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How to Finance a Fleet in Australia

Vehicle & Truck Finance Solutions for Growing Sydney Businesses

If your business depends on transport—whether it’s construction, logistics, trade, or field services—your fleet of vehicles is one of your most valuable assets.

As your operations grow, the need for more utes, vans, or trucks also grows. But buying multiple vehicles outright can drain your working capital and slow down expansion.

That’s why many Sydney-based businesses are turning to fleet finance—a smarter, scalable way to fund your vehicles, preserve cash flow, and unlock new opportunities.

What Is Fleet Finance?

Fleet finance refers to any loan, lease, or rental facility that helps a business acquire two or more commercial vehicles, either all at once or gradually as the business grows.

This can include:

  • Utes, vans, and light commercial vehicles
  • Trucks and trailers for logistics and delivery
  • Specialty vehicles (tipper trucks, refrigerated vans, mobile service units)
  • Electric or hybrid vehicles for sustainability-focused businesses

Why Finance Your Fleet Instead of Paying Cash?

Benefit Why It Matters
Preserve Capital Keep cash free for marketing, staffing, or expansion
Tax Advantages Claim GST, depreciation, and finance costs (depending on structure)
Predictable Repayments Budget with fixed monthly instalments
Better Vehicle Access Get newer, more efficient vehicles to reduce downtime

Fleet Finance Options Explained

Chattel Mortgage

  • You own the vehicles from day one
  • GST-registered businesses can claim GST upfront
  • Interest and depreciation are deductible
  • Balloon options available for lower repayments

Operating Lease

  • Use the vehicles without owning them
  • Return or upgrade at the end of term
  • Often includes maintenance
  • Potential off-balance-sheet treatment

Finance Lease

  • Lease with the option to purchase at term-end
  • Flexibility around repayment terms and end-use

Novated Lease (for Staff Fleets)

  • Employees salary-package the vehicle
  • Reduces admin load for employers
  • Ideal for larger teams with pooled or private use

Who Typically Uses Fleet Finance?

  • Trade and construction firms
  • Logistics and transport providers
  • Mobile service teams (plumbers, landscapers, electricians)
  • NDIS and disability support services
  • Health, medical, and allied service providers

What Is Considered a Fleet?

Most lenders define a fleet as two or more vehicles financed under the same business ABN.
Some providers offer discounts, bundled rates, or staged terms for fleets of 3–5+ vehicles.

What Can Be Financed?

  • New or used vehicles
  • Dealer or private sales
  • Light commercial: vans, SUVs, utes
  • Heavy vehicles: trucks, trailers, rigids
  • Custom-fit outs: refrigeration units, lifts, toolboxes, racks

Fleet Finance Eligibility Criteria

To apply, most businesses need:

  • An ABN registered for 6+ months
  • GST registration (preferred)
  • 3–6 months of business bank statements
  • Vehicle quotes or supplier invoices
  • Director ID and business financials (for larger fleets)

Case Study: Sydney Electrical Business Expands Fleet

An Inner West-based electrical contractor needed to scale its operations and secure a major commercial contract.

With support from Lyft Money, they financed:

  • 3 Hyundai iLoad vans
  • $120,000 total funded
  • Loans structured with staggered terms (2–5 years)
  • Balloon payments to reduce upfront cost

Results:

  • 60% increase in project capacity
  • $18,000 in first-year tax deductions
  • Contract secured within the month

Should You Buy or Lease Your Fleet?

Feature Buying (Loan) Leasing
Ownership Yes No
GST Claim Yes (if registered) Not upfront
End-of-Term Options Keep, sell, or refinance Return, extend, or upgrade
Cash Flow Predictable repayments Lower upfront cost
Tax Benefits Interest & depreciation Lease payments deductible

How a Broker Can Help You Save

At Lyft Money, we specialise in fleet and vehicle finance for small to mid-sized businesses across Sydney. We’ll:

  • Compare 40+ lenders to secure competitive rates
  • Structure repayments around your business cash flow
  • Fund multiple vehicles at once or in stages
  • Help with dealer or private purchases, new or used

Our aim: Maximise the value of your fleet while reducing your financial pressure.

Final Thoughts

Fleet finance isn’t just about getting vehicles — it’s about building a more efficient, scalable operation.

With the right lending strategy, you can improve uptime, secure bigger contracts, and scale confidently.

Need Fleet Finance for Utes, Vans or Trucks?

Get in touch with the team at Lyft Money — Sydney’s trusted broker for tailored fleet finance solutions.
Talk to a fleet finance expert today.

Get a Quote

Looking for the best rates on your business loan?

Lyft Money has you covered! Our simple quote process makes it easier than ever to secure the funding you need to grow your business.

Complete the form to get a quote. One of our specialist brokers will be in touch within 24 hours to discuss your options.