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Getting the right finance to get your business on the road
The first step to getting your business going is having the right equipment to do the job. You can compare your finance options between new or used to see which one will be suitable for your budget. Most start-up owner-operators tend to purchase used trucks as this is a more affordable option, than purchasing a new truck off the bat. On average a new truck can cost you around $80,000 and run up to %150,000 or more. Keep in mind that if you add custom features you could easily look at a price tag of $200,000 or more.
Fuel expenses
One of the biggest ongoing costs that you will face is fuel expenses. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, freight vehicles travelled over 200,000 million tonne-kilometres. Diesel was the predominant type of fuel consumed by 99.6% consumed by trucks, with articulated trucks consuming 56.3 litres per 100 kilometres. Running a truck business means you will be doing extensive travelling, which requires an adequate fuel budget.
Maintenance & repair costs
Your business is only as good as the conditions of your trucks. Therefore, having a budget set aside for maintenance and repair costs is essential. The cost will vary depending on the types of trucks you have and the number of them. It is important to create a buffer for those emergency repairs so that your cash flow will not be negatively affected. You may also consider leasing your trucks if you do not have a budget to take on repair costs. Remember to always compare options to find something that is suitable for your budget.
Insurance
Owner-operators have to consider the ongoing costs that come with owning a truck business to help them effectively manage their expenses. Having insurance in place is a good investment for your business, as this can protect you from situations that are out of your control. It can also act as a barrier against unexpected costs that can blow a hole into the most planned budget.
Stamp duty fees
Whether you are planning a new or used truck, it will come with stamp duty. This will vary from state to state and the model you purchase. This is something that needs to be factored into your truck buying budget. You may also find that purchasing out of state can be more beneficial for you if the stamp duty costs less than where you currently have your business set up.
Choosing the right finance
Getting the right financing that is suitable for your finance is vital. Most owner-operators opt to take out a commercial loan that can help them adequately cover their expenses. Keep in mind that your business is different from the next. Therefore, speaking to a broker or a financial advisor can help you know what options are available and will be suitable for your situation.
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This guide provides general information and does not consider your individual needs, finances or objectives. We do not make any recommendation or suggestion about which product is best for you based on your specific situation and we do not compare all companies in the market, or all products offered by all companies. It’s always important to consider whether professional financial, legal or taxation advice is appropriate for you before choosing or purchasing a financial product.
The content on our website is produced by experts in the field of finance and reviewed as part of our editorial guidelines. We endeavour to keep all information across our site updated with accurate information.
Approval for commercial loans is always subject to our lender’s terms, conditions and qualification criteria. Lenders will undertake a credit check in line with responsible lending obligations to help determine whether you’re in a position to take on the loan you’re applying for.
The interest rate, comparison rate, fees and monthly repayments will depend on factors specific to your profile, such as your financial situation, as well as others, such as the loan’s size and your chosen repayment term. Costs such as broker fees, redraw fees or early repayment fees, and cost savings such as fee waivers, aren’t included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts may result in a different comparison rate.
