Logistics and Transportation Business Loans: Trucks, Fleets, and Freight Capital
Whether you're an owner-operator buying your first truck or a fleet operator scaling to 50+ units, PeerSense connects you to the right capital — from equipment financing to freight factoring to acquisition loans.
Truck and Trailer Financing
Finance any commercial vehicle from $25K to $100M in total fleet value. New or used. Owner-operators to large fleets. All credit profiles considered.
Class 8 Trucks
Semi-trucks, day cabs, sleeper cabs — new and used
Trailers
Dry van, reefer, flatbed, specialized trailers
Medium-Duty Trucks
Box trucks, delivery vehicles, Class 4-7
Light-Duty Vehicles
Cargo vans, pickup trucks, last-mile delivery
Why Choose Our Truck Financing
New & Used Trucks
Finance Class 8 tractors, straight trucks, and specialty vehicles
Credit-Qualified Operators
Programs for credit-qualified operators with strong collateral
Fast Approvals
Decisions in 24–48 hours for most truck financing
Competitive Rates
Rates from 6–12% depending on credit and equipment age
Equipment Financing vs. Leasing
Financing: You own the truck at the end. Better for long-term operators who want to build equity.
Leasing: Lower monthly payments, easier to upgrade equipment. Better for operators who want flexibility or newer equipment every few years.
Fleet Expansion Financing
Cash flow-based underwriting for established operators. Finance your growth without depleting working capital.
Adding Units
Finance 1–10 trucks at a time as your business grows
Scaling Operations
Expand from regional to national coverage
Driver Recruitment
Finance equipment to attract and retain quality drivers
Fleet Modernization
Replace aging equipment with newer, more efficient trucks
Cash Flow-Based Underwriting Factors
Operating History
2+ years preferred, startups considered with strong operator experience
Cash Flow
Positive EBITDA or strong revenue trajectory
Credit Profile
600+ FICO ideal, programs available for 550+
Collateral
Equipment value + business assets
Ready to Scale Your Fleet?
Get a custom financing package designed for your expansion timeline and cash flow needs.
Factoring for Freight: Turn Invoices into Same-Day Cash
Don't wait 30–90 days to get paid. Freight factoring gives you immediate cash flow so you can cover fuel, payroll, and operating expenses without delay.
Same-Day Cash
Turn invoices into cash in 24–72 hours instead of waiting 30–90 days
Non-Recourse Options
Lender takes the credit risk if your customer doesn't pay
No Personal Guarantee
Available on select programs — your personal assets stay protected
Scales with Revenue
Your funding grows as your business grows — no fixed limits
How Freight Factoring Works
You Deliver Freight
Complete the delivery and invoice your customer as usual
Submit Invoice
Send the invoice to your factoring company (usually via app or portal)
Get Funded
Receive 80–95% of invoice value within 24–72 hours
Customer Pays
Your customer pays the factoring company directly in 30–90 days
Receive Reserve
Get the remaining balance minus the factoring fee (typically 1–5%)
Typical Factoring Rates
1–3% per invoice for established carriers with strong customer base
3–5% per invoice for newer operators or higher-risk customers
Rates depend on your customer's creditworthiness, invoice volume, and whether you choose recourse or non-recourse factoring.
Recourse vs. Non-Recourse
Recourse: Lower fees (1–3%), but you're responsible if your customer doesn't pay
Non-Recourse: Higher fees (3–5%), but the factoring company takes the credit risk
Most carriers choose non-recourse for peace of mind, especially when working with new customers.
Need Cash Flow Today?
Get a factoring quote in minutes. No obligation, no retainers.
Working Capital for Logistics Operations
Bridge the gap between expenses and revenue. Keep your trucks moving and your drivers paid while you wait for customer payments.
