Logistics business loans: financing for same‑day, refrigerated and time‑critical operations

Need urgent cash to keep cold‑chain vans moving or to fulfil a time‑critical delivery contract? Yes — finance options exist for same‑day, refrigerated and time‑critical logistics, but the right product depends on the asset, contract certainty and how fast you need funds. UK Business Loans introduces businesses to specialist lenders and brokers who can provide rapid eligibility checks and tailored quotes for loans and asset finance from around £10,000 upwards. Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

Important: UK Business Loans is an introducer — not a lender or financial adviser. We connect businesses with lenders and brokers to help you find the best solution. Submitting an enquiry does not affect your credit score. Final offers and credit decisions are made by the lender or broker you deal with.

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Quick answer (TL;DR)

Yes — there are finance products for same‑day, refrigerated and time‑critical logistics. Fast options include invoice finance (where approved facilities can advance funds within 24 hours), pre‑approved invoice discounting, and short‑term bridging facilities from specialist lenders. Asset finance, vehicle hire‑purchase and leasing for refrigerated vans and reefers are commonly available but typically take days to a few weeks to complete. To get a rapid, no‑obligation eligibility check and tailored quotes, Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check.

Why same‑day, refrigerated and time‑critical logistics need specialist finance

Cold‑chain and time‑sensitive logistics operate with higher operating costs, perishable risk and contract obligations (retailers, pharmacies, food producers). That creates specific financing needs:

• High capital cost of refrigerated vehicles and refrigeration units.
• Maintenance and certification requirements (temperature control, monitoring devices).
• Cashflow volatility from seasonal peaks and payment terms with large customers.
• Risk of lost or spoiled cargo — insurers and lenders may demand stricter controls.

General business loans may not address vehicle ageing, reefer warranties or invoice timing. Specialist lenders and brokers who understand transport and cold‑chain operations can structure asset finance, fleet packages or invoice facilities that match contract cycles and cashflow realities.

What types of finance are available

Asset finance & hire‑purchase

Suitable for refrigerated vans, rigid trucks and trailers with reefer units. The vehicle is used as security.

• How fast: typically days–2 weeks for approval and documentation; delivery or release of funds can take slightly longer.
• Pros: preserves working capital, predictable monthly payments, ownership at end of term (HP) or upgrade flexibility (leasing).
• Cons: dependent on vehicle age, mileage and condition; lenders may require service history and valuation checks.

Equipment finance / leasing

For refrigeration units, temperature monitoring systems, racking and depot equipment.

• How fast: days–weeks.
• Pros: preserves cash, often VAT efficient for VAT‑registered businesses on leases.
• Cons: lease charges vs. outright purchase cost; some leases limit modifications.

Fleet finance / commercial vehicle packages

Multi‑vehicle funding for operators replacing several vans/trucks at once.

• How fast: 1–3 weeks depending on facility size and documentation.
• Pros: consolidated terms, fleet renewal strategies, potential volume pricing.
• Cons: may require security over multiple assets and personal guarantees for smaller firms.

Invoice finance & factoring

Release cash tied up in carrier invoices to fund same‑day operations and payroll.

• How fast: once a facility is set up, advances can be same/next day on approved invoices.
• Pros: very fast liquidity, scales with sales, useful for short‑term spikes.
• Cons: facility setup takes time; fees and advance rates depend on debtor quality and contract terms.

Short‑term loans & bridging finance

For urgent cash gaps or to bridge timing to a larger refinance.

• How fast: some lenders can make decisions in 24–72 hours; funds often within days.
• Pros: quick access to funds.
• Cons: higher cost; shorter tenors — best as a temporary solution.

Asset‑based lending / secured lending

For larger operators — borrowing against vehicles, stock or debtor ledgers.

• How fast: typically weeks; depends on valuation and legal work.
• Pros: enables larger facilities and improved liquidity for scale‑ups.
• Cons: complexity and legal costs; lenders perform detailed audits.

