Office: (404) 975-4800

News

What is a Simple Interest Contract?

 

From contracts to complex legal documents, the process of buying a commercial vehicle can quickly become intimidating for any customer. Luckily, there are dealership financing options created to meet the unique needs of the trucking industry and make the process of getting a loan as seamless as possible. By offering simple interest contracts, acquiring financing and paying it back can be easy and uncomplicated for owner operators and dealers. Here is how simple interest contracts can make dealership lending mutually beneficial for dealers and their customers. 

What is a Simple Interest Contract?

With a simple interest contract for commercial lending, customers have the chance to accrue little interest by paying their loan back in a quick an easy manner. Simple interest contacts calculate interest daily, based on what is still owed on the loan.

When a customer makes a payment on the loan, their money first goes to the interest that has accrued that month. The rest of the payment then goes toward paying the principle of the loan. If the customer is able to pay off the interest each month without fail, that interest will not accrue for the next month. On the other hand, if the interest is not paid by the end of each month, more interest will accrue on top of the interest from last month, which is known as compound interest. This means if payments are not made on time, the customer runs the risk of building up compound interest. This compound interest could mean the final payment of the loan is far higher than what was projected when the contract was first signed. However, it also means that if payments are made on time or earlier, the final payment could be even less that what was originally projected.

The Difference Between Simple Interest and Precomputed Contracts

Since interest is calculated daily, and simple interest contracts give customers the opportunity to only pay interest on the current balance of their loan. This means interest amounts will get smaller as your loan is paid down.

However, with the precomputed interest method, the only number used to calculate interest is the amount of the loan at the time the contract was signed. This means there is no way to change the amount of interest you will need to pay. Even if you choose to pay down your loan faster than scheduled, you will not be able to reduce the interest amount like you would with a simple interest loan.

The total payment can vary greatly between a precomputed loan and a simple interest loan if you choose to make early or late payments. However, if you make all payments exactly on time, there is little difference between the two contract types.

Products Included in Simple Interest Contracts

Simple interest contracts vary, but Mission Financial provides more than just financial independence. Our contracts come with a variety of perks to keep you and your investment safe on the road. These products can be bundled into any contract to help you drive with confidence.

Mission Auto Protection

Every simple interest contract through Mission Financial comes with Mission Auto Protection (M.A.P.) A membership to M.A.P. offers truckers a variety of services to keep you safe and secure on the road. M.A.P. features include:

  • Roadside Assistance

If you experience a breakdown, M.A.P. will reimburse you for up to $200 of on-site labor. This can include repairs as well as the delivery of fuel, fluids, or parts. Roadside assistance does not cover the cost of parts or expenses from labor at a facility. 

  • Towing

M.A.P. will cover towing expenses from the site of a breakdown up to $200. The service covers only one tow per breakdown. 

  • Trip Interruption

If a breakdown occurs when you are further than 500 miles from home, M.A.P. will reimburse up to $300 for room and board while you wait for truck repairs. 

  • Lockout Services

In the event that you get locked out of your truck, M.A.P. will reimburse up to $50 in expenses for unlocking the vehicle’s door. 

  • Flat Tire

M.A.P. will reimburse drivers up to $50 dollars for tire repair services.

  • Battery Boost

If a battery boost is needed, M.A.P. will reimburse drivers up to $50 in expenses. 

TrüNorth™ Heavy Duty Coverage

Mission Financial has also partnered with TrüNorth™ to offer its customers coverage on their vehicles for 12 months or until the vehicle reaches 100,000 miles.

Benefits of Financing with Mission Financial

As a commercial driver, it is imperative to have reliable protection and coverage plans in the event of a break down, blown tire, or other incident on the road. With M.A.P. and TruNorth, truckers can drive with confidence knowing that a backup plan is already in place no matter what happens.

Mission Financial is a commercial lender people can trust. Not only does Mission Financial offer peace of mind through financial independence, but by ensuring that help is on the way when the unexpected happens.

Colleges Begin Launching Commercial Trucking Programs

 

Choosing a trucking school is the first big step to starting your career as a commercial driver. You want to make sure you pick a school that will prepare you and deliver the proper training for life on the road. This includes proper accreditation, experienced teachers and plenty of practice time behind the wheel. Previously, the only place to get semi-truck driving training was at a trucking school.

