Logistics Business Loans: Fast Finance for UK Transport & Supply Chain Firms

Summary: Fast Business Loans connects UK logistics and transport companies with vetted lenders and brokers for vehicle, fleet, invoice, warehouse and working capital finance from £10,000 upwards. We’re an introducer (not a lender). Complete a short, no‑obligation enquiry and we’ll match you with the partners most likely to help — typically with a rapid response. Get Started – Free Eligibility Check

Why logistics operators need specialist funding

Running a haulage, courier or warehousing business in the UK means balancing large, lumpy costs (vehicles, fuel, depot rental) with payment cycles that can stretch 30–90 days. Specialist finance helps bridge those gaps so your operations can continue without interruption.

Quick summary of why funding matters:

• Fleet replacement and expansion require capital — HGVs, trailers and specialist refrigerated units are costly.
• Invoice and debtor delays create cashflow shortfalls even when business is healthy.
• Depot upgrades, racking and fit-outs need structured finance rather than day‑to‑day revenue.
• Decarbonisation and EV transition require investment in vehicles and charging infrastructure.

Get a Logistics Finance Quote

Cost pressures in UK logistics

From fuel price volatility to driver pay and compliance costs, margins can be tight. Access to the right funding can keep vehicles on the road and contracts fulfilled when costs spike.

Cash flow gaps from contracts & seasonality

Seasonal peaks and lagging customer payments are common. Invoice finance and short-term working capital can cover payroll and fuel while you wait for receipts.

Funding challenges we hear from logistics businesses

Common issues our team sees:

• Large, intermittent capital needs for vehicle purchases or depot fit-outs.
• Late-paying clients causing stretched working capital.
• Limited lender appetite for specialist assets (e.g., refrigerated trailers, tanker conversions).
• Costs and complexity of moving to low-emission fleets.
• Time lost completing multiple loan applications and comparing offers.

“We had new contracts but no cash to buy an extra trailer — invoice finance unlocked the working capital we needed in days.” — anonymised client example

Finance solutions available through our panel

Fast Business Loans is an introducer — we don’t lend directly. Instead we match your business to brokers and lenders who specialise in transport and logistics finance. Submit a short enquiry and we’ll connect you with partners who can assess and quote.

Check Logistics Loan Eligibility – Free

Asset & vehicle finance

• Purpose: Purchase or refinance HGVs, vans, trailers, plant or EVs.
• Benefits: Spread cost, preserve working capital, options for hire purchase or lease.
• Typical amounts/terms: From £10,000 up to millions; terms depend on asset life.

Invoice finance for hauliers

• Purpose: Unlock cash held in unpaid invoices.
• Benefits: Immediate liquidity, flexible facility size linked to sales.
• Typical: Facilities sized to monthly invoice book; suitable for established companies with recurring clients.

Working capital & cash flow loans

• Purpose: Short-term bridging for payroll, fuel, fuel cards and seasonality.
• Benefits: Fast access, often unsecured or with light security for established firms.
• Amounts/terms: From around £10k upwards; short to medium term.

Warehouse & depot fit-out finance

• Purpose: Racking, mezzanine floors, electrics, EV charging installation.
• Benefits: Tailored property or asset finance; can be structured to project timelines.

Fuel cards, trade finance & specialist facilities

Our partners can also introduce trade finance, fuel card arrangements and supplier finance which can reduce running costs and simplify purchasing. Fast Business Loans will flag relevant partners when you submit your enquiry.

For background reading, see our pillar guidance on logistics business loans.

How Fast Business Loans matches you with the right partner

Our process is designed to be fast and transparent:

1. Complete a short enquiry: Tell us a few details about your business, funding need and contact info. It takes minutes. Start Your Logistics Loan Enquiry
2. We match you: We select lenders/brokers from our panel with relevant experience (fleet, invoice finance, warehouse projects).
3. Partner contacts you: Matched partners will typically call or email to clarify details and request documents.
4. Compare offers: Review quotes and choose the option that suits your timelines and affordability.

Submitting an enquiry is a soft, no‑obligation step and does not affect your credit score. Formal credit checks are only made by a lender after you choose to proceed.

What lenders look for in logistics finance applications

Understanding lender priorities will help speed approval. Typical criteria:

Trading history & financials

Management accounts, VAT returns and recent bank statements help lenders assess revenue stability and affordability. Many lenders prefer at least 12 months’ trading but options exist for businesses with strong director experience.

Fleet & asset profiles

Lenders consider age, condition and resale value of vehicles and equipment. Newer assets and maintenance records improve terms.

Contract stability and debtor book

Long-term contracts with blue-chip customers or a stable debtor book support invoice and working capital facilities.

