Truck finance deposits in Australia are not based on one fixed percentage.

Some owner-operators and transport businesses may be able to finance the full eligible purchase price of a truck.

Others may need a deposit, trade-in contribution or additional equity before the lender is comfortable proceeding.

The difference usually comes down to the complete application.

A lender may consider:

• How long the business has been trading
• ABN history
• Transport industry experience
• Current business income
• Credit history
• Existing debts
• Truck age
• Truck kilometres
• Purchase price
• Market value
• Available documents
• Deposit or trade-in
• Overall repayment capacity

That means two businesses buying identical trucks could receive different deposit requirements.

The Asset Finance Shop (TAFS) is a specialised commercial asset finance broker with access to more than 80 bank and non-bank lenders.

TAFS can assess your business, proposed truck, available deposit and working capital requirements before comparing suitable commercial vehicle financing options.

For straightforward applications where the required information is available, approval can be arranged in as little as 24 hours.

This guide explains how truck finance deposits work, when no-deposit truck finance may be available, what can cause a lender to request a larger contribution and how owner-operators can strengthen an application without unnecessarily tying up working capital.

How Much Deposit Do I Need for a Truck Loan?

There is no standard truck loan deposit that applies to every Australian borrower.

Depending on the application, the deposit could potentially be:

• No deposit
• A small cash contribution
• A larger cash contribution
• Trade-in equity
• A combination of cash and trade-in equity

The lender determines the requirement after assessing both the business and the truck.

For example:

Applicant A

Truck: $180,000
Deposit: $0
Finance amount: $180,000

Applicant B

Truck: $180,000
Deposit: $20,000
Finance amount: $160,000

Applicant C

Truck: $180,000
Trade-in equity: $40,000
Finance amount: $140,000

All three may be legitimate finance structures.

The appropriate one depends on lender criteria and the overall application.

Can I Get Truck Finance With No Deposit?

Potentially.

Eligible applicants may be able to finance the full eligible purchase price of the truck.

TAFS material confirms that a deposit is not required for every commercial truck finance application and selected applicants may be able to finance 100% of the purchase price, subject to lender requirements and the complete application. Pasted markdown(4)

No-deposit truck finance is not a guaranteed product available to everyone.

It is an outcome that may be available where the lender is comfortable financing the complete eligible purchase amount.

What Does No-Deposit Truck Finance Mean?

No-deposit truck finance generally means the business does not contribute cash toward the truck purchase price at settlement.

For example:

Truck purchase price: $200,000
Cash deposit: $0
Amount financed: $200,000

The business keeps the cash it may otherwise have used as a truck loan down payment.

That money can potentially remain available for:

• Diesel
• Registration
• Insurance
• Tyres
• Servicing
• Repairs
• Driver wages
• Tolls
• Trailer expenses
• Tax obligations
• Contract mobilisation

The trade-off is that financing more of the purchase generally means a larger loan balance.

Is No-Deposit Truck Finance Better?

Not automatically.

No-deposit truck finance may protect working capital.

But financing the complete purchase price can also mean:

• Larger amount financed
• Higher regular repayments
• More interest paid
• Less equity in the truck initially

The business should compare the benefits of keeping cash available with the cost of borrowing more.

No Deposit vs Low Deposit Truck Finance

There is an important difference.

No-Deposit Truck Finance

The business finances the full eligible purchase price.

Example:

Truck: $150,000
Deposit: $0
Finance: $150,000

Low-Deposit Truck Finance

The business makes a smaller contribution.

Example:

Truck: $150,000
Deposit: $10,000
Finance: $140,000

A low deposit can sometimes provide a useful middle ground.

The business keeps most of its available cash while reducing the amount being financed.

Why Do Lenders Ask for a Truck Deposit?

A deposit reduces the lender's exposure.

For example:

No Deposit

Truck value: $200,000
Amount financed: $200,000

$30,000 Deposit

Truck value: $200,000
Amount financed: $170,000

The second structure gives the lender a larger buffer between the truck's value and the loan balance.

A deposit may therefore be requested where the lender considers the overall transaction higher risk.

When Is a Deposit More Likely?

A lender may be more likely to request a contribution where:

• The ABN is new
• Trading history is limited
• Full financial information is unavailable
• The truck is older
• The truck has high kilometres
• Purchase price appears high relative to market value
• Credit history is more complicated
• Existing debt is significant
• Repayment capacity is tighter
• The truck is highly specialised
• The transaction involves a private seller
• The lender wants greater borrower contribution

A deposit does not necessarily mean the application is weak.

