All posts by Ganiu Abdurahman

There are a lot of interesting things about being a truck driver, and one of them is the trucker lingo and slang. Truck drivers communicate via CB radio, and without knowing these terms, it can be hard to keep up with what they’re saying. 

If you’re new to the trucking business, or just an enthusiast looking to learn new things, we have compiled all the trucker lingo you need to know!

A-Z TRUCKER LINGO

Alabama chrome – duct tape. 

All locked up – Means the weigh station has been closed.

Alligator – This is a piece of a blown tire on the road that can cause accidents. It resembles an alligator lying on the pavement. A small piece of tire is referred to as a “baby alligator,” while multiple pieces are called “alligator bait.” It can also simply be referred to as a “gator.”

Anteater – The Kenworth T600, named because of its sloped hood. It is also known as an aardvark and It is one of the first trucks that came with an aerodynamic design. 

Back door – Something behind you.

Back it down – Slow down.

Backed out of it – Unable to maintain speed, leading to a downshift. Often used when a driver loses momentum and has to let up off the accelerator. 

Back row: The last rows of parking in a truck stop.

Bambi – A deer.

Base station or unit – A powerful CB radio set in a stationary location.

Bear – A law enforcement officer at any level, but usually a State Trooper, Highway Patrol.

Baby bear – a rookie law enforcement officer

Bear bait – A speeding vehicle, usually a four-wheeler, which can be used to protect the other speeding vehicles behind it.

Bear bite – A speeding ticket.

Bear den or bear cave – Law enforcement headquarters, station.

Bear in the air – A law enforcement aircraft that can monitor the traffic and speeds below.

Bear in the bushes – Law enforcement (at any level) is hiding somewhere, probably with a radar gun aimed at traffic. 

Billy Big Rigger – Another term for “supertrucker” who brags about himself, or his big, fast, shiny truck.

Bingo cards – These are cards used to hold stamps from each state a motor carrier would operate in. They are no longer used and have been replaced by the Single State Registration System (SSRS).

Bedbugger – A household moving company or the household mover himself.

Belly Dumper – A trailer with a bottom dump

Big R – A Roadway truck.

Big road – The Interstate, or any big highway.

Big truck – An 18-wheeler or tractor-trailer. “Come on over, big truck”.

Bird dog – A radar detector.

Big word – Closed, when referring to weigh stations. Small word, on the other hand, means open.

Black eye – A headlight out. 

Blew my doors off – Passed at a high speed

Bobtail – Driving the tractor only, without the trailer attached.

Boogie – The top gear (the highest gear) of the transmission.

Boulevard – The Interstate.

Brake check – The traffic tie-up ahead, requiring immediate slowing down or stopping.

Break – Saying “break-number” is the proper way to gain access to the channel and begin talking when a radio is breaking up.

Breaking up – Signal is weak or fading. 

Brush your teeth and comb your hair – Be on you best driving behavious because a law enforcement officer is shooting vehicles with a radar gun and looking for who to give tickets. . 

Bubba – What you call another driver, often in a kidding way.

Bulldog – A Mack truck.

Bullfrog – An ABF truck.

Bull hauler – A livestock hauler.

Bumper sticker – A vehicle that’s tailgating. Also called a “hitchhiker“.

Bundled out – Heavily loaded, or to maximum capacity. 

Bushels – Weight of load in 1000’s (i.e. 43 bushels = 43,000 pounds)

Buster Brown – A UPS truck or driver. 

Cabbage – A steep mountain grade in Oregon. 

Cabover – Abbreviated term for Cab-Over-the Engine (COE) type of tractor. It is no longer commonly used in the US.

Cash register – A tollbooth. 

CB Rambo – Referring to a wannabe tough guy on the CB Radio

Checking ground pressure – The weigh station is open, and they’re running trucks across the scales. 

Cheese Wagon – A yellow schoolbus

Chicken coop – A weigh station, often called just a “coop”. 

Chicken lights – Extra lights or marker on a truck and trailer. 

Chicken hauler or truck – A big, fancy truck; a large, conventional tractor with a lot of lights and chrome. Also used to refer to a truck that hauls live chickens. 

Choke-n-Puke – A greasy spoon restaurant

City kitty – A local law enforcement officer

Coal bucket – A dump trailer

Come-a-part engine – Cummins engine.

Come back – An invitation for the other driver to talk, often used when you couldn’t hear the last transmission.

Come on – Telling another driver that you hear him calling you, and to go ahead and talk. 

Comedian – The median strip in between opposite lanes of traffic. 

Comic book – The logbook. 

Commercial company – A prostitute. 

Container – An overseas container; intermodal transportation. 

Convoy – A group of trucks traveling together. 

Copy – Transmission acknowledged, agreed with, or understood, as in “copy that, driver”. 

Cornflake – Consolidated Freightways truck. 

County Mountie – County police, usually a sheriff’s deputy. 

Covered wagon – Flatbed type of trailer, with sidewalls, and a tarpulin. 

Crackerhead – A derogatory term; insult. 

Crotch rocket – A motorcycle built for speed; not a Harley-Davidson. 

Curtain Sider – Trailer similar to a box trailer except that the sides are movable curtains.

Deadhead – Pulling an empty trailer. 

Destruction – Road construction. 

Diesel car – A semi-tractor. 

Diesel cop – A DOT, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officer. 

Dispatcher Brains – Light or empty load

Donkey – Behind you. “A bear is on your donkey”. 

