If you run a truck or a transport business in Australia right now, you don’t need anyone to tell you it’s tough. Fuel prices have surged, diesel has been hard to source in some regions, and freight rates haven’t always kept up with the bowser. Many owner-drivers and small operators are working harder than ever just to break even.

The good news is that the pressure has not gone unnoticed. In response to the 2026 fuel crisis, federal and state governments have rolled out a series of support measures aimed squarely at keeping trucks on the road and businesses on their feet. Some are immediate cash relief, some are tax measures, and some are loans that can ease the squeeze through the next few months.

This article walks through what’s available, who it’s for, and how to access it.

Why 2026 has been a turning point for transport operators

The 2026 fuel crisis didn’t appear out of nowhere. Conflict in the Middle East has disrupted global oil flows, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, and Australia imports around 90% of its fuel. That has translated into spikes in pump prices, periodic diesel shortages, and real cost pressure across freight, agriculture and logistics.

Industry surveys this year have made clear how serious the impact is. Smaller operators with fewer than ten trucks have been hit hardest. Many have reported losing meaningful chunks of work, and around a quarter of operators surveyed by NatRoad  have already had to stand down staff.

That backdrop matters because the support measures below were designed in direct response to it. They are not generic small business schemes. They are aimed at the businesses keeping Australia’s supply chains moving.

Fuel excise cut and Road User Charge suspension

The biggest single piece of relief landed on 1 April 2026. The Federal Government cut fuel excise by 60.9% (down from 52.6 cents per litre to 20.6 cents per litre), and at the same time set the Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge to zero. Both measures apply from 1 April to 30 June 2026. 

For truck operators, this is significant. In 2022, when the Government last cut fuel excise, the Road User Charge stayed in place, which meant the on-road Fuel Tax Credit effectively dropped to nil for heavy vehicles. This time the RUC has been suspended, so heavy vehicles travelling on public roads can claim Fuel Tax Credits equal to the full excise on the fuel they buy. That is a meaningfully better outcome than the 2022 measure.

On top of that, the Government has paused the next scheduled RUC increase. The RUC was due to step up to 32.4 cents per litre, but that rise has been put on hold until 1 January 2027.

Two things to keep in mind:

• The rates that apply depend on the date you bought the fuel, not the date you use it. Records matter.
• If you use fuel both on-road and off-road (for example in auxiliary equipment), you need to split your claim by usage category. The ATO’s Fuel Tax Credit calculator handles the date-by-date rate application.

How Fuel Tax Credits work in 2026

Fuel Tax Credits remain the most widely used form of government support for transport operators. If you’re registered for GST and use fuel in a heavy vehicle or other eligible business activity, you can claim back some or all of the fuel excise built into the price of diesel and petrol.

Rates change twice a year (February and August) in line with CPI, plus any policy adjustments such as the 2026 excise cut. The current rates run from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026, with the temporary reduction applying from 1 April to 30 June 2026.

Three practical steps:

1. Use the ATO’s Fuel Tax Credit calculator. It applies the right rate based on when you bought the fuel and how you used it.
2. Split your fuel by use. On-road heavy vehicle use, off-road business use (such as machinery, refrigeration units or stationary engines), and any private use each attract different treatment.
3. Keep your records tight. Fuel cards, supplier invoices, fleet telematics and logbooks all help. The ATO has signalled it will keep a close eye on FTC claims during the temporary cut period, and good records are your best defence.

If your bookkeeping has been stretched thin lately, even a brief conversation with your accountant or BAS agent before lodging your next activity statement can make a real difference.

The Economic Resilience Program: zero-interest loans for logistics businesses

Announced as part of the Federal Government’s $6.15 billion fast-tracked support package, the Economic Resilience Program  (ERP) is a $1 billion fund that offers zero-interest loans to manufacturing and logistics businesses materially impacted by the fuel crisis and related supply chain disruption. Applications opened on 20 April 2026, and the bank-administered part of the program is open for six months.

Key details:

• Zero interest is payable for the term of the loan, although the principal must be repaid in full at the end of the loan term and standard bank fees apply.
• Loans run for up to two years.
• Businesses with annual turnover under $100 million can apply through participating banks for loans of up to $5 million. ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, NAB, Westpac, Bank of Queensland and Bendigo Bank are the initial participating lenders.
• Businesses seeking more than $5 million, or with turnover above $100 million, can apply directly to the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation.
• Eligibility is based on ANZSIC industry codes (most freight and logistics codes are covered) and on documented evidence that your business has been materially affected by current market disruption.

