Equipment Loans
Typically 0–20% down, terms 24–72 months. Interest rates 6–15% depending on credit. See typical rates.
Financing program
Log trucks (tractor + trailer) cost $80,000–$350,000. Spread the cost with equipment financing. Decisions in 24–48 hours for qualified applications. New or used. Forestry and trucking businesses nationwide.
Yes. A log truck is financed as equipment, with the rig as collateral — 24–72 month terms, 600+ credit, 0–20% down. New rigs run $80,000–$250,000 depending on configuration, with self-loaders reaching $250,000–$350,000+. A $250,000 log truck at 8% over 60 months is about $5,070/month. Timber hauling is weather-bound and seasonal, so a mill haul agreement carries real weight in the file.
Log trucks are essential for forestry and logging. They haul raw timber from the forest to the mill. A log truck typically consists of a heavy-duty tractor and a specialized trailer with stakes, bunks, or bolsters to secure long logs. With tractor and trailer together costing $80,000–$350,000+, paying cash ties up capital you need for fuel, maintenance, and operations.
Forestry and trucking businesses operate on tight margins. Revenue depends on timber prices, haul volumes, and contract rates. You incur costs for fuel, tires, and equipment before getting paid. Seasonal factors—weather, harvest cycles, mill demand—create cash flow variability. Paying $250,000 or more in cash for a log truck can strain reserves and limit your ability to expand or cover operating expenses.
Equipment financing spreads the cost over the truck's useful life. Lenders like log trucks because Peterbilt, Kenworth, Mack, and Western Star vocational chassis hold value in the forestry market. Forestry-specific lenders often understand logging contracts and timber revenue cycles. Tax benefits—Section 179 and bonus depreciation for purchases, lease payments as operating expenses—further reduce the true cost. Apply now to get matched with lenders who specialize in forestry equipment. See forestry business financing and trucking business financing for industry context.
A log truck is a truck with a specialized trailer designed for hauling logs from the forest to the mill. The trailer typically features stakes, bunks, or bolsters to secure long logs, and may have multiple axles to handle heavy loads. Log trucks require strong chassis and suspension to handle rough terrain and heavy payloads. The tractor and trailer are often purchased together and financed as a unit.
Log trucks are commonly used in forestry and logging operations to transport raw timber. Sawmills, logging contractors, and timber companies rely on log trucks as core equipment. Understanding what log trucks are and how they're used helps lenders assess your financing application—they want to see that the equipment supports revenue-generating hauling work. Logging contracts and timber revenue are key factors in underwriting.
Lenders view log truck financing favorably because specialized vocational chassis and log trailers hold value in the forestry market. Peterbilt, Kenworth, Mack, and Western Star configurations are widely recognized. Lenders often assess logging contracts, timber revenue, and seasonal factors. Forestry-specific lenders may offer better terms than general equipment lenders because they understand the industry.
Logging contractors and forestry haulers are primary log truck buyers. Lenders who specialize in forestry equipment financing and trucking equipment financing understand timber cycles and haul revenue. Used log trucks 5–7 years old are commonly financed. Equipment financing approval timelines are typically 1–5 days for qualified applications.
Working capital loans are flexible but generally carry higher rates and shorter terms. They're better suited for fuel, repairs, and payroll than large equipment purchases. Use working capital for operating expenses; use equipment financing for the log truck itself to secure better rates and terms tied to the asset. Compare equipment loan vs lease in detail.
Typically 0–20% down, terms 24–72 months. Interest rates 6–15% depending on credit. See typical rates.
At lease end, return the truck, purchase at fair market value, or upgrade. Loan vs lease.
SBA 7(a) and 504 loans offer longer terms (7–10+ years) and lower down payments. Approval typically 30–60+ days. Best for established forestry businesses planning fleet expansion or combining equipment with real estate. View SBA loans.
Log truck prices vary by tractor and trailer configuration, brand, and whether you buy new or used. New log trucks (tractor + trailer) range from roughly $80,000–$250,000 for mid-size configurations to $250,000–$350,000+ for heavy-duty setups. Top brands like Peterbilt, Kenworth, Mack, Freightliner, and Western Star command premium prices. Trailer type (pole trailer, skeletal trailer), axle count, and chassis options add cost.
Used log trucks typically range from $80,000–$200,000 depending on age, mileage, and condition. A 5-year-old tractor-trailer combo might run $100,000–$150,000. Older or smaller used rigs can start around $80,000. Many lenders finance used log trucks up to 5–7 years old; older trucks may face shorter terms or require larger down payments. Always inspect the trailer, suspension, and chassis before purchasing used. Obtain a written quote from your dealer or seller—lenders use this to structure your financing. Financing used equipment guide.
Rates for log truck financing typically run 6–15% and terms 24–72 months, depending on credit, down payment and lender; SBA loans extend further. Typical equipment financing rates.
Monthly payments depend on loan amount, rate, and term. A $250,000 log truck financed at 8% over 60 months would result in roughly $5,070/month. A $150,000 used rig at 9% over 48 months would run approximately $3,740/month. Strong credit, larger down payment, and shorter terms typically lower your rate. Use our financing calculator to model different scenarios before you apply. Down payment requirements vary by lender and credit profile.
| Requirement | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Credit score | 600+ (680+ for best rates) |
| Down payment | 0–20% |
| Time in business | 1–2+ years |
| Revenue | Proof of business income |
| Equipment quote | Written quote from dealer/seller |
Credit: most lenders look for 600+, and because log truck financing is asset-backed some programs go lower when revenue and down payment are strong. Down payment: 0–20%, depending on credit. Time in business: 1–2+ years for standard programs. See credit score requirements and what lenders look at.