However, now it is easier than ever to find proper training thanks to community colleges across the country who are beginning to provide trucking classes at their facilities. Here is what you need to know about how community colleges are changing the way future truckers are being educated.

Community Colleges Offer CDL Classes

Previously, depending on location, students would have to travel to other cities to receive a commercial driver’s license. And because CDL courses typically last four to six weeks, it can add excessive extra cost on top of tuition expenses. Students often have to find lodging and spend extra money for food and necessities while away from home. Now, truckers-in-training can take courses in their area at their local community college. This gives more people access to training at an affordable cost without having to leave their families and homes behind.

Many of these community college programs offer added bonuses to make learning this industry even more attractive to young men and women. Some schools, like North Idaho College, have teamed up with driving schools to offer students a unique experience. In the case of North Idaho College, the partnership is with Spokane driving school Drive509. Because the partnership crosses state lines, students at the community college have the chance to qualify for CLD in both Washington and Idaho. This empowers students to broaden their search during their initial job hunt. As of March 2019, over 300 students have graduated from the four-week course, and many have gone on to earn starting salaries of over $40,000 per year.

Pros of Community College CDL Training Programs

While the addition of commercial trucking programs to community colleges will open doors for new young truckers, there are some pros and cons to consider before choosing which school is right for you. Community college programs are a great way to give more students access to quality training. However, not all courses are created exactly the same.

CDL courses at a community college are often less expensive than traditional trucking schools. And because they are not sponsored by a certain company, students are able to work for any trucking company they choose after graduation. Community college classes also often have more flexible hours. You may be able to choose to make morning, afternoon, or evening classes to work around your existing schedule, and weekend classes are usually offered. Community colleges can also offer truckers some of the same financial aid opportunities they can extend to students with a regular two-year curriculum. This can help you manage expenses and get on the road quicker.

Cons of Community College Commercial Trucking Programs

The flexible schedules of community college training courses may be convenient, but it also means taking longer to graduate than at a traditional trucking school. For instance, if you choose weekend-only classes, it could take many more months to complete the number of necessary classroom and driving hours to qualify for your CDL. While many CDL training schools can guarantee students jobs after graduation, many community colleges cannot make the same promise. However, many community colleges are able to offer job placement assistance, which can help in your search. The final con of community college is that the classes may not be offered all year-round. You may have to wait until the beginning of spring or fall semester to take the needed classes.

Future of the Freight Industry

The future looks bright for the commercial trucking industry. Thanks to more and more community colleges opening their doors to future drivers, it is now easier than ever to get quality training and launch your career. This new variety of schooling choices also allows future truckers to have more options than ever and find a school that is perfect for them. We look forward to seeing how education continues to change the transportation and freight industry. After you complete your CDL training, Mission Financial is here to help with all of your commercial lending needs.

How New Platooning will Make Trucking Safer than Ever

 

Excitement is building in the commercial trucking industry as people wait for the leader in platooning, Peloton, to announce the release date for its two-truck platooning system, PlatoonPro. In hopes of temporarily satisfying truck enthusiasts, the company released a list of the safety measures they have put in place to make sure their platooning technology will increase safety for truckers and other cars on the road. Here are some of the ways Peloton is ensuring their tech will make driving safer once it is released.

What is Platooning?

Platooning is a new way we are seeing artificial intelligence working in the trucking industry. This technology is a legal, digital way for a fleet of trucks to communicate with one another using a wireless internet connection. When the front truck brakes, the truck behind can automatically brake or slow down to avoid a collision. Reaction time is improved, allowing trucks to follow more closely behind each other compared to manual driving or cruise control.

Platooning is spreading rapidly thanks to the technology being adapted by numerous truck manufacturers. Companies now working to equip their trucks with platooning technology include Tesla, Volvo, Daimler Truck North America, and many more.  

Expanding Upon Proven Technology

In their article, Peloton states that its goal is to make platooning safer for truckers than ever before. That means the moment they hit the button to activate the platooning feature of their truck, their risk of collision or accident should decrease dramatically.