It may simply be the structure the lender requires for that particular transaction.

Can a Strong Business Get No-Deposit Truck Finance?

Potentially.

Factors that may strengthen a no-deposit application include:

• Established business history
• Strong business bank statements
• Consistent income
• Good credit conduct
• Existing successful truck finance
• Strong transport experience
• Reasonable existing debt
• Suitable truck
• Purchase price that aligns with market value
• Clear repayment capacity

No single factor guarantees approval.

The lender looks at the application as a whole.

Does ABN Age Affect Truck Finance Deposits?

It can.

A lender may be more comfortable providing higher loan-to-value finance to an established transport business than a newly registered operation.

For example:

Business A

ABN: 8 years
Transport experience: 12 years
Existing fleet: 4 trucks
Repayment history: Strong

Business B

ABN: 4 months
Transport experience: 2 years
Existing fleet: None

Both could potentially be financeable.

But their deposit requirements may be different.

Can a New ABN Get No-Deposit Truck Finance?

Potentially, but newer businesses may face tighter lender criteria.

Selected lenders consider new ABNs.

The lender may place more weight on:

• Previous transport experience
• Source of work
• Current contracts
• Bank statements
• Credit history
• Personal financial position
• Truck value
• Available cash
• Deposit

TAFS can compare lender criteria rather than assuming every new business requires the same contribution.

Previous Transport Experience Matters

A new ABN does not necessarily mean an inexperienced truck operator.

Consider:

ABN age: 6 months
Transport experience: 11 years
Previous role: Employed interstate driver
Current work: Confirmed subcontract work
Truck: Used prime mover

The business entity is new.

The applicant is not new to the industry.

That experience can form an important part of the lender assessment.

Does Credit History Affect the Deposit?

Potentially.

Credit profile can influence:

• Lender availability
• Deposit requirement
• Interest rate
• Finance term
• Balloon options
• Documentation requirements

A business with excellent repayment history may receive different options from one with unresolved defaults or current arrears.

Past credit problems do not automatically mean truck finance is unavailable.

But they can affect the structure.

Does Truck Age Affect the Deposit?

Yes, potentially.

Lenders assess the truck as part of the security supporting the loan.

They may consider:

• Year
• Kilometres
• Condition
• Manufacturer
• Purchase price
• Market value
• Expected remaining life

An older truck may result in:

• Larger deposit requirement
• Shorter finance term
• Smaller balloon
• Different lender options

A newer truck with strong resale demand may support a different structure.

Does the Truck Purchase Price Matter?

Yes.

The lender usually wants the purchase price to make sense relative to market value.

Consider:

Truck purchase price: $180,000
Lender-assessed value: $150,000

The lender may not be comfortable financing the entire $180,000.

The buyer could be asked to contribute some or all of the difference.

That is why the truck itself matters just as much as the applicant.

Why Market Value Matters for No-Deposit Finance

No-deposit truck finance becomes harder to justify if the purchase price appears substantially higher than the truck's underlying value.

For example:

Truck A

Purchase: $170,000
Estimated market value: $170,000

Truck B

Purchase: $170,000
Estimated market value: $135,000

Even if the businesses are identical, the lender may treat these transactions very differently.

Can Used Trucks Be Financed With No Deposit?

Potentially.

Used trucks can be financed through selected lenders.

Whether no deposit is available can depend on:

• Age
• Kilometres
• Condition
• Value
• Purchase price
• Borrower profile
• Finance amount

A quality used truck purchased at a reasonable market value may be viewed differently from an older vehicle with high kilometres and a premium asking price.

Can Older Trucks Be Financed?

Potentially.

Different lenders have different asset-age policies.

Older vehicles may require:

• More applicant contribution
• Shorter loan term
• Inspection
• Valuation
• Smaller balloon

TAFS can compare lenders that are comfortable with the proposed truck rather than relying on one set of asset rules.

Can I Finance a Private-Sale Truck With No Deposit?

Potentially.

Selected lenders finance commercial trucks purchased from private sellers.

Additional checks can include:

• Seller identity
• Proof of ownership
• VIN
• Registration
• Existing finance
• Market value
• Truck condition

Depending on the truck and borrower, a lender may still require a contribution.

Private-sale finance generally involves more asset verification than a straightforward dealer transaction.

Can Auction Trucks Be Financed With a Low Deposit?

Potentially.

Selected lenders can finance eligible trucks purchased at auction.

Completing an initial assessment before bidding can help establish:

• Likely finance amount
• Possible deposit
• Acceptable vehicle age
• Finance term
• Balloon options
• Other lender requirements

Final approval still depends on the truck purchased.

Cash Deposit vs Trade-In Equity

A truck loan down payment does not necessarily need to come entirely from cash.

Trade-in equity can potentially contribute.

For example:

Current truck value: $120,000
Existing finance payout: $70,000

Potential equity:

$50,000

If the replacement truck costs:

$220,000

then the available $50,000 trade-in equity may reduce the new amount financed to approximately:

$170,000

subject to the final settlement structure.

Why Trade-In Equity Can Be Valuable

Using trade-in equity may allow the business to reduce the new loan while retaining cash in the bank.

That can be useful for transport operators because the replacement truck still requires operating capital.

After settlement, the business may need money for:

• Registration
• Insurance
• Diesel
• Tyres
• Servicing
• Repairs
• Wages
• Tolls

A trade-in can help reduce debt without using the same amount of cash.

What if My Existing Truck Is Fully Paid Off?

A fully owned truck may provide substantial equity.

The business might:

• Trade it
• Sell it privately
• Keep it as another fleet vehicle

If the vehicle is traded, the full eligible trade value may contribute toward the replacement purchase.

If it is kept, the lender may also consider it as part of the overall business asset position.

Should I Make the Largest Deposit I Can Afford?

Not necessarily.

A larger deposit can reduce:

• Amount financed
• Regular repayments
• Total finance cost

But there is another question:

How much cash will the business have left after settlement?

Transport businesses have significant ongoing operating costs.

Using too much available cash as a deposit can leave the business exposed.

Example: Large Deposit vs Working Capital

Consider an owner-operator with:

Cash available: $60,000
Truck: $180,000

Option A: $50,000 Deposit

Finance: $130,000
Cash remaining: $10,000

Option B: $20,000 Deposit

Finance: $160,000
Cash remaining: $40,000

Option A reduces the loan.

Option B leaves substantially more working capital.

The better structure depends on:

• Repayment affordability
• Fuel costs
• Insurance
• Customer payment terms
• Existing cash commitments
• Other debt

Why Working Capital Matters for Truck Operators

A truck cannot generate income simply because it has been purchased.

It needs to operate.

That costs money.

A transport business may need to fund:

• Diesel before customers pay
• Driver wages
• Insurance
• Registration
• Maintenance
• Tyres
• Tolls
• Repairs

A business can therefore be approved for a truck but still experience cash flow pressure if too much money was used as the initial deposit.

Example: New Contract and Low Deposit

Consider a transport business purchasing another prime mover for a new contract.

Truck: $250,000
Cash reserves: $90,000

The business also needs to fund:

Driver onboarding: $10,000
Insurance and registration: $15,000
Fuel and operating float: $35,000

Using $70,000 as a truck deposit could leave the business unnecessarily tight during mobilisation.

A lower deposit may create a higher loan but preserve more cash for actually operating the new truck.

Does No Deposit Mean No Money Is Needed?

No.

Even where the complete eligible truck purchase price is financed, there may still be other costs.

These can include:

• Insurance
• Registration
• Stamp duty where applicable
• Repairs or servicing
• Fit-out
• Fuel
• Operating expenses

Exact costs depend on the transaction.

No-deposit truck finance should not be confused with starting a transport business with no available capital.

What Do Lenders Assess for No-Deposit Truck Finance?

Business History

The lender may consider:

• ABN age
• Time trading
• Business structure
• Previous business history

Transport Experience

Experience as an:

• Owner-driver
• Employee driver
• Subcontractor
• Fleet operator

can help explain the applicant's ability to operate the truck commercially.

Business Income

Depending on the application, this may be demonstrated using:

• Bank statements
• BAS
• Financial statements
• Tax returns
• Contracts

Existing Debt

The lender considers:

• Existing truck loans
• Vehicle finance
• Business loans
• Credit cards
• Other financial commitments

Credit Conduct

Repayment history can affect lender confidence.

Truck

The lender assesses:

• Age
• Kilometres
• Purchase price
• Market value
• Expected working life

Repayment Capacity

The business ultimately needs to support the proposed truck repayment.

Can Low Doc Applicants Get Low-Deposit Truck Finance?

Potentially.

Selected lenders provide low doc truck finance pathways.

They may assess information such as:

• Recent business bank statements
• ABN history
• Credit profile
• Industry experience
• Existing commitments
• Truck information

rather than requiring a complete set of financial statements in every application. Pasted text(20260806-090523)

Deposit requirements still depend on the complete application.

Do Full Financial Statements Improve Deposit Options?

They can.

Strong financial statements can provide the lender with more evidence about:

• Turnover
• Profitability
• Debt position
• Cash flow
• Net assets

That may strengthen the overall application.

But full financials are not required for every truck loan.

Selected lenders offer streamlined and low doc options.

Can Sole Traders Get No-Deposit Truck Finance?

Potentially.

Sole traders can apply for commercial vehicle financing.

The lender can assess:

• ABN history
• Industry experience
• Bank statement income
• Credit history
• Existing commitments
• Truck
• Repayment capacity

Business structure alone does not determine whether a deposit will be required.

Can Fleet Operators Get No-Deposit Finance?

Potentially.

An established fleet operator may have factors that support higher finance amounts, including:

• Strong trading history
• Multiple existing assets
• Proven repayment conduct
• Stable turnover
• Existing customer contracts

The lender still assesses each proposed truck and transaction.

Can My Existing Truck Repayment History Help?

Potentially.

If the business already has equipment finance and has maintained strong repayment conduct, that history can provide useful evidence.

For example:

Existing truck loans: 3
Repayment history: Up to date
Proposed purchase: Fourth truck

This can present differently from a first-time operator with no commercial repayment history.

How Does a Balloon Affect Deposit Requirements?

Deposit and balloon are separate elements of the structure.

A deposit reduces the amount financed at the beginning.

A balloon leaves some principal outstanding at the end.

For example:

Truck: $200,000
Deposit: $20,000
Finance: $180,000
Balloon: $36,000

The business contributes $20,000 upfront and leaves $36,000 outstanding at the end.

The lender must be comfortable with both.

Can No-Deposit Truck Finance Include a Balloon?

Potentially.

For example:

Truck: $180,000
Deposit: $0
Finance: $180,000
Balloon: $30,000

This structure preserves upfront cash and lowers regular repayments compared with the same term without a balloon.

However, it also means:

• Full purchase price is financed
• More principal remains outstanding
• Final payment needs to be managed
• Total interest may be higher

The structure should be based on the business and expected future truck value.

What Happens if the Lender Requires a Deposit?

A deposit requirement does not necessarily mean the finance cannot proceed.

The business can consider:

• Cash contribution
• Trade-in
• Lower-priced truck
• Different truck
• Different lender
• Smaller finance requirement

A broker can assess whether another lender has a more suitable policy.

That does not mean another lender will automatically offer zero deposit.

Can Choosing a Different Truck Reduce the Deposit?

Potentially.

Consider:

Truck A

Price: $190,000
Market value: $160,000

Truck B

Price: $160,000
Market value: $160,000

Truck B may present a stronger asset position.

A realistic purchase price can improve the overall finance structure.

Should I Buy a Cheaper Truck Just to Avoid a Deposit?

Not necessarily.

The truck still needs to be suitable for the work.

A cheaper truck that:

• Breaks down regularly
• Cannot carry the required load
• Creates excessive repairs

may be a poor commercial decision.

The objective is to balance:

• Asset quality
• Purchase price
• Deposit
• Loan repayment
• Working capital

Does Pre-Approval Help With Deposit Planning?

Yes.

An initial truck finance assessment can help a buyer understand:

• Likely borrowing position
• Whether a deposit may be required
• What price range may be realistic
• Suitable truck ages
• Finance terms
• Likely documentation

This can be useful before negotiating with a seller or attending an auction.

Truck Finance Deposit Example: First Owner-Driver Truck

Consider:

ABN: 9 months
Transport experience: 8 years
Truck: $130,000 rigid
Current work: Confirmed subcontract arrangement

Because the business is newer, the lender may pay additional attention to:

• Previous industry experience
• Contract
• Bank statements
• Credit history
• Available cash
• Truck value

The lender may approve:

• Full eligible finance
• Low deposit
• Larger deposit

depending on the complete position.

Example: Established Operator Replacing a Truck

Consider:

ABN: 9 years
Current fleet: 4 trucks
Repayment history: Strong
Replacement truck: $240,000
Trade-in equity: $45,000

The business could potentially use:

• All $45,000 as contribution
• Part of the equity depending on settlement
• Another structure available through the selected lender

The goal may be to replace the truck while retaining enough cash for fleet operations.

