Purchasing a federal commercial vehicle can often be an intimidating process. There’s a lot of paperwork involved, and you need to make sure you choose a financing option that makes the most sense for your business.
The good news is that commercial vehicle financing can also be a really smooth process if you work with the right company. This makes it easy to access the business vehicle loan you need, to purchase your ideal truck.
This guide will break down what federal vehicle commercial loans are, and what is required to take out one of these loans.
Federal Vehicle Commercial Vehicle Loans
If you want to purchase a commercial vehicle, like a semi-truck, then you’ll likely need to take out a commercial vehicle loan.
Various business vehicle loan options are available for purchasing federal vehicles. Let’s break down how this works.
What is a Federal Commercial Vehicle Loan?
The Federal Vehicle Standards are a system that classifies all commercially available vehicles, governed by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. These regulations specify things like the design, construction, performance, and durability requirements of commercial vehicles.
If you want to purchase commercial vehicles that fall under these federal standards, then you’ll likely need to take out a business vehicle loan.
When you take out a commercial vehicle loan, the loan will need to be administered based on the vehicle you have chosen. Of course, any new commercial vehicles in the US need to abide by the Federal Vehicle Standards.
So, a federal vehicle commercial loan is really just a form of vehicle financing that applies to classified commercial vehicles.
Best Way To Finance Your Semi Truck
There are a couple of different options you face when taking out a commercial vehicle loan for your semi-truck. These include taking out a loan amount to purchase the new vehicle, entering into a hire-purchase scheme, or even leasing the commercial vehicle (if you don’t purchase it).
While different options have their advantages for different people and types of semi-truck businesses, the best way to finance your semi-truck is generally to take out a term loan with competitive interest rates.
Let’s break down the different steps you’d need to go through to take out a commercial vehicle loan.
Establish Your Credibility
The first step to taking out any kind of commercial vehicle loan is to determine your credibility for the loan. Various checks are made to establish this, which include:
- Looking into your credit history and credit score: Ideally, you’ll work with a financing provider that considers your entire credit profile, and not only your credit score. This helps people with bad credit access loans for their business needs.
- Establishing how much of a down patent you can make: Often, a larger down payment can result in better interest rates. While a down payment is not always necessary, first-time customers generally pay a down payment of around 20% to 30% of the vehicle’s price.
- Your time with a commercial driver’s license (CDL): The longer you’ve held a CDL, the easier it will be to vehicle financing loan schemes with competitive rates.
- Considering the vehicle type and age: Of course, lenders provide customized solutions based on the type of vehicle you plan to purchase. Some vehicle financing providers accommodate buyers who are interested in older vehicles. However, it’s important to consider the cost of repairs and maintenance when purchasing an older truck.
These factors will help you determine how eligible you are for taking out a business loan. These elements also determine the maximum loan amount you can take out, and whether you can access flexible terms on the working capital.
Gather Your Information
Once you have established your financing credibility, the next step is to gather all of the documentation you need to apply for an existing commercial vehicle loan.
Vehicle loans require buyers to produce the following documents:
- Bank statements
- References
- Your CDL
- Contact details
- Proof of insurance
- Business incorporation documents or operating agreements (depending on the business loan)
By having all of these documents ready, applying for vehicle loans becomes a much faster process. This will help you get the funding you need as soon as you find the right vehicle.
Find the Vehicle
Now you need to find the semi-truck that matches your business requirements. Having very specific requirements in place will make it a lot easier to find the right truck for your needs. Of course, you will also have a very clear budget available for your business vehicle.
Once you have found the right truck, you’ll need to establish an exact price for the vehicle and get a written quote on the purchase of the truck. This is necessary for your business loan.
Get Your Insurance
It’s possible to get vehicle loans pre-approved without insurance, but having an insurance policy in place will make the process a lot easier. This is essential for finalizing your truck financing.
There are many different types of insurance policies available, each with its own pros and cons. Make sure that you choose a policy that makes sense for your vehicle and business.
Apply for the Loan
Now you just need to submit all of your documents to your vehicle financing company to access the business loan.
