SBA Loans for Trucking & Transportation
Acquiring a trucking company, purchasing a terminal facility, or major fleet expansion requires substantial capital. SBA loans offer the lowest rates and longest terms available, potentially saving your trucking business $100,000+ in financing costs.
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SBA Financing for Trucking Companies
Trucking companies with established operations and shipper relationships qualify well for SBA. Lenders understand transportation economics when evaluating applications.
Fleet Expansion
SBA can finance significant fleet additions. Multiple trucks, trailers, and equipment financed with favorable terms.
Terminal Real Estate
SBA offers 25-year terms for terminal and warehouse real estate. Owning your facility builds equity.
Company Acquisition
Acquiring an existing trucking company with established lanes and shipper relationships. SBA supports these acquisitions.
Working Capital Component
SBA loans can include working capital for fuel and operations alongside equipment or real estate.
When SBA Financing Makes Sense
Major trucking investments deserve the best available terms.
Fleet Expansion Cost
New trucks cost $150,000-$200,000 each. Trailers $30,000-$80,000. Major fleet expansion is capital intensive.
Terminal Investment
Purchasing or building terminal facility requires long-term financing. SBA offers 25-year real estate terms.
Company Acquisition
Acquiring a trucking company with lanes and relationships requires substantial capital.
High Alternative Cost
A $500,000 fleet expansion at 16% versus SBA at 9% costs $35,000 annually in extra interest.
Short-Term Payment Pressure
Equipment loans at 5-year terms create high payments. SBA 10-year terms reduce monthly obligation.
Growth Constraints
Major opportunities require major capital. Alternative financing limits growth.
Trucking SBA Process
Plan for 60-90 days from application to funding.
Pre-Qualification
We review your situation to assess SBA eligibility.
1-3 days
Documentation
Assemble tax returns, financial statements, business plan, and use of funds.
2-4 weeks
Underwriting
Lender and SBA review. Expect questions about revenue, lanes, and operations.
4-8 weeks
Closing
Commitment letter, closing documentation, and funding.
1-2 weeks
Government-Backed Trucking Financing
SBA loans provide the lowest cost of capital for qualified trucking companies. The documentation and timeline investment pays off through dramatically better rates and terms.
Lowest Interest Rates
SBA rates capped at Prime + 2.25-2.75%. Current rates typically 9-11%.
Longest Terms
Up to 10 years for equipment. Up to 25 years for real estate.
Large Amounts
SBA 7(a) up to $5 million. Finance fleet, terminal, acquisition.
Fleet Expansion
Multiple trucks and trailers financed with favorable terms.
Real Estate Purchase
Own your terminal with 25-year terms. Build equity.
No Balloon Payments
Fully amortizing loans. No large lump sum due.
Trucking SBA Applications
Common situations where SBA provides optimal trucking financing.
Major Fleet Expansion
Multiple trucks and trailers for significant growth.
Typical funding: $300K-$2M
Terminal Purchase
Purchase terminal or warehouse facility with 25-year terms.
Typical funding: $400K-$3M
Company Acquisition
Acquire existing trucking company with lanes and relationships.
Typical funding: $250K-$2M
Combination Package
Fleet, real estate, and working capital combined.
Typical funding: $500K-$3M
Debt Refinancing
Replace expensive equipment loans with lower-rate SBA.
Typical funding: $200K-$1M
Technology Investment
Major technology and infrastructure investment.
Typical funding: $100K-$500K
SBA vs. Alternative Trucking Financing
Understanding the trade-offs for trucking financing.
| Feature | SBA 7(a) Loan | Equipment Finance | Working Capital |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interest Rate | Prime + 2-3% | 8-16% | 15-25% |
| Maximum Term | 10-25 years | 5-7 years | 1-3 years |
| Maximum Amount | $5 million | Equipment value | $300K typical |
| Down Payment | 10-20% | 0-20% | 0% |
| Time to Fund | 60-90 days | 3-14 days | 1-2 weeks |
| Documentation | Extensive | Moderate | Light |
| Credit Requirements | 680+ | 620+ | 600+ |
| Best For | Major investments | Single trucks | Operations |
SBA Requirements for Trucking
SBA eligibility requirements for trucking and transportation companies.
Operating History
Established trucking operation with freight history.
2+ years preferred
MC/DOT Authority
Active operating authority in good standing.
Active authority
Personal Credit
Good personal credit from owners.
680+ typically required
Revenue History
Demonstrated freight revenue and operations.
Stable or growing
Owner Equity
Owners must contribute equity, typically 10-20%.
10-20% equity
Business Plan
Detailed plan for acquisitions or major expansion.
Comprehensive plan
Younger operators acquiring established companies can qualify with strong credentials and transition plans.
Real Results
Interstate Logistics LLC
Regional Trucking, Ohio
The Challenge
Interstate wanted to acquire a competing company (15 trucks, established lanes) for $1.2M and add 5 new trucks ($850,000). Total need: $2.05M. Equipment financing quotes were 14% over 5 years.
The Solution
SBA 7(a) loan for $1.85M at 9.5% over 10 years with $200,000 equity contribution.
The Result
Acquisition completed. Fleet expanded. Monthly payments manageable. Fleet grew from 8 to 28 trucks. Revenue doubled within 18 months.
“Equipment financing at 14% would have crushed our cash flow. SBA at 9.5% with 10-year terms let us grow profitably. The extra timeline was worth $200,000+ in savings.”
Trucking SBA Lending Data
Statistics on SBA financing for trucking companies.
SBA Advantages for Trucking
Why SBA effort is worth it for major trucking investments.
Massive Interest Savings
On $500K loan, 9% vs 15% saves $30,000 annually in interest.
Fleet Growth
Lower payments enable larger fleet expansion.
Terminal Ownership
25-year terms make facility ownership achievable.
Cash Flow Preservation
Lower payments preserve cash for fuel and operations.
Acquisition Support
SBA specifically supports company acquisitions.
Growth Capital
Finance expansion with manageable terms.