Nov 07, 2025
Buying a trailer is one of the smartest ways to scale your trucking business—but it doesn’t have to drain your working capital. The 2025 market has become more flexible, with lenders offering customized financing for both owner-operators and fleets.
Most lenders today approve applicants starting around 600–620 credit score for used trailers and 650+ for new equipment.
If your credit is below that, don’t panic—specialized lenders like NEF Now work with a network of 40 banks that consider more than just your score: revenue stability, time in business, and collateral value all matter.
The 60/40 rule simply means lenders may finance up to 60 percent of the trailer’s value while expecting 40 percent equity or collateral coverage. In practice, this varies depending on the trailer type, year, and your overall credit profile.
Down payments generally range from 10 % to 25 %. Putting more down lowers monthly payments and can help you qualify for better terms—but a strong lender can help you minimize upfront costs if cash flow is tight.
Not if you prepare. Rates remain high compared to pre-2020 levels, but approvals are steady for well-managed operators. The key is working with a team that understands trucking cycles, depreciation, and resale value.
Traditional banks rarely understand the nuances of trucking. Specialized lenders like NEF Now simplify the process:
Financing a trailer doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right strategy and partner, your payments can fit your operations—not the other way around.
Contact us today to review your options and get pre-approved with NEF Now.