14 Best Lease Purchase Trucking Companies In 2025

Starting your own trucking business is not easy. You will need to have enough money to afford a truck. The latest semi-trucks are so expensive that it feels impossible to achieve this goal when working with a budget.

That’s where lease-purchase trucking companies come in handy. They offer various lease purchase programs that could make it easier to own a truck, start your own business, and make more money. When you enroll with such a company, you are immediately reclassified as an owner-operator.

What is the lease purchase program, and how does it work?

A lease purchase program lets you rent a vehicle for a specific time period, which is usually between two and five years. When the lease period ends, you can either return the vehicle or buy it for a fixed price.

The price of the vehicle (as well as terms and conditions) is determined at the beginning of the lease contract. So, you should carefully read and understand the contract before signing. If there are too many technical terms, ask a lawyer to review the contract for you.

The agreement includes all the necessary details like the amount you need to pay monthly, who should be responsible for maintenance, and what will be the ‘damages’ if any party breaches the contract.

Most companies offer three types of leases —

Lease operator: This is like a rental contract where you need to return the truck to the company at the end of the lease.
Leased owner-operator: In this agreement, you have to make a down payment anywhere ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. Then, you pay a fixed amount per month for a specific period. At the end of the contract, you own the truck.
Independent owner-operator: This agreement gives you the flexibility to install accessories from a third party instead of from a carrier. In other words, you can lease to own a truck and customize it the way you like.

This business model has gained significant popularity in the recent decade. Today, we have hundreds of firms that lease trucks at attractive prices. In fact, many of them require zero down payment.

To help you make an informed decision, we have mentioned some of the best lease purchase trucking companies in this highly competitive market.

Did you know?

Lease purchase programs have tax advantages for owner-operators, allowing them to deduct expenses like lease payments, maintenance costs, and fuel expenses from their income.

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14. Riverside Transport

Founded in 1993
Headquarters: Kansas City, Kansas
Area Served: United States
Annual Revenue: $201.3 million
Rent: $746 per week or $.35 per mile

Riverside Transport employs 1,100 people and operates more than 900 tractors and 4,200 trailers. All late-model tractors are equipped with driver communication devices, sleepers, and low-profile rubber with the ability to haul 45,000 or more in cargo. Specialized services include double-floored trailers, flatbeds, dedicated fleets, and on-site coverage.

Trucks offered are recent models from 2023 – 2025 (Freightliner Cascadia and International LT) equipped with features like APUs, Optimized Idle Solutions, premium seating, refrigerators, inverters, and other comfort-oriented amenities

Their lease purchase program gives you full truck ownership on the horizon. They offer competitive pay and expanded dispatch support staff to assist you when needed.

Benefits

No credit check
No down payment
Zero trailer fees
Complete-service maintenance program
No forced dispatch

There are plenty of payment options; select any one of them as per your convenience and business needs. For example, you can choose a fixed rate, a weekly rate, or pay only for the miles you drive. You can use their online lease calculator to estimate weekly revenue and profits based on these two payment plans.

13. Prime Inc.

Founded in 1970
Headquarters: Springfield, Missouri
Area Served: United States
Annual Revenue: $3.2 billion
Rent: Starts at $980 per week for two-year-old truck models

Prime Inc. is one of the most successful flatbed, refrigerated, and intermodal freight carriers. It has various models available for lease purchase. All are fully customizable and equipped with the latest safety technology, along with a 1500-watt inverter and auxiliary power unit.

With the standard lease, you don’t require money to get started. There will be a fixed cost of about $100 per week, which you will incur for your truck. This includes permits and truck-related expenses. At the end of the term, you need to return the truck to the company.

Benefits

Fully customizable trucks
Incentive pay on completion of lease
Receive discounts at thousands of fuel stops and repair locations
The Android and iOS app keeps you connected and informed

Independent contractors in the Tanker division earn 71% of the linehaul, while contractors in the Flatbed and Refrigerated divisions make 72% of the linehaul. Plus, there are additional leasing incentives that significantly increase earning potential. Once your three or four-year lease is complete, you get a lease completion incentive of 5.25 cents for all dispatched miles.