Mission Financial makes applying for vehicle loans an easy process. Anyone, regardless of credit history, can access loans with a great interest rate. This makes it simple to purchase the semi-truck of your dreams.
Final Thoughts
There can be quite a lot involved in taking out a commercial vehicle loan. The most important thing is being well-prepared, and having a good understanding of your requirements. This will help you find a loan and vehicle that makes the most sense for your situation.
At Mission Financial Services, we help truck drivers and businesses of all sizes access the best possible commercial loans for their needs. Get in touch today to see how we can help you purchase the ideal federal commercial vehicle for your requirements.
Hey there, small business owners in the trucking industry! Are you running a fleet of commercial trucks or considering venturing into this dynamic field? In that case, one crucial aspect you need to familiarize yourself with is commercial truck insurance.
It’s no secret that the road can be unpredictable, and protecting your business from potential risks and liabilities is essential.
Let’s delve into the world of trucking insurance, unravel its complexities, and provide you with essential insights to make informed decisions.
So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready to navigate the insurance landscape with confidence and peace of mind!
Commercial Truck Insurance For Small Business: All You Need To Know
Here’s everything you need to know when you purchase commercial truck insurance.
Types Of Commercial Truck Insurance
Understanding the types of commercial truck coverage is crucial for small businesses in the trucking industry. Each type of coverage addresses specific risks and liabilities, allowing you to tailor your personal auto insurance policies to the unique needs of your business.
By selecting the appropriate insurance coverage, you can protect your assets, comply with legal requirements, and confidently operate your small trucking business.
Here are the most common types of small business commercial vehicle insurance out there.
Primary Liability Insurance
Primary liability insurance is a legal requirement for all commercial trucks operating on public roads. It covers bodily injury and property damage caused to others in an accident where the insured truck is at fault. This insurance ensures victims receive compensation for their injuries or property damage, protecting your business from lawsuits.
Physical Damage Coverage
Physical damage coverage protects the insured commercial truck itself. It includes collision coverage, which covers damages from collisions with other vehicles or objects.
It also covers damages from non-collision incidents such as theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters. Physical damage coverage is critical if your truck has significant value or if you have financing or leasing obligations.
Cargo Insurance
Cargo insurance protects the goods or freight being transported by your commercial truck. It covers damage or loss of cargo due to accidents, theft, or other covered perils.
Cargo insurance is crucial for trucking businesses that transport valuable or sensitive cargo, providing peace of mind and financial protection in case of unforeseen incidents.
Non-Trucking Liability Insurance
Non-trucking liability insurance, or bobtail insurance, covers liability when the truck is operated for non-business purposes, such as when the semi-truck driver is off-duty or using the truck for personal use. This insurance fills the coverage gap that may exist when the primary liability insurance does not apply outside of business-related activities.
Motor Truck General Liability Insurance
Motor truck general liability insurance offers coverage beyond primary liability insurance. It covers bodily injury or property damage caused by non-trucking-related activities, such as when the driver is at a loading dock or engaged in other non-driving operations. This insurance protects your business from potential liability claims during trucking operations.
Trailer Interchange Insurance
Trailer interchange insurance covers damage or loss to non-owned trailers that a trucking company uses under a trailer interchange agreement.
This insurance is essential for rental reimbursement and when trucking companies interchange trailers with other companies or use trailers owned by others, ensuring that damages to the trailers are covered under your commercial truck insurance policy.
Umbrella Insurance
Umbrella insurance provides additional liability coverage that extends beyond the limits of your primary liability insurance. It offers extra protection against high-cost claims and lawsuits.
Umbrella insurance can benefit trucking businesses that want to increase their liability coverage limits and protect their assets in a catastrophic event.
What To Look For In Commercial Truck Insurance
When choosing the best commercial truck insurance for commercial vehicles, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure you have the right coverage that meets your specific needs. Here are some key aspects to look for when evaluating commercial trucking insurance options:
Customizable Policies
Every trucking business is unique, and your insurance needs may vary depending on the type of cargo you transport, the distance you travel, and other specific factors. Look for insurance providers that offer customizable policies, allowing you to tailor the coverage to your business requirements. This ensures you only pay for the coverage you need without unnecessary extras.
