Truck and Trailer Loans and Leasing

At Smarter Loans it is easy to get the truck and trailer financing no matter where in Canada you are located. You can get small and large commercial trucks along with any type of trailer you need with quick and easy financing. Below you’ll find a list of reputable companies that offer truck and trailer loans financing and leasing services in Canada. Click “Apply Now” next to one of these truck loan company listings to complete their application form.

We can help connect you with the top truck and trailer financing providers in Canada.

Pre-Apply For Truck & Trailer Financing

Top Truck and Trailer Loans and Leasing Providers in Canada

Company
Amount
Interest Rate
Reviews
Terms
$5,000+
Varies
12 - 120 Months
$5,000 - $500,000
Varies
4 - 12 months
$15,000 - $1 Million
Starting at 8%
3 - 24 Months
$5,000 - Unlimited
Starting at 2.5%
2 - 10 years
$2,500 - Unlimited
Starting at 3.9% - 34.9%
3 - 240 Months

Truck Loan Calcualtor

$5k$100,000$1000K
$0k$10,000$500K
1%5%30%
1 year2 year term5 years
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Commercial Truck Loans – How Does it Work?


Trucking plays a pivotal role in Canada’s economy, contributing an estimated $34 billion to the country’s GDP. Beyond this economic value, it’s instrumental in the freight movement of goods, including consumer products and foodstuffs. The Canadian Trucking Alliance estimates that more than 90% of all consumer-end goods are transported entirely or partially by truck. Such an immense demand for trucking services necessitates a significant number of trucks, owned or leased by a diverse array of trucking companies spread across the country.

The decision to purchase or upgrade a truck often leads trucking companies or independent truck owners to seek commercial loans. These loans are specialized financing solutions that cater to the unique needs of the trucking industry.

Truck financing works similarly to other forms of financing. However, it’s specifically designed for acquiring various types of trucks required by businesses, ranging from semi-trucks to dump trucks. The process of applying for a loan typically involves assessing the applicant’s credit history and the down payment they can afford. Once approved, truck owners can use the money to purchase the truck they need, increasing their business capacity and profitability.

truck loans

In addition to the truck loan, truck insurance is another critical component to consider. This insurance protects the truck owner’s investment and is often a requirement during the financing process.

Commercial truck loans offer a viable path for businesses to expand their operations, meet growing demand, and contribute to Canada’s thriving trucking sector. These loans, coupled with suitable truck insurance, provide the necessary financial framework for businesses to prosper in the trucking industry.

Uses


Acquiring a truck can be a substantial investment, with costs potentially exceeding $80,000 depending on the vehicle’s size, make, features, and brand. When a freight transportation business in Canada aims to build or expand its fleet of trucks, they often turn to financial institutions for a commercial truck loan. This financing process allows the company to buy the truck outright and pay the lender back in installments over the life of the loan, an arrangement that can prove especially valuable during tough times.

Once approved for a loan, the company can immediately deploy the new truck for service, creating an instant revenue stream. This income is then used, in part, to make the loan payments, enabling the business to manage its finances effectively while enhancing its service capacity.

A truck loan is not just for acquiring new trucks. They can also be used to finance repairs, upgrades, and enhancements to existing vehicles in the fleet. For some operators, prolonging the lifespan of a truck by upgrading its engine or other features may prove more cost-effective than purchasing a new vehicle. In these situations, a truck loan can cover the lump-sum expenditures required for such upgrades. Once the payment is made, the business repays the loan in installments, much like with the purchase of a new truck.

It’s important to remember that lenders often assess the credit history of the business and the value of the truck as an asset when approving a loan. A start-up business may be seen as a higher risk, which could impact the interest rate and terms of the loan.

Whether a company is looking to expand its fleet with new trucks, lease vehicles, or upgrade existing trucks, commercial truck loans provide a flexible solution to finance these needs. They help a business meet the demands of their service, even in challenging economic times, and continue to contribute to Canada’s robust trucking industry.

Mechanics of a Commercial Truck Loan


Commercial truck loans function as secured loans, where the truck itself serves as collateral. This parallels personal auto loans, but the similarities largely end there, as truck financing has its own distinctive elements.

