Quick & Easy Trailer Finance for Aussie Businesses

Most Australian businesses (including sole traders) are eligible for trailer finance!

We typically look for established businesses with a solid trading history, decent cash flow, and a clear plan for how the asset will increase your business performance. Lenders also need two years of ABN and GST registration to be eligible for most low-doc and no-doc loans.

Whether you’re a small tradie in Perth or a growing SME in Sydney, we’ll find a financing solution that fits.

Our process is designed for business owners who need things done quickly. Depending on your loan type, documentation, and asset type, we can turn around an approval in 24-48 hours. Once approved, funds can be released within a couple of hours.

When it comes to trailer finance (or equipment finance in general) there are many terms to learn. Each of them is important in its own way and to some degree is essential if you plan on getting a trailer loan for your business. Here are the top terms we suggest getting your head around:

• Chattel mortgage – A loan that is secured by the asset you purchase.
• Operating lease – An arrangement where you rent the equipment but don’t own it.
• Finance lease – Where you can lease the asset with the option to purchase at the end of the term.
• Commercial hire purchase – Pay for the asset in installments and own it later.
• No doc loan – Close to zero financial documentation is required for this loan.
• Low doc loan – Minimal paperwork for getting a loan.
• Full doc loan – Detailed financials are required by lenders to access better terms.
• Residual value – The estimated worth of your asset after it has fully depreciated.
• Balloon payment – A large payment at the end of the loan term.
• Depreciation benefits – Tax deductions for the asset use.
• Loan Principal – The original amount borrowed.
• Credit Score – Your rating of financial trustworthiness by credit companies.
• Lender Criteria – The lender rules to qualify for finance.
• GST – 10% tax applied to the purchase price.
• Tax deductibility – Your claimable expenses for financing.
• Asset turnover ratio – The measure of revenue from assets.
• Credit assessment – The lender’s evaluation of your borrowing capacity.
• Fixed interest rate – The fixed interest rate that does not fluctuate with the market.
• Variable interest rate – The interest rate that fluctuates with the market.
• Broker fee – Our fee for arranging the finance deal.
• Early termination fee – A penalty for paying off your loan early.
• Bank statements – your bank transactions to confirm you can afford the repayments.

But don’t worry! There’s no need to remember all of this.

Our team of asset finance brokers is here to make this process quick, simple, and easy for you.

At Stacked Finance, we understand that commercial finance has a golden rule: assets must serve a clear business purpose.

Lenders have specific criteria about what qualifies.

They’re looking at the asset’s potential to generate value for your business.

In addition, most lenders have stringent policies about the types of assets they’ll finance based on resale value. These are usually categorised as primary, secondary, or tertiary (in some cases category A, B, or C). We take a comprehensive approach to trailer financing, ensuring we meet these critical commercial criteria.

Our financing solutions span a wide range of trailer types across Australia, supporting farmers, tradies, and other businesses:

Our finance solutions span a wide range of trailer types across Australia including:

• Tractor trailers – Designed to support farming and heavy-duty agricultural operations
• Horse and livestock trailers – Supporting farmers and horse lovers carting their four-legged mates
• Log trailers – Tailored for forestry and timber transport businesses
• Cargo trailers – Perfect for businesses and tradies needing to move gear securely
• Tipping trailers – Essential for construction, landscaping, and agricultural crews
• Car carrier trailers – Ideal for automotive businesses and motorsport teams shifting vehicles
• Side tipper trailers – Specialised equipment for efficient material handling
• Boat trailers – Helping marine businesses get their watercraft where they need to go
• Semi truck trailers – Comprehensive solutions for commercial trucking
• Tradesman trailers – Supporting tradies with mobile workshop and equipment transport options
• Flatbed trailers – Great all-rounder for any type of equipment including an ATV or car.

We finance both brand new and second-hand trailers, giving you the flexibility to match your budget and specific requirements.

Our team is ready to help you find the right financing solution for your trailer needs, ensuring your assets work as hard as you do.

