Cover fuel, repairs, wages and new contracts with R50,000 to R6 million in working capital — without putting your trucks up as security. We find the right specialist lender so your fleet keeps moving.
- R50k – R6mFunding range
- Up to 6 monthsShort-term working capital
- 24–72 hrsTypical lender decision once documents are in
- 6 monthsBank statements to start
- Registered finance broker
- Specialist lender network
- One application, multiple lenders
- No penalty for early settlement
What funding is available for a transport business in South Africa?
South African trucking and logistics businesses can access unsecured working capital of R50,000 to R6 million over up to 6 months, without pledging trucks as security. Operators need 12 months of trading, R1 million or more in annual turnover and 6 months of bank statements. For buying trucks or unlocking slow-paying invoices, equipment finance and invoice discounting are usually better fits.
Why cash flow is the hardest part of running a transport business
Your costs are daily. Your income isn’t. Diesel, tolls, driver wages and tyres go out every week, while clients often pay 30, 60 or even 90 days after delivery. One breakdown or one big new contract can stretch that gap past breaking point.
Banks tend to answer that with a long application and a request for your trucks or property as security. That ties up the very assets you earn with. Unsecured business loans work differently: the lender looks at your bank statements and turnover, not your fleet register.
New Heights Finance is a finance broker, not a lender. We know which lenders in our network understand transport cash flow, and we take your application to the right one so you don’t have to apply five times.
Which funding fits your transport business?
Match the problem to the product. Most operators start with one and add another as they grow.
| Your situation | Best-fit funding | What secures it |
|---|---|---|
| Need cash for fuel, tolls, wages or urgent repairs | Unsecured business loan | Your business cash flow (no fleet security) |
| Clients pay on 30–90 day terms | Invoice discounting | Your unpaid invoices (from R50,000 facility) |
| Won a contract but need to fund it upfront | Purchase order funding | The confirmed order |
| Want to buy a truck, trailer or forklift | Equipment finance | The vehicle or equipment you buy |
| Own paid-off trucks and need a larger lump sum | Loans against assets | Your fully paid-off vehicles |
| Moving goods across borders | Trade finance | The trade transaction |
| Own a depot or property and need long-term capital | Loans against property | Your property |
Not sure which one fits? Apply once and an NHF funding consultant will recommend the right route.
Unsecured working capital for logistics: loan conditions
| Condition | Detail |
|---|---|
| Loan amount | R50,000 to R6,000,000 |
| Term | Up to 6 months, repaid in 26 weekly instalments |
| Cost | 25% of the loan amount over 6 months (about 50% annualised) |
| Early settlement | Allowed, with no penalty |
| Trading history | At least 12 months |
| Annual turnover | R1 million or more |
| Premises | Leased for at least 12 months, or owned |
| Start-ups | Not eligible |
| Documents to start | 6 months of business bank statements |
All figures are subject to the lender’s terms and conditions at the time of quote.
What it costs: worked examples
The examples below assume a 25% total cost over 6 months, repaid in 26 equal weekly instalments.
| You borrow | Total repayable | Weekly instalment (26 weeks) |
|---|---|---|
| R100,000 | R125,000 | R4,808 |
| R500,000 | R625,000 | R24,038 |
| R1,000,000 | R1,250,000 | R48,077 |
Want to test your own numbers? Use the business loan calculator.
How transport operators use the funding
Getting a truck back on the road
A KZN haulier running 8 trucks loses one to a gearbox failure mid-contract. A R100,000 unsecured loan pays for the repair that week. The truck earns again within days, and the business repays R4,808 a week from its normal income.
Waiting on a slow-paying client
A distribution company completes R600,000 of deliveries for a retailer on 60-day terms, but diesel and wages are due now. Instead of a loan, invoice discounting releases cash against those invoices, and the balance arrives when the retailer pays.
Taking on a big new contract
A courier firm wins a 12-month regional contract that needs two extra trucks and new drivers. Equipment finance covers the trucks, secured by the trucks themselves. An unsecured loan covers driver recruitment, branding and insurance deposits until the first invoices are paid.
