Asset · Equipment Finance

Trailer finance
for Australian
businesses

Fast, flexible finance for semi-trailers, refrigerated trailers, curtain-siders, flat tops, tippers, and specialist combinations. We compare 50+ lenders to find the right structure for your operation.

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Pre-approval in as little as 24 hours
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No deposit options available
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50+ lenders compared in one application
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Finance trailer separately from your prime mover
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50+
Lenders compared
24hr
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Australian team

At EasyAsset, trailer finance is one of our core transport specialisations. Whether you are financing a curtain-sider, flat top, refrigerated trailer, tipping trailer, car carrier, livestock float, or a B-double combination, we work with transport-specialist lenders who understand how Australian freight businesses operate. We help clients navigate chattel mortgages for trailers, low-doc owner-operator loans, fleet facilities, and specialist trailer finance every day. Whether it is your first trailer or your fifteenth, we can finance it fast.

Finance options

Which type of trailer finance suits your business?

The right structure depends on your GST position, whether you want to own the trailer outright, and whether you are financing a single unit or a combination. Here are the main options.

Chattel mortgageMost popular

You own the trailer from day one. Claim depreciation and interest as tax deductions. Best for GST-registered transport businesses using the trailer primarily for commercial freight purposes.

Finance lease

Lender owns it, you use it. Fixed lease payments, fully deductible as expenses. Good if you prefer to upgrade to a newer trailer at end of term or want lower monthly payments with a residual balloon at the end.

Commercial hire purchase

Hire now, own at the end. Fixed repayments over the term, ownership transfers on final payment. Interest is deductible. A solid middle ground for established operators who want a fixed payment and outright ownership.

Low-doc trailer loan

No full financials required. For owner-operators and self-employed borrowers. Typically needs ABN, GST registration, and 6 to 12 months of bank statements. Widely available for trailers under $200,000.

B-double and combination finance

Finance both trailers under one application. B-double and road train combinations can be bundled into a single facility, covering both trailers with one monthly repayment. Simplifies accounting and can unlock better rates than two separate loans.

Trailer fleet facility

Multiple trailers, one facility. Fleet operators can bundle 3 or more trailers under a single finance facility, stagger replacement of units as they reach end of life, and manage one repayment rather than multiple separate loan accounts.

Typical scenarios

3 typical trailer finance scenarios

From a used curtain-sider for a first-time owner-operator to a new refrigerated trailer for a cold chain business, here is how the numbers typically look.

Entry level
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$45,000
Maxitrans 13.6m curtain-sider semi — used, 6 yrs
TypeChattel mortgage
Term5 years
Rate (est.)8.5% p.a.
DepositNone required
Approval pathLow doc
Estimated monthly repayment
~$925
approximately $213 per week
Owner-operator, general freight
Financed separately from the prime mover. Low-doc approval on ABN and bank statements. No deposit required.
Specialist
❄️
$120,000
Southern Cross refrigerated semi with reefer unit — new
TypeFinance lease
Term5 years
Rate (est.)7.9% p.a.
DepositNone required
Approval pathFull doc
Estimated monthly repayment
~$2,450
approximately $565 per week
Cold chain or food and beverage logistics
Reefer unit and trailer financed together. Lease payments fully deductible. Option to upgrade refrigeration technology at end of term.
B-double
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$280,000
Vawdrey B-double flat top combination — new
TypeChattel mortgage
Term7 years
Rate (est.)7.4% p.a.
DepositNone required
Approval pathFull doc
Estimated monthly repayment
~$4,250
approximately $981 per week
Interstate freight or bulk logistics operator
Both trailers bundled under one facility. One application, one settlement, one monthly repayment. GST input tax credit over $25,000 claimed upfront.

Indicative repayments only. Actual rates depend on your profile, lender, and product. Speak to our team for a tailored quote.

Repayment calculator

Estimate my repayment

Adjust the sliders to estimate your repayments. Speak with our team for an exact quote based on your profile.