Given the cyclical nature of the trucking industry, these loans typically carry higher rates compared to traditional auto loans. This is due to the perceived increased risk financial institutions associate with the trucking business, especially for a new business or smaller trucking companies. To balance this risk, they set higher rates for each truck loan. This risk profile often exceeds the parameters of traditional banks or credit unions, which tend to adopt more conservative lending policies. Consequently, trucking companies frequently need to seek alternative financing options.

Unlike a personal auto loan, where the borrower is approved for a maximum loan amount and then selects a vehicle within that budget, truck financing requires the borrower to identify the specific truck they wish to purchase beforehand. This could be any type of truck, from box trucks and dump trucks to tow trucks, depending on the services the business provides.

The mechanics of obtaining a truck loan involve several steps. The prospective borrower, who must have a valid driver’s license and meet a minimum monthly income requirement, first applies for the loan. The lender then evaluates the applicant’s credit file, examining factors like previous late payments and overall debt. A good credit score may result in better rates, while poor credit may attract additional fees and higher interest rates.

Upon approval, the financing institution calculates the loan term length and monthly payments, taking into account the cost of the chosen truck and the borrower’s ability to pay. The purchased vehicle acts as an asset that could be seized in the event of default, providing a measure of security for the lender.

Commercial truck loans in Canada are tailored financing solutions that accommodate the unique needs and challenges of the trucking industry. These loans allow a business to acquire the truck you need, despite the inherent risks, and contribute to the economic movement of goods across the country.

Eligibility for Securing Financing


 Securing a commercial truck loan in Canada involves a comprehensive process, with the lending institution meticulously assessing various elements that influence the loan’s terms and interest rates. Here are the key areas under scrutiny:

  • Truck's Asset Value

    As a tangible asset, the truck’s value plays a pivotal role in financing decisions. Older vehicles, such as dump trucks or box trucks, face depreciation, limiting their financing options. For first-time truck purchasers, investing in a new truck may stretch their finance, making slightly used trucks a pragmatic alternative.

  • Type of Truck and Service It Provides

    The type of truck and its intended service also influences the financing process. Vocational vehicles like garbage or tow trucks, confined within specific areas, often receive more favourable financing terms. Conversely, long-haul trucks, which clock in higher mileage and wear, may secure smaller loans or be subject to higher interest rates.

  • Vendor Credibility

    Whether purchasing from a dealership or a private party impacts the loan process. Lenders generally prefer transactions with established dealerships over private sellers due to the former’s licensed status and the provision of comprehensive documentation.

  • Owner's Credit History

    The truck owner’s credit history also comes under the scanner. A robust credit score can lead to better rates and more lenient down payment requirements, making the loan more accessible.

  • Company's Financial Health

    Lenders also examine the company’s financial health, including any tax liens or delinquencies. A clean financial track record, coupled with ample cash reserves beyond the down payment, provides lenders with assurance, potentially improving loan terms.

  • Business History and Credit References

    The lender assesses the company’s longevity, financial statements, credit references, and tax returns to evaluate its stability and creditworthiness. A new business may face more scrutiny compared to an established one.

  • Truck Details and Condition

    Details like the make, model, year, and condition of the truck, and any major past repairs are also factored in. The borrower is typically asked to provide photos of the vehicle for condition assessment. If the truck’s life expectancy doesn’t align with the loan term, securing financing could be more challenging.

Securing a commercial truck loan involves a holistic review of the financial capacity of the trucking company, credit history, the truck’s value, and the overall viability of the business. Ensuring these elements align favourably can improve the likelihood of loan approval with competitive rates.

If you are interested in learning about the requirements to obtain a truck license in each province, check out this helpful resource from iCanDrive.

Key Advantages


There are several variables that lenders will consider before issuing a truck loan. Some of these are as mentioned below:

Stamp Your Ownership:

Each payment made towards the truck loan is a step towards owning the truck at the end of the loan’s life. This enables the borrower to enjoy the benefits of ownership such as vehicle modifications and/or being able to sell the truck at the end of the loan term. This is in contrast to the leasing option, where the lessee simply pays for the privileges of being able to use the truck during the lease period.

Tax Benefits:

The entire process of buying the truck via loan through a financial institution or credit union, could potentially provide tax benefits as it could potentially qualify for tax savings from depreciation.

Points to Consider


On the flip side, a lease allows the borrower to use the vehicle for a pre-defined number of months before turning it back in to the vendor and securing a new vehicle. Some other drawbacks of ownership via truck loan are:

(Possible) Negative Equity:

When the vehicle is purchased, the loan payments reflect the entire cost of the truck. However, in early years, depending on depreciation policies, the value of the truck on the company’s books could decline at a faster rate than the loan’s principal. This means that borrowers that put up lower down payments end up owning a vehicle that is worth less than what they are paying for it.