Adequate Coverage Limits
Assess the coverage limits offered by the insurance policy. It’s crucial to have adequate coverage limits that align with your business’s potential risks and liabilities. Consider factors such as the value of your trucks, the nature of the cargo you transport, and the potential costs of accidents or lawsuits. Adequate coverage limits provide the financial protection you need in case of unforeseen events.
Deductibles And Premiums
Evaluate the deductibles and premiums associated with the insurance policy. Deductibles are the amount you’re responsible for paying out of pocket before the insurance coverage kicks in. At the same time, premiums are the recurring payments you make for the policy. Consider your budget and financial capabilities to choose deductibles and premiums that are reasonable and affordable for your small business.
Claims Process And Customer Support
Look for an insurance provider with a straightforward and efficient claims process. In the event of an accident or loss, a responsive and supportive claims department can make a significant difference in quickly resolving issues and getting your business back on track. Read reviews and seek recommendations to gauge the quality of customer support the insurance company provides.
Insurance Company Reputation
Research the reputation and financial stability of the commercial truck insurance company you are considering. Look for insurance providers with a solid track record, strong financial ratings, and a history of providing reliable coverage and excellent customer service. Reputable commercial truck insurance providers will give you confidence that they’ll be there when you need them most.
Additional Services And Resources
Consider any additional services or resources offered by the insurance provider. Some companies provide risk management tools, safety training programs, or access to industry-specific expertise. These value-added services can help you enhance the safety of your operations, mitigate risks, and improve overall business performance.
Insuring Vs. Financing Your Semi-Truck
When it comes to buying a semi-truck for businesses, you’ll likely face the decision of whether to insure or finance your vehicle.
Both options have their merits, and understanding the differences can help you make an informed decision. Let’s explore the considerations when it comes to insuring versus financing your semi-truck:
Insuring Your Semi-Truck
Insuring your semi-truck is critical in protecting your investment and managing potential risks. Commercial truck insurance companies offer coverage for liability, physical damage, motor truck cargo, and more.
Insuring your semi-truck protects your business from the financial implications of accidents, theft, damage, or other unforeseen events. Commercial auto insurance acts as a safety net, helping you recover financially and continue operations in the face of adversity.
It provides peace of mind, knowing that you’re adequately protected and can focus on your business without worrying about the potential financial burden of incidents on the road.
Financing Your semi-truck
Financing your semi-truck involves obtaining a loan or lease to acquire the vehicle. This option allows you to spread the cost of the truck over a predetermined period, making it more affordable in the short term.
Financing can be advantageous, especially if you don’t have the total funds upfront or prefer to allocate your capital to other aspects of your business.
By financing, you can secure a reliable and efficient semi-truck without depleting your cash reserves, enabling you to preserve working capital for operational needs or other investments.
However, it’s essential to consider the terms and interest rates associated with the financing option to ensure it aligns with your budget and financial goals.
Making The Right Choice
The decision between insuring and financing your semi-truck ultimately depends on your specific circumstances and priorities. Assessing your business’s financial position, risk tolerance, and long-term goals is crucial.
If you have the financial capacity, insuring your semi-truck is a non-negotiable aspect of responsible business ownership. Insurance protects your investment, business reputation, and ability to bounce back from potential setbacks.
On the other hand, if you require additional funds to acquire a semi-truck and financing aligns with your financial strategy, securing a loan or lease can be a viable option. You’ll need to consider commercial truck insurance costs.
Most businesses choose a combination of both insurance and financing.
By insuring your semi-truck and financing its purchase, you can simultaneously enjoy the benefits of protection and affordability. This approach allows you to balance the need for insurance coverage with the financial flexibility provided by financing arrangements.
Ultimately, whether you choose to insure, finance, or pursue a combination of both for your semi-truck, consulting with professionals in the insurance and financing sectors is crucial.
Final Thoughts
Remember, insurance is not just a requirement like your commercial driver’s license, it’s an investment in the longevity and stability of your business.
Take the time to research and compare different insurance options, consult with professionals in the industry if needed, and choose a policy that aligns with your goals and risk tolerance.
