Monthly payment examples
| Truck | 8%, 60 mo | 12%, 60 mo | 18%, 48 mo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Used, 6–8 years old $55,000 · 15% down | $948 | $1,040 | $1,373 |
| Used, 3–5 years old $100,000 · 15% down | $1,723 | $1,891 | $2,497 |
| New day cab $150,000 · 15% down | $2,585 | $2,836 | $3,745 |
| New sleeper $190,000 · 15% down | $3,275 | $3,592 | $4,744 |
Payments are principal and interest only, with 15% down. Taxes, fees, insurance and warranties are extra. Try your own price, rate and term in the semi truck loan calculator.
What semi truck loan rates look like
| Borrower | Common rate range | Typical down payment |
|---|---|---|
| Strong credit, 2+ years in business | About 7%–12% | 10%–15% |
| Fair credit or newer business | About 12%–20% | 15%–25% |
| New authority, weak credit | About 18%–30% | 20%–30%+ |
Ranges are typical quotes from banks, equipment lenders and dealer finance programs, not guaranteed rates. Lenders also look at the truck's age and mileage; older trucks often get shorter terms and higher rates.
What the payment costs per mile
Divide the monthly payment by the miles you run each month to see how much of every mile goes to the truck:
| Payment | 8,000 mi/mo | 10,000 mi/mo | 12,000 mi/mo |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,500 | $0.19 | $0.15 | $0.12 |
| $2,000 | $0.25 | $0.20 | $0.17 |
| $2,500 | $0.31 | $0.25 | $0.21 |
| $3,500 | $0.44 | $0.35 | $0.29 |
Add that to your other costs in the cost per mile calculator to see your break-even rate with the new truck.
How to get a lower rate
- Put more down. Every extra 5% lowers the payment and shows the lender you have skin in the game.
- Build time in business. Many lenders price much better after two years.
- Clean up your personal credit before you apply.
- Pick a newer, lower-mileage truck. It qualifies for longer terms and lower rates.
- Get quotes from a bank or credit union, an equipment lender and the dealer, and compare the total cost, not just the payment.
Lease-purchase: read the fine print
Carrier lease-purchase programs often need no credit check and little down, but the weekly payment is usually high, and you can lose everything you paid if you leave early. Before you sign, add up every payment plus the balloon at the end and compare that with a regular loan on a similar truck.
Common questions
What is the average semi truck payment?
Roughly $1,500 to $3,500 a month in 2026, depending on the truck price, down payment, rate and term. A $100,000 truck with 15% down at 12% over 60 months is about $1,890 a month.
What credit score do you need for a semi truck loan?
Many lenders want 600 to 650 or higher for standard programs. Lower scores can still get financing, usually with a bigger down payment and a higher rate.
How much down payment for a semi truck?
Usually 10% to 30%. Established borrowers with good credit often put 10% to 15% down; new authorities often need 20% or more.
How long are semi truck loans?
Usually 36 to 72 months. Older trucks get shorter terms.