Fuel Costs
Cover fuel expenses between invoice payment cycles
Driver Payroll
Pay drivers weekly while waiting on customer payments
Insurance Gaps
Cover insurance premiums, deductibles, or policy renewals
Maintenance & Repairs
Emergency repairs or scheduled maintenance costs
Working Capital Funding Options
Fast Funding
- Same-day decisions
- Minimal documentation
- Quick turnaround
Unsecured Lines
- No collateral required
- Revolving credit
- Established businesses
Freight Factoring
- Immediate cash flow
- Scales with revenue
- Non-recourse options
When to Use Working Capital vs. Factoring
Factoring: Best for ongoing cash flow needs tied to invoices. Scales with your revenue and doesn't require fixed monthly payments.
Working Capital Loan: Better for one-time expenses (insurance, repairs, equipment down payment) or when you need a lump sum for a specific purpose.
Acquisition Financing: Buy a Logistics Company or Freight Brokerage
Buying an existing logistics business gives you immediate revenue, established customers, and trained staff. SBA 7(a) loans make it possible with as little as 10% down.
Trucking Company Acquisition
Buy an existing carrier with established routes and customer base
Freight Brokerage Acquisition
Acquire a freight brokerage with existing shipper relationships
Partner Buyout
Buy out a co-owner or partner in your logistics business
Competitor Acquisition
Consolidate market share by acquiring a competing carrier
SBA 7(a) Acquisition Loan Advantages
Low Down Payment
10% down typical for SBA 7(a) business acquisition loans
Long Repayment Terms
10-year fully amortizing — no balloon payment
Goodwill Financing
SBA allows you to finance the intangible value of the business
Seller Note Options
Seller can finance part of the purchase to reduce your cash at close
What You'll Need for an Acquisition Loan
- Purchase agreement or letter of intent
- 3 years of seller's tax returns and financials
- Business valuation or broker's opinion of value
- Your personal financial statement and credit history
- Industry experience or management plan
- Down payment source documentation
Considering an Acquisition?
Get pre-qualified for SBA 7(a) acquisition financing. We'll help you structure the deal and connect you with the right lender.
Who This Serves
From owner-operators to multi-unit fleets, PeerSense has financing solutions for every stage of your logistics business.
Owner-Operators
Finance your first truck or add to your fleet. Credit-qualified operators with demonstrated cash flow can access competitive equipment financing and working capital.
Small Fleets (2–10 Trucks)
Growing carriers adding units and scaling operations
Mid-Size Fleets (10–50 Trucks)
Established carriers expanding regionally or nationally
Freight Brokerages
Non-asset based logistics companies managing carrier networks
3PLs
Third-party logistics providers offering warehousing and distribution
Last-Mile Delivery
Local delivery services and courier companies
Why Logistics Operators Choose PeerSense
We understand the unique cash flow challenges of the transportation industry and have access to lenders who specialize in logistics financing.
Fast Decisions
24–48 hour approvals on equipment financing and factoring programs
Industry Expertise
We know trucking, freight, and logistics — not just generic business lending
Multiple Solutions
Stack equipment financing, factoring, and working capital to optimize your capital structure
Logistics & Transportation Financing: Side-by-Side Comparison
Rate estimates as of March 2026. Actual rates depend on borrower profile, collateral, and deal structure.
| Loan Type | Best For | Range | Est. Rate | Term | Max LTV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Truck / Equipment Loans | Class 8 trucks, trailers, reefers, chassis | $25K–$5M | 5–9% | 3–7 yr | 100% |
| Fleet Expansion | Adding 5–50+ units with bundled capital | $250K–$20M | 6–10% | 3–7 yr | 90% |
| Freight FactoringTOP PICK | Immediate cash from unpaid freight invoices | $10K–$10M/mo | 1–5% discount | Revolving | N/A |
| SBA 7(a) | Trucking company acquisition, expansion | $50K–$5M | 9.25–10.25% | 10–25 yr | 90% |
| Working Capital | Insurance, permits, fuel, payroll gaps | $5K–$500K | Factor 1.15–1.45 | 3–18 mo | N/A |
| Business Acquisition | Buying a trucking company or 3PL operation | $250K–$10M | 9.25–10.25% | 10 yr | 90% |
PeerSense is a capital connector only — not a lender. Rates are estimates; actual terms vary by lender.
