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Truck Finance•2026-07-01

Truck & Machinery Finance: Why a Local Broker Beats Dealer Finance

Dealer finance is convenient because it is right there at the point of sale. Here is what that convenience can cost you over a five-year term — and why it pays to compare before you sign.

SK

Simon Kendrick

Managing Director & Head Finance Broker, Overdrive Commercial Funding

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Key Takeaways

  • Dealer finance is presented at the point of sale but often carries higher rates and fees built into the contract structure.
  • On a $300,000 truck over five years, two percentage points in rate difference adds roughly $15,000 in extra interest.
  • An independent broker compares 80+ lenders and negotiates on your behalf — a dealer only offers one funder's rate card.
  • Chattel mortgage, hire purchase and finance lease each have different tax and cash flow implications — understanding them saves money.
  • If you already have a dealer or bank quote, we can review it free of charge and tell you if we can beat it.
  • Asset finance deals: We guarantee the best deal available in the market and our services are free — we're paid a "referral fee" by the lender after settlement, no cost to you.

When you run a business in the transport, civil construction, or agricultural sectors, your trucks and machinery are the backbone of your daily operations. Whether you are replacing an ageing prime mover or expanding your fleet with a new excavator, acquiring these assets requires significant capital.

Often, the quickest path to getting behind the wheel or operating a new machine appears to be dealer finance. It is presented to you right at the point of sale, usually when you are excited to wrap up the deal. However, taking the convenient option on the showroom floor can sometimes be a costly long-term decision.

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The Real Cost of 'Convenient' Dealer Finance

Dealerships are experts at selling equipment, but they are also experts at selling finance. Because they have a captive audience, dealer finance packages can sometimes carry higher interest rates or hidden fees that are built into the overall contract structure. For a busy operator, these small percentage differences might seem insignificant on a monthly basis, but over a five-year term, they can add thousands of dollars to the total cost of the asset.

Similarly, traditional business banks are not always the easiest to deal with. Securing a simple commercial loan can turn into an endless cycle of paperwork, phone queues, and rigid lending criteria that do not take into account the seasonal realities of your business.

Why an Independent Broker Makes Sense

This is where working with a dedicated finance broker can change the equation. Instead of being locked into a single lender's product line, an independent broker works for you. They have access to a broad panel of lenders, meaning they can compare multiple options to find a highly competitive solution suited to your business framework.

Simon Kendrick offers some of the lowest rates in the market, with a clear focus on beating traditional bank and dealer rates. By accessing specialised commercial lenders who understand heavy transport and earthmoving equipment, Simon Kendrick can secure finance options that might not be available to the general public or through standard retail bank channels.

Understanding Your Options

Commercial finance comes in several structures, such as chattel mortgages, hire purchases, and equipment leases. Each has distinct tax implications and cash flow treatments. A local broker can explain how these general structures work, allowing you to discuss the options with your accountant. This educational approach ensures you are making an informed decision for your business's financial health, rather than just accepting whatever template structure the dealership's finance manager has on hand.

Local Support You Can Count On

We understand that your time is valuable. You do not want to spend your evenings deciphering complex finance terms or waiting on hold with a call centre. By speaking with a local broker near you, you get a dedicated point of contact who understands your local market and speaks your language.

Your local broker handles the paperwork, communicates directly with the lenders, and ensures the process moves quickly so you can get your new machinery on-site and earning money. There are no automated voice recordings or rigid corporate rules — just honest, warm, and professional assistance designed to help your business acquire the assets it needs to thrive.

Before You Sign, Compare

If you have already received a finance quote from a dealer or your day-to-day business bank, do not feel rushed to sign on the dotted line. It pays to get a second opinion.

An independent broker can review your existing quote and present competitive alternatives. In many cases, we can beat bank and dealer rates, leaving more capital in your business to fund operational expenses, fuel, maintenance, and growth.