From safety systems to air disc brakes, Peloton’s goal is to not disable any preexisting technology when platooning is enabled. Instead, they are building upon these proven safety systems to make platooning even safer. They also plan to hold their trucks to a high standard with strict maintenance and inspection requirements that will ensure all trucks are in working order before hitting the platoon button.

How New Platooning is Increasing Safety

Apart from proven technology already found in commercial vehicles, the new platooning system will also add features not commonly seen behind the wheel of a semi. Features of Peloton’s new system will include:

  • Connected Braking

One of the biggest aspects will be the new vehicle-to-vehicle direct communication. This technology will be possible due to industry-standard digital short-range communications (DSRC.) This will allow two trucks to accelerate, slow down, and brake together. With this technology, truckers will be able to follow closer than ever before without having to worry about reaction delay. This will decrease fuel consumption, allow for more space on the highway, and make driving easier and safer.

  • Platoon ProXimity Dissolve

Platoon ProXimity Dissolve will use camera sensor data and radars to gage traffic conditions in front of the leading truck during a platoon. In case traffic becomes too dense, or if a car cuts in front of the lead truck, the following truck automatically slows down to create more space. This allows all drivers to avoid any situations that may require hard and sudden braking during a platoon.

  • Platoon Dissolve

Platoon Dissolve allows the following driver to manually dissolve the platoon. With the follow-truck system, the driver can slowly increase the gap between the two trucks until there is enough space to safely start controlling the brake and accelerator pedals.

  • Display Awareness Video and Info Display

To help the following trucker have a better understanding of what is going on ahead, PlatoonPro features an Info Display in the dash. This display will provide a live video feed from a forward-facing camera in the lead truck, so following drivers will be able to see changing road conditions, upcoming traffic, ramps or bridges, and any other objects up ahead.

  • Voice Communications

To help promote efficient communication and teamwork between drivers, the new platooning system is equipped with a hands-free driver-to-driver radio that can be activated with a foot pedal. This will help with synchronizing lane changes, upcoming road changes and when to dissolve a platoon.

  • Cybersecurity

Because platooning systems could potentially be hacked or tampered with from outside sources, it is important that these systems have top-notch cybersecurity to keep truckers and surrounding drivers safe. This system has been highly tested to prevent hacking and will immediately dissolve if a system becomes jammed.

Future of Platooning

Platooning is still in its early phases and requires more research before all 50 states will allow it. Only half of the U.S. currently authorizes the technology, but companies like Peloton are embracing industry standard testing. Substantial in-lab and track testing must be done first before moving on to on-road testing in order to maximize safety standards. As more and more companies continue to do this, then more states will continue to change their laws.

How to Apply for a Semi-Truck Loan

 

Now is a great time to enter the commercial trucking industry. With the demand for drivers higher than ever, you can expect job security, great pay, and plenty of stories to tell from your time on the open road. While trucking is an excellent and prevalent career choice, being the most common career in 29 states across the U.S., it often requires upfront investment to get started. Just like owning a business, truckers have to pay their overhead. This can include purchasing the truck, replacing parts, and taking care of costly repairs.

If finances are holding you back from your new career as a trucker, or if the truck you currently own is in need of updates, financing may be the solution for you. Luckily, companies like Mission Financial are here to help you get the financing you need. Here is what you need to know about financing through Mission Financial.

Commercial Financing Options

Mission Financial offers financing for dealerships as well as owner operators. While we provide loans for new and used trucks, we also offer financing options for other trucking necessities including:

  • Tire Replacements
  • Operating Capital
  • Lease Purchase Buy-Outs
  • Loan Refinancing
  • Truck Repairs
  • Licensing and Permits

Commercial Vehicle and Business Auto Loans  

When applying for commercial vehicle financing, it is important to understand that a business auto loan is much different than an auto loan one would normally get for personal use. Due to the stricter rules surrounding commercial loans, it is more important to make payments on time. The interest rates for business auto loans can also be much higher than other loans. While a personal loan typically has an interest rate of 5 percent or less, interest rates on commercial trucking loans can range between 5-30 percent. These differences will be important to understand and recognize when applying for financing.

How to Apply for a Semi-Truck Loan

Before applying for financing, there are a few things you will need to have ready. Follow these steps to make sure your application process is as smooth as possible.

