Small Business Loans for Trucking Companies in 2025
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Small Business Loans for Trucking Companies in 2025

Getting financing as a trucking company has unique challenges — high asset values, regulatory burdens, depreciation, and volatile revenues. But in 2025, there are good loan paths if you structure your application well. Below is a comprehensive roadmap for trucking businesses seeking funding.

Why Trucking Businesses Need Specialized Loans

  • High capital expense: Trucks, trailers, refrigeration units, telematics — all expensive equipment.

  • Rapid depreciation & maintenance: Equipment wears out fast, reducing usable collateral value.

  • Cash flow volatility: Fuel prices, freight demand, and seasonal volume swings cause uneven revenue.

  • Regulatory & compliance burdens: Licensing, permits, DOT rules, insurance, etc., add cost and risk.

Because of these risks, lenders often view trucking operations more cautiously than many other industries. That’s why having strong documentation, collateral, and industry-specific experience helps.

Best Loan & Financing Options for Trucking Companies in 2025

Here are the most viable funding sources for trucking firms — each with pros, cons, and ideal use cases:

Loan Type Best Use Pros Cons / Challenges
SBA 7(a) Loans Working capital, expansion, refinancing Lower interest, longer terms, government-guaranteed backing Requires strong credit, full documentation, and now stricter eligibility under 2025 SOP changes
SBA 504 / CDC Loans Real estate or heavy fixed asset purchase (depots, service areas) Long-term fixed rates, stable payments  Less suited for mobile fleet purchases (though possible with structure)
Equipment Financing / Leasing Purchasing trucks, trailers, parts, retrofit gear Asset serves as collateral, faster approval Terms may be shorter or with residuals; equipment must maintain resale value 
Commercial Truck / Vehicle Loans Buying new or used trucks / OTR rigs Tailored terms, sometimes for used units too Can require down payments or stricter credit metrics
Lines of Credit / Working Capital Loans Cover fuel, payroll, maintenance during cyclical slowdowns Flexibility and reusable credit Rates might be higher; lender scrutiny on cash flow & DSCR
Short-Term Loans / Bridge Loans Urgent capital needs, freight opportunities, seasonal gaps Faster access Costlier, shorter terms
Fintech / Alternative Lenders Situations where traditional banks decline Quicker underwriting, flexible criteria Higher interest, shorter payback, may require stronger cash metrics
Vendor / Supplier Financing Leverage relationships with truck dealers / equipment vendors Sometimes 0% or promotional terms Limited to vendor ecosystem; may have stricter usage limits

Notable Lenders and Specialized Providers

Here are lenders and finance companies known for trucking / transportation equipment financing:

  • TAB Bank: Specializes in equipment financing for trucking, offering flexible plans. TAB Bank, Member FDIC

  • Midlands B: Offers “specialty vehicle & transportation equipment financing” with fast approvals (up to 24 hrs) for amounts up to $500,000. Midland

  • TopMark Funding®: Focused on semi-truck and equipment financing. TopMark Funding

  • Commercial Credit Group (CCG): Provides tailored OTR truck and trailer loans with a local rep helping with structure. commercialcreditgroup.com

  • Keystone Equipment Finance: Works with single rigs or fleet financing in the transportation industry. keystoneefc.com

  • National Funding: Offers leasing and equipment financing up to ~$150,000 for commercial trucking businesses. National Funding

  • Equify Financial: Finances new and used trucks, trailers, specialty units; structured to match cash flow. 

  • 1st Commercial Credit: Known to finance “over-the-road equipment” in trucking.

These lenders are more attuned to trucking’s risks (mileage, resale, wear & tear) and can structure loans accordingly.

How to Qualify & Improve Approval Odds

Getting a trucking loan approved in 2025 requires extra diligence. Below are tips and strategies:

  1. Strong credit profile
    Many trucking-loan lenders look for a FICO score of 615–620+ as a baseline. 

  2. Stable revenue history
    Demonstrate consistent freight income over 12–36 months.

  3. Low leverage / good debt metrics
    Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) > 1.25 or better looks favorable.

  4. Clean maintenance / vehicle records
    Trucks with clear repair history and logbooks reduce risk for lenders.

  5. Adequate collateral / down payment
    A down payment or strong equipment value may be necessary.

  6. Proper insurance and compliance
    Licenses, registrations, DOT compliance, permits, etc.

  7. Realistic projections & business plan
    Show how the new equipment or loan will generate additional revenue.

  8. Work with a broker or lender who understands trucking
    Some lenders shy away from trucking — use specialists listed above.

  9. Consider structured repayment tied to cash flows
    Seasonal or module payments may ease repayment stress.

  10. Prepare for new SBA rule changes
    As of June 2025, SOP 50 10 8 introduces stricter criteria, including ownership documentation and eligibility. 

2025 SBA Policy Changes That Affect Trucking Loans

  • New SBA SOP 50 10 8 becomes effective June 1, 2025, modifying underwriting rules for 7(a) and 504. 

  • Citizenship & ownership rules tightened: 100% of owners/guarantors must now be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. Lendio

  • SBA guarantee fees reinstated for many loans. Small Business Administration

  • Some industries are now more stringently reviewed for eligibility.

If your trucking business uses foreign ownership or complex structures, these changes could complicate SBA loan eligibility.

Example Use Cases & Strategy

Goal Loan Type Strategy Notes
Buy a new Class 8 tractor Equipment financing or SBA 7(a) Combine a down payment with a 7(a) to spread cost
Expand fleet with multiple trucks Multi-unit equipment financing Use lenders (Midlands, Keystone) that finance up to $500k or more
Bridge cash flow for fuel / maintenance Line of credit or working capital loan Use only what’s needed; repay when freight revenue comes in
Purchase a depot / yard SBA 504 real estate / fixed asset financing Use 504 for land/building and 7(a) for equipment
Refinance high-interest debt SBA 7(a) or term loan Consolidate costs, secure better rates and terms

Risks & Challenges to Watch

  • Resale value erosion if trucks accumulate excessive miles

  • Maintenance, breakdowns, and downtime risk

  • Fuel cost volatility impacting margins

  • Regulatory changes (emissions, permits, trucking laws)

  • Default risk if freight contracts or cash flow drop

Address these by conservative projections, strong margins, and buffer reserves.
Mariela Merino

About Author: Mariela Merino

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