Almost in every developed country, trucking is considered the most convenient medium for transporting a bulk amount of products. Among the types of trucks, semi-truck is quite popular for a long journey. However, the semi-truck investment may create a burden for small business owners or a truck driver, and when you have a bad credit score. But don’t worry. There’re many ways to finance a semi-truck legally without much hassle.
Features of a perfect Semi-truck
A semi-truck is a small freight carrier, which is a combination of tractor units and semi-trailers. In big and developed countries, sometimes product delivery requires to complete a long journey, sometimes a week. In that case, a semi-truck is very useful. Here’re some features you need to know before purchasing a semi-truck:
- Weight Capacity
Basically the weight capacity determines the price of a semi-truck. There’re different levels of weight capacity available for different semi-trucks, and you have to choose based on your need and requirements. The capacity ranges from 3.5-4.6 liter (min) to 5000-10500 lbs. (max).
- Length
The length also varies among different models of semi-trucks. The size can be as much as 25 meters long, and you can use it as a flatbed towing vehicle as well.
- Engine power
Surprisingly, the engine power of semi-trucks is more long-lasting than other heavy-duty vehicles. Starting from 400-600hp, the engine’s power can be up to 1000hp and capable of covering one-million km!
- Versatile applications
Semi-trucks are mainly used for towing vehicles, but it’s widely used for carrying freight as well! The versatile usage requires a versatile option. As a result, you can include a refrigerator on the truck as well, especially when carrying food or vegetable items.
How to finance a semi-truck?
Determine qualification
First, you need to consider if you’ve the qualifications to get semi-truck financing. Some essential eligibilities are:
- Credit score
- Down Payment
- Age of truck
- CDL license time
- Truck mileage
The qualification requirements vary for different loan providers. Although if you’re able to show the right combination of down payment and truck value, you’ll have an excellent opportunity to convince the loan provider.
Collect Information
The loan provider will ask for various information to make the contract, and if you collect them at first, the overall process will become much faster. Some of the vital information you need to manage are:
- Bank statements (up to 1 year)
- Tax return paper
- Valid documentation of your business/profession
- Business balance sheet
- CDL
- Motor carrier number
- Required certifications
Not only the loan process, but also these things will make the truck purchasing faster as well.
Choose the truck
Now it’s time to find your perfect semi-truck. This step is very crucial as the truck has to meet your business requirements and be a suitable freight carrier. Otherwise, all your investments will go in vain. You can either go for a new truck or second hand, but make sure the truck isn’t too old, or it’ll be risky to put your investment there. Here’s what you need to consider:
- Mileage
- Weight capacity
- Truck serial number
- Age
- Condition report
- Authentic documents
Get insurance
Insurance coverage is a must to get the financing, as there’s no guarantee for accidents. And no loan provider would take the risk. You can go for general liability coverage, primary liability coverage, cargo coverage, physical liability coverage, etc.
Submit documents
Now it’s time for submitting the documents, and then you’ll be both legally and officially ready for getting semi-truck financing. All you’ve to wait for is the final approval, and then you can start for the business.
Conclusion
Getting financing for the business isn’t easy, and you’ve to measure every decision and risk. That’s why make sure you’re on the right way for both the semi-truck purchasing an authentic loan provider.
Sheikh Faizul Haque is an internet entrepreneur and the founder of The Strategy Watch; Graduated from North South University with a double major in Accounting & Finance in Bangladesh.
With a strong interest in developing and improving Business Strategy and to Conduct Business Analysis.