 1. Determine Eligibility

Before applying, it is important to check to see if you qualify. Qualifying factors include your credit score, how long you have had your CDL, your down payment, and the age of the truck. If you are a first-time owner operator or have a low credit score, you can still qualify for a loan through Mission Financial. In fact, our company specializes in low credit loans. While you may still choose to apply for a loan, it is important to understand your financial state before taking this step.  

2. Gather Needed Info

Even before shopping around for a truck, you will want to get all of your paperwork in order for your financing. This is an important step because when you find the perfect truck, you will need to act fast. If another buyer comes in while you are trying to gather information, you may miss out on the vehicle. Before applying for financing, have the following information on hand:

  • Cell phone contact
  • Current Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
  • Proof of insurance with at least a $1,000 deductible
  • 6 references or 10 references without active phone bill
  • Bank statements and/or tax returns

Depending on your financial situation or employer, you may also need the following information

  • Co-signer Statement
  • LLC Agreement & Operating Agreement
  • Articles of Incorporation & Corporate Resolution

3. Find Your Truck

Once you have determined eligibility and gathered the necessary information, it is time to find your truck. It will be important to find a truck that meets the hauling requirements of your business.

After you have found the right vehicle, be sure to negotiate the price and get a written quote on the purchase of the truck. Along with the price, the written quote will need to contain the following information:

  • Title and Vehicle Registration
  • Pictures of the truck you wish to finance
  • Original signed credit application
  • Guarantee of Title

4. Get the Right Insurance

It is possible to get pre-approved without insurance. However, providing proof of insurance is highly recommended when applying for a commercial loan. Your insurance needs will be based on the type of business, but most truckers need the following types of insurance:

  • Primary liability coverage
  • Cargo coverage
  • Bobtail coverage for non-trucking use
  • Physical damage coverage

5. Submit Your Documents to Mission Financial

Once you have completed the above steps, it is time to apply for financing through Mission Financial. Having everything you need ready in advance will make the application process go smoothly for all involved parties.

Applying for commercial truck financing can seem like a daunting task. However, with companies like Mission Financial that specialize in semi-truck and business auto loans, we are ready to work with you to get you on the road in no time.

What to Consider When Financing a Truck With Bad Credit

 

Bad credit can leave people feeling stuck. Without a good credit score, buying a house, a car, or paying for school can feel difficult or even impossible. Additionally, making a big purchase with bad credit can mean you pay more in the long run. In fact, when applying for an auto loan, those with bad credit can end up paying 311 percent more in interest than someone with “very good” credit. And starting a business or buying a freight truck can feel just as intimidating and impossible when your credit is less than perfect. However, this does not have to be the case.

Having bad credit doesn’t mean you cannot jumpstart your career as a truck driver or finance a new truck. With the trucker shortage causing the demand for qualified and capable truck drivers to skyrocket, there are large incentives to get truckers out on the road with or without excellent credit. Here is what you need to know about financing a semi-truck with bad credit.

Use Your Assets as Collateral

Those with good credit can often use their positive history as a way to get a loan. For those without good credit, finding another way to secure the loan may be necessary. One great way to do so is to put up some collateral.

Collateral is anything you own that can be pledged to the loan provider until it is paid in full. These are often an option for people with bad credit, because if the loan is not repaid, the lender knows they can seize the collateral and use the money from it to repay what is owed to them. There are two forms of collateral to keep in mind: Hard and paper collateral. Hard collateral consists of homes, businesses, cars, and anything else that would have to be liquidated to cash in the event that it was seized by the lender.

Paper collateral includes stocks, bonds, and other items that would be easier to convert to cash. It is important to understand the difference between these two types of collateral before applying for a loan. Paper loans are often much easier to liquidate, making them more appealing to a potential lender. If offering some sort of collateral seems like the best course of action for you, consider making a list of your assets that could be used as collateral.

Use Your Commercial Truck as Collateral

Sometimes, you can even use your semi-truck as collateral when applying for a truck loan. You will still have to make monthly payments on the truck, but the financing company will know they can seize the truck and sell it if you are unable to pay. When securing a loan for a commercial truck, it is also important to remember that you will be receiving a business loan. Business loans are different than standard loans, and with that comes unique rules for both you and the loan provider. These rules make it easier for the lender to seize property if they are not receiving payments. This means that while it may be easier to secure a loan with bad credit, there will be faster and harsher consequences if you are unable to abide by the terms.