Getting trailer finance is pretty simple and common in Australia. Trailer loans generally use the trailer itself as security, which benefits both the lender and the business owner. The process typically involves three key structures in the Australian market:

Chattel Mortgage

• Most common for businesses purchasing trailers they intend to own
• You borrow funds to purchase the trailer
• The trailer serves as collateral for the loan (like a normal mortgage for a house)
• Tax benefits include potential GST input credits and depreciation claims
• Ownership transfers to you immediately upon purchase so the trailer is on your balance sheet

Finance Lease

• Ideal for businesses that want flexibility and lower upfront costs
• The lender purchases the trailer and leases it to your business
• Usually shows on the balance sheet as well
• Regular fixed payments over an agreed term
• At term’s end, you can either purchase the trailer, return it, or refinance to a new lease

Hire Purchase

• Similar to a secured loan
• You agree to purchase the trailer over time through installments
• Trailer ownership transfers to you at the end of the term
• Typically used for trailers with predictable value and lifespan

Most businesses opt for one of the above methods because it has the following benefits:

• Preserves working capital
• Potential tax advantages
• Faster equipment acquisition
• Predictable budgeting through fixed repayments
• Flexible structure to match business cash flow
• ATO recognises these structures and allows potential tax deductions and GST benefits

Getting trailer finance is pretty simple and common in Australia. Trailer loans generally use the trailer itself as security, which benefits both the lender and the business owner. The process typically involves three key structures in the Australian market:

Chattel Mortgage

• Most common for businesses purchasing trailers they intend to own
• You borrow funds to purchase the trailer
• The trailer serves as collateral for the loan (like a normal mortgage for a house)
• Tax benefits include potential GST input credits and depreciation claims
• Ownership transfers to you immediately upon purchase so the trailer is on your balance sheet

Finance Lease

• Ideal for businesses that want flexibility and lower upfront costs
• The lender purchases the trailer and leases it to your business
• Usually shows on the balance sheet as well
• Regular fixed payments over an agreed term
• At term’s end, you can either purchase the trailer, return it, or refinance to a new lease

Hire Purchase

• Similar to a secured loan
• You agree to purchase the trailer over time through installments
• Trailer ownership transfers to you at the end of the term
• Typically used for trailers with predictable value and lifespan

Most businesses opt for one of the above methods because it has the following benefits:

• Preserves working capital
• Potential tax advantages
• Faster equipment acquisition
• Predictable budgeting through fixed repayments
• Flexible structure to match business cash flow
• ATO recognises these structures and allows potential tax deductions and GST benefits

Reducing your repayments on a trailer loan comes down to a few core factors. Here’s what we recommend to our clients to keep costs low:

Loan term strategies

• Extend the trailer loan term (more months = smaller repayments)
• Balance term length against total interest paid
• Consider 5-7 year terms for optimal flexibility

Deposit & upfront payment

• A larger initial deposit will always reduce the principal & interest
• Lower borrowing amount means smaller monthly repayments
• Aim for 20-30% deposit if possible since you’ll also access lower rates (lenders like deposits)

Additional Tactics

• Choose a trailer with a strong resale value (Category A or Primary Assets have better rates)
• Negotiate trailer pricing before financing (our team can help source your trailer as well)
• Consider residual payment structures (i.e. balloon payments)
• Compare multiple lender options
• Consider a full-documentation loan to access a better rate

Pro Tip: Don’t just chase the lowest repayment. The cheapest option isn’t always the most cost-effective long-term. A slightly higher repayment might save you thousands in total interest.

Our brokers will crunch the numbers and find a sweet spot between repayment size and overall loan cost.

Unfortunately, we can’t offer financial advice, so this is something you will need to discuss with your accountant. However, here are some things to consider about getting a trailer loan:

• You will retain a lot of working capital which is critical for a business
• There are often tax advantages associated with an asset loan
• The faster you can acquire the asset the faster it can earn income

P.S. If a trailer loan isn’t right for you consider a payment plan with the trailer manufacturer. These may not be available for every make and model but they could help you access the trailer quickly.

Stacked Finance primarily focuses on the commercial market as opposed to the consumer.

This means we only help Australian businesses obtain asset loans or business loans.

Whether you need a new asset like a vehicle, trailer, truck, or equipment, we can help. Our team is also skilled at providing working capital loans, cash flow finance, unsecured loans, startup loans, or any other specific type of business-related funding.