Refrigerated trailer finance lets Australian transport operators fund the purchase of temperature-controlled trailers without tying up working capital, using structures like chattel mortgage tailored to the asset's age and refrigeration equipment. Because a reefer trailer combines the chassis with a specialised cooling unit, lenders assess it a little differently to a standard trailer, and getting the structure right matters for cash flow and tax outcomes.
Why Reefer Trailers Need Their Own Finance Approach
A refrigerated trailer is really two assets in one: the trailer itself and the refrigeration unit that keeps it compliant. Lenders assess the fridge unit's age, brand and service history separately from the chassis, which affects how much they'll lend and on what terms, so it pays to work with a broker who understands the asset rather than treating it like a standard dry van.
How Much You Can Borrow
Finance is available from $20,000 for a single used reefer trailer through to $10 million or more for a full multi-trailer fleet upgrade, with terms typically running 1 to 7 years. New and near-new units generally support longer terms and better structuring than older, higher-hour trailers, so age and condition are worth discussing upfront.
Rates and What Drives Them
Indicative rates start from 6.55% p.a. for well-qualified applicants and strong assets, rising to around 15% p.a. for higher-risk profiles, such as older trailers, thin trading history or credit issues. Pricing depends on the trailer's age and condition, the strength of the refrigeration unit, your deposit, and your business's financial position. Rates quoted are indicative only and subject to lender criteria, credit assessment, fees, loan term and final approval.
Low-Doc and Full-Doc Options for Every Operator
Established operators with full financials can access full-doc finance up to $10 million or more, while newer businesses or sole traders can use low-doc, lite-doc or no-doc pathways for amounts up to $500,000, often with reduced paperwork and a self-certification of income. No-deposit and up to 100% finance options may also be available for eligible applicants, which helps preserve working capital for fuel, maintenance and driver wages.
Chattel Mortgage vs Other Structures
Most operators finance reefer trailers through a chattel mortgage, which lets the business claim the trailer as an asset from day one, take advantage of available depreciation and GST treatment, and only pay interest on the outstanding balance. Depending on your accounting setup and whether the trailer is used for cold chain contracts or general freight, a finance lease or novated-style structure may suit better, so it's worth talking through your specific tax position before choosing a structure.
Get an Obligation-Free Quote
Whether you're financing your first reefer trailer or expanding a temperature-controlled fleet, Overdrive Truck Finance compares 80+ banks and non-bank lenders to find a structure that may suit your business, with pre-approval and formal approval timeframes varying by lender and application. Enquiring is a soft check on your credit file and won't affect your credit score, so reach out today for an obligation-free quote.
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