Invest in your business with these dump truck loans

Dump trucks are a key, critical tool from industries like infrastructure all the way to construction—and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. For such critical equipment, though, all that hauling power comes with a price. In this blog, we’ll go over the best dump truck loans, and how you can qualify for one. (And what costs you’re looking at if you decide to lease instead of buy.)

The primary benefit of tapping into dump truck financing is breaking up a huge bill into payments you make over months, rather than taking the financial hit all at once. Mack trucks can cost up to $232,000, and used trucks can start in the low five digits, but come with their own mileage and potential problems.

“With the right financing, no business has to take on such significant expenditures all at once,” said Credibly Founder Ryan Rosett. “A necessary investment shouldn’t impair your business’s future ability to pivot into new opportunities, and the right financing can help achieve that goal.”

Traditional lenders often have strict requirements and lengthy approval processes that can hinder a business’s ability to secure the necessary funds. However, alternative lenders like Credibly offer a variety of financing options designed to meet the unique needs of businesses.

But, before we get into that, let’s look at some of the most popular types of business loans for building out your truck fleet.

Types of dump truck loans and financing options

Equipment financing

Specifically designed for the purchase, repair, or replacement of equipment, equipment loans are another option for businesses needing to finance trucks. These short-term loans are specific to what you need to do (like replacing a truck), and helping to keep your business moving without the headache of running your numbers one more time.

Choosing equipment financing to purchase trucks or dump trucks can be a strategic move for businesses, especially for those in construction, transportation, or waste management sectors. Here’s why:

1. Preserve Cash Flow: Equipment financing allows businesses to spread the cost of the truck over a period of time, preserving their working capital for other operational needs. This can be particularly beneficial for businesses with seasonal income fluctuations.
2. Access to Latest Equipment: With equipment financing, businesses can afford to invest in the latest, most efficient trucks. This can lead to increased productivity and cost savings in the long run.
3. Tax Benefits: In many cases, the interest paid on equipment loans can be deducted as a business expense, providing tax benefits.
4. Flexible Terms: Equipment financing often comes with flexible repayment terms, making it easier for businesses to manage their budget and cash flow.
5. Collateral: The equipment itself often serves as collateral, reducing the need for additional assets as security.
6. Ownership: With a long-term loan, once the loan is paid off, the business owns the trucks outright. This can be a significant advantage for businesses that want to build assets and equity.

Working capital loans

Another option is a working capital loan. These loans are designed to meet immediate business needs and stabilize cash flow. They are perfect for businesses with steady revenue and are ideal for business owners who need flexible, short-term funding without the hassle.

The funds from a working capital loan can be used for a variety of purposes, including purchasing or repairing trucks.

Here are just a few of the reasons why you might pick a working capital loan:

1. Maintain operational efficiency: A working capital loan can provide businesses with the necessary funds to purchase new or additional trucks without disrupting their day-to-day operations or cash flow. This ensures that the business can continue to operate efficiently while making necessary equipment upgrades.
2. Quick access to funds: Working capital loans are typically processed faster than other types of loans. This speed can be crucial for businesses that need to quickly purchase or replace trucks to meet operational demands or take advantage of growth opportunities.
3. Flexible use of funds: Unlike some other types of loans, working capital loans usually do not have restrictions on how the funds can be used. This means businesses can use the loan to purchase trucks, or for any other operational needs.
4. Short-term commitment: Working capital loans are typically short-term, which can be beneficial for businesses not wanting to commit to long-term debt. Credibly’s terms, for example, range from 3 to 15 months.

Merchant cash advance

For businesses with fluctuating revenue, a merchant cash advance can be an excellent option. With this type of financing, remittances are based on actual or anticipated daily credit and debit card sales. This means that during slower periods, your remittances could decrease, helping to prevent a strain on your cash flow.

This can be particularly beneficial for businesses that have seasonal fluctuations in their income.

Why trucking companies choose merchant cash advances:

1. Fast access to capital: MCAs are known for their quick approval and funding process. This can be crucial for businesses that need to quickly purchase or replace trucks to meet operational demands or seize growth opportunities.
2. Flexible repayment: MCA remittances are typically a percentage of daily credit card sales. This means during slower periods, businesses pay back less, and during busier times, they pay back more. This flexibility can be beneficial for businesses with fluctuating revenues.
3. No equipment or inventory collateral required: Unlike many traditional loans, MCAs are unsecured, meaning you don’t need to offer equipment or inventory as collateral. Your business’s future receivables serve as collateral instead. This can be an advantage for businesses that don’t want to risk their assets.
4. Less stringent requirements: MCAs usually have less stringent credit requirements, making them accessible to businesses that might not qualify for traditional loans.

Business line of credit

A business line of credit is another financing option that can be used for purchasing trucks. With this type of financing, you apply once and get access to a revolving line of credit up to a certain limit. You only pay interest on the amount that you actually use, making it a flexible option that can be used as needed.

