Felt the Long Haul, Owner-Operator Truck Financing Pinch? There's Hope!

Are you a long haul, owner-operator trucker? Haveabout this---FICO's down to 600 (co-signers allowed
you felt the finance pinch? It's been getting harder andand the credit scores averaged), no time in business
harder to get the vehicles financed, but there is hope.requirement, only one payment due at lease signing,
There are a few reasons for the finance pinch. Oneand very favorable terms.
of the main reasons has to do with the cost of fuel.The financing is structured as a lease, but it can be
Fuel has increased dramatically and that leads tocustom tailored to suit your needs. This can range
reason number two for the finance pinch.anywhere from a 20 percent residual (lowest
Repossessions have increased a whopping 107% inpayment) to a purchase type (capital lease) lease
the year 2007. The good news is, there is hope andwhere you only pay $1.00 at the end of the lease term
we'll talk about that briefly here.and the truck is yours. Not bad, right?
Off lease trucks can be an excellent purchasing optionIf you've taken a few hits credit wise and you don't
and here's why. If your credit score is below 650 andthink you'll fit into that sort of program, that's ok. There
you don't have a two year track record with yourare still options. It just becomes a little more challenging.
business, it's become increasingly challenging to getWith the right collateral, it's possible to qualify even with
financed. This range is kind of the breaking point. Don'tthe lowest of credit scores (400's). Wow! Remember
get me wrong, there are options if you fall below thisthis is possible, but it won't work for all applicants.
credit score range, but they don't always come withThere is still plenty of money to be made in the
the most consumer (you) friendly terms.trucking industry. Let's face it; truckers are responsible
Back to the off-lease trucks, they come in the form offor getting America all of our resources and products.
repossessions or are just trucks that were notAmericans need the trucking industry, but unfortunately
purchased at the end of a lease term. Don't look forthe money market has tightened a bit. Despite the
any unbelievable sales prices because trucks are still intightening of the money market, there are still options.
demand, but do look for very relaxed terms forOne excellent option is to consider off-lease trucks.
lessees with less than favorable qualifications. How