Truck Finance in NZ: What Kiwi Businesses Need to Know

Whether you're a start-up looking to put your first truck on the road or an established operator ready to expand your fleet, truck finance is a smart way to manage your cash flow and get the right gear for the job.

At Fundr, we help NZ businesses—new and established—secure the right finance for trucks, trailers, and heavy vehicles. In this guide, we’ll break down the two most common truck finance options: term loans and revolving credit facilities. We'll also share key considerations to help you choose the right structure for your business.

Why Finance a Truck Instead of Buying Outright?

Buying a truck outright can tie up valuable working capital that could be better spent on wages, fuel, parts, or marketing. With truck finance, you get:

• Access to better equipment sooner

• Cash flow flexibility

• Tax advantages (depreciation and interest deductions)

• The ability to preserve your working capital

Knowing your business objective is crucial when considering your financing and purchasing decision.

Term Loan for Truck Finance: Best for Ownership and Structure

A term loan is a fixed loan amount with a regular repayment schedule—usually over 2 to 5 years. It’s ideal if you want:

• To own the truck outright at the end

• A clear loan term and fixed repayments

• To build equity in your vehicle

Key Features:

• Fixed interest rates (know your exactly monthly commitments)

• Deposit/Balloon/residual payment options

• GST funding available (on the total price or GST-exclusive amount)

• Can be secured against the truck itself

Best Suited For:

• Established businesses with predictable income

• Start-ups wanting fixed outgoings and eventual ownership

• Owner-operators looking to build asset value

Revolving Credit Facility: Ideal for Ongoing Flexibility

A revolving credit facility acts like a pre-approved credit limit you can draw down on when needed—similar to a business overdraft. This is a flexible option if you frequently upgrade trucks or want ongoing access to funds for vehicle-related expenses.

Key Features:

• Funds available on demand

• Interest only charged on the amount used

• Redraw facility available as you repay

• Usually unsecured or lightly secured

Best Suited For:

• Fleet operators who need to move fast when trucks become available

• Seasonal businesses with variable cash flow

• Businesses that regularly upgrade or refinance vehicles

Which Option Is Right for You?

Here’s a quick comparison:

Criteria	Term Loan	Revolving Facility
Ownership	Yes, at the end of term	Yes, typically used for short-medium term access
Repayment Structure	Fixed monthly payments	Flexible, based on usage
Interest Costs	Fixed, predictable	Variable
Access to Funds	One-off upfront	Ongoing, reusable credit limit
Flexibility	Moderate	High
Best for...	Asset ownership, long-term planning	Short- medium needs, working capital

Can New Businesses Get Truck Finance?

Yes, but it depends on a few key factors:

• Your business plan and revenue projections

• Initial capital or deposit available

• Credit history (both business and personal)

• Vehicle type and purpose (logistics, contracting, earthmoving, etc.)

• Confirmation of a Contract with a third party (outlining the terms)

  
  

At Fundr, we work with lenders who are open to start-ups and first-time buyers, especially when you can demonstrate industry experience, a solid plan, and a clear repayment strategy.

What You'll Need to Apply

Whether you're applying for a term loan or revolving facility, most lenders will ask for:

• Business and personal ID

• Financial statements or forecasts

• GST and IRD returns

• Quotes or invoices for the truck

• Proof of deposit (if applicable)

• Valuation of the asset being purchased (if applicable)

We help you pull all this together and present it in a way lenders understand—so you can focus on running your business.

Why Choose Fundr?

At Fundr, we specialise in truck and equipment finance. We’re here to:

• Compare lenders and find the right deal for you

• Structure the finance around your cash flow needs

• Support both new and established businesses across NZ

• Make the process simple, fast, and transparent

  
  

Final Thoughts

If your business relies on a truck to operate, financing it wisely is critical. Whether you want the predictability of a term loan or the flexibility of a revolving facility, truck finance gives you the freedom to grow without burning through your cash reserves.

Ready to gear up? Let’s talk. Get a free quote or call us today—we’ll make it easy.