Examples are illustrative. Actual terms depend on the lender’s assessment.
Use your funding for
- Fuel and running costsDiesel price spikes, tolls, permits and cross-border fees
- Urgent repairs and maintenanceBreakdowns, tyres and services that can’t wait
- PayrollPaying drivers and staff on time while invoices are outstanding
- Fleet technologyTracking systems, dashcams, telematics and loading equipment
- Contract start-up costsOnboarding, branding, insurance deposits and licensing
- Seasonal peaksExtra capacity for festive season or harvest volumes
Need to buy whole vehicles? Unsecured loans aren’t designed for that. Equipment finance is usually cheaper and spreads the cost over longer.
Do you qualify? Eligibility checklist
- Your business has been trading for at least 12 months
- Your turnover was R1 million or more over the past 12 months
- You can supply 6 months of business bank statements
- Your premises are leased for at least 12 months, or owned
- You are not a start-up
Turnover under R1 million? You can still apply — select “Under R1 million” on the form below and we’ll look at options for smaller businesses.
How it works
- Apply online in minutesChoose your turnover band and complete a short form. No paperwork to post.
- Speak to an NHF funding consultantWe call you to understand what the money is for and how your cash flow works.
- We match you with the right lenderWe present your application to specialist lenders in our network who fund transport businesses.
- Get a decision and get paidOnce your documents are in, lenders often decide within 24 to 72 hours, and funds are paid into your business account.
We move quickly, but we never promise approval. Every application is assessed by the lender on its merits.
How repayments work
- Fixed weekly instalments. You repay the same amount each week over 26 weeks, debited from your business account.
- Early settlement. Settle the full balance early at no penalty.
- Late or missed payments. These can attract fees and raise the total cost of the loan.
- Suretyship. Even without fleet security, lenders may ask for a director’s personal surety.
- Struggling to pay? Contact us early. We can approach the lender about restructuring before it becomes a default, which can lead to legal action and damage your credit record.
Why use a broker instead of applying direct?
- One application, several lendersYou apply once and we shop the market for you.
- Transport know-howWe know which lenders understand fuel cycles, contract work and 60-day payment terms.
- The right product, not just a loanIf invoice discounting or equipment finance suits you better, we’ll tell you.
- Fast and straightforwardBank statements to start, a consultant on the phone, and a decision in days, not weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a business loan for my trucking company without using my trucks as security?
Yes. Unsecured business loans are assessed on your turnover and bank statements, not your fleet. Lenders may still ask for a director’s personal surety.
How much can a transport or logistics business borrow?
Unsecured working capital ranges from R50,000 to R6 million. The amount offered depends on your monthly turnover and cash flow.
What does a short-term business loan cost?
Typically 25% of the loan amount over 6 months, or about 50% annualised. On R100,000 you would repay R125,000 in 26 weekly instalments of about R4,808.
How quickly can I get funding?
Once your bank statements are in, lenders often make a decision within 24 to 72 hours. Funds are paid soon after you accept the offer.
What documents do I need?
Six months of business bank statements is enough to start. The lender may ask for more, such as ID documents or financial statements, depending on the amount.
Can I finance a new or used truck?
Yes, but through equipment finance, not an unsecured loan. The truck secures the finance, which usually means a lower cost and a longer term.
My clients take 60 to 90 days to pay. What’s the best option?
Invoice discounting is often the better fit. It turns unpaid invoices into cash now, from a facility of R50,000.
Can I borrow against trucks I already own?
Yes. If your vehicles are fully paid off, a loan against assets can release a larger lump sum than an unsecured loan.
Can a start-up transport company apply?
Not for this product. Lenders need at least 12 months of trading history. Businesses with turnover under R1 million can still apply for other options.
Does New Heights Finance lend the money?
No. NHF is a finance broker. We match you with specialist lenders, and the lender makes the credit decision and pays out the funds.
Keep your fleet moving
Tell us what you need and how much your business turned over in the last 12 months. An NHF funding consultant will call you and match you with the right lender.
No obligation. Applying won’t commit you to an offer.