Financial Services Vice President Patrick Gaskins explains that while credit may be easier to find for trucking companies with strong balance sheets, it's essential the lender understands the big picture, including the total cost of ownership.
(1888PressRelease) March 26, 2014 - CHERRY HILL, NJ - Recent news reports in the transportation media indicate that financing for commercial truck purchases is becoming a little easier to find. But finance expert Patrick Gaskins says that the decision to choose a lender should not be focused strictly on interest rates. "Financing should be based on many factors, including fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, and resale value of the vehicle to be financed. These all impact the choice of the best financing solution," he explains in a blog posted on the AmeriQuest Transportation Services Website.
Gaskins points to reports that show that more banks are returning to a market that has been dominated by manufacturers' finance arms. With more lenders, there is more competition for a well-run trucking company's business. "To find the right source of financing, keep all options open," Gaskins says. "Traditional bank financing may make it extremely difficult to manage asset lifecycle costs and take advantage of cost savings associated with replacing equipment based upon its variable costs."
A better route, Gaskins says, is to find a source of financing that truly understands the trucking business and can evaluate things like vehicle specifications, acquisition costs, maintenance costs, fuel economy and utilizations patterns. "The goal is reduce the overall operating costs for the fleet, not just to get the best interest rates," he says.
The AmeriQuest blog also explains how document management in the financing process is yet another factor that can positively affect the total cost of ownership of a vehicle. To view the entire blog, go to http://blog.ameriquestcorp.com/credit-for-trucks-easier-to-find/.
About AmeriQuest Transportation Services
AmeriQuest, headquartered in Cherry Hill, NJ, is a leading provider of comprehensive fleet management services. By leveraging the strength of more than 700,000 vehicles, AmeriQuest delivers savings, expertise, and opportunities to its private fleet and truckload carrier members. AmeriQuest provides supply management services, asset management services, material handling services, financing, technology products, and outsourced transportation management services such as full service leasing, integrated logistics, and contract maintenance. More information can be found at ameriquestcorp.com/transportation/.