To find out how we can help, speak to a local broker near you today. Let Simon Kendrick compare the market and help you secure competitive truck finance and machinery finance with minimal hassle — or get a free quote online.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a truck and machinery finance broker near me?

Yes. Overdrive Funding works with transport, civil construction and agricultural businesses Australia-wide — Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Canberra, Darwin, Tasmania and all regional areas. Asset finance is not a local counter product, so you are not limited to a broker in your own suburb. You deal directly with our Director Simon Kendrick by phone and email, not a call centre.

Is dealer finance more expensive than using a broker?

Often, yes. Dealer finance only offers what that dealership's financier will do, and because they have a captive audience at the point of sale, rates and fees can be built into the contract structure. Quotes are frequently presented as a monthly repayment rather than an interest rate, which makes comparison difficult by design. Over a five-year term, a small percentage difference can add thousands to the total cost of the asset.

Can you beat a finance quote I already have?

In many cases, yes. If you already have a quote from a dealer or your business bank, we can review it and present competitive alternatives. There is no obligation and it costs you nothing to compare. Bring us the quote before you sign — once the contract is executed, your options narrow considerably.

What does a finance broker cost?

Overdrive Funding's service is completely free. We're paid by the lender only after a deal settles, so there's no cost to you even if you choose not to proceed. Not every broker works this way — some charge a fee or load brokerage into the rate, so it is fair to ask any broker directly how they are paid before you engage them.

Which finance structure should I use for a truck or machine?

Commercial finance comes in several structures including chattel mortgages, hire purchases and equipment leases, each with different tax and cash flow treatments. Most Australian businesses buying trucks and machinery use a chattel mortgage, because you own the asset from day one and can generally claim the GST on the purchase price in your next BAS. We can explain how each structure works so you can discuss it with your accountant, who is best placed to advise for your circumstances.

What truck finance rates are available in Australia?

Truck finance rates in Australia currently start from around 6.29% per annum for established operators with clean credit financing new trucks. Used trucks, new ABNs and adverse credit attract higher rates. Comparing 80+ lenders through a broker gives you the widest range of rate options.

Can I get no deposit truck finance?

Yes. No deposit truck finance is available for eligible operators with 2+ years ABN, active GST registration and clean credit. Lenders assess the truck's resale value and your business history to determine no-deposit eligibility.

Can I finance a used truck?

Yes. Used trucks from dealers, private sellers and auction are all financeable. Lenders assess the age, condition, kilometres and resale market for the specific truck. Most lenders have no blanket age restriction on well-maintained trucks from reputable sources.

What is a chattel mortgage for truck finance?

A chattel mortgage is the most common truck finance structure in Australia. You own the truck from day one, the lender holds a mortgage over it as security, and you make fixed monthly repayments. The interest and depreciation are typically tax-deductible for GST-registered businesses.

Can I get truck finance with a new ABN?

Yes. Specialist lenders offer new ABN truck finance — particularly for well-known brands with strong resale values. A deposit and clean personal credit strengthen new ABN applications. Standard lenders typically require 2+ years ABN history.

Can I get low doc truck finance?

Yes. Low doc truck finance is available up to $500,000 without tax returns or BAS statements. You need your ABN, driver's licence and recent bank statements. Same-day conditional approvals are common for low doc truck finance applications.

How quickly can truck finance be approved?

Most truck finance applications receive a credit decision within 24 to 48 hours. Low doc applications are often approved the same day. Pre-approval for auction purchases can be arranged before the auction.

Should I use a broker or go direct to a bank for truck finance?

A broker compares multiple lenders simultaneously — typically 80+ — which gives you access to rates and products unavailable through a single bank. Brokers also understand how different lenders assess truck types, ABN lengths and credit profiles, so they can match your application to the most suitable lender from the start.

Can you arrange insurance for my truck or trailer?

Yes. Overdrive Funding works with trusted insurance partners who can arrange the right cover alongside your finance application. Whether you need comprehensive, CTP, public liability or fleet cover, we can connect you with specialist providers to protect your truck or trailer from day one.

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