With the right commercial truck coverage, you can focus on growing your business while knowing you’re protected against potential challenges and setbacks.
If you’re looking to insure your semi-truck, reach out to Mission Financial Services today.
Starting a semi-truck parking business can be a great idea. As long as you find an area with strong demand for truck parking, you can start a profitable and rewarding business, helping truck drivers and truck companies with a space for their vehicles.
There are many considerations when starting a semi-truck parking lot. There are also many different types of public parking options you can offer to truck drivers.
If you’re interested in getting this kind of business off the ground, here are some of the main steps you’ll need to follow.
Semi Truck Parking Business: Steps to Success
Perform Market Research
The first step to starting a semi-truck parking business is to perform in-depth market research. The better you understand the market, the more easily you’ll be able to identify the right truck parking lot opportunity.
When researching this, there are a few key considerations. These include:
- Understanding what type of truck parking lot you will set up (how large it will be and what types of vehicles you will be able to accommodate)
- Identifying areas where there is a truck parking shortage
- Understanding what competitors exist in your area
- Identifying your exact target audience (this could be long-haul truck drivers, food truck drivers, regional truck drivers, and so on)
- Researching the feasibility of your semi-truck parking business and understanding what will be required to make your potential truck parking facilities profitable
- Performing in-depth market research is necessary for establishing a detailed business plan. This will help you understand exactly how you will be able to set up the truck parking lot, and what steps you will take to ensure your truck parking facility is profitable and makes sense for the market.
Understand Laws and Regulations
Truck parking lots need to comply with the relevant county and state zoning laws and regulations. These zoning regulations differ depending on your specific location and could include things like environmental standards and safety requirements.
It’s important to understand what regulations exist around creating proper truck parking in your area. This is necessary for finding the right location so that you can develop into a semi-truck parking business.
For example, your location might be restricted by residential neighborhood zoning issues, which prevent you from developing new truck parking lots.
Find the Right Location
When it comes to truck parking lots, location is everything.
You can offer high-quality facilities and great prices, but even the best truck parking spaces will stand empty if there’s no demand for them.
Make sure you develop your truck parking facilities where there are plenty of truck drivers actively looking for a place to stay. Of course, busier trucking routers have more demand, but that also means there’s more competition. Your goal is to strike the right balance between the two.
It’s a good idea to try to identify areas where there is a high rate of illegal truck parking.
These areas present a great opportunity for a proper truck parking facility, as there is likely a truck parking shortage in these parts.
Beyond demand, there are various factors to consider when choosing the right place for your truck parking lot. These include:
- The truck parking space dimensions available on the lot
- What type of construction will be required on the space
- What types of amenities are available on the truck parking lot
- The legal compliance requirements for developing that land into a truck parking lot
- Insurance requirements for turning the space into a truck parking lot
- What exit ramps will lead to your parking stall
- Whether there’s enough space for trailer parking, semi-tractors, and freight transportation
- Whether the area is secure enough for overnight parking
Consider Franchises and Business Options
Once you’ve identified the ideal place for your truck parking lot, you’ll need to establish what approach you will take in starting your semi-truck parking business. The first question to ask is whether you’ll be operating a franchise, or starting your own business. Both options come with their pros and cons.
Starting a franchise means you get access to an already-established brand. You will also get plenty of support in setting up the business according to a proven business model. The downside is that you have less freedom over what you can do with your truck parking lot. Starting a franchise can also be expensive.
Put Your Business Plan Into Action
At this stage, you should have a detailed business plan. Now, it’s time to unfold this plan and start implementing it.
You will need to discuss:
- Finances: Ensure your truck parking lot has a detailed and sensible financial plan. Establish realistic financial projections and know what will be required to turn a profit. You may need to take on commercial financing to start the business.
- Marketing: Know how you will market your semi-yard to attract truck drivers. This could include listing your business on truck parking apps, developing a strong presence in your area, joining truck driver networks, and developing a solid digital marketing strategy.
- Get the right equipment: Your truck parking lot needs to be kitted out with the right amenities for fatigued truck drivers. This includes everything from restrooms to washing facilities and security cameras.