Do what? – I didn’t hear or understand you. 

Double nickel – 55 mph, considered the optimal balance between speed and fuel efficiency. 

Doubles – A set of double trailers. 

Drawing lines – Completing your logbook 

Driver – What drivers call other drivers on the CB, especially if their CB handle is not known. 

Driving award – A speeding ticket. 

Downstroke – Driving downwards, downhill, on a decline. 

Dragon wagon – A tow truck. 

Dragonfly – A truck with no power, especially going uphill. 

Dry box – An unrefrigerated freight trailer. Also called a dry van.

Evil Knievel – A law enforcement officer on a motorcycle. 

Eyeball – To see something. 

Feeding the bears – Paying a ticket or citation. 

Fingerprint – To unload a trailer by yourself. 

Flip-flop – A U-turn, or a return trip. 

Flying Hook – Pilot Flying J Truck Stop

FM – An AM-FM radio. 

Four-letter word – Open; referring to weigh stations being open or closed. 

Fox in the hen house – Unmarked police vehicle

Free Truck Wash – Rain

Freight shaker – A Freightliner truck. 

Front door – In front of you. 

Full-grown bear – State Trooper, or Highway Patrol. 

Garbage hauler – Produce haulers or produce load.

Gear Jammer – A driver who speeds up and slows down with great frequency. 

General mess of crap – A GMC truck 

Georgia overdrive – Putting the transmission into neutral on a downgrade, to go extremely fast. Not recommended.

Go-go juice – Diesel fuel. 

Good buddy – Used to be the thing to say: “10-4, good buddy”. Not anymore, as this is now calling someone a homosexual. 

Good neighbor – To show appreciation to another driver. For example, “thank you, good neighbor”. 

Got my nightgown on – I’m in the sleeper, and ready to go to sleep. 

Go to company – Telling another driver from your company to go to the designated company CB channel. Drivers do this so that they can talk about company business or personal matters without monopolizing channel 19. 

Go to the Harley – Turn your CB to channel 1. 

Got your ears on? – Are you listening? 

Gouge on it – Go fast, put the throttle to the floor, step on it, etc. 

Granny lane – The right, slower lane on a multi-lane highway, or the Interstate. 

Greasy – Icy, or slippery. 

Greasy side up – A vehicle that’s flipped over. 

Greasy spoon – A cheap restaurant.

Green Stamps – Money. 

Grossed out – Your gross vehicle weight is at maximum capacity; commonly 80,000 pounds. 

Ground Clouds – Fog

Ground pressure – The weight of your truck, as in “you are testing your ground pressure”. 

Gumball machine – The lights on top of a patrol car. 

Hammer down – Go fast, step on it. 

Hammer lane – The left, passing lane of traffic. 

Hand/Han – Referring to another driver. Gotten from the term farmhand, meaning helper, or fellow worker. 

Handle (CB handle) – Nicknames that are used to identify the speaker, in place of an actual name, encouraged by the FCC.. 

Happy happy – Happy New Year; “Have a happy happy, driver”. 

Happy hooker – A tow truck hauling a truck.

Harvey Wallbanger – A driver who is driving recklessly or appears to be drunk

Having “shutter trouble” – Having trouble keeping awake. 

Ho Chi Minh Trail – Refers to California Highway 152, known for its abundance of accidents. 

Hole in the wall – Mountain tunnel entrance

Holler – Call me on the radio, as in “Give me a holler”. 

Home 20 – A driver’s home location. 

Hood – A conventional tractor, as opposed to a cab-over. 

How ’bout – When you’re trying to contact other drivers, you can say “how ’bout you, eastbound?”

Hundred dollar lane/High dollar lane – Prohibited lane for trucks in the far left lane of heavily populated areas. Violations come with a heavy fine. 

In my back pocket – Behind you or a place you’ve passed. 

In the big hole – The top gear of the transmission. 

Jackpot – The same as a gumball machine, or a patrol car’s lights. 

Jet Pilot – A speeding vehicle

Juice Box – A tanker hauling perishable liquids preferably juice

Key down – When you talk over somebody who’s trying to transmit. A bigger, more powerful radio can easily drown out a lesser one. 

Key up – Pushing the transmit button on the CB Mike. 

Kiddy Car – A school bus

K-whopper – A Kenworth tractor, or just KW. 

Kojak with a Kodak – Law enforcement using a radar gun. 

Landline – A stationary telephone; not a cellular phone.

Large car – A conventional tractor, often with a big sleeper, lots of chrome and lights.

Left Coast – The West Coast. 

Local information – A driver asks for local information when he needs directions in an area he’s unfamiliar with. 

Local-yokel – A county, city, or small-town officer. 

Lollipop – The small reflector or marker poles on the sides of the highway. 

Lot lizard – A prostitute that solicits truck-to-truck in a truck stop or rest area. 

Lumper – Casual labor that loads or unloads your trailer and requires payment in cash. 

Mama-bear – Refers to a female law enforcement officer. 

Male buffalo – A male prostitute. 

Mash your motor – Go fast, step on it. Same as gouge on it and hammer down. 

Meat wagon – An ambulance. 

Merry merry – Merry Christmas. 

Motion lotion – Diesel fuel. 

Moving on – Heading down the road. 

Mud duck – A weak radio signal. 

Negatory – Negative or no. 

