposit required will vary depending on your overall credit profile, business experience and the truck you’re purchasing. We can assess your situation and determine which lenders and finance options are available without putting you through unnecessary applications.
Can I finance a used truck?
Yes. We arrange finance for used and older trucks, whether you’re buying from a dealer, private seller or auction. The truck’s age, value and condition can influence which lenders and finance options are available. We can compare options from lenders that finance a wide range of used and older trucks to find a suitable deal for your circumstances.
What are the current truck finance rates?
Truck finance rates typically start from around 6.55% and can range to 15%, depending on your credit profile, business history, financials, truck age, loan amount and preferred loan terms. Eligible applicants financing newer trucks may qualify for rates at the lower end of this range. We compare options across 80+ lenders to find competitive rates and repayments suited to your credit profile and preferred terms. Where possible, we’ll also negotiate directly with lenders to secure a better deal. Rates are indicative only and subject to lender criteria, credit assessment, fees, terms and approval.
What loan terms are available for truck finance?
Truck finance terms are generally available from 1 to 7 years, depending on the lender, age of the truck and your circumstances. We can structure the term and repayments around your business cash flow and how long you plan to keep the truck.
How much can I borrow for a truck?
Depending on your circumstances, low-doc truck finance may be available up to $500,000, while full-doc finance can extend to $5–10 million+ for larger purchases or fleets. Your borrowing capacity will depend on factors such as your business financials, trading history, the asset being financed and the lender’s criteria.
Do I need a deposit for truck finance?
Not always. Eligible applicants may qualify for up to 100% truck finance with no deposit. Other applications may require a contribution depending on your credit profile, business history, truck age, purchase price and lender requirements.
Can I finance a truck and trailer separately?
Yes. A truck and trailer can be financed separately or, depending on the transaction and lender, financed as part of the same purchase. We can structure the finance around the trucks and trailers your business needs.
Can I finance a truck from a private seller or auction?
Yes. We arrange truck finance for dealer purchases, private sales and auction purchases across Australia. Different lenders have different requirements for private and auction purchases, so matching the transaction with the right lender is important.
Can I get truck finance without financials?
Yes, depending on your eligibility. Low doc, lite doc and no financials truck finance options may be available without providing a complete set of business financial statements. Requirements vary between lenders and may include BAS statements, bank statements or other business information.
Can I get truck finance with bad credit?
Yes. Having bad credit doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t get truck finance. We work with a range of lenders and can explore options based on your individual circumstances, business history and the truck you’re looking to finance. Every application is different, so approval isn’t guaranteed, but we’ll work to find the most suitable finance option available for your situation.
How does a balloon payment work on truck finance?
A balloon is a lump sum left owing at the end of the finance term. Including a balloon can reduce your regular repayments, but it leaves a larger amount to pay or refinance at the end. The right balloon depends on your truck, finance structure and business cash flow.
Can I claim GST and depreciation on a financed truck?
Depending on the finance structure, business use and your circumstances, you may be eligible to claim GST credits, depreciation and interest expenses. Tax treatment varies, so you should speak with your accountant or tax adviser about your specific circumstances.
How quickly can truck finance be approved?
Most of the time, we can get same-day approval. Some applications may take 24–48 hours, depending on the asset you’re purchasing, your business background, the complexity of the application, and whether the lender requires any additional information or documentation. We work to match your application with the most suitable lender from the outset, helping keep the approval process as quick and straightforward as possible.
Does getting a truck finance quote affect my credit score?
Getting a truck finance quote with Overdrive has zero impact on your credit score. We don’t require any upfront credit checks to provide you with a quote. A formal credit enquiry is only made once you give us the go-ahead to proceed with your application and we submit it to the most suitable lender.
Who can apply for truck finance?
Truck finance is available to eligible Australian ABN holders, including sole traders, owner drivers, partnerships, companies and other businesses purchasing trucks for business use.
How do I find the best truck finance rate?
Different banks, dealerships and commercial lenders can offer very different rates for the same truck finance application. Our job is to compare 80+ lenders to find the lowest rate and repayments available for your credit profile and wanted terms. We also have the ability to negotiate pricing directly with lenders for a better deal. You’re not restricted to one bank or dealership. We find the lender that best fits your application and negotiate for the sharpest rate and terms available for your circumstances.
Why choose Overdrive for truck finance?
At Overdrive Truck Finance, you deal directly with Simon Kendrick, Managing Director, who brings decades of commercial finance experience and personally manages your finance from the first conversation through to approval and settlement. Simon compares your application across 80+ lenders, identifies the lenders best suited to your truck, business and circumstances, and negotiates directly for sharper rates and better terms. We're known for being highly competitive on price. Simon can typically beat competing finance quotes and regularly comes in cheaper than bank and dealership finance offers. If you already have a quote, send it through and Simon will compare the rate, fees, repayments and structure and push for a better deal where available. Whether you're financing your first truck or expanding an established fleet, the goal isn't simply to get you approved — it's to secure a competitive deal that's structured properly for your business and cash flow. We're Australian family-owned and operated, our comparison service is free, and you deal with the same experienced broker for this truck and every truck after it.
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