Mission Financial Blog
What the New Independent Contractor Rules Mean for Truckers
The trucking industry is facing another shift in 2025. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has stopped enforcing its 2024 independent contractor rule and is moving through rulemaking to replace it. For truckers and small fleet owners, this change could reshape how:...
Tariffs, Inflation, and Regulations: What’s Ahead for Commercial Vehicle Financing
Tariffs on truck parts, rising inflation, and new federal emissions rules are reshaping the commercial vehicle market in 2025. For drivers and small fleet owners, the ripple effects are clear. Financing decisions are becoming more complicated, and the cost of owning...
Why Proactive Risk Management Is Key for Today’s Lenders
Financing is critical for keeping drivers and fleets on the road, and lenders play a central role in making that possible. But with regulations growing more complex and fuel prices swinging unpredictably, lenders can’t afford to take a wait-and-see approach. Proactive...
Is Leasing a Semi Truck Right for You? Pros and Cons Explained
Choosing whether to lease or finance a semi-truck can significantly impact your trucking career's future. Leasing promises lower upfront costs and flexibility, while financing builds equity and long-term stability. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your goals,...
Commercial Truck Financing Rates in 2026: How to Get the Best Deal
Commercial truck financing rates can make or break the deal when you're buying your next semi, box truck, or dump truck. For owner-operators and small fleets, the gap between a 9% rate and a 14% rate adds up fast. It can mean hundreds more on your monthly payment and...
Cass Transportation Indexes July 2025: Freight Volumes Decline and Tariffs Hit Hard
The July 2025 Cass Freight Index confirms what many drivers have already felt: loads are lighter, costs remain stubborn, and tariffs are reshaping the market. For semi-truck owner-operators, small fleets, and first-time buyers, the combination of weaker volumes and...
Cass Transportation Index Update for May 2025: Freight Volumes Decline
The Cass Freight Index by Cass Information Systems, in partnership with ACT Research, is one of the most reliable barometers for North American freight activity. It tracks monthly data for shipment volumes and expenditures across multiple transportation modes. But the...
Do You Need a CDL to Finance a Semi Truck?
You're ready to expand your trucking business or become an owner-operator. But a critical question arises: do you need a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) to finance a semi-truck? While having a CDL certainly makes the process smoother, it's not always a strict...
Zero Down Semi-Truck Financing: How to Get Approval in 2026
Getting behind the wheel of your own semi-truck is a big step for any owner-operator or small fleet. If you're short on upfront cash, that dream can feel out of reach. Want to know how to buy a semi-truck with no down payment? Zero-down semi-truck financing might be...
How Many Gallons Does a Semi Truck Hold? All You Need to Know About Fuel
Fuel is one of the biggest operating expenses in the trucking industry. This is true whether you're a fleet owner, an independent owner-operator, or just entering the world of commercial trucking. Understanding how fuel works in semi-trucks is crucial for planning...
