Comprehensive Credit Guidelines for Flatbed Truck Financing
Comprehensive Credit Underwriting Guideline for Flatbed Truck Financing
App-only approvals up to $250,000 and structured programs for larger tickets. Terms 12–72 months, master agreements to $5,000,000. Built for busy operators.
Why Liberty Capital
20+ years in equipment leasing/financing across industries. We split exposures across lenders when needed to fit credit windows and move deals quickly—without forcing you to show profit for app-only tiers.
Application-Only Guide (Typical — Not Absolute)
| Ticket Size | Min FICO | Time in Business | Bank/Docs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,000 – $49,999 | 650+ | Startup–1+ yrs | 5-yr clean credit; ~7 satisfactory trades | No major derogatory; present control |
| $50,000 – $100,000 | 600+ | 2+ yrs (1 yr for max) | Bank ref: Low-5 / statements | App-only possible at 1 yr for max |
| $100,000 – $150,000+ | 625+ (PG 650+) | 3+ yrs | Bank ref: Low-5; 2 yrs business tax returns | PG typically required |
| $150,000+ | 675+ | 3–5+ yrs | Bank ref: Med–High-5; Debt Schedule may apply | Full/partial financials common |
| APP-ONLY MAX: $250,000 | 725+ | 5–7 yrs | Med–High-5 bank rating | Exposure caps vary by lender |
Other variables: Paynet/Paydex, background, NAICS risk, asset age/use (dealer vs private-party), etc.
Borrower Perspective — Pros & Cons
| Lease / EFA | Pay Cash | |
|---|---|---|
| Working Capital | Preserved for fuel, hires, bids | Depleted day one |
| Predictability | Fixed payments for 12–72 mo | Uncertain replacement/repairs |
| Taxes | Potential §179 / FMV deductibility* | Depreciation only |
| Upgrade Flex | FMV swap/extend or $1 buy | New cash required |
*Ask your CPA; structure determines treatment.
Lender/Underwriter Perspective — What Drives Terms
- Cash-Flow & Banking: Average balances, NSFs, DSCR
- Time in Business: Stability correlates with term/advance
- Asset Profile: Year/make/model, condition, resale market
- Structure: FMV vs $1 vs EFA, PG strength, exposure caps
Understanding Flatbed Truck Configurations
- Telescopic Flatbeds — long reach for construction & infrastructure
- Articulating Flatbeds — tight sites & urban access
- Knuckle Flatbeds — loading in confined spaces
- Standard Flatbeds — versatile cargo moves
- AWP on Flatbeds — elevated maintenance & install
- Utility Flatbeds — power/telecom municipal work
- Flatbed Tow/Wreckers — recovery & transport
- Roll-off Flatbeds — bins, waste & recycling
- Heavy Haul Flatbeds — oversize/overweight loads
- Specialized — industry-specific fixtures & rigs
Program Highlights
- Up to 110% on new or used flatbeds
- Master Agreement up to $5,000,000
- Low-Doc, fast approval/funding
- 12–72 month fixed terms
- No down payment (well-qualified)
- Often does not report to personal credit
- FMV (off-balance-sheet) & $1 buyout
- EFA — own day one
Promotions & Cash-Flow Savers
- $99 for the first 6 months (to start)
- 90-day deferred payments
- $0 down on EFA for well-qualified buyers
Flatbed Financing Options — Side by Side
| Features | Business Term Loans | Equipment Leasing (FMV / $1) | Equipment Financing (EFA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership During Term | Bank/Lienholder | Lessor owns | You (lien filed) |
| Initial Costs | $0 orig. fees | Low–Moderate | Varies |
| Payments | Monthly / Weekly | Monthly | Monthly |
| Credit Minimum (typ.) | ~550 | ~600 | ~650 |
| App-Only Max | $150K | $250K | ~$250K |
| Max Term | 24 mo | 60–72 mo | 60–72 mo |
| Funds Go To | Client | Vendor | Vendor |
| Startup Friendly | Limited | Yes (structured) | Yes (structured) |
Banks often avoid older used assets; we finance many used flatbeds (age/condition dependent).
How to Apply (Simple Checklist)
- Online Application: Submit and authorize processing (soft inquiry to start; hard pull at final equipment financing approval).
- Equipment Invoice or Quote: Multiple vendors accepted; private-party OK in many cases; we can bundle soft costs.
- 3–4 Months Bank Statements: Verify cash-flow and set ACH autopay.
You’ll be assigned a funding manager to map options, timelines, and vendor payment. Next-day funding possible on clean files.
Need Working Capital Too?
- Business Lines of Credit
- Short Term Loans
- Business Term Loans
- Revenue-Based Working Capital
- Business Cash Advance
- Sale Leaseback
- Commercial Loans
- Equipment Loans
- Instant Payment Calculator
Mon–Fri: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm (EST)
Vendors & Dealers — Become Approved
Sign up for our vendor program: 90 days no payments for qualified buyers, terms up to 60 months, soft inquiry to start. Close more used flatbed deals with clean, predictable funding.
Why Operators Choose Us
- Fast online application; app-only up to $250,000
- Competitive rates; early payoff discount on many programs
- Diverse loan products; structured for your cash-flow reality
- Used asset experience; private-party friendly
Finance or Lease Your Flatbed — With Underwriting Clarity
We map credit windows, model FMV vs $1 vs EFA, and align term with revenue so your truck pays for itself.
How much do you need? $25k • $50k • $100k • $250k • $500k+
Financing and Leasing Options
Equipment financing typically involves two primary options:
– Used Truck Financing: Allows businesses to spread equipment costs over time, making it more manageable.
– Used Truck Leasing: Provides off-balance sheet financing with options such as Fair Market Value (FMV) leases, offering flexibility at the end of the lease term.