Establish Your Business
When you have a solid truck parking lot idea that you’re ready to execute, you’ll need to establish your business. This involves setting up the right business structure, applying for all of the relevant permits, and ensuring your truck parking business meets all of the right legal requirements.
At this stage, you might need to take on staff, set your business up with insurance, establish a brand, and so on. This is the part where your truck parking lot starts coming together.
Conclusion
There’s a lot of thought and planning that goes into establishing truck parking facilities. Get it right, and a semi-truck parking business can be a lucrative opportunity.
By carefully following the steps and considerations above, you should be able to establish the perfect truck parking lot business based on your interest, area, and market.
If you’re looking to purchase a semi for yourself, reach out to Mission Financial Services today.
Minority truck drivers often face unnecessary difficulties in securing financing for starting a trucking company. There shouldn’t be barriers in place preventing minority drivers from entering the transportation industry!
As long as you work with the right vehicle financing company, obtaining funding for your truck doesn’t have to be a challenge.
In this guide, we’ll explore whether minority truck drivers face funding challenges, and provide a step-by-step process on how to get around this.
Minority Truck Drivers: Who is a Minority Truck Driver?
Of all the truck drivers in the United States, over 84% of them are men, and over 58% are white. These trucking industry professionals are considered the majority.
Minority truck drivers refer to any professional driver that falls outside of this category. This includes women truck drivers, or truck drivers of different genders, sexualities, and racial backgrounds. For example, Latino or Hispanic, Asian, and Black truck drivers can all be considered minorities.
While these minority drivers were once a rarity in the transportation industry, trucking is becoming increasingly diverse. There’s greater minority representation across the industry, which means more career opportunities are presenting themselves for minority drivers in the trucking industry.
Is it Harder To Obtain Financing as a Minority Truck Driver?
Despite increasing diversity in the trucking industry, minority-owned trucking companies still face many added difficulties in securing financing. This is because minority groups tend to be marginalized socially and economically.
Some minority truck drivers face discrimination in the form of refusal to be assisted, while some may face harsher application requirements. Some minority truck drivers have a weaker economic background than others and will be disadvantaged by financing options that require a strong credit history or a long history of stable bank statements.
This makes it harder to obtain financing than those who are not marginalized.
With so many owner-operated trucking companies operating in the country, restricted access to funding can make it very difficult for minority truck drivers to pursue innovative ideas and start a transportation company. This will continue to create a divide in the trucking industry.
Obtaining Truck Financing as a Minority Truck Driver
While obtaining funding as a minority truck driver may seem like a major challenge, with the right financing provider it doesn’t have to be.
Mission Financial does not discriminate against minority truck drivers and works hard to help everyone secure vehicle loans. When buying a semi-truck with financing through Mission Financial, bad credit or a lack of financial history is not taken into account. This provides a far more equal playing field for any truck drivers to get into the industry.
Here are the steps you can take as a minority truck driver to easily gain funding for your transportation business.
1. Determine Your Eligibility
The first step in securing financing for your truck is to determine your eligibility. This is where most minority truck drivers have a hard time. With Mission Financial, earning your eligibility success is an easier process.
Four main factors are considered when determining your eligibility. These are:
- Overall credit: Like with any financing provider, having a strong credit history will make it easier to secure funding. However, Mission Financial is a common sense lender, which means we consider more than just your credit score. This means we review your overall credit situation to understand your eligibility. Even if you have a bad credit history, it’s still possible to gain truck financing.
- Down payment: The down payment required is based on the cost of the truck, and is usually around 20% – 30% of the truck’s purchase price. Mission offers financing on various older truck models, so paying a down payment on a brand-new truck is not necessary.
- Time with CDL: The longer you’ve had your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), the easier it will be to obtain funding. Drivers who’ve had their CDL for less than three years may need to pay a larger down payment.
- Truck’s age: Mission Financial finances trucks that date back to 2000, so it’s possible to gain financing for a second-hand vehicle. However, it’s important to also consider the higher cost of maintenance and repairs if you do choose to finance an older truck.
2. Get Your Documents Together
Once eligibility has been established, you’ll need to prepare all of your documents for obtaining funding. This will help you quickly apply for a loan when you find the right truck.
