Transport & Haulage

The transport sector runs on thin margins and tight cash flow. Fuel typically accounts for 30–35% of operating costs, driver wages are a constant overhead regardless of freight volumes, and payment terms from logistics customers often run to 30, 60 or even 90 days. Yet the vehicles that generate revenue must be financed, maintained and replaced continuously — regardless of what is sitting unpaid in the receivables ledger. For owner-operators and larger fleets alike, managing the gap between income and outgoings is a permanent challenge.

Vehicle finance spreads the cost of expensive rolling stock without eating into the working capital needed to keep the business moving. Hire purchase is the most common structure for commercial vehicles, building equity over a 2–5 year term while keeping cash free for fuel, tyres and driver costs. Invoice finance can run alongside vehicle finance to unlock cash tied up in unpaid freight invoices — a powerful combination for hauliers managing extended customer payment terms.

GDFS has strong lender relationships specifically in commercial vehicle and haulage finance — HGVs, LCVs, refrigerated trailers and specialist transport equipment. We understand that operators need quick decisions, that vehicle age and specification vary considerably, and that fleet expansion often needs to happen at the pace of a new contract, not a bank's underwriting queue. We move quickly and keep you informed at every step.