This is the most directly relevant new program for truck operators that we’ve seen in a long time. NatRoad has described it as a significant win for the industry, and we’d encourage any operator who fits the eligibility criteria to speak with their bank without delay. Funds are limited and the six-month application window will close in October 2026.

$20,000 Instant Asset Write-Off

If you’re a small business with aggregated annual turnover under $10 million, you can immediately deduct the cost of eligible assets up to $20,000 in the year you first use them. The $20,000 threshold  has been extended to 30 June 2026, and the May 2026 Federal Budget confirmed that the $20,000 Instant Asset Write-Off will become a permanent feature of the tax system from 1 July 2026.

For truck and transport operators, this matters most for smaller assets: trailers below the threshold, tools, refrigeration upgrades, technology and so on. The threshold applies on a per-asset basis, so multiple eligible items can be written off in the same year. If you’re planning a purchase, our equipment finance  options can be structured around the asset and the deadline.

Worth noting:

• The asset must be first used or installed ready for use between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026 (with the permanent measure applying from 1 July 2026 onwards).
• New and second-hand assets both qualify.
• Larger assets that cost $20,000 or more can still go into the small business depreciation pool.
• Always speak with your accountant about how the write-off applies to your specific situation, particularly if you’re financing assets through a chattel mortgage or finance lease.

ATO Fuel Response Payment Plan

If rising fuel costs have made it hard to keep up with BAS, PAYG or income tax obligations, the ATO has set up a dedicated Fuel Response Payment Plan that runs until 30 June 2026.

Headline features:

• Streamlined payment arrangements for new or existing tax debts, with terms of up to 36 months.
• In many cases, no upfront payment is required to start the plan.
• Possible remission of the General Interest Charge for businesses that enter a tailored plan and meet the first three months of instalments.
• Available to ABN holders who can demonstrate that fuel costs (directly or via freight and supply chain pass-throughs) are the reason they’re under pressure.

The application runs through ATO Online Services for Business, or your registered tax or BAS agent can apply on your behalf. The earlier you apply, the more breathing room you create. Don’t wait for a debt notice.

State-level and industry initiatives

Federal measures do the heavy lifting, but there are state programs and industry supports worth a look depending on where you operate and what you do.

NSW Electric Vehicle Fleets Incentive (Kick-start, FY26)

NSW businesses operating fleets in the state can apply for incentives covering up to 15 battery electric vehicles  and smart chargers. The 2026 NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy specifically expanded the program to cover small and medium electric trucks. Applications close 29 May 2026 or when funds run out. If you’re planning a fleet transition in the next two years, this is worth looking into now rather than later.

Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI)

Administered by the NHVR, the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative  funds projects that improve heavy vehicle safety. Round 11 closed in March 2026 but the program runs in annual rounds, so it’s worth bookmarking if you’re involved in industry safety projects, training or innovation.

Queensland and Victorian operators

Both states maintain grant finders for small business support. The Queensland Government Grants Finder  and the Business Victoria grants portal  are the best starting points. State programs come and go, so check them at least quarterly.

Industry associations

NatRoad, the Australian Trucking Association, the Victorian Transport Association, the Queensland Trucking Association and other state bodies have been advocating hard for operators throughout the fuel crisis. Many publish operator resources, run cash flow tools and offer member support. If you’re not already a member of one, it’s worth a look.

If the pressure is getting to you

This isn’t a financial support measure in the traditional sense, but it matters. The Federal Government has committed additional funding for the NewAccess for Small Business Owners  program and the Small Business Debt Helpline  from 1 July 2026. Both services are free and confidential.

Running a transport business under this kind of pressure takes a toll, and the people we speak with every day aren’t always the people most likely to ask for help. If finances or workload are weighing heavily, those services exist precisely for that reason.

Where AGM Finance fits in

AGM Finance has been arranging commercial finance for Australian transport operators for thirty years. Through that time we’ve worked with more than 60 lenders, helped operators access $2.3 billion in finance, and maintained a 98% success rate on applications we take to market.

If you’re looking to upgrade equipment to take advantage of the Instant Asset Write-Off, finance a new prime mover with a truck loan  tailored to your business, or restructure existing facilities to free up cash flow, we know which lenders have appetite for transport businesses right now. 

Different lenders take different views on long-haul, regional, owner-driver and specialist transport work. Our job is to find the one with the sharpest deal for your situation, no matter what your business model looks like.

Frequently asked questions

What government support is available for truck operators in Australia right now?

The main measures in 2026 are the temporary 60.9% fuel excise cut and Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge suspension (1 April to 30 June 2026), Fuel Tax Credits, the $1 billion Economic Resilience Program zero-interest loans, the $20,000 Instant Asset Write-Off, and the ATO Fuel Response Payment Plan for tax debt. State programs apply on top of those depending on where you operate.