Initial Outlay:

Most lending institutions will require a down-payment to be made before the truck loan can be underwritten. For borrowers with financial constraints, this is therefore often not a feasible option to pursue given the quantum of the down payment.

How to Apply For A Truck Loan


Obtaining a truck loan in Canada involves a systematic process to ensure the best interest rate and loan terms. Here are the step-by-step details:

1. Determine Your Needs

Start by identifying the type of truck you need. Are you looking to finance older trucks, or do you require a new one? Understanding your needs helps determine the size of the loan.

2. Evaluate Your Finances

Review your financial health. Do you have enough assets to support the loan? Evaluate your cash flow, ensuring you have enough money to cover the monthly payment.

3. Research Lenders

Look into various lenders, including banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions. Each lender has different criteria and interest rates, so it’s essential to find one that best aligns with your situation.

4. Prequalify for the Loan

Prequalifying gives you an idea of the interest rate, term length, and loan amount you might qualify for. Most lenders in Canada offer this service, helping you estimate your monthly payment.

5. Select the Truck

Once prequalified, choose the truck you want to finance. Remember, the truck will act as collateral, so its value is crucial.

6. Official Loan Application

With your chosen truck, apply for the loan officially. The lender will review your application, assessing your creditworthiness and the truck’s value.

7. Loan Approval

If approved, the lender will provide loan details, including the final interest rate, term, and payment schedule. Review these terms carefully.

8. Finalize the Purchase

After accepting the loan terms, finalize the truck purchase. The lender will guide you through this process, ensuring the truck’s title is appropriately transferred.

9. Begin Payments

With the truck now in your possession, begin your loan repayments as per the agreed schedule. Timely payments can help build your credit score.

10. Consider Leasing as an Alternative

If obtaining a loan seems challenging, consider leasing the truck. Leasing often requires lower upfront costs and allows you to upgrade the vehicle regularly.

Remember, every step of the truck loan application process requires careful consideration to ensure it’s the right financial move for your situation. From choosing the right truck to picking the best lender, each decision will impact the overall cost and feasibility of the loan.

What the Numbers Say

Based on trucking industry statistics released by the government, there are approximately 111.7k establishments that generate an average revenue of $289.6k, implying a total industry size in Canada of $34 billion. The space is also highly fragmented as evidenced by 99.4% of these entities having less than 100 employees i.e. small to mid-sized companies. Lastly, it is worth noting that 81.7% of entities were profitable in 2016. The trucking industry tends to correlate with general economic performance; due to relative outperformance over the last few years, the industry has been one of the benefactors of this economic strength.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck and Trailer Loans and Leasing


1. Can I use a truck loan to buy a used truck in Canada?

Yes, you can use a truck loan to finance the purchase of both new and used trucks. The truck itself, whether new or used, serves as collateral for the loan. However, lenders may assess used trucks differently, given their age and condition. Always remember that the value of the truck as an asset is significant in securing the loan.

2. How is a truck loan different from a car loan?

While both car and truck loans allow you to finance vehicle purchases, truck loans often involve larger amounts due to the higher cost of trucks. Additionally, truck loans are typically used for commercial purposes, which may influence the loan terms, interest rates, and required documents.

3. What are the typical requirements to qualify for a truck loan in Canada?

Qualifying for a truck loan typically involves a credit check, verification of income, and sometimes a down payment. The truck you plan to purchase also plays a significant role, as it serves as collateral for the loan. Lenders will assess its value and condition as part of the approval process.

4. Is it better to lease or take out a truck loan?

Both leasing and taking out a truck loan have their advantages. Leasing often requires less upfront cost and offers the flexibility to upgrade your vehicle regularly. However, a truck loan leads to ownership, which might be beneficial for long-term commercial use. The right choice depends on your financial situation, business needs, and personal preferences.

5. Can I still get a truck loan if I have poor credit?

While a strong credit history and significant assets improves your chances of securing a truck loan with favorable terms, many lenders in Canada work with individuals who have less than perfect credit. Some lenders specialize in bad credit truck loans but be aware that these may come with higher interest rates due to the perceived risk.

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