Logistics Business Loans & Finance for UK Transport Companies

Summary: If you run a haulage, courier, 3PL or warehousing business in the UK and need funding for vehicles, working capital, depot expansion or sustainability upgrades, Fast Business Loans connects you — quickly and without obligation — to lenders and brokers who specialise in logistics. Submit a simple enquiry (this is not an application) and we will match your business to the most relevant finance partners. Start your Free Eligibility Check.

Start Your Free Eligibility Check

Quick Facts — At a Glance

• Typical funding: from £10,000 to multi-million-pound facilities.
• Common uses: HGV/van purchases, trailer finance, working capital, invoice finance, depot purchase/refurb, racking & automation, EV upgrades.
• Typical response: same business day contact from matched lenders/brokers.
• Enquiry only: completing our form is not an application and won’t affect your credit score.

Free Eligibility Check

Sector Challenges & Funding Drivers

The logistics sector faces tight margins and capital-intensive needs. Fuel, driver pay, AdBlue/maintenance and compliance with low-emission zones push costs up, while long client payment terms and seasonal peaks squeeze cash flow. At the same time, fleets need investment in new vehicles, telematics, cold-chain equipment and depot upgrades — including EV transitions and charging infrastructure.

Specialist finance advice matters because lenders who understand logistics will assess contracts, fleet utilisation and maintenance history — giving you better chances of a suitable facility. For an in-depth look at solutions tailored to transport and warehousing, see our guide to logistics business loans.

Funding Options Snapshot

In-Depth Product Guides

Working Capital & Cashflow Loans

Use these for fuel bills, payroll, temporary contract deposits or seasonal spikes. Lenders look at turnover, debtor profile and contract length. Unsecured facilities exist but larger amounts often need director guarantees or asset security.

Asset & Vehicle Finance

Hire purchase, lease purchase and finance leases are typical. The vehicle is usually the security, making these a practical option for replacing fleets or adding trailers. Green/EV vehicles and associated charging infrastructure can also be financed; some lenders offer preferential terms for low-emission investments.

Invoice Finance / Factoring

If your customers take 30–120 days to pay, invoice finance converts that work into immediate cash. Factoring includes ledger management; invoice discounting keeps collections with you. Advance rates (often 70–90%) and fees vary by debtor creditworthiness and contract terms.

Warehouse & Infrastructure Funding

Funding for racking, automation, cold storage and property fit-outs. Options include equipment finance, commercial mortgages and specialist capex loans. Lenders will want quotes, project plans and expected ROI.

Bridging & Growth Loans

Short-term bridging can secure premises ahead of longer-term finance. Growth loans support acquisitions, new contracts or entering new regions. Clear exit strategies are essential.

Refinance & Consolidation

Refinancing existing, more expensive facilities can free monthly cashflow or release equity tied in fleet or property. Compare early settlement costs against long-term savings.

Specialist Solutions

Options such as fuel cards, trade finance, sustainability grant signposting and fleet telematics funding can be arranged through our network of brokers who understand logistics needs.

Who Can Apply & Documentation

Typical eligible businesses: haulage companies, parcel & courier services, 3PLs, freight forwarders, cold chain operators and warehousing providers. We commonly introduce finance for limited companies and established SMEs; start-ups may be eligible where strong contracts or director support exists.

Common requirements:

• Recent management accounts and VAT returns
• Bank statements (typically last 3–6 months)
• Details of fleet and assets (age, mileage, maintenance)
• Contracts, purchase orders or client agreements
• Proof of identity for directors and company documents

Send Your Details for a Fast Eligibility Review

How Fast Business Loans Works for Logistics Firms

1. Complete a short enquiry form (information-only; not an application).
2. We match your brief to lenders and brokers experienced in logistics.
3. Matched partners contact you to discuss options and next steps.
4. Compare offers and choose the one that fits — no obligation to proceed.

We do the matching — lenders and brokers handle underwriting and contract offers directly with your business.

Case Snapshots (Illustrative)

Regional haulage firm: Replaced 8 aging tractor units using hire purchase; reduced monthly cash burden while improving fuel efficiency. Result: improved uptime and lower maintenance costs. (Illustration only; outcomes vary.)

Cold storage operator: Used invoice finance to bridge payment terms on a large supermarket contract, enabling investment in energy-efficient refrigeration. Result: smoother cashflow during contract ramp-up.