On the side – On standby

Ovalhead – Peterbilt owner; Fan side –

Parking lot – An auto transporter, often used when the trailer is empty. 

Pay the water bill – Taking a bathroom break. 

Pickle park – A rest area frequented by lot lizards (prostitutes). 

Pete – Peterbilt Truck

Pigtail – The electrical connection from the tractor to the trailer. 

Plain wrapper – An unmarked law enforcement vehicle. 

Plenty of protection – Means there are plenty of police in the area. It is also used to tell drivers to go ahead and step on it because there are speeding four-wheelers ahead blocking or covering for them. 

Pogo stick – A metal, flexible support located on the tractor catwalk, holding up the connections to the trailer. 

Pole Cat – Skunk

Power up – Go faster or speed up. 

Preeshaydit – Appreciate it; thank you.

Pumpkin – A Schneider truck, because of its orange color. 

Radio – A CB radio. 

Radio check – How’s my radio doing? Is it transmitting and getting out there?

Rambo – Someone who talks big on the radio, especially when they’re in a place where no one else can find them. 

Ratchet jaw – Someone who monopolizes the radio, talking constantly and not giving anyone else a chance to speak.

Reading the mail – Just tuning in to the radio and listening.

Reefer – Typically a refrigerated van trailer, but sometimes it just means the reefer unit itself.

Rest-a-ree-a – Rest area. 

Road pizza – Roadkill on the side of the road. 

Rockin’ chair – A truck that’s sandwiched between two other trucks.

Roger – Yes; affirmative. 

Roger beep – An audible beep that signals when someone has released the mic and finished their transmission. This feature is found on only a small percentage of radios. 

Roller skate – Any small car. 

Rooster cruiser – A big, flashy truck; a large conventional tractor decked out with plenty chrome and lights.

Runnin’ you across – The weigh station is open, and they’re likely weighing trucks quickly. 

Salt shaker – The snowplows that spread salt or sand on the highways during winter. 

Sandbagging – Listening to the radio without speaking, also known as “reading the mail.”

Sandbox – A runaway ramp, often filled with sand to help stop vehicles. 

Schneider eggs – The orange cones in construction areas. 

Seat cover – A term sometimes used to refer to drivers or passengers of cars (four-wheelers).

Sesame Street – Channel 19 on the CB radio, often called that because it’s where everyone “hangs out.”. 

Shaky – California in general, sometimes Los Angeles, and, occasionally, San Francisco. 

Shiny side up – Your vehicle hasn’t rolled over after an accident. “Keep the shiny side up” is a way to wish someone a safe trip. 

Shooting you in the back – You’re being shot with a radar gun as your vehicle passes a law enforcement vehicle. 

Short short – A short amount of time. 

Shutdown – Put out of service by the DOT because of some violation. 

Sleeper Creeper – A prostitute; same as a lot lizard. 

Skateboard – A flatbed, or flatbed trailer. 

Skins – Tires. 

Smokin’ scooter – A law enforcement officer on a motorcycle. 

Smokin’ the brakes – The trailer brakes are overheating and smoking from excessive use on a steep downhill grade.

Smokey or Smokey Bear – A law enforcement officer, usually highway patrol. 

Split – A junction, where the road goes in separate directions. 

Spy in the sky – A law enforcement aircraft, same as a “bear in the air”. 

Stagecoach – A tour bus. 

Stand on it – Step on it, go faster. 

Swinging – Carrying a load of swinging meat. 

Taking pictures – Law enforcement using a radar gun. 

Thermos bottle – A tanker trailer. 

Through the woods – Leaving the Interstate to travel secondary roads. 

Throwin’ iron – To put on snow tire chains. 

Too many eggs in the basket – Overweight load or gross weight. 

Toothpicks – A load of lumber. 

Travel agent – The dispatcher, or sometimes a broker. 

Triple digits – Over 100 mph. 

VW – A Volvo-White tractor. 

Wagon – Some drivers refer to their trailer as a wagon. 

Walked on you – Drowned out your transmission by keying up at the same time. 

Wally world – Wal-Mart (the store or the distribution center), or a Wal-Mart truck. 

West Coast turnarounds – Uppers refer to speed or Benzedrine pills, which some drivers might use to travel from the East Coast to the West Coast and back without needing to sleep. This practice is obviously illegal.

Wiggle wagons – A set of double or triple trailers. 

Yard – A company terminal, drop a lot, etc.

Yardstick – A mile marker on the highway. 

0-4 – OK, message received. Some drivers just say “10.”

4-wheeler – Any passenger vehicle; cars or pickups.

18-wheeler – Any tractor-trailer.

42 – Yes, or OK.

85th Street – Interstate 85.

95th Street – Interstate 95.

NAMES OF CITIES

Aside from the slang terms listed above, truckers also have a unique way of referring to different cities. Here’s a rundown, so you’re never left wondering when you hear them on the road.

