From bustling ports in Savannah to major interstates running through Atlanta, Georgia is a logistics powerhouse. Whether you're running a freight brokerage, commercial trucking business, or delivery service, access to capital is key to staying competitive and scaling smart.
This guide explores business loans for Georgia’s transportation companies—including loan types, top lenders, eligibility requirements, and strategies for growth.
Georgia’s transportation and logistics sector supports over 150,000 jobs and continues to expand due to e-commerce demand, port expansions, and business relocation trends.
But it’s a capital-intensive industry, where companies face high upfront and recurring expenses:
Fleet acquisition and maintenance
Fuel costs and insurance premiums
Driver wages and training
Compliance and safety tech
Warehouse or terminal infrastructure
That’s why tailored financing options—from SBA loans to equipment leases and working capital loans—are essential to keep your business running smoothly.
The most flexible and popular SBA loan program.
Max Loan: $5 million
Use: Purchase trucks, expand operations, refinance debt, payroll
Terms: Up to 10 years (working capital); 25 years (real estate)
Rates: Prime + 2.25% to 4.75%
Ideal For: Established transportation companies needing long-term financing
Ideal for large fixed-asset investments.
Use: Terminals, warehouses, commercial real estate, fleet garages
Structure: 50% bank + 40% CDC + 10% borrower
Benefits: Fixed interest rates, long terms
Ideal For: Mid-size logistics companies expanding infrastructure
Smaller loan amounts for early-stage or niche transport businesses.
Max Loan: $50,000
Best For: Courier startups, small freight haulers, or independent operators
Administered by: Local nonprofits like ACE and SBAC Savannah
📍Georgia SBA Resource:
Find your district office at sba.gov/offices/district/ga
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Define your loan purpose (equipment, expansion, working capital)
Choose the right SBA loan type
Find an SBA-approved Georgia lender
Gather financials, business plan, and collateral info
Apply and go through underwriting
Review terms and accept funding
Use funds for qualified business activities
Transportation businesses often need to finance or lease trucks, trailers, GPS systems, and maintenance equipment.
Secured by the equipment itself
Up to 100% financing available
Fixed rates and tax benefits via Section 179 deduction
Local providers: Georgia Banking Company, United Community Bank
Lower upfront cost, easier upgrades
Lease-to-own and operating lease options
Best for technology or short-lifecycle assets
Top Providers:
Crest Capital – Trusted for fleet leasing
Navitas Credit – Based in Georgia
Wells Fargo Equipment Finance
Trucking and delivery companies need cash flow to manage fluctuating expenses like fuel, maintenance, and payroll.
Revolving funds for ongoing needs
Interest paid only on used amount
Ideal for seasonal or variable income businesses
Providers: Truist, Regions Bank, OnDeck
Lump sum repaid over 6–24 months
Used for fuel surges, unexpected repairs, or hiring
Fast approval but higher rates
Providers: Fundbox, BlueVine, Lendio
Business: Interstate Freight Logistics
Need: $500,000 to expand fleet, hire drivers, and upgrade tracking software
Solution: SBA 7(a) loan via Ameris Bank + equipment lease from Crest Capital
Results:
Doubled fleet capacity
Secured new regional contracts
Boosted revenue 80% within 18 months
Improved safety and delivery performance with new systems
Takeaway: Pairing an SBA loan with equipment financing offers flexible, growth-ready capital for Georgia logistics firms.
Business registered and operating in Georgia
1–2+ years of operations preferred
Credit score of 620+ (680+ for best rates)
Proof of revenue and profitability
Valid DOT and FMCSA compliance (for trucking)
Collateral (equipment, vehicles, real estate) may be required
Business and personal tax returns (2–3 years)
Profit & loss statements, balance sheet
Fleet asset list and maintenance history
DOT registration or licenses
Business plan with loan purpose and ROI projection
SBA Georgia District Office (opens in new tab)
Georgia Department of Transportation (opens in new tab)
FMCSA Trucking Compliance Resources (opens in new tab)
Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE) (opens in new tab)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Access to large loan amounts for fleet or expansion | Equipment-heavy businesses may need to secure loans |
| SBA and equipment loans offer long terms and low rates | Lengthy approval for some SBA loans |
| Working capital loans help smooth out cash flow | High fuel costs can strain repayment during slow periods |
| Georgia lenders understand local compliance needs | Startups may face more limited options without collateral |
Invest in fuel-efficient or electric vehicles to reduce long-term costs
Expand into warehousing or cross-docking services for recurring revenue
Upgrade telematics and fleet tracking to improve delivery reliability
Lease instead of buy for fast tech and fleet changes
Train and retain drivers with payroll-funded signing bonuses or benefits
Georgia’s transportation sector is booming, and businesses that invest wisely can build long-term success in freight, logistics, and delivery services. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your fleet, cover fuel surges, or open a new hub near the Port of Savannah, the right financing can get you there.
From SBA loans to working capital and equipment financing, Georgia offers a full suite of business funding options tailored to transportation entrepreneurs.
Ready to finance your Georgia transportation business?
Connect with an SBA-approved lender, equipment financing provider, or local development partner today—and put your fleet on the fast track to growth.