Short Answer
The best trucking loans in 2025 depend on what you need: equipment financing starts at 5.49% APR for 680+ credit, working capital lines start at 6.2%, and SBA loans offer the lowest long-term rates. eBoost Partners is our top pick for most carriers — one application, multiple lender quotes.
Best Trucking Loans 2026: Top Lenders & Rates
Key Takeaways
- → Equipment loans: 5.49–18% APR · best for buying a truck or trailer (truck is collateral)
- → Business line of credit: 6.2–30% · best for ongoing cash flow (fuel, repairs, payroll)
- → SBA 7(a) loans: Prime + 2.75% · lowest rates, longest terms — but slow (90–120 days)
- → Bad credit options: 500+ FICO accepted by National Funding, CAG Truck Capital
- → Startup (0 time in business): CDL + MC authority + down payment unlocks options at CAG
Best Trucking Loan Lenders 2026
See our ranking methodology. Sponsored listings are labeled.
eBoost Partners
Sponsored Best OverallRates From
6.5%
Up To
$500,000
Min Credit
550
Funding
Same day
Taycor Financial
Best for EquipmentRates From
7.0%
Up To
$2,000,000
Min Credit
600
Funding
1–3 days
Crest Capital
Fast ApprovalRates From
6.8%
Up To
$1,000,000
Min Credit
620
Funding
Same day
National Funding
Best for Bad CreditRates From
9.0%
Up To
$500,000
Min Credit
500
Funding
Next day
SMB Compass
Best for SBA LoansRates From
6.5%
Up To
$5,000,000
Min Credit
650
Funding
30–90 days
Balboa Capital
Online-FirstRates From
7.5%
Up To
$1,000,000
Min Credit
620
Funding
1–3 days
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Best Trucking Loans by Type
There's no single "best trucking loan" — the right product depends on what you're financing. Here's how to match your need to the right loan type:
| Need | Best Loan Type | Rate Range |
|---|---|---|
| Buying a semi truck | Equipment loan | 5.49–18% |
| Fuel, repairs, cash flow | Line of credit | 6.2–30% |
| Expand fleet (2+ trucks) | Fleet financing | 5.5–15% |
| Long-term growth capital | SBA 7(a) or 504 | Prime+2.75% |
| Invoice cash flow same-day | Invoice factoring | 2–5% fee/invoice |
| Bad credit + need a truck | Bad credit loan | 12–35% |
| First truck, new authority | Startup loan | 12–28% + down |
| Buy a trailer only | Trailer financing | 6.5–16% |
How to Qualify for the Best Trucking Loan Rates
Lenders price trucking loans primarily on three factors. Optimizing all three gets you into the 6–9% APR range. Missing any one pushes you higher.
- Credit score — 680+ unlocks the best rate tiers. 620–679 is workable. Below 620, expect 15%+ and larger down payments.
- Time in business — 2+ years gets full product access. 1–2 years limits you slightly. Under 12 months requires equipment-secured loans and startup specialists.
- Revenue and DSCR — Lenders want your monthly revenue to cover the loan payment 1.25x–1.5x. On a $3,000/month truck payment, you need $3,750–$4,500/month in net operating income.
Equipment Loans vs. Leasing: Which Is Better?
For most owner-operators, buying (via an equipment loan) beats leasing long-term. Leasing keeps you in a payment cycle with no equity. Buying builds equity that can be refinanced or cashed out.
The exception: if you're testing a new authority and want to minimize risk, a short-term lease limits your downside. Once your business is proven (12–18 months of revenue), refinance into a purchase loan.
Trucking Loan Application Checklist
- Commercial driver's license (CDL)
- Active MC/DOT authority number
- 3–6 months business bank statements
- Most recent 2 years business and personal tax returns
- Truck quote or purchase agreement
- Proof of commercial auto insurance
- EIN (Employer Identification Number)
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