Has the Road User Charge been removed permanently?

No, but it has been set to zero for the three months from 1 April to 30 June 2026, and the next scheduled increase has been paused until 1 January 2027. Industry bodies including NatRoad are continuing to advocate for further reform.

Who is eligible for the Economic Resilience Program?

Australian manufacturing and logistics businesses with an ABN, operating in eligible ANZSIC codes (most freight and logistics businesses qualify), who can show they’ve been materially impacted by current market disruption. Banks make the eligibility call for loans up to $5 million; the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation handles larger applications.

Can I claim Fuel Tax Credits during the temporary excise cut?

Yes. Because the Road User Charge has been set to zero during the cut, heavy vehicle operators travelling on public roads can claim Fuel Tax Credits equal to the full excise on the fuel they buy. 

The Fuel Tax Credit rate per litre is lower during the cut period because the excise itself is lower, but you can now claim it all rather than losing it to the RUC. Use the ATO’s calculator and split your claim by acquisition date.

What if I can’t pay my BAS or income tax because of fuel costs?

Contact the ATO and apply for the Fuel Response Payment Plan through ATO Online Services for Business. You can spread eligible tax debt over up to 36 months, often with no upfront payment, and the General Interest Charge can be remitted in many cases. Apply before 30 June 2026.

Does the $20,000 Instant Asset Write-Off apply to trucks?

It applies to assets that cost less than $20,000 each, so a full prime mover is well outside the threshold. However, smaller pieces of equipment, tools, fit-out items, technology and trailers under $20,000 can all qualify. Talk to your accountant about how this fits with your finance arrangements.

How can AGM Finance help during the fuel crisis?

We’re a commercial finance broker, so our job is to match you with the lender best placed to support your business. With 60+ lenders and 30 years in the industry, we know which lenders are still actively writing transport business in 2026, who’s most flexible on cash flow constraints, and who specialises in the kind of work you do. 

We can also help with refinancing existing facilities to free up working capital.

Need to talk through your finance options?

Whether it’s equipment or truck finance  to take advantage of the Instant Asset Write-Off, or a chat about how to navigate the next few months, we’re here to help. Use our repayment calculator  to model a deal, or apply online  and we’ll talk through what’s possible for your business.

Call 1300 664 687 to get started today.

Key Takeaways

• Commercial truck leasing typically costs $1,500 to $4,000+ per month depending on truck type, term length and included services.
• Leasing preserves cash flow with lower upfront costs, while buying or financing builds equity in a tangible asset.
• Both options offer tax benefits for Australian businesses, but the structure differs significantly.
• Rent to own commercial vehicles can offer a middle ground for businesses wanting eventual ownership with lower initial outlay.
• Your ideal choice depends on usage patterns, financial position and long-term business strategy.

Acquiring a commercial truck represents one of the most significant capital decisions a transport or logistics business will make.

For owner-operators, fleet managers and business owners across Australia, the choice between leasing a truck for business purposes and buying or financing outright can have lasting implications for cash flow, tax position and operational flexibility.

With new prime movers costing anywhere from $150,000 to over $300,000 and rigid trucks ranging from $80,000 to $200,000, getting this decision right is crucial.

What is Commercial Truck Leasing?

Commercial truck leasing is an arrangement where a business pays regular instalments to use a truck for a specified period without taking ownership. At the end of the lease term, the business typically returns the vehicle, extends the lease or exercises a purchase option if one exists.

There are several types of commercial truck leases available in Australia:

• Operating Lease: The lessor retains ownership and bears the residual value risk. Payments are typically lower and the truck is returned at the end of the term. This is ideal for businesses wanting to upgrade regularly without the hassle of selling.
• Finance Lease: While structurally similar to an operating lease, finance leases often include a residual payment option or balloon payment at the end. The lessee typically has an option to purchase the vehicle at a predetermined price.
• Novated Lease: Commonly used for salary packaging arrangements, where lease payments are deducted from pre-tax salary. This is more common for passenger vehicles but can apply in some commercial contexts.

For more information on lease finance options, speak with a specialist broker who can explain the nuances of each structure.

How Much Does It Cost to Lease a Commercial Truck?

One of the most common questions business owners ask is: how much does it cost to lease a commercial truck?

Well, the answer depends on several variables, including the type of truck, lease term, included services and the lessor you choose.

Indicative Monthly Lease Costs

Note: These figures are indicative only and will vary based on lease term length (typically 3-5 years), residual value settings, included maintenance packages and the creditworthiness of your business. Some full-service leases that include maintenance, registration and insurance can cost 15-25% more but reduce administrative burden.