Is Your Trucking / Logistics Deal Fundable?
Current market intelligence from our lender network — not generic advice.
Strong Position
Active DOT / MC authority — operating authority in good standing is a baseline requirement for all transportation financing
Diverse shipper base — carriers with 5+ active customers and no single shipper above 30% of revenue get the best terms
Clean CSA scores — FMCSA safety ratings directly impact insurance costs and lender appetite — Satisfactory or better is required
2+ years operating history — established carriers with documented revenue get access to the full range of financing products
Strong receivables from creditworthy shippers — for factoring, the credit quality of your customers matters more than your own credit score
Maintained equipment with service records — trucks and trailers with documented maintenance history appraise higher and get better financing terms
Kills the Deal
Conditional or revoked DOT authority — no lender will finance a carrier that cannot legally operate
Out-of-service orders or poor CSA scores — safety violations dramatically increase insurance costs and signal operational risk to lenders
Over-leveraged existing fleet — if current equipment loans consume most of the cash flow, adding more debt is a non-starter
Single-shipper dependency — carriers where one shipper represents 70%+ of revenue face severe concentration risk
No fuel card or fleet management system — lenders view operational discipline tools as indicators of management quality — their absence raises flags
2026 Market Note
Freight factoring volumes are at record highs in 2026 as shippers continue to extend payment terms to 60-90 days. Carriers that set up factoring early can fund growth without taking on term debt. For fleet expansion, lenders are most aggressive on operators with 2+ years and 10+ trucks — this is where the best rates and 100% financing offers appear. Owner-operators purchasing their first truck should explore SBA 7(a) with the FY2026 fee waiver (loans under $1M).
Run a Free Deal Scan on Your Trucking / Logistics
Get an instant DSCR estimate, LTV check, and product recommendation in under 60 seconds.
Related Financing Solutions
Invoice Factoring
Turn unpaid freight invoices into same-day cash
Equipment Financing
Finance trucks, trailers, and fleet equipment
SBA Loans
SBA 7(a) for trucking company acquisition
Working Capital
Cover insurance, fuel, and payroll gaps
Business Acquisition
Buy a trucking company or 3PL operation
Deal Scan
Instant qualification check on your logistics deal
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about logistics and transportation financing
What credit score do I need for logistics financing?
Most logistics financing programs require 680+ credit as a baseline. For asset-heavy deals — truck financing, trailer leasing, or equipment backed by strong collateral — lenders evaluate the asset quality, operator track record, and deal structure alongside credit profile. Freight factoring and ABL facilities focus primarily on customer creditworthiness and receivables quality rather than personal credit score.
Can I finance a logistics company acquisition?
Yes. PeerSense structures acquisition financing for established logistics and transportation companies using SBA 7(a) loans, conventional acquisition loans, seller notes, and asset-based lending. We work with buyers acquiring trucking companies, freight brokerages, 3PL operations, and last-mile delivery businesses.
What if I'm an experienced operator starting a new logistics company?
Experienced operators with a strong track record in logistics can access equipment financing, working capital lines, and SBA loans even if the entity is new. Lenders evaluate your personal credit, industry experience, customer contracts, and the strength of your business plan. Most programs require 680+ credit and demonstrated cash flow or contracts in place.
How much down payment do I need to finance a truck?
Down payment requirements vary by credit profile and truck age. Typically: 10-15% down for strong credit (680+), 15-20% down for average credit (600-679), and 20-25% down for challenged credit (550-599). Some programs offer $0 down for established operators with excellent credit and strong cash flow.
Can I get financing if I just got my operating authority?