Courier start-up: Accessed asset finance to buy a mixed fleet of vans, enabling new contract wins without draining working capital.

Rates, Costs & Responsible Borrowing

Costs depend on product, security, term, credit profile and lender. Indicative ranges (for guidance only): unsecured business loans may carry higher APRs than asset-backed facilities; asset finance often appears as monthly rentals or fixed rates tied to the asset value. Always request full terms and an APR/total cost figure before committing.

Possible fees: arrangement fees, broker fees (disclosed before introduction), valuation fees, early settlement fees. We encourage transparent comparison and responsible borrowing — ensure you can afford repayments and consider professional advice for complex deals.

Approval Maximisation Tips

• Keep management accounts up to date and accurate.
• Provide clear copies of contracts and client details.
• Maintain a documented fleet service history and insurer records.
• Have a realistic cashflow forecast and an exit plan for bridging debt.
• If you have adverse credit, be upfront — specialist lenders consider each case.

Get Quote Now

Alternative & Complementary Funding Routes

Explore government or industry grants for low-emission vehicles and depot upgrades, R&D credits if developing cold-chain tech, or supplier finance programmes. Fast Business Loans can signpost these options via our partners where appropriate.

Compliance & Important Notices

Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects your business with brokers and lenders. Completing our enquiry form supplies information to allow a match — it is not a loan application and does not commit you to proceed. Lenders assess affordability and may perform credit checks if you choose to apply. We make no guarantees of approval.

FAQs

Can start-up logistics companies access funding?

Yes. Some lenders and brokers work with new transport and warehousing businesses. Strong contracts, verified client onboarding and clear financial projections improve your chances. Use our Free Eligibility Check to see which partners are start-up friendly.

How quickly can I receive funds?

Timing varies: asset finance can complete in days once paperwork is supplied; invoice facilities can be set up within a week in many cases; bridging loans can be very quick but are costlier. Your matched broker will outline expected timelines.

Do I need collateral?

It depends. Vehicle and equipment finance is typically secured against the asset. Unsecured working capital is possible for smaller amounts but larger facilities usually require security or guarantees.

Can I refinance existing fleet finance?

Yes — refinancing can reduce monthly costs or release equity. Provide current agreement details and we’ll match you to brokers who specialise in refinancing transport assets.

Will applying affect my credit score?

No. Submitting an enquiry through Fast Business Loans is an information-only step and won’t affect your credit file. Lenders may run formal credit checks later if you proceed with an application.

Are electric and low-emission vehicles eligible?

Many lenders actively support green initiatives including EV vans, truck retrofits and charging infrastructure. Mention these projects in your enquiry to be matched to relevant specialists.

Ready to Keep Your Fleet Moving?

Submit a short enquiry and we’ll match your business with lenders and brokers who understand logistics funding. It’s fast, free and no obligation — the enquiry is used only to introduce you to suitable partners.

Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

Privacy: we only share your details with selected finance partners relevant to your request. For full details see our Privacy Policy.

– What are logistics business loans?
Logistics business loans fund UK haulage, courier, 3PL and warehousing needs such as HGV/van purchases, invoice finance, working capital, warehouse upgrades, bridging and refinance.

– How does Fast Business Loans help UK transport companies get finance?
You submit a quick, free eligibility enquiry (not an application) and we match you the same business day with specialist UK lenders and brokers.

– Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No — it’s an information-only enquiry that won’t affect your credit file, though lenders may run checks if you proceed.

– How much can I borrow for fleet or depot funding?
Typical facilities range from about £10,000 to multi-million-pound deals depending on eligibility, security and purpose.

– How fast can logistics finance be arranged?
Asset finance can complete in days, invoice finance is often set up within a week, and bridging can be very quick subject to documents.

– Do you fund electric vans, low-emission upgrades and depot charging?
Yes — many partners finance EVs, retrofits and charging infrastructure, with some offering green-focused terms.

– What documents do lenders usually require?
Expect recent management accounts, 3–6 months’ bank statements, fleet details, contracts or POs, and director/company ID.

– Do I need collateral or guarantees for logistics funding?
Vehicle and equipment finance is typically secured against the asset, while larger unsecured loans may require director guarantees.

– Can start-up couriers or hauliers get approved?
Yes — start-ups may qualify where there are strong contracts, credible projections and director support.

– Can I refinance existing truck/van finance or consolidate my loans?
Yes — refinancing can reduce monthly costs or release equity, and brokers can assess settlement figures versus savings.