Factors That Influence Lease Costs:

• Lease term length: Longer terms generally mean lower monthly payments but higher total cost over the lease period.
• Residual value: A higher residual reduces monthly payments but increases your balloon payment or limits end-of-lease flexibility.
• Included services: Full-service leases bundling maintenance, tyres and registration cost more monthly but provide predictable expenses.
• Your credit profile: Stronger business financials typically secure better rates from lessors.

Advantages of Leasing a Truck for Business

Commercial truck leasing offers several compelling benefits for businesses prioritising cash flow management and operational flexibility.

Disadvantages of Commercial Truck Leasing

While leasing offers significant benefits, it comes with limitations that may not suit every business model.

Advantages of Buying or Financing a Commercial Truck

Purchasing a truck outright, or using truck finance to acquire ownership, offers advantages for businesses with the capital or credit to support the investment.

Disadvantages of Buying or Financing a Truck

Purchasing or financing a commercial truck also comes with considerations that may not suit every business situation.

Rent to Own Commercial Vehicles

For businesses seeking a balance between the flexibility of leasing and the eventual ownership of buying, rent to own commercial vehicles arrangements offer an alternative path.

Rent to own (sometimes called lease to own) structures typically work by:

1. Making regular rental or lease payments over a set period (usually 3-5 years).
2. A portion of each payment contributing toward the eventual purchase price.
3. At the end of the term, you can purchase the vehicle for a predetermined residual amount.

Benefits of rent to own arrangements:

• Lower initial outlay than traditional financing
• Ability to “try before you buy” and confirm the truck suits your operation
• Eventual ownership and equity building
• Flexibility to walk away at lease end if circumstances change

Considerations:

• Total cost over the full term may exceed traditional financing
• Residual purchase prices vary significantly between providers
• Usage restrictions may still apply during the rental period

Quick Comparison: Leasing vs Buying at a Glance

Which Option Is Right for Your Business?

The best choice between commercial truck leasing and buying depends on your specific circumstances. Consider the following scenarios:

Leasing may be better if

• You want to preserve working capital for other investments
• Predictable monthly expenses are important for your budgeting
• You prefer driving newer vehicles with current technology
• Your usage falls within typical kilometre limits
• You do not require significant modifications to the vehicle

Buying or financing may be better if

• You plan to keep the truck for 7+ years
• High utilisation means you would exceed lease kilometre limits
• You need to customise the vehicle with specialised equipment
• Building balance sheet equity is a priority
• You have the capital or creditworthiness to secure favourable finance terms

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to lease or buy a truck for a small business?
For small businesses, leasing often makes sense when cash flow is a priority and you want predictable expenses. If you have strong capital reserves and plan to keep the truck long-term with high utilisation, buying may be more economical.

Can I claim lease payments as a tax deduction?
Generally, lease payments for commercial vehicles used in business operations are tax-deductible expenses. The specific treatment depends on your business structure and the type of lease. Always consult a qualified accountant for advice specific to your circumstances.

What happens if I exceed the kilometre limit on a truck lease?
You will typically pay an excess kilometre charge for each kilometre over the agreed limit. These charges vary by lessor but can range from 10 to 30 cents per kilometre. For high-utilisation operations, this can add up quickly. Discuss your expected usage with your finance broker to set appropriate limits from the start.

Can I buy a truck at the end of a lease?
With finance leases and rent to own arrangements, yes. Operating leases may also offer a purchase option at market value. The terms vary significantly between lessors, so clarify the end-of-lease options before signing.

What credit score do I need to lease a commercial truck?
Requirements vary by lender. Traditional bank lessors typically require stronger credit profiles, while specialist commercial vehicle financiers may offer more flexible criteria. A broker can help match you with appropriate lenders for your situation.

Is maintenance included in a truck lease?
It depends on the lease type. Full-service or maintained operating leases include servicing, while finance leases typically do not. Full-service leases cost more monthly but provide predictable maintenance expenses.

Making the Right Decision for Your Business

The choice between commercial truck leasing and buying comes down to your business priorities, financial position and operational requirements.

Leasing offers flexibility, lower upfront costs and ease of upgrading, making it ideal for businesses that prioritise cash flow management and access to modern technology.

Buying or financing suits businesses seeking full control, long-term cost savings and the ability to customise vehicles to specific operational needs.

Before making a decision, consult with financial experts and consider your operational requirements, growth plans and the total cost of each option over your expected ownership or lease period.

AGM Finance can help you compare commercial truck leasing and finance options from over 40 lenders. Get a decision in as little as 24 hours with competitive rates from 5.95%. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote.