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Refrigerated Truck Finance

Finance your next refrigerated truck with a team that understands commercial transport.

Buying your first refrigerated truck, replacing an older vehicle or adding another one to keep up with deliveries, we'll build the finance around your business and the truck you're buying.

TAFS works with transport operators, food businesses, wholesalers, distributors and other businesses across Australia, with access to more than 80 lenders for new and used refrigerated truck finance.

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Refrigerated Truck Finance

Refrigerated truck finance for Australian businesses

Refrigerated truck finance is commercial asset finance used to purchase temperature-controlled trucks for business purposes.

These vehicles are used across food distribution, refrigerated transport, wholesale, hospitality supply, produce, meat, dairy, pharmaceuticals and other businesses where goods need to remain within a controlled temperature range while they're being transported.

Finance can be arranged for new or used refrigerated trucks purchased through dealerships, private sellers and auctions.

The options available will depend on your business, the truck being purchased, its age and condition, the refrigeration equipment and the strength of the overall application.

TAFS reviews these factors before approaching lenders so the application can be matched with truck finance options suited to the transaction.

White Volvo refrigerated truck by the harbour

Financing a refrigerated truck isn't the same as financing a standard truck

A refrigerated truck combines the commercial vehicle with specialised refrigeration equipment and an insulated body.

That means lenders may need to consider more than the chassis alone.

The truck's age, kilometres, make, model and condition can all matter, but so can the refrigeration unit, body configuration and overall remaining working life of the completed vehicle.

Your business matters too. A lender can look at trading history, cash flow, existing finance commitments, industry experience and the type of work the truck will perform.

For an established refrigerated transport company adding another vehicle, the application may centre around the strength of the existing operation, fleet and customer base.

For a food or wholesale business bringing deliveries in-house, the commercial reason for purchasing the truck may form an important part of the application.

Our team works through those details before the application is submitted.

Volvo refrigerated truck by the harbour

What refrigerated trucks can be financed?

TAFS can arrange finance across a broad range of refrigerated trucks used in Australian commercial operations. This can include:

  • Refrigerated rigid trucks
  • Refrigerated light trucks
  • Refrigerated delivery trucks
  • Chiller trucks
  • Freezer trucks
  • Multi-temperature trucks
  • Refrigerated pantechnicons
  • Food distribution trucks
  • Produce delivery trucks
  • Meat and dairy transport trucks
  • New refrigerated trucks
  • Used refrigerated trucks

We can also help where you're purchasing the truck through a dealer, private seller or auction.

  • 15,000+Assets Financed And Businesses Helped
  • $350M+Total Business Funding
  • 80+Lenders To Compare
  • 30+Years Of Business Experience
  • 93%Client Success Rate

Buying your first refrigerated truck?

Buying a refrigerated truck can allow a business to take greater control of its deliveries rather than relying entirely on third-party refrigerated transport.

For an existing food producer, wholesaler, caterer or distributor, the truck may be the first commercial transport asset owned by the business.

In that situation, lenders can look at the wider business rather than only your previous experience owning refrigerated vehicles. Trading history, turnover, credit profile, the goods being transported, expected vehicle use, purchase price and any deposit can all help shape the finance options available.

For a transport operator moving into refrigerated work, previous commercial driving and transport experience may also be relevant.

TAFS works with lenders that consider different business and asset profiles, giving us options when assessing a first refrigerated truck purchase.

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Adding another refrigerated truck to the fleet?

Another refrigerated truck can allow a business to service more delivery routes, take on additional customers, replace an ageing vehicle or create more capacity during busy periods.

For cold-chain and food distribution businesses, reliability can be particularly important because a truck being off the road can affect both delivery schedules and the goods being transported.

The finance still needs to fit alongside your existing commitments.

We can review the current fleet, existing vehicle finance, the truck you're considering and how the additional vehicle fits into the business before recommending a structure.

For businesses regularly replacing or expanding their refrigerated fleet, this can also create a clearer approach to future vehicle finance rather than assessing each truck in isolation.

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New and used refrigerated truck finance

TAFS can arrange finance for both new and used refrigerated trucks.

A new refrigerated truck will generally have a long remaining working life and clear supplier documentation for the vehicle, body and refrigeration equipment.

Used refrigerated trucks can vary much more widely. A relatively recent truck with moderate kilometres and a well-maintained refrigeration system is a different proposition from an older vehicle where the chassis, insulated body and refrigeration unit have all completed years of commercial work.

Older refrigerated trucks can still be financeable. The important part is matching the truck with lenders whose asset policies suit the age and type of vehicle you're purchasing.

Lenders can consider:

  • Vehicle age
  • Kilometres travelled
  • Overall truck condition
  • Make and model
  • Refrigeration unit
  • Refrigeration unit age
  • Body condition
  • Purchase price
  • Proposed finance term
  • Expected age of the truck when the loan finishes

The refrigeration unit matters too

With a refrigerated truck, the value of the asset isn't always limited to the cab and chassis.