Air Capital – Wichita, Kansas

Alamo City – San Antonio, Texas

A-Town – Atlanta, Georgia

Armadillo – Amarillo, Texas

Astrodome – Houston, Texas

Bean-Town – Boston, Massachusetts

Beer City – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Beer Town – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Big A – Atlanta, Georgia

Big Apple – New York

Big D – Dallas, Texas

Big O – Omaha, Nebraska

Bikini – Miami, Florida

Bright Lights – Kansas City, Kansas

Bull City – Durham, North Carolina

B Town – Birmingham, Alabama

Capital City – Raleigh, North Carolina

CB Town – Council Bluffs, Iowa

Charm City – Baltimore, Maryland

Choo-Choo – Chattanooga, Tennessee

Cigar City – Tampa, Florida

Circle City – Indianapolis, Indiana

Cities – Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota

Cow Town – Calgary, Alberta

Derby City – Louisville, Kentucky

Dirty – Cleveland, Ohio

Dome – Houston, Texas

Flag or Flagpole – Flagstaff, Arizona

Gateway – St. Louis, Missouri

Gold City – Goldsboro, North Carolina

Guitar – Nashville, Tennessee

Hog Town – Toronto, Ontario

Hotlanta – Atlanta, Georgia

Indy 500 – Indianapolis, Indiana

Irish – South Bend, Indiana

K-Town – Knoxville, Tennessee

Lost Wages – Las Vegas, Nevada

Mardi Gras – New Orleans, Louisiana

Mile High – Denver, Colorado

Motor City – Detroit, Michigan

Music City – Nashville, Tennessee

Nickel – Buffalo, New York

Okie City – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Peg – Winnipeg, Manitoba

Philly – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Queen City – Charlotte, North Carolina

Rock City – Little Rock, Arkansas

Rubber – Akron, Ohio

Sack of Tomatoes – Sacramento, California

Shaky City – Los Angeles, California

Shaky-Town – Los Angeles, California

Steel City or Town – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Swamp – Montreal, Quebec

Watermelon 500 – Atlanta, Georgia

Windy City – Chicago, Illinois

CLOSING THE TAILGATE

This compilation contains decades-old slang that truckers have used to share their stories and adventures as they travel. Now that you know the lingo, don’t forget to give a fellow trucker a friendly “10-4” or a “keep the shiny side up.”

ABOUT INSPIRED FUNDING

If you’re looking for the best financing for your truck business, Inspired Funding is here for you. With tailored financing plans and a range of flexible options, we make it easy for you to get the truck you need and make paying for it a breeze.

Inspired Funding has been helping businesses finance various commercial vehicles, including semi-trucks, cargo vans, dump trucks, and other essential heavy equipment to keep your business moving. We offer competitive interest rates and affordable down payments to fit your budget.

Worried about credit? No problem! We can help you navigate credit score challenges by providing financing solutions designed to get you on the road faster.

Ready to finance a bulldog or a dragon wagon? Give us a call today to get started!

Your need for a cargo van feels urgent, but the price tag might be holding you back. Many business owners face rejection when applying for cargo van financing, leaving them stuck between limited delivery capacity and business growth.

Here’s the good news: getting approved for cargo van financing doesn’t have to stop your progress. A solid preparation strategy can boost your chances of securing the funding you need. These seven proven tips will help put you in the driver’s seat of your next cargo van.

1. CLEAN UP YOUR CREDIT SCORE BEFORE APPLYING

A strong credit score leads to better financing terms. Start by pulling your credit report from all three major bureaus – Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Request a free copy and check every entry carefully. You should also look for any errors or outdated information that might hurt your score.

Paying down existing debt can quickly improve your score. Focus on reducing credit card balances below 30% of their limits. This credit utilization ratio greatly affects your score. Should you have multiple cards, start with the highest-interest debt first. Making extra payments twice a month can help lower your reported balance faster.

Setting up automatic payments for all your bills prevents accidental late payments. Each on-time payment strengthens your credit report. A credit monitoring service helps track changes and sends alerts about potential issues, letting you address problems quickly.

Give yourself three months of steady payment history before applying for van financing. During this period, avoid opening new credit accounts or making large purchases on credit. These activities can temporarily lower your score and raise red flags with lenders.

Getting removed from old credit cards where you were an authorized user but no longer use the account helps protect your score. This stops any negative actions on those accounts from affecting your standing.

2. GATHER STRONG PROOF OF INCOME

Lenders need solid evidence of your ability to make payments. Start collecting financial documents early since gathering everything requires time. You’ll need bank statements, profit and loss statements, tax returns from the past two years, and current contracts or service agreements that prove steady income.

Your bank statements should reveal healthy cash flow patterns. Should your business have seasonal changes, explain any low-income periods. Be sure to include statements from both business and personal accounts if you’re a sole proprietor.

Create detailed profit and loss statements breaking down revenue streams and expenses. Show growth trends and cost-saving steps you’ve taken. Also add notes explaining any unusual expenses or one-time costs that won’t happen again.

Put together a cash flow forecast showing how the new van will boost revenue. Use real numbers from your current operations to demonstrate expanded capacity and efficiency. Adding potential fuel savings from upgrading to a newer vehicle strengthens your case.

• Calculate monthly revenue increases from serving more customers
• Estimate time saved on deliveries with a more reliable vehicle
• Show reduced maintenance costs compared to older vehicles

3. SAVE FOR A LARGER DOWN PAYMENT

Many financing options advertise low down payments, yet offering more upfront money makes a notable difference. A larger down payment cuts the lender’s risk and often leads to better interest rates. Setting up a separate savings account specifically for your van down payment makes progress tracking simple.

Break down your goal into weekly savings targets by splitting your target amount across the weeks until purchase. Looking at business expenses often reveals opportunities to redirect money to savings. Small adjustments like supplier negotiations or better delivery routes can free up surprising amounts of cash.

Setting aside 20% of the van’s purchase price shows financial discipline and gives you instant equity in the vehicle. Your monthly payments stay lower too, which helps maintain steady cash flow. Selling unnecessary equipment or inventory can add extra funds to your down payment savings.

Regular expense reviews help find areas to cut back and add to your down payment fund. Check all subscriptions and service contracts for potential savings. Each extra dollar strengthens your application and reduces long-term costs.

Also Read: The Ultimate Guide to Semi-Truck Financing

4. RESEARCH MULTIPLE LENDER OPTIONS

Traditional banks aren’t your only choice. Credit unions often provide competitive rates and flexible terms for business vehicle loans. Their focus on member service means they might work with you even if your application needs improvement. Start looking at local credit unions that know your market well.

Some online lenders accept applications that standard banks might pass on. These lenders often look at different approval factors, paying extra attention to business success rather than personal credit history. Reading other business owners’ reviews helps you understand what to expect before applying.

Dealership financing can benefit some businesses, but examine the details closely. Attractive monthly payments sometimes hide higher interest rates. Ask about every fee, including origination charges, early payment penalties, and administrative costs. Getting quotes from several lenders helps you find the best deal.

Lenders specializing in business vehicles understand your needs better and might offer suitable terms. These specialists often grasp seasonal business patterns and industry-specific challenges. Building connections with several lenders creates backup options if your first choice doesn’t work out.

Keep organized notes about each lender’s requirements and terms for easy comparison.

5. PREPARE A STRONG BUSINESS CASE

Show exactly how the cargo van will help your business grow. Write a detailed document outlining your current operations and expansion plans. Use specific examples showing how transportation limits affect your daily work and growth potential.

Analyze your target market thoroughly with clear segments. Include population data, coverage areas, and market size calculations. Show where competitors fall short and how you’ll fill service gaps with better transportation. This research proves you understand your opportunities well.

• Market share numbers and growth opportunities
• Analysis of competitor weaknesses
• Cost-benefit breakdown for the new van

Use data from your current work to back up your plans. If you’re adding delivery areas, calculate the extra money you’ll make serving new locations. Map the specific neighborhoods or business areas you plan to reach.

Show proof of existing clients or jobs you can’t handle without more transportation. Letters or emails from potential customers waiting for expanded service make your case stronger.

6. CONSIDER A CO-SIGNER

Adding someone with excellent credit as a co-signer can greatly improve your chances. This helps newer businesses that haven’t built much credit history yet. Learn everything about co-signing responsibilities before starting.

Pick your co-signer carefully since they share equal responsibility for the loan. Look for someone with a credit score above 700 and stable income. Business partners or family members with proven money management skills often work best. Make sure they understand the shared loan commitment.

Set up proper payment tracking once approved. Good documentation helps you build credit for future loans without needing co-signers. Automatic payments help ensure on-time payments every month.

Write an agreement with your co-signer listing all responsibilities. Include payment schedules, how you’ll communicate, and what happens if payments get missed. This written plan helps keep relationships healthy throughout the loan.

A backup plan shows lenders you’re thinking ahead. Look into payment protection insurance or build emergency savings to cover slow business periods.

7. TIME YOUR APPLICATION RIGHT

Submitting your application after months of strong performance works best. Review your financial records to find your highest-earning periods. Six months of steady or increasing revenue significantly helps your approval odds. This timing approach improves your chances considerably.

Start collecting required paperwork well before applying. Make a document checklist and allow plenty of time for gathering everything. This prevents holdups during the application process. Store digital copies in an organized way for quick access.

Skip applying during your industry’s slow seasons. Check your past years’ earnings to spot your peak times. Applications during high-earning periods look better to lenders. Use these prime times to showcase your financial strength.

Plan enough time for paperwork and answering lender questions. Quick, rushed applications often get denied. Allow several weeks from start to finish.

BUILDING YOUR SUCCESS STRATEGY

Combining these tips creates the best results. Consider applying them months before buying a cargo van while you keep records of your preparation steps. A timeline helps organize your approach and ensure you stay steady through the process. Quick decisions about financing often cost more later. Present your business as a solid investment opportunity. Building lender relationships before needing money helps too.

ABOUT INSPIRED FUNDING

At Inspired Funding, we specialize in helping businesses, both old and new to acquire the necessary equipment including cargo vans. We offer a financial plan tailored to every business’s unique situation. Credit score and business history do not have to stand in the way of getting the cargo van you desire. We’ll help you with the best cargo van financing so that you can focus on other aspects of your business.

Start your journey today.

Are you planning to buy a semi-truck? Don’t do so until you have read our guidelines and recommendations.

Acquiring a semi-truck comes with a lot of considerations, particularly with financing. From getting the best loan terms to understanding which financing option works for you, nothing beats having a guide to walk you through.

Usually, our first piece of advice is never to buy a semi-truck outright even if you have the cash. Opting for semi-truck financing ensures that you maintain your cash flow for other business needs while you pay a comfortable sum monthly.

In this article, we cover everything you need to know about semi-truck financing so that you are well-informed.

FACTORS INFLUENCING SEMI-TRUCK FINANCING

Before getting into the details of how to get funding and what to do, let’s consider the basic factors that will qualify you for semi-truck financing.

CREDIT SCORE

Most lenders want to see a decent credit score before issuing a loan. For faster approval rates and favorable loan terms, you will need a FICO score of 640+ depending on your lender. Understanding how this impacts your financing process is important to help you stay prepared. Common factors that can affect your credit score include:

• debt levels
• credit utilization
• payment history

It is possible to get semi-truck financing with bad credit, but having an ideal FICO score guarantees you an optimum loan condition that does not add any strain to your finances.