Here’s why you might consider a business line of credit:

1. Flexibility: A business line of credit provides businesses with the flexibility to draw funds as needed, up to the approved credit limit. This means businesses can access funds to purchase trucks when they need them, without having to apply for a new loan each time.
2. Cash flow management: A line of credit can help businesses manage their cash flow more effectively. They can draw on the line of credit to cover the cost of the truck, and repay it as cash flow allows.
3. Interest on drawn amount: With a line of credit, businesses only pay interest on the amount they draw, not the entire credit limit. This can result in significant cost savings.
4. Revolving credit: As the borrowed amount is repaid, the available credit replenishes. This feature allows businesses to reuse funds as needed, making a line of credit suitable for ongoing operational expenses, including equipment purchases.

Long-term business loans

For business owners with a proven track record of success and financial security, long-term business loans can be an option. These loans can be used to create the business you’ve always envisioned, including the purchase of trucks.

Here’s why a company might choose a long-term business loan:

1. Lower monthly payments: Long-term loans are spread over a longer period, which typically results in lower monthly payments. This can help businesses manage their cash flow more effectively and reduce the financial strain of large purchases like trucks.
2. Fixed interest rates: Long-term loans often come with fixed interest rates, providing businesses with the certainty of consistent repayment amounts. This can make budgeting and financial planning easier.
3. Tax deductions: Interest paid on business loans is usually tax-deductible, which can provide businesses with valuable tax benefits.

Invoice factoring

Another option for businesses needing to finance trucks is invoice factoring. This involves turning your unpaid invoices into cash to fuel business growth. This can be particularly useful for businesses that have a lot of outstanding invoices and need to quickly raise funds for purchasing trucks.

Here are just a few of the reasons why a business might choose to tap into invoice factoring:

1. Immediate access to funds: Invoice factoring allows businesses to sell their outstanding invoices to a factoring company in exchange for immediate cash. This can be crucial for businesses that need to quickly purchase or replace trucks to meet operational demands or seize growth opportunities.
2. Improved cash flow: By converting invoices into immediate cash, businesses can improve their cash flow and finance the purchase of trucks without waiting for customers to pay their invoices.
3. No debt incurred: Invoice factoring is not a loan, so businesses do not incur debt or need to make loan repayments. This can be beneficial for businesses wanting to avoid adding liabilities to their balance sheet.
4. Creditworthiness not a factor: Invoice factoring is based on the creditworthiness of the business’s customers, not the business itself. This can make it accessible to businesses that might not qualify for traditional loans.

Looking at leasing a dump truck, rather than buying?

If you’re looking to build out your fleet with leasing, you’ve got more financial leeway (though at the expense of getting a used vehicle). You can lease a used or refurbished truck starting at $15,000, though these options can range all the way up to $100,000.

The good news? A business can use financing to lease a dump truck. This can be a smart move, especially for businesses that need the equipment for a specific period or project. Leasing can provide flexibility, allowing businesses to upgrade to newer models as they become available.

How to qualify for dump truck financing

Securing dump truck financing with a traditional lender like a bank can be a more complex process. Banks typically have stringent requirements and a more formal application process. Here’s a brief overview of how you can qualify for dump truck financing with a traditional bank.

Firstly, banks usually require a solid credit history. They’ll look at both your personal and business credit scores. A high credit score can increase your chances of approval and may also help you secure a lower interest rate.

Secondly, banks often require detailed financial records. This could include tax returns, profit and loss statements, and balance sheets. They use this information to assess the financial health of your business and your ability to repay the loan.

Banks may also require a down payment. The amount can vary, but it’s typically a percentage of the total cost of the truck. Having a down payment can demonstrate to the bank that you’re invested in your business.

Lastly, banks may require collateral. This could be the dump truck itself or other business assets. If you’re unable to repay the loan, the bank may seize the collateral to recoup their losses.

Working With an Alternate Lender

At Credibly, we don’t believe in bogging you down with paperwork. Our application process is entirely online and digital. This means you can apply from the comfort of your office or home, at a time that suits you. No need to schedule appointments or wait in long lines.

Now, you might be wondering about eligibility. Traditional lenders often focus on credit scores and revenue. We understand that your business is more than just numbers on a paper. That’s why we take a holistic approach when evaluating your business.

We look at factors like your business’s potential, your plans for growth, and your track record. We want to know about your business, your dreams, and your goals.

Once you’ve submitted your application, our team gets to work. We review your application and get back to you quickly. We understand that time is of the essence when it comes to business financing. That’s why we aim to provide you with a decision in hours, not weeks.

What are the options for dump truck financing for bad credit?

Securing dump truck financing with bad credit can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. There are lenders, like Credibly, who understand that a credit score isn’t the only indicator of a business’s potential. Here’s how you can qualify for dump truck financing even with bad credit.

First, it’s important to know that alternative lenders often have more flexible requirements than traditional banks. They may consider other factors beyond your credit score, such as your business’s cash flow, the age of your business, and your business plan.

Second, be prepared to provide detailed information about your business. This could include your business plan, financial statements, and cash flow projections. This information can help the lender understand your business better and see your potential for growth.

Third, consider offering collateral. This could be the dump truck itself or other business assets. Offering collateral can provide the lender with some security and may increase your chances of approval.

Lastly, be honest about your credit situation. Lenders appreciate transparency and it can help them find a solution that works for you.