The refrigeration system is a key part of what allows the truck to perform its job.

Depending on the vehicle and transaction, lenders may want to understand what refrigeration equipment is fitted, its age and whether it's included as part of the overall purchase.

This can become more important when buying a used vehicle where the truck and refrigeration unit are different ages.

Clear information about the complete vehicle can make it easier to present the transaction properly from the beginning.

Financing a truck and refrigerated body fit-out

Not every refrigerated truck is purchased as a completed vehicle.

A business may purchase a cab chassis and then have an insulated body, refrigeration unit and other equipment fitted separately.

That can involve multiple suppliers and invoices.

Depending on the transaction and lender, the truck and fit-out may be able to form part of the overall finance structure.

TAFS can review the truck purchase, refrigerated body, refrigeration equipment and installation costs to determine how the completed vehicle can be presented to suitable lenders.

Choosing the right refrigerated truck for the work

The right refrigerated vehicle depends heavily on what the business needs to carry and how it operates.

A local food distributor making short metropolitan deliveries can have very different requirements from a refrigerated transport operator travelling between cities.

Businesses may also require chilled, frozen or multi-temperature capability depending on the products being carried.

From a finance perspective, understanding the commercial purpose of the truck helps explain why a particular vehicle, body or refrigeration specification is required.

The asset should make sense for the work the business intends to perform.

Volvo refrigerated truck at the harbour

Dealer, private sale and auction purchases

Where you're buying the refrigerated truck can affect the finance process.

Dealer purchase

Dealer purchases generally come with established vehicle and supplier documentation, which can help keep the finance and settlement process straightforward.

Where a truck has already been fitted with its refrigerated body and equipment, the invoice should clearly show what's included in the purchase.

Private sale

TAFS can arrange finance when you're purchasing a refrigerated truck directly from another business or private seller.

The lender may require additional checks around ownership, the seller, the vehicle and the refrigeration equipment before settlement.

Private sale truck finance →

Auction purchase

Refrigerated trucks can also be purchased through commercial vehicle auctions. Auction transactions can move quickly once you've successfully bid on a vehicle.

If you're planning to buy at auction, speaking with us beforehand can give you a clearer understanding of your finance position. Final approval will still depend on the vehicle meeting lender requirements.

Auction truck finance →

What lenders look at

There's no single checklist every lender uses when assessing refrigerated truck finance. Depending on the application, they'll generally consider a combination of the following.

Your business

How long you've been trading, turnover, cash flow and existing financial commitments can influence the options available.

Your industry experience

Experience in transport, food distribution, wholesale or another relevant industry can be particularly important where the business has limited trading history.

The asset

The make, model, age, kilometres, purchase price and overall condition can affect lender appetite and the maximum finance term. The type, age and condition of the refrigeration equipment form part of the same assessment, because the truck, insulated body and cooling unit are financed as one asset.

How the truck will be used

A lender can consider whether the truck will be used for refrigerated freight, local food delivery, wholesale distribution, catering supply or another commercial purpose.

Your credit profile

Personal and business credit history can form part of the assessment.

Deposit or trade-in

A deposit isn't always required, although contributing cash or trading an existing vehicle can strengthen some applications.

Recent TAFS deal

A recent TAFS refrigerated truck deal

One TAFS client was purchasing a 2016 Hino GH1728 refrigerated truck valued at around $130,000.

Because it was an established used commercial vehicle, the application involved more than assessing the truck itself. The age and condition of the chassis, refrigerated body and specialised cooling equipment all formed part of the overall asset.

That made lender selection particularly important.

TAFS reviewed the complete vehicle and matched the purchase with a lender whose asset policy suited the transaction.

The refrigerated truck was successfully settled, giving the client another purpose-built vehicle to support its temperature-controlled transport requirements.

Deals like this show why refrigerated truck finance can be different from financing a standard commercial vehicle. The truck, insulated body and refrigeration equipment all need to make sense as one working asset.

  • 2016 Hino GH1728
  • Approx. $130,000
  • Used refrigerated truck
White Hino refrigerated truck in sunlight
Why TAFS

Why businesses use TAFS for refrigerated truck finance

80+ Lenders

We have access to a broad panel of banks and specialist commercial lenders, giving us more ways to structure a deal.

Internal credit team

Applications are reviewed before they're submitted so the lender gets a clear picture of the business, the truck and the purpose of the finance.

93% Client success rate

We focus on matching each application with lenders suited to the transaction and presenting the application properly from the start.

Commercial asset finance specialists

Our team works with businesses purchasing trucks, trailers, machinery and equipment every day. We understand that a refrigerated truck isn't simply a standard vehicle — the truck, body and refrigeration equipment all form part of the commercial asset being put to work.

