When you're in the market for a new or used semi truck and trailer,
you generally have the option of buying it right on the spot with
a one-time cash payment, leasing it or financing it. Very few people
have enough money available for an outright cash purchase, so most
will either enter into a leasing or a financing arrangement. Leasing
has its benefits, but if you want to one day take ownership of
your semi truck and trailer, financing is probably going to be
your best option. Remember, financing a semi truck and trailer
is very similar to financing an automobile.
Keep the following in mind during your efforts at obtaining semi
truck and trailer financing:
You'll usually have the option to finance your semi truck and
trailer right at the place of purchase. In doing so, you're able
to pick out your truck and drive it home the same day. However,
you're not obligated to get financing on-site. And you may end
up paying for this convenience because on-site financing companies
won't always offer you the best financing arrangement. Even if
it is the best the company can offer, it may not be the best you're
able to get. If you've got an established banking relationship,
discuss your plans beforehand and see what type of financing deal
you can get right from your bank. That relationship might get you
a lower interest rate and an easier approval process.
Know your credit worthiness
The financing you're able to obtain for your semi truck and trailer
is going to depend a great deal on your creditworthiness. If you're
considered a high credit risk, your terms will usually be less
favorable than if you are considered a safe credit risk. Get a
copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit
reporting bureaus. They're free! Review each credit report carefully
and should you notice any discrepancies, find out how to remedy
them immediately. Then spend a few dollars to find out your credit
score. The higher the score (over 720 is the best), the less credit
risk you are which means you should be getting the most favorable
rates of interest.
Be ready with proof of insurance
Regardless of where you obtain financing for your semi truck and
trailer, you will likely have to provide proof of insurance. If
you don't already have insurance on your truck, make sure you plan
for this in your budget. If you do, it should be easy to transfer
and update your coverage.
Understand the terms of your financing
Delayed payment plans, plans that allow you to vary your payments
according to your "slow" seasons and "busy" seasons,
rent-to-own options and other payment plans all sound good, but
they may not be if they end up costing you more in the long run.
Take time to read all the fine print so you know exactly what you're
getting into. If you don't understand something, ask for clarification
- before you sign on the dotted line!
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