Example: Adding Another Prime Mover

Consider a transport business buying another prime mover because freight volumes have increased.

The lender may review:

• Existing fleet revenue
• New contract income
• Existing truck repayments
• Driver availability
• Business bank statements
• Working capital
• Proposed finance amount

Deposit is only one part of the overall assessment.

Can Bad Credit Affect No-Deposit Finance?

Yes.

Previous credit issues can reduce available lender options.

They may also affect:

• Deposit
• Rate
• Term
• Balloon
• Finance amount

No-deposit truck finance may still be possible in some scenarios, but it becomes more important to assess the complete credit position before formally applying.

How Can I Improve My Truck Financing Eligibility?

Several things can strengthen the application.

Prepare Bank Statements

Have recent statements available before applying.

Explain Your Transport Experience

Particularly important for newer businesses.

Show Where the Work Comes From

Provide relevant:

• Contracts
• Work source agreements
• Regular customer details

where appropriate.

Disclose Existing Debts

The lender needs the complete financial picture.

Choose a Realistic Truck

Make sure the purchase price and asset suit the business.

Know Your Trade-In Position

Find out:

• Estimated trade-in value
• Existing finance payout
• Approximate equity

Keep Working Capital Available

A strong cash position after settlement may be just as important as contributing the maximum possible deposit.

What Documents Might Be Required?

Depending on the lender, truck finance documents can include:

• Driver's licence
• ABN details
• Business structure
• Recent business bank statements
• Existing finance details
• Current work information
• Contracts
• Truck invoice
• Vehicle details
• Deposit confirmation
• Trade-in information

Some applications may also require:

• BAS
• Financial statements
• Tax returns
• Assets and liabilities

The exact requirements vary.

Why Lender Choice Matters for Truck Finance Deposits

Not every lender uses the same deposit policy.

For example:

Lender A

May prefer established businesses and offer higher eligible loan-to-value finance.

Lender B

May accept a newer business but require a contribution.

Lender C

May be comfortable with low doc applicants.

Lender D

May specialise in older trucks but structure the term differently.

The borrower has not changed.

The lender criteria have.

Why Use a Truck Finance Broker?

Going directly to one lender means the application is tested against that lender's deposit and credit policy.

A specialist broker can compare multiple lender requirements first.

TAFS has access to more than 80 bank and non-bank lenders and reviews the applicant, truck, available documentation and proposed structure before formal submission. Pasted markdown(20260911-011615)

How TAFS Approaches Truck Finance Deposits

Step 1: Review the Business

TAFS assesses:

• ABN age
• Trading history
• Transport experience
• Business income
• Existing debts
• Available documents

Step 2: Review the Truck

TAFS looks at:

• Truck type
• Make and model
• Year
• Kilometres
• Purchase price
• Seller
• Market position

Step 3: Review Available Contribution

This may include:

• No cash deposit
• Cash deposit
• Trade-in equity
• Combination of both

Step 4: Soft Credit Check

TAFS starts with a soft credit check before the formal lender application. 

Step 5: Internal Credit Review

The application is reviewed against suitable lender policies.

Step 6: Compare Suitable Lenders

TAFS can compare options through access to more than 80 bank and non-bank lenders. Pasted markdown(20260911-011615)

Step 7: Structure the Finance

The structure may include:

• Purchase price
• Deposit
• Trade-in
• Amount financed
• Term
• Repayment
• Balloon

Step 8: Formal Application

Once an appropriate lender and structure have been selected, one formal application is submitted.

Step 9: Approval and Settlement

TAFS coordinates the remaining lender and seller requirements through to settlement.

Straightforward applications can be approved in as little as 24 hours when the required information is available. 

Truck Finance Deposit Checklist

Questions to Ask Before Paying a Truck Deposit

Before contributing cash, ask:

1. Is a deposit actually required?
2. Can the full eligible purchase price be financed?
3. Would a smaller deposit still be acceptable?
4. Can my trade-in cover the contribution?
5. How much will the deposit reduce my repayment?
6. How much interest will it save?
7. How much working capital will remain?
8. What operating costs do I need to fund after settlement?
9. Will the lender finance this truck's age?
10. Does the purchase price match market value?
11. Is low doc available?
12. What finance term applies?
13. Can a balloon be included?
14. What rate applies?
15. What fees apply?
16. What is the total estimated finance cost?