Prime Inc. is growing at a steady rate. In 2021, it reported a revenue of $2.2 billion from its logistics operations. In 2025, it ranked number one among North American refrigerated carriers and secured the 19th spot on the top 100 list of the largest for-hire carriers in North America.

12. WEL Companies

Founded in 1975
Headquarters: S Broadway, Colorado
Area Served: United States
Annual Revenue: $93.9 million
Earnings: 70% of the gross revenue plus 86% of gross fuel surcharge

WEL Companies is a family-owned business running over 500 trucks and 800 trailers. They have an attractive lease program that allows you to manage your business with the flexibility you need. You can lease late models of Peterbilt and Kenworth tractors at reasonable weekly installments.

They have a climate-controlled warehousing facility, equipped with advanced surveillance, real-time environmental monitoring, and scalable temperature-controlled storage. The facility is designed to meet the needs of industries like food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, electronics,

Benefits

No hidden fees
Cheap maintenance plans
Cash settlement on all dispatched miles at the end of the agreement
Loyalty rewards program

When you sign a contract with WEL Companies, you instantly get access to their incredible support and vast resources. Their team will help you with logistical options, billings, and negotiated discounts.

The company also provides 24/7 roadside assistance and option group benefits through the Universal Trucking Benefits Association (UTBA) with Settlement Deduct.

11. Penske Truck Leasing

Founded in 1969
Headquarters: Reading, Pennsylvania
Area served: North America, South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia
Annual Revenue: $10.1 billion
Rent: Leasing a box truck would cost $1,000 per month

Penske Truck Leasing is a joint venture of Penske Automotive Group, Penske Corporation, and Mitsui & Co. It provides full-service commercial truck leasing, used truck sales, and truck rentals and maintenance.

The company has a fleet of more than 433,000 vehicles (including trucks, tractors, and trailers) which are managed under lease, rental, and maintenance contracts across North America. It operates in over 3,200 locations across the world, generating an annual [consolidated] revenue of over $10 billion.

Penske goes beyond truck leasing by analyzing your transportation needs and providing the right vehicles and tools to help you achieve your goals. It also offers flexible lease financing options, allowing you to free up capital and reinvest in your business.

In fact, they are deploying cutting-edge AI to drastically improve fleet uptime and maintenance efficiency. Their Fleet Insight system collects over 300 million data points per day across its fleet using telematics devices.

Benefits

Comprehensive maintenance services
Quick access to hundreds of rental trucks
24/7 roadside assistance
Helps you with licensing, registration, and permitting

If you have an old commercial truck, you can sell it to the company and lease the latest model. No matter how old your truck is, Penske will buy it at a reasonable price.

Penske also takes care of the maintenance every time your vehicle comes in for its scheduled preventive maintenance. They handle all the paperwork, meaning less hassle for you and your drivers.

In 2025, Moody’s reaffirmed Penske Truck Leasing’s Baa2 credit rating, noting the company’s resilience despite ongoing trucking industry challenges.

10. Paschall Truck Lines (PTL)

Founded in 1937
Headquarters: Murray, Kentucky
Area served: United States and Mexico
Annual Revenue: $127.5 million
Rent: Weekly payments start at $600

PTL offers a lease purchase program to qualified drivers who want to own trucks but do not have the money to buy one outright. It requires drivers to make a down payment of about $5,000 and then make weekly payments for five years. After five years, the driver owns the truck.

The company also offers a lease-to-own program, similar to a lease-purchase plan but without a down payment. However, weekly or monthly payments may be slightly higher.

Benefits

Fleet of 1,100+ tractors and 3,000+ drivers
Fuel Discounts at 1,500+ locations
Mileage pay plus fuel surcharge
Long OTR length of haul
High-performance late-model trucks are available
Weekly truck payments

To enroll in this program, the driver must be at least 21 years old and have at least one year of over-the-road experience. It also requires a Class-A CDL and a good credit score.

They operate a comprehensive logistics platform featuring truckload dry van services, expedited shipping, regional and dedicated offerings, freight brokerage, trailer leasing (PTL Rentals), and cross-border solutions into Mexico and Canada. Their fleet consists of over 1,100 tractors and more than 3,000 trailers, with ongoing upgrades to keep equipment modern and reliable.