Loan amount $150,000
Loan term 5 years
Interest rate 7.9% p.a.
Repayment frequency
Estimated repayment
$3,034
per month
Loan amount$150,000
Total interest$32,057
Total repayable$182,057
Number of repayments60
Get an exact quote →
Indicative only. Actual repayments vary based on lender, credit profile, and fees.
Structure recommender

Not sure which structure is right for your operation?

Answer 4 quick questions and our recommender will suggest the best trailer finance structure for your situation, instantly, with no phone call needed.

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4 questions · Takes about 30 seconds · Instant recommendation

Question 1 of 4

Is your business registered for GST?

New vs used

New versus used trailers: what changes with finance?

Both are extremely common in Australian trailer finance. Trailers have a longer working life than most road vehicles, making the used market particularly large and lender-friendly for well-maintained units.

New trailers
Used trailers
New trailersLower rates
Better rates and longer termsNew trailers attract lower interest rates and terms up to 7 years. Lenders view them as lower risk and the manufacturer warranty reduces concern about early structural failures during the finance term.
Instant asset write-off eligibilityEligible businesses can write off the full cost of a new trailer in the year of purchase under current ATO rules. On a $280,000 B-double combination this is a very significant tax event that your accountant should plan for in advance.
Current ADR and safety compliance guaranteedNew trailers meet current Australian Design Rule requirements without question. For businesses working with major freight forwarders who have compliance requirements, new equipment removes any certification uncertainty.
Customisation and spec buildNew trailers are commonly ordered to specification, for example specific decking, tie-down configurations, refrigeration units, or side curtain types. Finance can be arranged on a spec-build basis with funds released on completion.
Used trailersAge and condition apply
Trailers hold condition better than trucksUnlike engines and drivetrains, trailer structures are simpler and last significantly longer with proper maintenance. A well-maintained 10 to 15 year old curtain-sider or flat top is often in excellent structural condition and very financeable.
Age caps vary significantly by trailer typeGeneral trailers such as curtain-siders and flat tops are typically financed up to 15 to 20 years old at end of term. Refrigerated trailers attract tighter age caps. Specialist trailers are assessed individually.
Structural inspection is strongly recommendedBefore financing a used trailer, a professional chassis and structural inspection is highly recommended. This protects you from hidden corrosion or structural issues and can strengthen your finance application.
Registration and roadworthiness must be currentLenders require trailers to be currently registered and roadworthy at time of settlement. If you are buying an unregistered trailer, budget for registration and any roadworthy repairs before your finance settlement date.
Tax benefits

Tax benefits of financing a trailer in Australia

Structured correctly, trailer finance is highly tax-effective for GST-registered transport businesses. Here is what you can typically claim.

01
Interest deductions on chattel mortgage
The interest component of each chattel mortgage repayment is deductible as a business expense, reducing your taxable income across the full loan term. Combined with depreciation this materially reduces the real after-tax cost of the trailer.
02
Depreciation and instant asset write-off
As the owner of the trailer under a chattel mortgage, your business claims depreciation annually. Under temporary full expensing rules, eligible businesses can write off the full cost of a new or used trailer in the year of purchase. For a B-double combination worth $280,000 this is a very significant year-one tax deduction.
03
GST input tax credit claimed upfront
GST-registered businesses claim the full GST on the trailer price on their next BAS. On a $120,000 refrigerated trailer that is over $10,900 back in your cash flow immediately. For a B-double at $280,000 it is over $25,000.
04
Finance lease payments fully deductible
Under a finance lease, the full lease payment is typically deductible as a business expense rather than just the interest component. This can result in larger total deductions in the early years of the lease compared to a chattel mortgage, depending on your tax position.
05
Refrigeration unit depreciation treated separately
For refrigerated trailers, the reefer unit is typically treated as a separate depreciable asset from the trailer body, with its own effective life under ATO rulings. Aligning finance to this distinction from day one, with your accountant, can optimise depreciation claims across the life of both assets.
Eligibility

Who qualifies for trailer finance in Australia?