Your documentation should include your:
- Bank statements and tax returns
- Your CDL
- At least six references
- Contact details
- Proof of insurance
Depending on your employment situation, you may also need to provide:
- A co-signer statement
- LLC agreement and operating agreement
- Articles of Incorporation and corporate resolution
3. Find Your Vehicle
When you are prepared to apply for financing, you’ll need to find your truck and negotiate its price. Make sure you carefully choose the right type of vehicle for the type of trucking business you plan to start.
4. Obtain Insurance
You’ll need to provide proof of insurance to finalize your truck financing process. Make sure to select the right type of insurance policy based on your vehicle and the type of business you operate.
5. Submit Your Documents
Once you have all of the above documentation sorted, you simply need to submit your documents to Mission Financial to get approved for truck financing.
Final Thoughts
If you want to quit your driving job and start your own trucking company, you’ll need to obtain funding. With minority truck drivers at an all-time high, there are various opportunities for new truckers to obtain funding and start their own trucking organizations.
This can help minority members of the industry achieve greater success!
By working with an organization like Mission Financial, anyone can obtain the funding they need. We have a commitment to providing fair funding opportunities to all professional drivers. Apply now to kickstart your trucking business success.
Has your semi-truck credit application been approved? Are you ready with your downpayment? We have great news if you want to learn where to find semi-trucks for sale with financing! Joining thousands of owner-operators in the trucking industry is a fantastic idea.
We’ll show you where to find semi-trucks for sale with financing, discuss the best places, and ensure you get your rig!
The Importance Of Finding Semi-Trucks With Financing
Investing as a semi-truck driver is a significant expense; only some have the cash flow to purchase one outright. That’s why finding semi-trucks for sale with financing is important.
Semi-truck financing allows you to spread the cost of the truck over time. This approach makes it more affordable and manageable for your business. However, some financing will require down payments.
Additionally, a loan can help you build credit, which can be beneficial when seeking funding for future business expenses. This financing allows you to grow your company and stay competitive.
Places To Find Semi-Trucks For Sale With Financing
With your first-time buyer semi-truck loan in hand, here are some places to approach for your future semi-truck purchase:
Dealerships
Dealerships are the most popular and common places to buy semi-trucks. These dealerships specialize in selling commercial trucks and have a wide range of inventory. They offer a variety of brands, models, and years. Here are some benefits of buying from a dealership:
- Wide Selection: Dealerships offer a wide selection of semi-trucks. This variety can be helpful when looking for a specific make, model, or year.
- Warranty and Service: Dealerships often provide warranties and services for their semi-trucks. This can benefit drivers, giving them peace of mind knowing they can get their trucks serviced and repaired at the dealership.
Buying a semi-truck from a dealership can be an excellent option for drivers looking for a wide selection, warranty and service, and trade-in options.
Online Marketplaces For Semi-Trucks
Online marketplaces for semi-trucks have become increasingly popular. Websites like Truck Paper and Commercial Truck Trader are some of the most well-known platforms.
The benefits of shopping for semi-trucks on these online marketplaces are numerous. These platforms offer many truck models for sale. The variety makes it easier for buyers to compare and find the best one for their needs.
Many of these websites allow buyers to search for trucks based on specific criteria, such as make, model, year, and location. This can help make finding the right truck much more efficient.
Auctions For Semi-Trucks
Auctions are another option for those searching for semi-trucks for sale with financing. Here are some benefits of buying from auctions:
- Competitive prices: Auctions offer competitive prices, which can save you money compared to buying from a dealership or private seller.
- Access to exclusive inventory: Auctions sometimes have exclusive inventory that is not available anywhere else. This means you can purchase a rare or unique semi-truck that fits your needs perfectly.
Buying from auctions can be an excellent choice for those who want to find a good deal on a semi-truck.
Private Sellers
Private sellers can also be a good option when looking for semi-trucks for sale with financing.
Here are some benefits of buying from a private seller:
- Lower prices: Private sellers are usually motivated to sell their trucks quickly and may be willing to sell for a lower cost than dealerships or online marketplaces.
- Less competition: Since private sellers are less visible than dealerships or online marketplaces, there may be less competition for the trucks they sell.