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Deposit Do I Need for a Truck Loan?

There is no universal deposit requirement.

Some eligible applicants may qualify for full eligible purchase-price finance, while others may need a contribution.

The lender considers the business, truck, finance amount, credit profile and available information.

Can I Get Truck Finance With No Deposit?

Potentially.

Selected applicants may be able to finance the full eligible purchase price.

No-deposit finance is subject to lender approval.

Is No-Deposit Truck Finance Guaranteed?

No.

The lender must be comfortable with the complete application.

What Is Low-Deposit Truck Finance?

Low-deposit truck finance means the buyer contributes a smaller portion of the purchase price and finances the balance.

Why Would a Lender Require a Deposit?

A deposit reduces the amount being financed and the lender's exposure.

It may be requested because of business history, credit profile, asset age, purchase price or other application factors.

Does a New ABN Need a Truck Deposit?

Not automatically.

Selected lenders can consider newer ABNs.

Deposit requirements depend on the complete application.

Can a Sole Trader Get No-Deposit Truck Finance?

Potentially.

Sole traders can apply for commercial vehicle finance subject to lender criteria.

Can I Finance 100% of a Truck?

Potentially.

Eligible applicants may be able to finance the full eligible purchase price. Pasted markdown(4)

Can I Use a Trade-In Instead of Cash?

Potentially.

Equity remaining after the existing truck finance payout may contribute toward the replacement vehicle.

Can Used Trucks Be Financed With No Deposit?

Potentially.

The lender will consider vehicle age, kilometres, condition, market value and the borrower profile.

Can I Finance an Older Truck?

Potentially.

Older vehicles may have different deposit, term and balloon requirements.

Can I Get No-Deposit Finance on a Private Sale?

Potentially.

Private-sale truck finance is available through selected lenders, although additional asset and seller checks usually apply.

Can I Get Low-Deposit Auction Finance?

Potentially.

Completing an assessment before bidding can help establish likely lender requirements.

Does Bad Credit Mean I Need a Deposit?

Not automatically, although previous credit issues can affect lender options and the required contribution.

Does a Larger Deposit Reduce My Repayments?

Generally, yes.

A larger deposit reduces the amount financed.

Does a Larger Deposit Guarantee a Better Interest Rate?

No.

Deposit is only one factor affecting pricing.

Should I Use All My Cash as a Deposit?

Not necessarily.

Owner-operators should consider how much working capital is required after settlement.

What Is a Truck Loan Down Payment?

A truck loan down payment is another term for the upfront contribution made toward the purchase price.

In Australian commercial finance, it is more commonly referred to as a deposit or contribution.

Can Truck Finance Include a Balloon?

Potentially.

A balloon can reduce regular repayments but leaves a larger final amount payable at the end.

Can No-Deposit Finance Have a Balloon?

Potentially, subject to lender approval and the truck's expected future value.

How Can I Improve Truck Financing Eligibility?

Strong current income, suitable bank statements, clear transport experience, good credit conduct, appropriate truck value and complete application information can all strengthen the application.

How Fast Can Truck Finance Be Approved?

Straightforward applications can be approved in as little as 24 hours once the required information is available. 

Does TAFS Start With a Hard Credit Enquiry?

No.

TAFS begins with a soft credit check before the formal lender application. 

How Many Lenders Can TAFS Compare?

TAFS has access to more than 80 bank and non-bank lenders. Pasted markdown(20260911-011615)

Compare Truck Finance Deposit Options With TAFS

There is no single correct truck finance deposit.

For one business, contributing a larger deposit may reduce repayments and total finance cost.

For another, a low-deposit or no-deposit structure may make more commercial sense because retaining cash for fuel, wages, insurance and operating expenses is more important.

The strongest structure balances:

• Truck purchase price
• Market value
• Cash contribution
• Trade-in equity
• Finance amount
• Repayment
• Working capital
• Finance term
• Balloon
• Total finance cost

TAFS can assess your transport business, proposed truck, available cash and trade-in position before comparing suitable commercial vehicle finance options through access to more than 80 bank and non-bank lenders.

For straightforward applications where the required information is available, approval can be arranged in as little as 24 hours.

The Asset Finance Shop (TAFS) is a commercial asset finance brokerage based in Sydney.

Information on this page is general in nature and doesn't take your circumstances into account. Speak to a TAFS broker about finance options tailored to your business and to your accountant regarding tax treatment.