Yes. While most traditional lenders prefer 2+ years of operating history, we have programs specifically for new authority holders. You'll typically need a larger down payment (20-25%), proof of industry experience (previous employment as a driver or in logistics), and strong personal credit (650+ FICO).
What's the difference between factoring and a working capital loan?
Factoring converts your invoices into immediate cash (24-72 hours) and scales with your revenue — you only pay when you factor an invoice. Working capital loans provide a lump sum upfront with fixed monthly payments. Factoring is better for ongoing cash flow needs tied to invoices; working capital loans are better for one-time expenses like insurance, repairs, or equipment down payments.
Can I finance used trucks and trailers?
Yes. We finance trucks and trailers up to 15 years old, depending on the lender program. Newer used equipment (3-5 years old) typically qualifies for better rates and terms. Older equipment may require a larger down payment and shorter loan terms. All equipment must pass a mechanical inspection before funding.
How long does it take to get approved for truck financing?
Most truck financing decisions are made within 24-48 hours of receiving a complete application. Funding typically occurs 3-7 days after approval, depending on equipment inspection and title work. Factoring can be set up in 24-72 hours. SBA 7(a) acquisition loans take 45-90 days from application to funding.
Do I need to factor all my invoices or can I choose which ones?
This depends on the factoring agreement. "Spot factoring" allows you to choose which invoices to factor, giving you flexibility but typically at higher rates (3-5%). "Whole ledger factoring" requires you to factor all invoices from approved customers, but offers lower rates (1-3%). Most carriers prefer whole ledger factoring for the cost savings.
Can I get financing to buy a freight brokerage or trucking company?
Yes. SBA 7(a) loans are commonly used to acquire existing logistics businesses. You'll typically need 10% down, 650+ FICO, industry experience, and the business must show positive cash flow. The seller can finance part of the purchase (seller note) to reduce your cash at close. Approval timeline is 45-90 days from application to funding.
Freight Financing Programs: What Logistics Companies Need to Know in 2026
The freight and logistics industry runs on cash flow. Whether you operate a single owner-operator rig or manage a fleet of 500+ trucks, having the right financing structure in place is what separates growing carriers from those stuck in survival mode. In 2026, freight financing options have expanded significantly — but so has the complexity of choosing the right program for your situation.
Invoice factoring remains one of the most popular financing tools for trucking companies and freight brokerages. Unlike traditional bank loans, factoring provides same-day or next-day cash by advancing against your outstanding freight bills. If your shippers pay on 30, 60, or 90-day terms, factoring bridges that gap so you can cover fuel, driver payroll, insurance, and maintenance without missing a beat. Learn more about how invoice factoring works for freight companies.
For carriers looking to grow, equipment financing offers a way to add trucks, trailers, and specialized equipment without depleting cash reserves. Most equipment loans use the vehicle itself as collateral, which means lower down payments and faster approvals compared to unsecured business loans. Whether you are purchasing new Class 8 trucks, reefer trailers, or intermodal chassis, there is a program designed for your needs. Explore equipment financing options available through the PeerSense network.
Beyond individual truck purchases, fleet expansion financing packages working capital, equipment loans, and operating lines into a single facility. This is ideal for carriers scaling from 10 to 50 trucks, or established fleets making strategic acquisitions. The key is matching with a lender that understands transportation — not every bank does.
PeerSense works with a network of lenders who specialize in freight and logistics. We analyze your operation, match you with the right capital source, and help structure a financing package that supports your growth plan. No retainer fees — our referral fee is established upfront and paid at closing. For a deeper dive into your options, read our complete guide to freight and transportation financing.
Ready to Finance Your Logistics Operation?
PeerSense identifies the right capital source from our network of 500+ lenders, private equity firms, and institutional advisors — and makes the introduction. You get a straight assessment of where your deal fits and a direct connection to the source most likely to close it.
Whether you need fleet financing, working capital, or acquisition funding, we'll connect you with capital sources that understand logistics and transportation economics.
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