BUSINESS HISTORY AND FINANCIAL HEALTH

Another factor that determines whether or not you will get a loan is your business history and cash flow. Businesses with over three years of experience stand a higher chance of getting a loan compared to new businesses. Also, note that loan providers will also consider your business’s revenue flow to ascertain if your business can service a loan.

DOWN PAYMENT

You need a down payment to get financing. This can range from 5% of the truck fee to 20%. The rate of the down payment is often determined by whether you meet the aforementioned conditions.

With excellent credit scores and strong financials, lenders tend to be lenient with how much they require as a down payment. Otherwise, a large down payment will make up for not meeting the conditions above.

TYPES OF SEMI-TRUCK FINANCING OPTIONS

Now that you know the conditions for getting semi-truck financing, let’s consider the options available to you. As a business owner, you want to ensure that you choose the best, as there is no one-size-fits-all financing.

The step to picking the right option often depends on assessing your unique business and financial needs which we will dive into in a bit. For now, let’s explore all financing options available.

TRADITIONAL BUSINESS LOANS

These are regular business loans you take for any business needs. The good thing is that you can also use a business loan to acquire a semi-truck. The process is straightforward and you can get one from banks or credit unions. After assessing your credit score and business history, they can give you a sum that will cover the cost of a semi-truck. They would also require down payment and collateral, which like other auto loans, is the vehicle.

EQUIPMENT LOANS

While traditional business loans are used to finance any aspect of your business, meet equipment financing, your loan option designed for business equipment. Equipment financing can be a great choice considering that it operates a loan structure tailored strictly for equipment acquisition.

Equipment loans are generally considered the most cost-effective. Plus, you can enjoy more flexible requirements on credit score, revenue, and time in business.

EQUIPMENT LEASING

Semi-truck leasing is a financing structure that requires you to remit an amount monthly for the period you use the truck. One of the advantages is that you pay a lower amount monthly compared to other options and you can replace the truck with a better model as you see fit.

Semi-truck leasing does not require a down payment, and the only amount you will pay is the initial payment, which covers your first-month payment.

On the other, the lease agreement does not provide a system where you own the truck at the end of the lease term. That means you keep paying for the truck as long as you’re using it.

BUSINESS LINE CREDIT

A business line of credit is a credit system that allows you to access funds on an as-needed basis. It works best for short-term loans and can be used to pay for your down payments and other expenses like repairs.

ALTERNATIVE FINANCING OPTIONS

If you do not qualify for traditional bank loans, due to lower credit scores or limited business history, alternative financing options can to save the day. Online alternative lenders provide flexible funding solutions such as quicker approvals and and more adaptable terms, compared to bank. They can also be attractive to newer businesses or those with credit challenges.

STEPS TO SELECT THE RIGHT SEMI-TRUCK FOR FINANCING

It is clear that you must assess different financing options. So before you find a loan provider, consider these situations as they will give you an idea of the best option that works for you.

NEW VS. USED TRUCKS

The first step to getting the right semi-truck financing knowing the truck you want to finance. The decision to either get a new or used truck is solely up to you, but note that loan conditions for both vary.

On the one hand, new trucks may be expensive, but they will require fewer repairs. Because they are more expensive, you should expect to make higher monthly payments. On the other hand, used trucks are less expensive and thus have lower monthly payments.

VEHICLE HISTORY CHECKS

New trucks do not need vehicle history checks, but used ones do. Check vital reports like accident and repair records, maintenance logs, and mileage verification among others.

Aside from needing them during the loan process, these checks would help you avoid any hidden issues that could lead to costly repairs and unexpected downtimes.

BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS

Budget considerations are why financing a semi-truck is a better option compared to outright purchase. When planning for financing, you should also consider a financing plan that allows for other future expenses like repairs.

HOW TO APPLY FOR SEMI-TRUCK FINANCING

After selecting your preferred financing options, it is time to get to business, that is, apply for semi-truck financing. Processes are almost similar across board so this section will give an overview of what to expect as you start to apply.

PREPARE FOR DOCUMENTATION

The documents you need to submit can vary from lender to lender and on the financing option you are opting for. However, you can prepare the following documents as they will come in and handy and make you prepared.

• Business balance sheet
• Business and personal tax returns for two years
• Bank statements
• Copy of CDL
• Vehicle documents like condition report,  motor carrier number, documents specifying serial number, model, photos, and more.

APPLY FOR FUNDING

Once you have your documents ready and you have selected your financing option, go ahead and submit your application. The application process will include stages like the prequalification where the lender reviews essentials like credit score, revenue and business history. Here, you get an idea of the loan amount and terms you may qualify for.

GET FUNDED

After prequalification and document submission, finalize the application by reviewing the loan terms including the interest rate, loan amount, repayment schedule, and any associated fees.

If satisfied, proceed to sign the loan agreement to finalize your financing. Ensure that you fully understand the terms to avoid unexpected costs later.

MAKING THE BEST SEMI-TRUCK FINANCING DECISION WITH INSPIRED FUNDING

Getting the best semi-truck financing is a combination of strategies including research, preparing required documents, and understanding what your business needs. Once you have got these out of the way, then you can begin applying and ultimately, get funded.