Log truck financing sits between highway trucking and off-road equipment, because the truck works on unimproved ground and its revenue follows the harvest.
· Describe the chassis, the trailer arrangement and whether a self-loader is fitted.
· A loader is a substantial share of the value and is financeable with the truck when it is quoted with it.
· Log trucks idle and work off-highway, so hours usually tell a truer story than miles.
· Requirements for hauling on forest and private roads vary by jurisdiction.
· Timber hauling is seasonal and weather-dependent. A longer window shows the pattern rather than a slice of it.
· A haul agreement with a mill or a logging contractor is the clearest evidence of committed revenue.
Be direct about the seasonality. Wet seasons, frost laws and fire closures all stop hauling, and lenders who finance this segment expect to see it in the statements.
Apply during the slow season, not at the start of the haul season. Timber hauling has hard weather windows — spring breakup, wet-weather closures, fire restrictions — and both trucks and financing are easier to arrange in the months when the woods are shut.
Where you hold a haul agreement with a mill or a logging contractor, apply as soon as it is in place. It answers the seasonality question directly by showing committed volume, and it usually indicates the term the financing should follow.
Forest road grades and surfaces decide axle configuration and gearing. A highway-specified truck struggles where the work is.
Off-highway work is hard on both, and repairs here are structural rather than cosmetic.
Committed volume from a named mill is worth more in the file than any projection of available timber.
If the woods close for two months a year, the payment schedule should acknowledge it. Ask before documentation.
A self-loader changes what jobs you can take without a separate machine on site, and it is financeable with the truck.
The failures in this segment are seasonal and structural:
The payment falls due in breakup season too. Build the annual figure, not the good-month figure.
It will be slower, more fragile and worth less to the next buyer in this segment.
Off-highway hauling consumes tires at a rate highway operators do not recognize.
Knuckleboom loaders have their own wear and their own repair costs, quite separate from the truck.
Possible, but it puts the entire seasonality risk on you rather than sharing it with a committed volume.
Confirm whether the lender will consider a seasonal payment structure before the deal is documented — afterwards is too late.
Cash spent on equipment is cash not available for payroll, materials or the next opportunity. Financing spreads the cost over the working life of the log truck and keeps reserves intact, and Section 179 and bonus depreciation reduce the after-tax cost further. Carriers feel it most sharply: fuel, insurance and maintenance are due weekly while freight bills settle in thirty to forty-five days.
Standard equipment financing approval takes 1–5 business days from application to funding. Day 1: submit application and documents. Days 2–3: lender review, possible follow-up questions. Day 4–5: approval, documentation, and funding. Funds typically go directly to the seller; you take possession once the deal closes. SBA loans add 30–60+ days. Having everything ready upfront can compress the timeline.
01
Obtain a written quote from your dealer. Complete one application—we submit to multiple equipment lenders. Share business financials, tractor and trailer details, and your goals.
02
Our team identifies lenders whose programs fit your log truck purchase. Equipment-only, new or used, tractor+trailer. We connect you with the right programs.
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Equipment financing often requires minimal docs—application, bank statements, equipment quote. Decisions in 24–48 hours for many applications. SBA adds 30–60+ days.
04
Once approved, sign documents. Funds typically go directly to the seller. You take possession of the log truck. Ready to haul.
Browse financing for similar equipment. One application, we match you with lenders for your equipment type.
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Yes. Many lenders finance used log trucks and trailers, typically those 5–7 years old or newer. Used equipment may require a larger down payment and shorter terms. Mileage, condition, and trailer integrity affect approval.
Most lenders look for 600 or higher. Scores of 680+ qualify for the best rates. Asset-backed financing sometimes works with 580+ when revenue and down payment are strong.
1–5 business days for equipment loans and leases. SBA loans add 30–60+ days. Having documents ready—financials, equipment quote, business info—speeds the process.
It depends. Leasing offers lower monthly payments, potential tax benefits, and easier upgrades when the lease ends. Buying builds equity and works if you plan to use the truck long-term. Compare both based on your cash flow, tax situation, and ownership goals. Equipment loan vs lease comparison.
Startups face tighter requirements. Most equipment lenders prefer 1–2+ years in business. New forestry businesses may need larger down payments, shorter terms, or a co-signer with strong credit. SBA loans and some specialized programs can help newer businesses. Apply and we'll match you with lenders that fit your profile.
Typical requirements: 3–6 months of business bank statements, tax returns (business and personal if required), a recent profit and loss statement, equipment quote from your dealer, and business formation documents. Having these ready speeds approval. What lenders look at.
Yes. Most lenders finance the tractor and log trailer as a single package. Get a combined quote from your dealer with both the tractor and trailer specifications. Bundling simplifies the process and often improves terms.
Use our financing calculator to model different scenarios. A $250,000 log truck at 8% over 60 months is roughly $5,070/month. A $150,000 used rig at 9% over 48 months is about $3,740/month. Rates typically range 6–15% depending on credit and lender.
Explore our articles on equipment financing requirements, approval timelines, and best practices.
Applications are reviewed the same day. We match forestry and trucking businesses with lenders who specialize in log truck and forestry equipment financing.