BUYING YOUR FIRST INTERNATIONAL TRUCK? HERE’S WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

As an owner operator or a small fleet running five trucks or fewer, stepping into your first International® truck is a big moment.

At International Financial, we work with first time buyers every day, and we understand exactly what it takes to get a new trucking business off the ground.

Unlike traditional lenders, we’re part of the trucking industry. We build solutions based on the realities of your work, the pressures you face, and the importance of getting this first purchase right.

“Don’t underestimate the value of a true OEM [original equipment manufacturer] partnership,” explained International customer Tom Martin, vice president of procurement at PODS. “Even if you’re not operating at our scale, having a direct relationship with the manufacturer and their captive finance team gives you access to expertise, flexibility and support you won’t get from a traditional lender. It’s not just about buying a truck — it’s about building a fleet strategy that grows with your business.”

Here are some insights that could help you move forward:

International experts know how to evaluate new trucking businesses. We understand seasonality, freight cycles, downtime, and the importance of choosing the right truck — that is properly spec’d — for your business needs.

As the captive finance arm of International, we look at your business through the lens of trucking — not generic lending formulas. And we’re focused on solutions that move you forward.

We do that by first taking the time to understand your needs and helping you evaluate your total cost of ownership (TCO). For many first-time buyers, used trucks are a smart and more predictable investment strategy. They can provide more flexibility for your business should your needs change unexpectedly.

Used trucks are readily available and are often priced significantly lower than new trucks, so you’re hitting the road and generating income much faster. International can help first-time buyers and small fleets better understand their options to manage costs, particularly around value-priced or late-model units and low-mileage trucks with factory-backed warranties.

One of the biggest advantages of working with a captive lender is flexibility. Rather than a rigid, one size fits all structure, we can customize financing around how your business actually runs.

That includes options like:

• Seasonal or cashflow aligned payments
• Lower payments during slower months
• Programs designed specifically for first time buyers
• Terms that support long term growth over short term market pressure

Our financial experts have the breadth of knowledge, industry insight and scope of services to build financing around the realities of trucking. We do it every day. If you have a challenge, we’ll find a solution.

Your truck payment is only one part of ownership. Maintenance, repairs, and downtime can make or break a new business. That’s why we offer the ability to bundle:

• Extended service contracts
• Planned maintenance
• Protection products
• Uptime support

All into one monthly payment.

Another option to help first-time buyers stabilize cash flow and provide a support ecosystem is Fleet Charge. Fleet Charge is a no-fee billing program that provides guaranteed pricing, consolidated invoicing, and extensive nationwide support across the entire International dealer network. The program is also available at various Love’s Travel Center locations. 

These lifecycle ownership solutions give you predictable costs, fewer surprises, and the confidence that your vehicle is backed by the largest service network in the country — more than 1,000 service locations ready to keep you moving.

Before you sign anything — with us or anyone else — make sure you ask:

• What does my total monthly payment include?
• Can I customize my payment schedule to match my business?
• Are service or maintenance bundles available?
• Is there a pre-payment penalty?
• What support do I get if my truck is down?
• How does this financing help me grow beyond my first truck?

A good lender should answer these clearly. We always will.