At Inspired Funding, we specialize in helping businesses, both old and new to acquire the necessary equipment including semi-truck. We offer a financial plan tailored to every business’s unique situation. Credit score and business history do not have to stand in the way of getting the semi-truck you need. We’ll help you find the best semi-truck financing so that you can focus on other aspects of your business.

Start your journey today.

Dump trucks are essential equipment in the transportation and construction industries, but they are expensive. It is almost impossible to acquire this machinery without affecting your cash flow. There are some expenses that come with buying a dump truck such as maintenance and insurance fees. So if you think of it, it is not a smart move to pay for one even if you can afford it. 

The good thing is you can try dump truck financing. It is quite simple: get the dump truck and pay for it over time. While this sounds simple, lenders may have strict criteria that may make the whole process tedious. With Inspired Funding, you can get funded in no time and get the best payment conditions.

New to truck financing? This article provides everything you need to know and how to get started.

HOW TO FINANCE DUMP TRUCKS

Financing is a great way to pay for a dump truck without going bankrupt. There are many alternatives, and we explain them all in this section. 

TRUCK LOANS

You can always use truck loans to finance your dump truck. It works the same way with every other loan: the lender provides you with funds and you repay over an agreed-upon period with interest. While this sounds easy,  remember that dump trucks are expensive. The lender has to be sure that you can pay back the loan and will need to see your credit score to ascertain that. Most lenders will require a decent FICO score, usually ranging from 640 and above. 

In cases where you don’t have the required credit score, then having over 3 years in business with an ideal cash flow can save the day. These are the basic things you should know about dump truck loans:

• The dump truck serves as collateral.
• A good credit score and financial history will give you a good chance.
• Loan terms vary depending on the lender.

LEASING

Businesses opt for dump truck leasing for short-term projects, which can span from 2-5 years. It’s like rent, but often lasts longer than a rental agreement. To get a lease, you make a down payment, then pay a sum with interest monthly over the lease period. 

At the end of the lease, you can return the truck, renew the lease or opt for a lease-to-own option. Here are some benefits of a dump truck lease:  

• No minimum FICO-score
• Lower monthly payment compared to the loan option.
• Flexible payment structure. 

EQUIPMENT FINANCING AGREEMENTS

Equipment financing agreements (EFA) are short-term loans designed for financing equipment. It comes with a couple of benefits and can be a smart move if you want to keep your business in motion without worrying about money. 

A major advantage of this loan type is the ability to preserve your working capital while you spread the payment over time. Other benefits of EFAs include:

• Flexible repayment terms 
• Tax benefits, as loans are deducted as expenses
• You own the truck after you pay off the loan. 
• The truck serves as collateral

SPECIALTY LENDERS 

There are also specialty lenders that concentrate primarily on financing different types of trucks. They have a deep understanding of the truck industry and can provide customized options for different truck buyers like we do at Inspired Funding. Credit score is not a barrier, instead, we provide a seamless process, assisting all the way. 

Once you have completed the application and reviewed the funding approval with our finance, you can go ahead to submit the necessary documents and get funded.  

REQUIREMENTS FOR GETTING A DUMP TRUCK FINANCING

There are basic things a lender will look out for before financing a dump truck. These are your credit score, how long you’ve been in business, and down payment. Let’s break these down so you can understand:

CREDIT SCORE

The best way a lender can be assured you will repay your debt is by confirming you have a good credit score. We usually recommend having a score of at least 640 to get great interest rates and repayment plans. Anything lower than that result in unfavorable loan conditions.

TIME IN BUSINESS

How long you have been in business is also a factor that most lenders consider. People with three years of experience in business will stand a good chance. But this doesn’t mean new business will be pushed aside. A good credit score can make up for your lack of business history.

DOWN PAYMENT

Lenders will demand a down payment. Some can ask for a reasonable percentage, while others can ask for as high as 50%. This is often dependent on whether you met the requirements above.

HOW TO GET DUMP TRUCK FINANCING

People get approved for dump trucks every day. It is all a matter of planning and knowing the right steps to take. Here are some processes you should consider:

ASSESS YOUR FINANCIAL HEALTH

Your first step should be to review your credit score and financials before applying. A strong financial profile will give you a higher chance of getting approved for better loan terms.

RESEARCH FINANCING OPTIONS

Good research ensures that you choose the best financing that works for your situation. So make sure you invest some time into it. 

PREPARE YOUR DOCUMENTATION

Once you have found the right financing options, compile your necessary documents, start preparing your documents. Some of the documents you need to provide include:

• Truck details like its price 
• Financial and business record
• Annual mileage on the truck, among others

APPLY FOR THE DUMP TRUCK FINANCING

After your research. It is time to apply! Whether you are choosing banks, online lenders or truck loan financiers, begin the application process and submit the necessary documents already listed above. Seek help when necessary with the applications and read every document carefully before signing.

GET FUNDED

To get funded, you will go through some stages such as the determination which sets out the loan conditions like the interests, repayment period, and others. Once this is done, you can finalize your paperwork and get funded!

GETTING DUMP TRUCK FINANCING WITH BAD CREDIT

Having bad credit does not mean the end of the road for you. You can still get dump truck financing. Typically, lenders will want a high down payment. You can improve your chances of getting dump truck financing with the following:

• Co-signer with good credit
• Lengthy-time in business
• Good cash flow

These are not set in stone and conditions may vary for every lender. 

