INTERNATIONAL® FINANCIAL'S PRACTICAL GUIDE

The freight market continues to show signs of improvement. Spot rates are rising, and capacity is tightening with more at-risk carriers leaving the market. The broader labor market also remains healthy. Though these are all welcome signs of improvement, volatility has not and likely will never disappear.

For fleets seeking to grow their business during times of improvement, it’s important to remember that market ebbs and flows are natural. Leaning on trusted partnerships during times of both rapid growth and inevitable decline are key to upgrading with confidence and preparing for the future.

In the state of the market today, small and mid-size carriers looking to grow their fleets have a competitive advantage. And those who position themselves now will be ready to capture opportunities in the second half of the year and moving forward.

Investing in additional or newer equipment in the name of going after more favorable freight rates can lead to:

• Higher revenue per mile
• More consistent cash flow
• More opportunities to take on profitable loads
• More flexibility to absorb equipment demand spikes or disruptions later on
• Increased uptime and more strategically planned downtime via proactive maintenance planning and nationwide service bundles and contracts

Regardless of the state of the market, cashflow is always a concern for businesses seeking to grow. And it makes sense that many fleets may be hesitant to upgrade their equipment amid those concerns.

Building partnerships that provide flexibility specifically designed for the realities of the trucking industry are key. The right finance partner could provide:

• Seasonal payment offerings that match freight cycles
• Step‑up payments that start lower and grow as revenue grows
• Delayed payments to get on the road before the first bill
• Lease options that reduce upfront costs and preserve working capital
• Fleets help with protecting cashflow while they grow their business for the long run

These options help fleets grow at the right time — without putting pressure on day‑to‑day operations.

Starting in Q3 2026, fleets can take advantage of 100% Bonus Depreciation through International® Financial. This tax benefit allows fleets to deduct a larger portion of a new truck’s cost in the same year it is purchased.

That means fleets can buy a truck this year and deduct more of the cost this year to reduce taxable income and further strengthen their cashflow.

For fleets planning to expand, this is one of the most effective ways to reinvest in their business and maximize the financial impact of an equipment upgrade.

It also helps smaller and mid‑size fleets:

• Add one to five units strategically
• Shift into higher‑yield lanes faster
• Respond to customer needs with more flexibility
• Make equipment decisions without long approval cycles

“In a rising market, the right truck isn’t just a purchase — it’s a revenue generator,” explained Patti Brault, VP, Sales, International® Financial. “These options help fleets grow at the right time — without putting pressure on day-to-day operations.”

When it comes to a fleet’s day-to-day operations, fuel costs typically top the list of operating budgets. Upgrading to newer equipment, especially equipment like the International® S13® Integrated Powertrain that focuses on fuel efficiency and MPG gains, is a great place to start.

Some benefits include:

• Fuel cost reductions during periods of price volatility
• Improved uptime with more reliable performance
• Lower maintenance expenses
• Ability to take on more loads without worrying about breakdowns
• Increased driver satisfaction

Here’s a simple checklist fleets can follow:

• Are your trucks running at or near full utilization?
• Are you declining loads due to lack of capacity?
• Are maintenance costs rising on older units?
• Are you planning for a year end tax strategy?
• Are you seeing stronger rates in your preferred lanes?
• Do you want to scale your business?

If you answered “yes” to two or more, it may be the right time to explore your options with your International dealer.

The opportunity ahead is not simply about adding capacity while conditions improve. It is about making disciplined decisions that position fleets to stay resilient through the next cycle as well.

For small and midsize carriers in particular, this moment may represent more than a near-term market opening. It may be a chance to evaluate how equipment strategy, operating efficiency and financial flexibility can work together to support growth.