Quick answer: will lenders consider your logistics business?

Yes. Transport and logistics companies — including haulage operators, pallet carriers, courier firms, 3PL providers and local delivery fleets — are commonly funded by specialist lenders and brokers. The type of cashflow product and likelihood of approval depend on a handful of commercial factors: how long you’ve traded, annual turnover, the nature of your contracts and customers, vehicle ownership, and the strength of your financial records.

Different lenders focus on different risk profiles. Some underwrite businesses with 6–12 months’ trading; others prefer 2+ years. If you need help identifying the right route, our matching service connects you with brokers and lenders who specialise in transport finance.

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Which cashflow products suit transport & logistics firms?

There is no one-size-fits-all. Which product is best depends on whether you need working capital for fuel and wages, to smooth late-paying clients, or to buy/replace vehicles.

• Invoice finance / factoring — release cash tied up in unpaid B2B invoices; ideal if you supply retailers, manufacturers or contractors and have debtor days to convert.
• Invoice discounting — confidential alternative to factoring for established firms with good controls.
• Short-term business loans / working capital loans — fixed-term or revolving loans to cover spikes in fuel, driver pay or seasonal peaks.
• Merchant cash advance (MCA) — advance against future card takings; works for courier/delivery businesses with regular card income.
• Fuel cards with credit facilities — specialist fuel providers offer trade credit and management tools that smooth fuel spend.
• Asset & vehicle finance (hire purchase, lease) — spread the cost of trucks and vans while keeping vehicles working.
• Overdrafts & revolving credit lines — short-term flexibility for urgent payments.

For a deeper guide to these options, see our page about cashflow loans.

What lenders and brokers look for (eligibility checklist)

Every lender has its own criteria, but the common checks include:

• Business sector & activity — haulage, courier and logistics operations are regularly funded; some specialist lenders focus exclusively on transport.
• Trading history — many lenders accept 6–12 months of trading; stronger terms often require 24 months+
• Annual turnover — suitability typically starts from around £50k–£100k turnover for mainstream products; specialist providers may accept lower turnover for vehicle finance.
• Contracted work & debtor profile — long-term contracts or large clients (retailers, manufacturers, local authorities) improve prospects.
• Vehicle ownership & condition — clear vehicle lists, V5C/registration, MOTs and service histories help for fleet finance.
• Credit profile — business and director credit histories are reviewed; imperfect credit doesn’t always rule you out.
• Insurances & licences — operator’s licence, appropriate insurance and tachograph/PSV compliance where required.
• VAT status & payment terms — relevant for invoice financing and VAT-registered customers.

Typical documentation you’ll need

1. Business bank statements (usually 3–6 months)
2. Management accounts or statutory accounts
3. VAT returns (if applicable)
4. Copies of major contracts, purchase orders or customer invoices
5. Vehicle list: registrations, V5C, MOTs, service history
6. Director ID and proof of address
7. Fuel card or payment history (if already in use)

Having these prepared speeds up matching and decisioning.

Representative terms — what to expect

We don’t provide lender rates or promises here — terms vary by lender, risk profile and product. As a guide:

• Invoice finance: facility fees and discount rates vary; product-specific charges apply.
• Short-term loans: APRs depend on credit profile and lender; specialist lenders for transport may charge higher than high‑street banks.
• Vehicle finance: typical APRs depend on vehicle age, deposit and term; older vehicles attract higher rates.
• Merchant cash advance: quick access but often higher effective cost than a standard loan.

Always compare APR, arrangement fees, early repayment charges and the total cost of credit when reviewing offers.

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How UK Business Loans helps transport firms find the right funding

We act as a fast introducer: you tell us what you need and we match you to suitable lenders or brokers. Our typical process:

1. Complete a short enquiry with business basics and funding needs (takes under 2 minutes).
2. We match you to lenders and brokers with transport experience.
3. Partners contact you with tailored quotes — often within hours.
4. You compare offers and proceed directly with the lender or broker you choose.

Our service is free to use. We do not lend or provide regulated financial advice; we introduce businesses to lenders and brokers who can help.

Real‑world examples

Case 1: Ten‑vehicle local haulage — fuel & driver wages

A regional operator (10 trucks) faced a four‑week delay on a major client payment and needed £25,000 to cover fuel and wages. We matched them to an invoice finance provider plus a fuel card partner. The facility and card were arranged within 48 hours, allowing uninterrupted operations.

Case 2: Courier fleet expansion

A courier business with 12 months’ trading wanted to replace five vans and needed working capital for deposits. We introduced them to a broker who combined hire‑purchase deals with a short-term working capital loan, enabling the business to expand into new contracts.

Ways to improve your eligibility (quick actions)

• Keep bank statements clean and reconciled.
• Maintain up-to-date MOTs, service logs and vehicle records.
• Secure longer customer contracts where possible.
• Separate business and personal finances.
• Be transparent about past credit issues — brokers can often source specialist options.

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Frequently asked questions

Will applying affect my credit score?

Submitting an enquiry via UK Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Lenders may carry out checks if you proceed with a specific application.

Can start‑ups and younger businesses apply?

Yes. Some specialist lenders and brokers work with businesses trading under 12 months, but terms and limits may differ.

Do you charge to match me with lenders?

No — our introducer service is free to business owners. We earn revenue when partners pay for completed leads.

What loan sizes do you typically help arrange?

We typically handle business finance requests from around £10,000 and upward, including vehicle and fleet finance packages.

Next steps — get a fast, no‑obligation quote

If your transport or logistics business needs finance for fuel, fleet replacement, maintenance or day‑to‑day working capital, start with our quick enquiry. Provide a few details and we’ll match you to lenders and brokers who understand your sector — often producing quotes within hours.

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Important: UK Business Loans is an introducer — we do not lend or provide regulated financial advice. We connect you with lenders and brokers who can discuss full terms and perform any required checks. Always review lender terms carefully before agreeing.