BENEFITS OF DUMP TRUCK FINANCING WITH INSPIRED FUNDING

Dump truck financing allows you to acquire a vehicle while preserving your cash flow. With the right financing partner, you can expand your fleet and grow multiple streams of revenue. 

Inspired Funding has helped hundreds of businesses get the best dump truck financing. We guide you to finding the right truck and help you with the application process from start to finish. 

Also, enjoy benefits like low down payments on used dump trucks and no minimum FICO score on leased trucks. Give us a call today to start your dump truck financing journey.

Commercial drivers are bringing home bigger paychecks than they have in years. The figures don’t lie. In 2024, the average truck driver salary per annum is $92,255 in the U.S. So, if you are considering breaking into the transport business, commercial truck business is an attractive option.

However, starting out doesn’t seem easy. And unless you have a lot of money stashed away already, you will need commercial truck financing. Getting this loan comes with a few requirements like a good credit score and high down payment when being accepted. But with the right guide, getting through the process becomes much simpler.

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about commercial truck financing.

WHAT IS COMMERCIAL TRUCK FINANCING?

Commercial truck financing is the type of loan you get when you want to purchase a truck or any heavy vehicle for commercial purposes. It is unlike standard auto loans that cater to personal vehicles. It is designed for larger and more expensive trucks, from semi-trucks and dump trucks to other types used for business.  Comparatively, the loan structure of commercial trucks is different from conventional auto loans. 

Before you getting  a loan, here are a couple of facts you should know about commercial truck financing: 

• lenders look at your creditworthiness and revenue. Financiers would prefer a credit score of about 600 or more
• the truck serves as collateral 
• there are multiple financing options ranging from banks, truck dealer financing along others

In a nutshell, you need strong financials and a higher credit score to get favorable loan terms.

FINANCING VS. LEASING

You can either choose to finance a commercial truck or go for leasing. The one you go for primarily depends on your business needs. If you are looking at upgrading your trucks to new models later, then you should consider getting a lease on your truck. However, note that leasing comes with usage limits and you will not be able to customize the truck as you would if you were financing it. 

With financing, you get full ownership once you pay off your loans. This is a great option if you plan to use the truck long-term.

CHALLENGES IN SECURING COMMERCIAL TRUCK FINANCING

A couple of factors can also pose barriers when securing your commercial truck financing. These factors can slow down the loan approval process, or result in a loan structure that does not favor the borrower. Some of these include:

POOR CREDIT HISTORY

Limited credit history can make securing financing tough. The outcomes are either higher interest rates or even outright denial because it sends a risk signal to the lender. 

Solution? Try raising your credit score before applying. Pay off old debts and avoid getting new ones. Another option is to consider bad credit truck financing although the terms might be stricter.

HIGH DOWN PAYMENT

To reduce their risks, lenders often ask for a large upfront payment. This can help lower the overall loan and increase the chances of approval. It may be overwhelming for small businesses or startups. The best strategy? Look for low down payment truck financing options to ease the initial financial burden.

STRICT LOAN TERMS FOR NEW BUSINESSES

Lenders tend to propose stricter loan terms for borrowers that are just starting the business with no financial history or proven revenue. You can make this less of a hurdle by having additional sources of income.

UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LOAN OPTIONS

A general piece of advice for those just starting is to familiarize yourself with the range of loan types available. Choose the best loan type by doing your research or consulting a financial advisor.

HOW TO GET THE BEST COMMERCIAL TRUCK LOAN

Getting a favorable commercial truck loan is easy when you follow the right step. The following can help you improve your chances of finding financing that meets your business needs:

ASSESS YOUR BUSINESS FINANCES

Start by reviewing your finances before seeking financing. This will help you identify the best loan option. It also gives you an opportunity to make necessary adjustments before approaching your lender.

RESEARCH LOAN OPTIONS

Once you have a grasp of your financial health, start researching various loan options. Research commercial truck financing companies, banks, and truck dealer financing. Ensure you keep an eye out for the best commercial truck loans that offer competitive rates and favorable conditions.

PREPARE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Common documents include business plans, tax returns, and profit and loss statements. Having these documents ready can streamline the application process and boost your chances of approval.

EXPLORE FLEXIBLE FINANCING OPTIONS

There are different financing structures out there, so take the time to explore which one best aligns with your business needs Common options include leasing versus buying, bad credit financing, and low down payment alternatives. 

NEGOTIATE TERMS

What’s a good loan agreement without proper negotiation? Rely on knowledge from earlier points to secure a loan that works in your favor. When you negotiate, focus on key areas like down payment, interest rates, and loan duration.

CONCLUSION

Commercial truck financing is vital if you are looking to scale your operations and remain competitive. With financing, you can expand your fleet by adding more trucks without going bankrupt.

As we have covered in this article, ensure you explore alternatives that align with your business needs and avoid jumping at every available offer. 

Scaling your business is important, and so is getting the right financing that allows you run commercial truck businesses without the worry of unfavorable loan conditions or accumulating bad debts.

WHY CHOOSE INSPIRED FUNDING FOR YOUR COMMERCIAL TRUCK FINANCING NEEDS

Inspired Funding offers customized commercial truck financing solutions to businesses of any size, from first-time buyers seeking one unit, to fleet upgrades for growing enterprises. Inspired Funding makes the financing process an easy one for business owners; we offer flexible terms, quick approvals and have programs designed around credit issues.

Schedule a call today to explore your financing options with a truck financing expert at Inspired Funding!