- Negotiation: Private sellers may be more willing to negotiate on the price. They may also have flexible terms of the sale since dealership policies or regulations do not bind them.
However, it’s essential to remember that buying from a private seller may also come with risks, such as limited warranties or guarantees and a lack of financing options. It’s important to thoroughly inspect the truck and ask for maintenance records before purchasing.
Become Your Boss With Mission Financial Services
We hope our information will help you find the perfect truck to suit your needs. Remember, at Mission Financial Services, we make the financing process easy, so you can focus on finding the right truck.
Whether you’re looking for a dealership, online marketplace, auction, or private seller, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to pre-qualify to get started on your journey to owning your dream truck!
Should I put my semi-truck in my business name? This is one of the most common questions from truck owners when purchasing a vehicle.
If you run a trucking company, your vehicles are your biggest and most important business asset. Owning trucks comes with many costs: insurance, maintenance, taxes, and more.
This means you need to be smart about how you purchase and register trucks. If you sensibly do this, you can optimize your expenses.
In this guide, we’ll cover whether you should put your truck in your personal or business name, as well as some related questions.
Should I Put My Semi Truck in My Business Name?
If you own a semi-truck as a business vehicle, one of the most common questions you’ll ask yourself is whether you should put your semi-truck in your business name or keep it as a personal asset.
While there’s no right or wrong answer, there are advantages to taking either approach.
Why Put Your Semi-Truck in Your Business Name?
Putting your semi-truck in your business name lets you separate the truck from your personal self. This can offer valuable protection of your personal assets in case something happens.
For example, if someone files a lawsuit against you, they could go after your truck as it is your personal property.
This kind of issue can happen in the event of financial troubles or even a divorce. If your truck is registered as a business asset, it’s separated from your personal self. This means the truck is protected.
If you have a poor financial history or credit rating, then it could also be worth registering your truck as a business asset. This can make it easier to gain semi-truck financing for your business – instead of applying for it personally. This can also help you access semi-truck repair loans.
If you own a trucking company with multiple vehicles, then it makes sense to register these vehicles as business assets. This will help you provide coverage for all of your business vehicles more easily. It also reduces any risks associated with owning these vehicles, which can be big when you have multiple trucks.
Why Keep Your Semi-Truck in Your Personal Name?
The main reason why putting your semi-truck in your personal name is a good idea is that it’s easy.
If you are an owner-operator, there’s a good chance your business might be operating as a sole proprietorship. In this case, you have no choice but to register the truck in your name as there is no separation between yourself and your business.
In many cases, owner-operators will purchase a truck first and then register the business. In this case, the truck will first be placed under the owner’s personal name, which can make transferring the truck to your business difficult.
Personal or Business: Which is Best?
While it’s often easier to register your semi-truck in your name, it’s generally considered a smarter move to register it under your business. Doing so helps to protect your truck as a business asset and legally separates you from your truck in case any issues arise.
Owning the truck as a business vehicle can be beneficial for tax purposes, as maintenance costs associated with the truck can be recorded as business expenses.
Of course, one important consideration also comes down to whether you have business partners or not. If you do, then registering the truck under your business will give them a share of ownership of the truck. If it’s just you that runs the business, then this is an easier decision to make.
If you’re considering registering your truck as a business asset, it’s important to first consult with a business lawyer on the matter. They will be able to offer specific advice based on your business and personal situation.
How Does Commercial Auto Insurance Work?
If you’re wondering whether you should put your semi-truck in your business name, you’ll also want to consider commercial auto insurance.
Properly insuring your semi-truck is essential, and one of the best ways to do this is through a business vehicle insurance policy.
This type of insurance only applies to business vehicles, so you can’t access these policies if the trucks are registered as personal assets.
If your truck is registered as a personal asset, then you will also need to insure it under your personal name. Many household and vehicle insurance providers don’t have policies for semi-trucks unless they’re used as business vehicles. This can make insuring the truck a complicated and expensive process.
Commercial auto insurance gives you higher insurance amounts and will help you cover the vehicle under circumstances where a personal insurance policy wouldn’t pay the claim. This includes insurance coverage of the vehicle but also insurance for things like injuries, property damage, or collision insurance.
