Financing a tanker - whether a fuel delivery vehicle, vacuum tanker, water bowser or road tanker - requires lenders with specialist appetite for this asset class. Standard commercial vehicle lenders frequently decline tankers on policy grounds, making broker expertise essential.
Types of Tanker We Finance
- Fuel tankers - ADR-compliant road fuel delivery tankers, aluminium and stainless steel
- Vacuum tankers - gully emptiers, cesspit emptiers, industrial vacuum units
- Water bowsers - road-going water carriers and trailer-mounted units
- Road tankers - chemical, food-grade, and bulk liquid tankers
Tanker Finance Rate Guide - October 2026
| Tanker Type | Rate Range (APR) | Typical Term | Max LTV |
|---|---|---|---|
| New fuel tanker (aluminium) | 5.5-8.5% | 3-5 years | 90% |
| Used fuel tanker (under 5yr) | 7-11% | 2-4 years | 80% |
| Vacuum tanker (new) | 6-9% | 3-5 years | 85% |
| Vacuum tanker (used 5-10yr) | 9-14% | 2-4 years | 75% |
| Water bowser | 7-12% | 2-4 years | 80% |
| Adverse credit / start-up | 12-16% | 2-3 years | 70% |
Key Lenders
Close Brothers Asset Finance - broad appetite for fuel tankers and vacuum units. Competitive rates for established operators with clean credit.
Aldermore Bank - strong for adverse credit and newer businesses. Useful for operators with CCJs or limited trading history.
Shawbrook Bank - specialist appetite for older tankers and niche tank types. Pragmatic underwriting.
Key Underwriting Factors
Lenders assess ADR certification (fuel tankers), operator licence validity, tanker age and material (aluminium holds value better than steel), and secondary market liquidity. Most lenders cap exposure at 15 years old at end of term.
Worked Example - 6-Axle Stainless Steel Fuel Tanker
| Detail | Figure |
|---|---|
| Asset | 2022 6-axle stainless steel road fuel tanker, 38,000L |
| Purchase price | £180,000 |
| Deposit (15%) | £27,000 |
| Amount financed | £153,000 |
| Finance type | Hire Purchase |
| Term | 48 months |
| Rate | 7.2% APR |
| Monthly payment | approx. £3,680 |
Example for illustration only. Actual rates depend on lender, credit profile and asset.