Transport & Heavy Haulage Equipment Finance
For owner-drivers, haulage operators and contractors buying prime movers, trailers and heavy lifting gear. Tell us what you're buying and what work it will do, and we'll pass your enquiry to a licensed finance broker who works with a range of lenders. It takes about 60 seconds and there's no credit check to enquire.
- No credit check to enquire
- Free to enquire, with no obligation to go ahead
- A licensed broker calls you, usually within one business day
Check my eligibility
About 60 seconds. No credit check to enquire.
Who we help
- Owner-drivers: buying a first prime mover or upgrading to a newer one
- Fleet operators: adding units for a new contract or replacing older trucks
- Heavy haulage and oversize specialists: low loaders, floats, extendable and drop deck trailers
- Crane and lifting contractors: all-terrain cranes, Hiab and crane trucks
- Tilt tray, hook-lift and tow operators: including second-hand units from private sellers
- Subcontractors to larger carriers: where income depends on one or two main customers
What lenders look at for transport assets
- Industry experience: years driving or running trucks matters a lot, sometimes more than how long your ABN has been registered.
- The work: contracts, subcontract agreements or a history of regular invoices show where repayments will come from. Relying on one customer isn't a deal-breaker but lenders will ask about it.
- Age of the asset: many lenders cap how old a truck or trailer can be at the end of the loan, which can shorten the term on older units.
- Your existing fleet: a clean repayment history on previous truck finance is one of the strongest things you can show.
- Specialised gear: cranes and oversize trailers have a narrower resale market than a standard prime mover, so lenders may want a deposit or valuation.
Loan structures for trucks and trailers
| Option | How it works | Points to weigh |
|---|---|---|
| Chattel mortgage | Your business owns the truck; the lender holds security over it | Interest and depreciation generally claimable; GST credit upfront if GST-registered |
| Chattel mortgage with balloon | Part of the principal is deferred to the end | Lower repayments, but you pay interest on the balloon and must pay or refinance it |
| Finance lease | The lessor owns it; you pay rent and a residual | Lease payments generally deductible |
| Hire purchase | You own it after the final payment | Fixed instalments over the term |
Low doc or full doc? Low doc truck finance often suits established, GST-registered operators who can show BAS and bank statements but whose tax returns are behind. Lenders may limit low doc to certain asset types or ask for a larger deposit on specialised equipment. Newer operators with strong driving history may still have options, usually with more paperwork.
How it works
- Tell us about the truck or trailer and your work in the short form below.
- A licensed broker calls you, usually within one business day, to talk through your options.
- If it suits you, they handle the application with a lender that fits your circumstances.
What you'll usually need
- Photo ID, heavy vehicle licence and ABN details
- Dealer invoice or private seller details, including VIN, year and kilometres or hours
- Low doc: recent BAS and business bank statements. Full doc: two years of financials and tax returns
- Contracts, subcontract agreements or recent invoices showing your work
- Details of current truck and equipment finance
Every lender has its own criteria, so your broker will tell you exactly what's needed for your situation.
Truck and heavy haulage finance guides
- How to finance a prime mover with a low doc loan
- How to qualify for a low doc truck loan
- Financing a mobile crane truck in Australia
- Fleet financing options for Australian businesses
- Refinancing a balloon payment
- Trailer finance
- Equipment finance: all equipment types
Common questions
Can I finance a prime mover if I've only just got my ABN?
Some lenders will, particularly if you have solid experience driving or running trucks. Expect to provide more evidence, such as contracts or a letter of engagement, and possibly a deposit.
Can I buy a used truck from a private seller?
Yes, many lenders finance private sales. They will usually check the VIN, confirm there is no existing finance owing and may ask for an inspection or valuation.
How old can the truck be?
It depends on the lender. Many set a maximum age at the end of the term, so an older truck may mean a shorter loan or a smaller pool of lenders.
Is a balloon a good idea on a truck?
It lowers your repayments but leaves a lump sum at the end, and you pay interest on it throughout. It suits operators who expect to trade or refinance; plan for it rather than assuming the truck will cover it.
Does enquiring affect my credit score?
No. Filling in our enquiry form isn't a credit application. A credit check only happens if you choose to go ahead with an application through the broker.