Trusted lender partners:

Azora Banjo Bizcap Branded Financial Capify CFI Finance Dynamoney Finance One Grenke Judo Bank Lumi MoneyMe
The TAFS Process

How refrigerated truck finance works with TAFS

  • Step 1

    Tell us about the truck

    Send us the refrigerated truck details, purchase price and some information about your business. If the truck, refrigerated body and equipment are coming from different suppliers, let us know what's included in the complete purchase.

  • Step 2

    We review the application

    Our team looks at the asset, business profile, finance requirements and anything else that will influence lender selection.

  • Step 3

    We find suitable options

    We compare the application against lenders from our panel and identify options suited to the transaction.

  • Step 4

    We manage approval and settlement

    Once you've chosen an option, we work through the lender requirements and documentation to get the truck settled.

Start Your Application Call 1300 558 758
FAQ

Refrigerated Truck Finance FAQs

We don't just send applications out. We structure them properly from the start.

  • Can you finance a used refrigerated truck?

    Yes. TAFS can arrange finance for used refrigerated trucks across a range of ages and price points. Lenders can consider the truck's age, kilometres, condition, refrigeration equipment and expected remaining working life when assessing the application.

  • Can I finance an older refrigerated truck?

    Older refrigerated trucks can be financed with selected lenders. The age of the vehicle and its refrigeration equipment can influence which lenders will consider the purchase and what finance term may be available.

    Used Truck Finance →
  • Can I finance a refrigerated truck with a new ABN?

    Finance may be available for newer businesses. Where there is limited trading history, previous industry experience, credit history, expected work, the truck being purchased and any deposit can become more important.

    New ABN Truck Finance →
  • Can a sole trader finance a refrigerated truck?

    Yes. Sole traders can apply for refrigerated truck finance when the vehicle is predominantly being purchased for business use and the application meets lender requirements.

    Sole Trader Truck Finance →
  • Is low-doc refrigerated truck finance available?

    Low-doc options can be available for some businesses. Requirements vary between lenders and can depend on ABN age, GST registration, asset value, credit history and the amount being financed.

    Low Doc Truck Finance →
  • Do I need a deposit?

    Not in every case. Some businesses may be able to finance the full purchase price, while other applications can benefit from a deposit or trade-in.

  • Can I finance the refrigeration unit with the truck?

    Potentially, yes. Where the refrigeration unit and refrigerated body form part of the completed vehicle being purchased, they may be included within the overall asset finance transaction. Where equipment is being supplied or installed separately, the finance structure can depend on the lender and transaction.

  • Can I finance a refrigerated body and fit-out?

    Potentially. If you're purchasing a cab chassis and having the refrigerated body and equipment fitted separately, we can review the complete project and determine how it may be structured with suitable lenders.

  • Can I buy a refrigerated truck through a private seller?

    Yes. TAFS can arrange finance for private-sale refrigerated trucks. The lender can require additional checks around the seller, ownership, vehicle and equipment before funds are released.

    Private Sale Truck Finance →
  • Can I finance a refrigerated truck from an auction?

    Yes, subject to lender criteria. Speaking with TAFS before bidding can give you a clearer understanding of your likely finance position. Final approval will still depend on the refrigerated truck meeting lender requirements.

    Auction Truck Finance →
  • Can I get finance before I find the truck?

    Depending on the lender and your circumstances, it can be possible to obtain an indication or conditional approval before selecting the final refrigerated truck. The lender will still need to approve the vehicle before settlement.

  • How long can I finance a refrigerated truck for?

    Commercial vehicle finance terms vary depending on the applicant and asset. For used refrigerated trucks, the age and expected remaining working life of the vehicle and its equipment can become particularly important when determining an appropriate term.

  • How quickly can refrigerated truck finance be approved?

    Straightforward applications can move quickly once the required information is available. Timing will depend on the lender, complexity of the transaction, purchase type and whether additional vehicle, equipment or seller checks are required.

More truck finance options

Truck Finance

Explore finance options across the full TAFS commercial truck finance range.

Prime Mover Finance

Finance for prime movers used across freight, linehaul and heavy transport.

Rigid Truck Finance

Finance for rigid trucks used across freight, delivery and commercial operations.

Tipper Truck Finance

Finance for tipper trucks used across construction, civil, earthmoving and transport businesses.

Crane Truck Finance

Finance for crane trucks used across construction, transport and material handling.

New Truck Finance

Commercial finance for businesses purchasing new trucks.

Used Truck Finance

Finance for second-hand trucks across a range of ages and commercial applications.

Private Sale Truck Finance

Finance for trucks purchased directly from another business or owner.

Truck Fleet Finance

Finance for businesses adding vehicles, replacing trucks or expanding an existing fleet.

Ready to finance your next rigid truck?

Tell us what you're buying - a complete truck off the floor, or a chassis with a body still to come.

We'll review the truck, the build timeline if there is one, and compare suitable finance options across our lender panel.

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