If your employee drives the truck and gets into an accident, then your commercial auto insurance will pay out. If the truck is insured under your name, then claiming for accidents involving other drivers can be very difficult. You might not be able to claim from a personal policy at all if you were using the truck as a business vehicle.
Commercial auto insurance can be significantly more expensive than personal insurance policies. This is because of the extra liability a trucking company has compared to a personal vehicle.
Of course, this all depends on your specific insurance policy and provider. However, as a working business vehicle, you’ll probably want to have commercial auto insurance on your semi-truck.
Should I Buy a Semi-Truck as a Business Expense or Out of My Budget?
Beyond thinking about how you will register your semi-truck, you also need to consider how you will purchase and finance the truck. Should it be a personal or business expense?
Many businesses purchase a business car, and for very good reason. By purchasing the semi-truck as a business expense, you can record your mileage and operating costs as business expenses. This can help you access some tax benefits.
Sure, you can still track your truck’s mileage and separate personal mileage from the mileage your trucking company racks up. However, it will be a lot easier to do this if the truck is a business expense.
Separating the truck financing as a business expense can also make it easier to manage your business’s finances and separate your business expenses from your personal expenses. If you finance the truck from your personal bank account and name, separating the truck as a business expense can get tricky.
However, whether you should purchase the truck as a business or personal expense comes down to your individual situation. Consider how your business is structured, and how you plan on financing the vehicle.
It’s best to speak to your tax practitioner about this to see how the cost of the vehicle can help you with taxes.
If you do purchase the vehicle under your business name, just be prepared for a different process. You’ll have to produce the right documents and ensure the vehicle is registered to the address on file with the Department of Revenue.
Should You Transfer Your Semi-Truck to Your Business?
If you already own a semi-truck as a personal asset, you might want to transfer it to your business. This often happens if someone starts as a sole proprietor and then registers their trucking company as an LLC later down the line.
If you do plan to transfer ownership of the vehicle, there are some important things to keep in mind. Most importantly, the cost.
If you want your vehicle in your business name, you’ll have to repay the taxes associated with the value of the vehicle. This is because you will have to resell the vehicle from yourself to your business.
Even if you only sell the semi-truck to your business for $1, there are still taxes involved. By transferring the vehicle, you’ll have to pay these taxes for a second time. This can be an annoying and significant expense.
Should You Buy or Lease Your Vehicle?
The question of whether to buy or lease your semi-truck is one of the first things to consider when acquiring a new vehicle. As always, both options come with their advantages and disadvantages.
The obvious advantage to leasing a truck is that it’s more affordable in the short to medium term. If you don’t have a large down payment to make on the vehicle, you can start to lease the semi-truck at a relatively low monthly cost.
Depending on the type of leasing agreement you enter, you may be able to take ownership of the truck at the end of the agreement. This could make leasing a vehicle financially viable.
The other advantage is that there’s less risk involved because you don’t own the vehicle.
Buying a vehicle comes with the advantage of owning the semi-truck straight away. This means it’s your asset, and you can sell it if you want. You can also gain tax advantages from owning the vehicle more easily.
So, leasing may mean more affordable monthly payments, but buying gives you greater control over vehicle usage and mileage. As your semi-truck is the most important asset for your trucking company, buying the vehicle often makes the most sense. However, this does depend on your specific circumstances.
And then there’s the question of whether you should lease the vehicle in your business name or personal name. While leasing is different from purchasing outright, the same principles that we’ve covered above apply to this scenario. In summary, leasing it in your personal name has benefits, but leasing it in your business name is less risky!
Conclusion
Whether you should put your semi-truck in your personal or business name depends on your individual situation.
There are many factors involved, such as insurance, taxes, your business structure and accounting, employees, and how your vehicle is funded. There’s no right or wrong answer, it just comes down to what option offers the best advantages for your business and personal scenario.
Whatever the case, it’s always best to consult with professionals to help you purchase your semi-truck as efficiently as possible. If you have any questions about financing a semi-truck, consider approaching Mission Financial Services for top-tier assistance.
