Key Takeaways
- Trailer finance rates in Australia typically range from 6.1% to 14% depending on the trailer type, applicant and lender.
- Semi-trailers, B-doubles, refrigerated units, curtainsiders, drop decks and all specialist trailer types can be financed.
- Low doc trailer finance available up to $500k — no financial statements required for eligible ABN holders.
- No deposit trailer finance available for established operators with clean credit.
- Used trailer finance available through specialist lenders — including older trailer combinations.
- Free broker service — we compare 80+ lenders and manage everything from application to settlement.
Trailers are among the most overlooked assets in transport finance — they sit behind the truck, but their cost adds up fast. A new semi-trailer or refrigerated unit can cost $80,000 to $200,000 or more, and transport operators often need several running at the same time. The finance deal on a trailer matters just as much as on the prime mover pulling it.
This guide covers what to compare when looking at trailer finance deals in Australia, what rates to expect, and how to get the most competitive outcome.
What Types of Trailers Can Be Financed?
We arrange finance for the full range of trailer types used in Australian transport and logistics:
- Semi-trailers and B-double combinations
- Road train trailer sets
- Curtainsider and tautliner trailers
- Refrigerated and temperature-controlled trailers
- Drop deck and extendable trailers
- Flat top and flatbed trailers
- Tipper and side tipper trailers
- Dog trailers and pig trailers
- Low loader and lowboy trailers
- Skeletal and container trailers
- Livestock and stock crate trailers
- Tanker trailers (fuel, water, chemicals)
- Grain, bulk and agricultural trailers
- Car carrier trailers
- Logging and forestry trailers
What Are Current Trailer Finance Rates in Australia?
Trailer finance rates in Australia currently range from around 6.1% to 14% per annum. New trailers from established operators with a strong ABN history and clean credit attract the sharpest rates. Used trailers, particularly older combinations or niche configurations, carry more lender risk and are priced accordingly.
Established operator, new trailer, clean credit
Established operator, used trailer
New ABN or short trading history
Impaired credit or older trailer
| Applicant Profile | Typical Rate Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Established operator, new trailer, clean credit | 6.1% – 8.5% | Best available market pricing |
| Established operator, used trailer | 7.5% – 10.5% | Age, condition and type matter |
| New ABN or short trading history | 9% – 13% | Low doc specialist lenders |
| Impaired credit or older trailer | 11% – 14%+ | Specialist lenders, deposit likely |
Trailer Finance vs Truck Finance: What Is Different?
Trailers are generally financed on the same structures as trucks — chattel mortgage, finance lease or hire purchase. However, lender appetite for trailers can differ. Some lenders who readily finance prime movers are more conservative on older or specialist trailer configurations, because the secondary market for a 15-year-old tipping set is narrower than for a well-known truck brand.
Refrigerated trailers carry additional complexity because the refrigeration unit is a separate asset that depreciates differently to the body. Some lenders finance the combination as a single asset; others want them separated. A broker who regularly arranges trailer finance understands these nuances and places the deal with the lender most likely to approve on favourable terms.
B-Double and Road Train Finance
Multi-combination trailer finance — B-doubles, road trains and triple configurations — can involve multiple assets financed together or separately. The total loan amount, asset mix and operator's ABN history all affect structure and pricing. Pre-approval for a facility that covers the full combination is often the cleanest approach, allowing the operator to purchase the prime mover and each trailer with certainty of funding.
Low Doc Trailer Finance
Low doc trailer finance lets eligible ABN holders borrow up to $500,000 without providing financial statements. Lenders assess ABN registration period, GST history and business bank statements. The process is fast — same-day conditional approvals are common for straightforward applications — and rates are typically 1–2% above full doc equivalent.
Used Trailer Finance
Used trailers can be financed through the right lender. The main variables are age, condition, configuration and whether there is an active resale market for that trailer type. Well-maintained curtainsiders, reefers and flat tops from reputable brands hold their value reasonably well and are straightforward to finance. Older, high-use or highly specialised trailers need specialist lenders who understand the asset.
If you are buying a used trailer from a private seller or auction, have the details ready — year, make, body builder, body type and condition — before approaching a lender. A broker can advise quickly on which lenders will approve the asset and at what rate, so you can bid or offer with confidence.
What to Compare in a Trailer Finance Deal
- Interest rate — fixed rates are standard; get the annual rate and comparison rate, not just a monthly payment
- Loan term — 3 to 7 years is typical for trailers; match the term to expected working life and resale plans
- Balloon amount — a 20–30% balloon at the end reduces repayments but requires a plan to refinance or pay it out
- Fees — upfront establishment fees and monthly admin charges add to the total cost of borrowing
- Lender approval of the trailer type — not every lender accepts every trailer configuration
- Early payout terms — check what it costs to refinance or pay out early if circumstances change
How to Get the Best Trailer Finance Deal in Australia
The most effective way to get a competitive trailer finance deal is to compare multiple lenders through a broker who regularly finances transport assets. At Overdrive Funding, we arrange trailer finance across all trailer types, new and used, from dealers, private sellers and auctions. We compare 80+ lenders and negotiate the best available rate for your profile.
Our service is completely free. We are paid by the lender after settlement — there is no cost to you even if you compare and choose not to proceed. Compare trailer finance now or call Simon for a free, no-obligation assessment. Same-day approvals available.