9. PGT Trucking

Founded in 1981
Headquarters: Aliquippa, Pennsylvania
Area Served: United States
Annual Revenue: $151.4 million
Pay: Based on percentage (not mileage)

Founded in 1981, PGT has grown to be a state-of-the-art flatbed trucking corporation. It serves building materials, raw materials, oil and gas, machinery, aluminum, steel, and automotive industries.

Their lease purchase program has flexible financing options (most of the plans require zero down payment). Once you join a program, you will be assigned a fleet manager who will help you at every phase, from selecting a vehicle to signing a suitable lease term.

To ease the burden, the company doesn’t charge you anything for the first month. Plus, they provide a free trailer rental for the first month.

Benefits

No down payment, no balloon payment
Discounted prices on truck parts and tires
Great plans to own your trick within 3 years
Roadside safety incentives
Offers a driver referral bonus

As for the pay, PGT uses the percentage-based model instead of the mileage-based model. On average, drivers make 25% of the line haul revenue. This means you make more money when your carrier makes more money.

The company is quite transparent about its payment system. They will tell you how much you will be paid for the assignment before you pick up the load.

In 2024, PGT Trucking achieved a revenue of approximately $151.4 million. With a workforce of 200 employees, this results in a revenue-per-employee ratio of $757,100. Plus, the company extended its operations in the Southeast by opening two new facilities in Kentucky and South Carolina.

In 2025, PGT introduced its Dedicated Solutions group, offering tailored fleet services that let clients use anything from a single truck to an entire fleet, without managing their own operations. The service includes guaranteed capacity, professional driver management, risk protection, secure load handling, dual branding options, and flexible contracts.

8. Nova Lines

Founded in 2012
Headquarters: Bridgeview, Illinois
Area Served: United States
Annual Revenue: $18.6 million
Earnings: 2,500 weekly miles driven earn $5,700

Nova Lines provides a wide range of top-of-the-line trucks and driver-friendly lease terms. There are several lease plans, so you can choose one that perfectly fits your needs.

In addition to providing a new vehicle on lease, the company also offers a steady workflow to ensure you get paid every week. Plus, it allows you to choose your own routes and distances. This means you can decide whether you want to return home every week or prefer to keep working for up to 4 weeks in a row. You get complete control of your trucking business.

Their agreements are transparent and quite easy to understand. Depending on the vehicle’s life and your requirements, the lease terms can last from 4 to 7 years. This is enough time to pay out your lease while making a decent profit.

Benefits

Flexible lease contracts
All trucks come with an extended warranty
Buy out the truck for $1 at the end of the lease
Competitive, weekly pay option
24/7 roadside assistance

Most of their fleet contains 2018-present Freightliner Cascadia vehicles, which deliver a perfect balance of performance and price. These vehicles are equipped with a ParkSmart HVAC system that takes care of the driver’s comfort, even when the truck engine is off.

Plus, all trucks have an automatic transmission and a 65 MPH cruise for better convenience. However, if you want more control, they can provide trucks with a manual transmission as well.

7. KSM Carrier Group

Founded in 1997
Headquarters: Griffith, Indiana
Area Served: United States
Annual Revenue: $16.6 million
Rent: $1,300 (fixed cost)

KSM Carrier Group is a family-owned transportation business that focuses on dry van and temperature-controlled freight. They offer rewarding pay to all their drivers. The company’s drivers receive guaranteed pay, while lease purchase drivers and owner operators enjoy an industry-leading percentage pay.

KSM offers several maintenance plans to drivers, eliminating the need for them to visit third-party service centers. It also continuously monitors the transportation industry for new technology that could make drivers’ lives a little bit easier on the road.

In their lease rental programs, they provide the latest truck models, including Peterbilts 579 and KW T680. If the truck breaks down in the middle of the road, they will repair it within 8 hours or send a replacement vehicle.

Benefits

Rewarding pay and benefits
New trucks and trailers for rent
Focuses on truck equipment and technology
Offers premium discounts for parts and services

The company charges a fixed monthly cost until your lease is over. The amount includes truck payment, full maintenance, cargo and liability insurance, and occupational accident insurance. Variable costs include fuel and toll charges.