Merchant cash advance (rare in logistics)

Based on card takings — more common in retail/hospitality; occasionally relevant for B2C courier operators with significant card revenues. High cost — use with caution.

Can you get same‑day funding?

True same‑day settlement is rare but achievable in specific scenarios:

• Invoice finance facilities already in place can advance funds against an approved invoice the same or next working day.
• Pre‑approved short‑term facilities from specialist lenders or brokers occasionally deliver funds within 24–48 hours.
• Emergency bridging or merchant cash advances may be same/next day where KYC and valuation needs are minimal and a quick CDD/KYC process is completed.

Real‑world caveats: initial facility setup, KYC/AML checks, vehicle valuations, insurer confirmations and contract verification usually add time. Speed increases dramatically when you’ve already been through an eligibility check and the lender has prior knowledge of your business.

Quick checklist to maximise speed:

• Have recent invoices or purchase orders ready.
• Keep 3 months’ bank statements and recent VAT returns to hand.
• Supply vehicle registration / chassis numbers and service history for reefers.
• Provide written proof of ongoing contracts with supermarkets, pharmacies or major customers where applicable.

What refrigerated & cold‑chain lenders look for

Lenders and brokers evaluate risks specific to refrigerated logistics. Key checks include:

• Vehicle age, mileage and condition; independent valuations for high‑value reefers.
• Reefer unit make/model, warranty, and maintenance/service history.
• Temperature‑monitoring and GPS telematics data (improves rate and acceptance).
• Proof of contracts with creditworthy customers, supplier terms and debtor profiles.
• Operator licence (O‑licence) status, insurance certificates (vehicle and cargo) and driver vetting processes.

Documents to prepare: 3 months’ bank statements, latest VAT returns, company accounts or management accounts, vehicle logbooks and service records, insurance certificates and copies of major contracts or purchase orders.

Typical costs and terms (indicative only)

Pricing depends heavily on product, term, security and credit profile. Indicative ranges:

• Asset finance / hire‑purchase: representative rates often from mid‑single digits to low‑teens % APR depending on credit and deposit.
• Invoice finance: advance rates typically 70–90% of invoice value; fees and interest-style charges vary (e.g., 0.5–2% of invoice value per month depending on risk and debtor profile).
• Short‑term loans / bridging: higher APRs relative to longer term loans; expect higher cost for 30–90 day facilities.
• Fleet packages and asset‑based lending: negotiation‑based pricing aligned to facility size and security.

All figures are indicative — exact pricing is only confirmed by lenders after underwriting. For tailored estimates and a no‑obligation comparison, Get your Free Eligibility Check.

Case study (anonymised)

A regional cold‑chain haulier needed to replace two 7.5t reefers to meet a supermarket contract after sudden vehicle failure. UK Business Loans introduced the operator to a broker who combined invoice finance to cover immediate cashflow and an asset finance hire‑purchase for the new vans. Outcome: replacement vehicles on the road within 72 hours and invoice facility providing ongoing working capital. The business kept the contract and avoided costly penalty clauses.

How UK Business Loans helps

We don’t lend — we match you with lenders and brokers experienced in logistics and cold‑chain finance. Typical process:

How it works

1. Complete a short enquiry — it takes around 2 minutes. (We focus on business loans and finance from £10,000 and above.)
2. We match you to specialist lenders/brokers who understand refrigerated fleets and time‑critical operations.
3. Receive eligibility checks and quick quotes — often within hours during business times.
4. Compare offers and choose the best fit — no obligation to proceed.

Benefits:

• Speed: we prioritise partners who can turn around quotes fast.
• Sector expertise: lenders who understand reefers, telemetry and contract logistics.
• Free & confidential: our service is free to use and intended to save you time.

For more on the market and broader options for fleet and transport funding, see our industry page on logistics business loans.

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

FAQs

Is same‑day finance guaranteed?

No. Same‑day funding is possible in specific situations (e.g., pre‑approved invoice facilities) but is not guaranteed. Speed depends on the product, documentation and lender underwriting.