You May be Eligible for a Grant

Grants can be another great way to secure funding for your new semi-truck. Luckily, there are a variety of grants for truckers to apply for. Depending on your experience level in the field, you may be qualified for different grant options.

Mission Financial Specializes in Bad Credit Financing

Bad credit does not have to stop you from your career goals. When applying for a loan, it is especially helpful to work with a lender that specializes in low credit financing like Mission Financial. Mission Financial Services has been providing commercial auto loans and refinancing options for over 19 years. As a direct lender, we offer loans through dealers as well as direct lending in 48 states.

Mission Financial is proud to be a common-sense lender. This means we analyze more than just your credit score. We examine each applicant’s overall credit, instead of only the number on your credit report. If you are willing to put up collateral and have a history of on-time payments, you are likely to be approved for a loan with Mission Financial.

Cass Freight Index Report Remains Optimistic For 2019

 

With the start of the new year, the commercial trucking and freight industry faces many obstacles. The trucker deficit continues to increase, and the high tariffs against China are projected to have great implications on exports in many parts of the U.S. However, despite growing concerns and harsh year-over-year comparisons, the Cass Freight Index report for January 2019 remains promising. Here is what you need to know about the Cass Freight Index report’s outlook for trucking in 2019.

What is the Cass Freight Index Report?

The Cass Freight Index report is a monthly publication released by Cass Information Systems. Since 1995, this report has been a highly trusted source of insight into the trucking industry and how it correlates with the wider economy.

The Cass Freight Index is often referenced by news sources and industry professionals. This report is also considered by many logistics executives and analysts to be the “most accurate barometer of freight volumes and market conditions.”

January’s Cass Freight Report Insights

When examining December and January’s data, the untrained eye may see a negative report. From January 2018, this year’s January report is down 0.3 percent. Additionally, January is down 1.2 percent compared to December 2018. Annually, December was also down by 0.8 percent.

January and December were the first two months in the last two years to reap negative numbers. However, the author of the Cass Freight Report, Donald Broughton, states that this is not a cause for concern. Because December 2017 and January 2018 were all time highs for shipment growth, a slight decrease this year simply means that freight flows are stabilizing.

Shipments May Continue to Lower

The author of January’s report also states that shipments may continue to show negative results through the coming months. Broughton explains that this may be the case due to the following factors:

  • Increasingly difficult annual comparisons
  • Transportation infrastructure at or near full capacity
  • Low employment making it difficult to grow the active workforce

The Trucking Industry in 2019

Despite the negative numbers, Broughton ensures there is no need for alarm. In fact, the trucking industry is holding more promise in 2019 than previously expected. The report states that before January, many analysts and industry experts believed there was no way for 2019 to surpass the exponential growth seen in 2018. However, the outlook on 2019 has now changed. While many still don’t believe we will see comparative numbers to 2018 throughout the year, the report anticipates growth at an above-average pace will be seen.

Possible Storm Clouds

The report remains optimistic for 2019 growth. However, it also states that there are two “storm clouds” on the horizon that should not be ignored. When considering the freight industry in 2019, these two international issues should be considered:

Higher tariff threats with China

At the beginning of January, the U.S. had raised tariffs against China by 10 percent. Now, there is a threat of raising these tariffs to 25 percent in the coming months. China is the world’s second largest economy, and the increased tariffs could have real implications on the U.S.A.’s agriculture exports, along with other raw materials. If even higher tariffs are put in place, the freight industry could see a real decrease in volume.

The Decline of WTI Crude

In December, WTI Crude oil reached a low of $42.50 per barrel. This caused the oil to become less profitable, which in turn led to less incentive to drill for this oil. However, at the time of the report, WTI Crude was back up to $51 per barrel, which has led to some optimism on this front. However, there is still uncertainty about the future of crude fracking throughout 2019.

Archives

Sign Me Up!

Stay up to date with the latest news in the commercial trucking industry.

Contact Us
close slider