Costs, terms, and responsible borrowing

Costs vary widely by product, lender, security and business profile. Typical points to expect:

• Asset finance: structured repayments, interest and possible arrangement fees; whole-life cost depends on deposit and term.
• Invoice finance: facility fees, discounting fees and service charges tied to turnover.
• Working capital loans: unsecured rates are higher than secured options; fees may apply for early repayment.

Fast Business Loans does not set rates and does not provide regulated financial advice. Always compare the total cost and term of each offer and check affordability. If you need independent guidance, consider speaking to your accountant or an independent adviser. For impartial budgeting support, the MoneyHelper website has helpful resources.

All offers are subject to lender assessment and terms vary; borrowing may be subject to status and security requirements.

Preparing your logistics business for funding approval

Actionable steps to improve prospects:

• Keep management accounts up to date and reconciled.
• Maintain clear vehicle maintenance and asset records.
• Consolidate customer contracts and evidence of recurring work.
• Plan for EV transition: estimated savings and uptake can improve lender interest in green finance.
• Address outstanding CCJs or unresolved disputes where possible.

Speak to a Logistics Finance Specialist Today

Why logistics firms choose Fast Business Loans

We make the process faster and more targeted:

Sector-savvy panel

We work with lenders and brokers experienced in transport, haulage and warehousing finance — so you’re connected to specialists who understand fleet and contract dynamics.

Fast turnaround

Our matching process reduces time spent approaching multiple providers. Many clients receive first contact within hours during business hours.

Secure & transparent

Your enquiry is free, no obligation and only shared with relevant partners who can help. We clearly explain that we are an introducer, not a lender.

Logistics finance FAQs

Can start-up logistics companies apply?

Yes. Some brokers and lenders on our panel consider early-stage operators, particularly where directors have sector experience or where trade contracts support projected income. Use our free enquiry to find suitable partners.

How quickly can funds be released for vehicle purchases?

Timescales vary by product. Asset finance for vehicles can be completed in days to a few weeks once paperwork is provided; invoice finance often provides funds within 24–72 hours of approval.

What’s the difference between invoice finance and factoring?

Invoice finance unlocks cash against unpaid invoices while you retain credit control; factoring usually includes outsourcing credit control to the funder. Our partners explain pros and cons when they contact you.

Do you help with green fleet or EV funding?

Yes. Many of our panel offer finance for electric vans, HGVs, charging infrastructure and sustainability upgrades. Specify your green plans in the enquiry form.

Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?

No. Submitting an enquiry through Fast Business Loans does not affect your credit file. Lenders may perform soft or full checks only once you proceed with a specific application.

Are the lenders you introduce regulated?

We introduce a mix of brokers and lenders. When you are matched, you can ask the partner directly about their regulatory status and credentials.

Next steps: get your logistics finance options

Ready to explore options? Complete our short enquiry and we’ll match you with the best lenders and brokers for your needs. It’s free, quick and no obligation.

Get Started – Free Eligibility Check — typical response within hours during business days.

Important information & compliance

Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects businesses to lenders and brokers — we are not a lender and we do not provide regulated financial advice. Our service is free to business owners. We do not guarantee approval; lending decisions and rates are set by the lenders you are introduced to. Borrow responsibly — check affordability and compare offers before you borrow.

By submitting an enquiry you consent to Fast Business Loans sharing relevant information with selected finance partners to provide quotes. See our Privacy Policy for details on data handling.

– What types of logistics finance can I get?
Asset and vehicle finance (HGVs, trailers, vans, EVs), invoice finance for hauliers, working capital loans, and warehouse/depot fit‑out finance via our vetted UK panel.

– What’s the minimum and maximum I can borrow?
Facilities typically start from £10,000 and can extend to several million, depending on your business profile, assets and contracts.

– How fast can I receive funds for vehicles or cash flow?
We usually match you within hours, with asset finance completing in days to a few weeks and invoice finance funding 24–72 hours after approval.

– Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No — our enquiry is a soft, no‑obligation step and any credit checks only occur if you choose to proceed with a specific lender.

– Are you a lender and does your service cost anything?
We’re an introducer (not a lender) and our matching service is free with no obligation to proceed.

– What documents do lenders typically ask for?
Expect recent management accounts, three months’ bank statements, vehicle/asset details, key contracts or invoices, and standard ID/company documents.

– Can start‑ups or newer logistics operators apply?
Yes, some partners consider start‑ups, especially where directors have sector experience or there are confirmed trade contracts.

– Can you help finance electric HGVs/vans and charging infrastructure?
Yes — many partners offer green fleet and EV charging finance tailored to UK logistics businesses.

– What costs and terms should I expect for logistics business loans?
Rates and fees vary by product, security and risk profile, so compare total cost (interest plus fees) and term across offers before proceeding.

– How does the Fast Business Loans matching process work?
Complete a short enquiry, we match you to relevant logistics finance lenders/brokers, they contact you to assess and quote, and you choose the best option.