Most Australian transport businesses and owner-operators with an ABN can access trailer finance, including those without full financial statements.

Owner-operators with ABN
Self-employed owner-operators are one of the most common borrower types for trailer finance. Low-doc pathways using ABN, bank statements, and GST registration are well established for trailers under $200,000. You do not need to be running a large transport company to qualify.
ABN & GST registration
An active ABN is the baseline requirement. GST registration is typically needed for trailers over $75,000 to claim the GST input tax credit upfront on your next BAS.
Transport and logistics companies
Established transport businesses with trading history have access to the full range of lenders and structures. Fleet facilities, combination finance, and volume pricing are available for operators with multiple trailers.
Used and older trailers accepted
Used trailers are a significant part of the market. Lenders assess condition, registration currency, and structural integrity rather than model year alone. Well-maintained older trailers are regularly financed.
Specialist trailer types financed
Refrigerated trailers, tankers, car carriers, livestock floats, and low loaders require lenders who understand the specific asset. EasyAsset works with specialist transport lenders who are comfortable with all trailer categories.
No property security required
Trailer finance is asset-secured. The trailer itself is the collateral in most structures, so you do not need to use your home or business premises as security.
How it works

Pre-approved in 4 simple steps

1

Submit your details

Fill in the quick form above. No credit check, no commitment. Tell us what trailer you need and whether you are financing a single unit, a combination, or a fleet. Takes about 2 minutes.

2

We compare lenders

A specialist matches you to the best lender from our panel of 50+ based on your business profile, the trailer type, and whether you need a general or specialist lender for refrigerated, tanker, or other specific trailer categories.

3

Get pre-approved

Pre-approval in as little as 24 hours, so you can confirm your order with the manufacturer or seller before they move on to another buyer.

4

Settle and get rolling

We handle the paperwork. Funds go directly to the seller or manufacturer. For B-double and fleet facilities, all trailers settle together under one transaction.

Get a free quote →
No credit check · Takes 2 minutes · Pre-approval in 24 hours
FAQ

Trailer finance FAQ

What types of trailers can EasyAsset finance?+
We finance all trailer types: semi-trailers, curtain-siders, flat tops, refrigerated trailers, tankers, tipping trailers, car carriers, livestock trailers, low loaders, B-double trailers, and road train combinations. Both new and used, from all major brands including Vawdrey, Maxitrans, Barker, Southern Cross, Moore, and Hamelex White.
Can I finance a trailer separately from my prime mover?+
Yes. Trailers are regularly financed independently from the prime mover. Many owner-operators already own their truck and simply need to finance a new or replacement trailer. The trailer itself is the security for the loan in most structures, so you do not need to refinance your truck to access trailer finance.
Can I finance a used trailer in Australia?+
Yes. Used trailers are a very common finance request. Lenders assess age, condition, and trailer type rather than model year alone. Well-maintained used trailers with sound structures and current registration are regularly approved. Age caps vary by trailer type and lender.
Can I finance a B-double or road train combination?+
Yes. B-double and road train trailer combinations can be financed, sometimes as a fleet facility that covers both trailers under one application. This simplifies accounting and may unlock better rates than financing each trailer individually.
Can I finance a refrigerated trailer or specialist equipment?+
Yes. Refrigerated trailers, tankers, car carriers, and other specialist trailer types can all be financed, but require lenders who understand the specific asset class. EasyAsset works with specialist transport lenders familiar with all trailer types.
Why do Australian transport businesses choose EasyAsset for trailer finance?+
We specialise in commercial transport finance, comparing 50+ lenders including specialist transport lenders who understand trailer valuations, depreciation schedules, and the difference between general and specialist trailer types. We know which lenders are flexible on older trailers, which handle refrigerated and specialist categories, and which offer the best combination and fleet rates.
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