Can I finance second‑hand refrigerated vans?

Yes — many asset financiers support used vehicles, but acceptance depends on age, mileage, condition and refrigeration unit history.

Will applying through UK Business Loans affect my credit score?

No — submitting an enquiry on our site does not affect your credit score. Lenders may perform credit checks later if you proceed with an application.

Do lenders require insurance and temperature monitoring?

Yes — lenders often require commercial vehicle insurance and adequate cargo/cold‑chain cover. Telematics and temperature logs improve lender confidence and pricing.

What documentation is needed for invoice finance?

Typical documents: recent invoices, evidence of the debtor, company bank statements, VAT returns and ID for company directors. Each provider will confirm exact requirements.

Can start‑up logistics companies get funding?

Some specialist lenders and brokers will consider new businesses if they have demonstrable contracts or strong receivables; however, established trading history improves options and pricing.

Next steps & contact

If you need fast, sector‑specific funding for refrigerated vans, urgent vehicle replacement or same‑day liquidity, start with a free eligibility check. We’ll match you to lenders and brokers who specialise in time‑critical logistics and fleet finance.

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check — it only takes two minutes.

Prefer to speak to someone? Call our support team during office hours for guidance on which documents to prepare and which finance types best suit your situation.

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Disclaimer: UK Business Loans is an introducer — not a lender or financial adviser. We connect UK businesses with lenders and brokers. All lending decisions, terms and costs are provided by the lender or broker. Submitting an enquiry does not affect your credit score. UK Business Loans may receive a fee for introductions. See our privacy policy for how we handle your data.

1. Can I get same‑day funding for time‑critical logistics?
Yes — genuine same‑day funding is possible in limited cases (eg. pre‑approved invoice finance or emergency short‑term facilities) but most asset and loan products take 24 hours to several weeks depending on underwriting and documentation.

2. What finance options are available for refrigerated vans and reefer units?
You can use asset finance (hire‑purchase), equipment leasing, fleet finance, invoice finance for working capital, or combined solutions tailored by specialist lenders and brokers.

3. How quickly can I finance a refrigerated vehicle or an entire fleet?
Asset finance for individual vans typically completes in days–2 weeks, fleet packages 1–3 weeks, while invoice finance can provide same/next‑day advances once a facility is set up.

4. What documents do lenders need for cold‑chain and refrigerated logistics finance?
Prepare 3 months’ bank statements, recent VAT returns or management accounts, vehicle registration and service history, insurance and cargo cover, proof of contracts, operator licence and ID for directors to speed up approval.

5. Can start‑up logistics companies or new operators access funding?
Some specialist lenders and brokers will support start‑ups if you have credible contracts, strong receivables or demonstrable cashflow, though established trading history generally improves options and pricing.

6. Will submitting an enquiry through UK Business Loans affect my credit score or count as an application?
No — submitting an enquiry is free, does not affect your credit score and is only used to match you with suitable lenders/brokers rather than being a formal application.

7. Can I finance second‑hand refrigerated vans and older reefers?
Yes — many asset financiers will fund used refrigerated vehicles, but acceptance and terms depend on age, mileage, condition and refrigeration unit history.

8. How much does logistics and cold‑chain finance typically cost?
Indicative pricing: asset finance often from mid‑single digits to low‑teens % APR, invoice finance advances 70–90% with fees/charges varying (eg. 0.5–2% per month), and short‑term bridging usually carries higher rates.

9. Do lenders require temperature monitoring, telematics and specific insurance for cold‑chain loans?
Yes — temperature logs, GPS telematics and appropriate vehicle/cargo insurance commonly improve lender acceptance and can lead to better pricing.

10. What’s the difference between invoice finance and asset finance for logistics businesses?
Invoice finance unlocks cash tied up in customer invoices to fund day‑to‑day operations quickly, whereas asset finance spreads the purchase cost of vehicles or equipment over a term using the asset as security.