A lower credit score does not automatically put the brakes on your business. We recently helped a Florida trucking company secure $60,000 in semi-truck financing for a 2021 International LoneStar Sleeper, even though the owner’s credit score was 628.
The credit profile was not perfect, but the business had been operating since 2015 and maintained strong bank balances. Instead of making the decision based on one number, we reviewed the complete transaction, identified its strengths, and matched the customer with a financing program that fit.
That is what experienced equipment financing should look like: evaluate the full picture, structure the deal correctly, and find a practical path forward.
Deal Snapshot: $60,000 International LoneStar Sleeper Financing
This transaction involved an established Florida trucking business purchasing a used sleeper truck for its operation.
| Deal Component | Details |
| Equipment Financed | 2021 International LoneStar Sleeper |
| Amount Funded | $60,000 |
| Industry | Commercial trucking and transportation |
| Business Location | Florida |
| Time in Business | Operating since 2015 |
| Credit Profile | 628 credit score |
| Key Strengths | Strong bank balances and established operating history |
| Outcome | Approved and funded through a program suited to the complete credit profile |
The customer got the truck needed to keep moving forward without allowing a less-than-ideal credit score to end the conversation.
Why This Semi-Truck Financing Deal Was Approved
Equipment financing decisions are rarely based on a credit score alone. Credit remains important, but the strength of the business, available cash, equipment, and overall transaction can also influence whether a deal is workable.
An Established Operating History
The trucking company had been in business since 2015. That operating history showed the business was established rather than just getting started. For this transaction, the company’s time in business helped support the request and gave the financing program more information to evaluate.
Strong Business Bank Balances
The customer maintained strong bank balances. That demonstrated available liquidity and helped offset concerns created by the 628 credit score. It showed that the business had resources behind the request and was not relying on the truck purchase to solve an immediate cash shortage.
A Clear Equipment Purchase
The financing request was tied to a specific revenue-producing asset: a 2021 International LoneStar Sleeper. A clearly identified commercial vehicle gave the financing source a defined transaction to review, including the truck’s age, condition, value, and intended business use.
The Right Program Fit
Not every financing program evaluates credit the same way. Some place heavier weight on the score, while others consider time in business, bank activity, liquidity, equipment, and the overall risk profile. The key was presenting the complete story and placing the transaction with a program suited to its strengths.
The lesson: A 628 credit score may narrow the available options, but it does not automatically eliminate them. Strong compensating factors can still make a transaction financeable.
What This Means for Trucking Companies With Lower Credit Scores
If you have been turned down elsewhere, do not assume the answer will be the same everywhere. A previous decline may mean the request did not fit that particular program—not that your business has no financing options.
The most useful next step is an honest review of the complete deal. That includes your time in business, recent bank activity, equipment details, requested amount, existing obligations, and credit history. A stronger overall file gives us more to work with, even when the credit score is not ideal.
We will not promise that every transaction can be approved. We will review the facts, explain what appears realistic, and pursue the programs that make sense for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions About Semi-Truck Financing
Can I get semi-truck financing with a 628 credit score?
It may be possible. This Florida trucking company secured $60,000 for a 2021 International LoneStar Sleeper with a 628 credit score because the business also had strong bank balances and had been operating since 2015. Approval still depends on the complete credit and transaction profile.
What matters besides credit score when financing a commercial truck?
Financing programs may also review time in business, business bank activity, liquidity, equipment age and value, the requested amount, existing obligations, and recent credit history. Strong factors in several of these areas can help offset a weaker score.
Can I finance a used sleeper truck?
Yes, used sleeper trucks may qualify for commercial equipment financing. The specific options will depend on the truck’s year, mileage, condition, purchase price, seller, and the borrower’s overall profile.
What should I provide when applying for truck financing?
Start with a completed application and the truck information, including the year, make, model, purchase price, and seller. Depending on the program and the strength of the request, additional items such as recent business bank statements or other financial information may be requested.
Ready to Finance Your Next Commercial Truck?
Do not let one credit score—or one previous decline—make the decision for you. If your trucking company needs a sleeper, day cab, vocational truck, trailer, or other commercial equipment, let Direct Credit Funding review the complete transaction.
Since 1997, we have helped business owners pursue practical equipment financing solutions, including transactions that require more than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Apply for Equipment Financing Today
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