In 2023, KSM Carrier Group expanded its fleet with 60 ThermoKing pharma-equipped utility trailers and over 30 new Vanguard dry van trailers. Continuing its commitment to a modern fleet, the company added five brand-new Freightliner Cascadia trucks in 2024.

6. Ryder

Founded in 1933
Headquarters: Miami, Florida
Area Served: North America, United Kingdom
Annual Revenue: $12.7 billion
Rent: varies from $40 per day for box trucks to $90 per day for straight trucks

Ryder is popular for its fleet of commercial rental trucks. It manages more than 250,000 commercial vehicles and operates over 300 warehouses encompassing 55 million square feet.

The company provides full-service leasing, rental, and maintenance, as well as sales of used vehicles. It has more than 37,000 rental vehicles across all classes to select from, including vans, tractors, trucks, reefers, and trailers.

You can rent trucks from 425+ locations at preferred rates. Once you sign an agreement, they assign a dedicated manager to focus on your needs.

Benefits

20-minute pickup and drop-off guarantee
Preferred rates on rentals and fuel discounts
RyderGyde app to find fuel locations, log fuel receipts, and more
Offers the largest selection of semi-trailer and refrigerated trailer rentals
24/7 emergency roadside assistance

Although Ryder is a large company with an annual revenue of more than $12 billion, they do not accommodate customers who need one-way truck rentals. You have to return their trucks to the original pickup location. This could be a deal breaker for drivers who prefer long-distance, one-way moves.

In 2023, the company generated $11.78 billion in annual revenue with a gross profit of $2.29 billion, a slight decline from the $12 billion in revenue and $2.39 billion in gross profit reported in 2022. However, in 2024, both figures improved, reaching $12.7 billion in revenue and $2.47 billion in gross profit.

In 2025, Forbes listed Ryder among Canada’s Best Employers (the first time on this list), underscoring their growing appeal as an employer beyond the US.

5. Schneider

Founded in 1935
Headquarters: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Area Served: North America, Central America, China
Annual Revenue: $5.47 billion (2025)
Rent: varies from $1,500 to $2,500 per month (based on the vehicle)

Schneider is a premier provider of trucking and logistics services. It handles 20,000+ loads per day, with 12,500+ company drivers, 9,000+ company trucks, and 36,000+ trailers on the road.

The company manages over 200 facilities, operating in the United States, Mexico, Canada, and China. Their customers include over 65% of the Fortune 500 companies. Since they have to work with thousands of drivers, they regularly launch new programs to provide owner-operators with more load options and business opportunities.

As of now, they have three main programs:

All-in revenue program: Under this lease program, the owner-operator doesn’t have to calculate fuel surcharge or accessorials. Everything is included in ‘all-in’ rates.
Percent-revenue program: The owner-operators receive 65% of linehaul revenue. They also get fuel 100% of the surcharge and accessorials for each load.
Solo van truckload revenue: The top 25% of solo van drivers earn an average of $290,000 a year, while the owner-operator fleet average is $210,000 per annum (depending on lease type).

Customers who choose the ‘all-in revenue lease program’ get exclusive access to a wide range of loads, including spot freight, surge freight, and dedicated loads. It totally depends on customers — the load they select, the schedule they run, and how often they get home. The company doesn’t force you to choose specific routes or long-week shifts.

Benefits

Ship any distance in North America
Attractive truck financing options
Discounts on truck maintenance and tire chains
Free roadside assistance

You also get attractive fuel discounts and tools that significantly reduce costs at the pump. In general, you can save about $3,500 for every 100,000 miles your truck travels.

Schneider National went public in April 2017 with an initial stock price of $19. In 2023, the company acquired M&M Transport Services, a Massachusetts-based logistics services provider. In the same year, the company reported a revenue of $5.5 billion and a net income of $238.5 million, compared to $6.6 billion in revenue and $457.8 million in net income in 2022.

In 2024, Schneider National invested $125 million in Platform Science, a technology company specializing in telematics and fleet management solutions to enhance operations and driver experiences.

In 2025, the company celebrated its 90th anniversary by highlighting its strong safety culture. Thirty drivers were inducted into the “Haul of Fame,” including five who reached 4 million safe miles and one who achieved an extraordinary 5 million safe miles, a true milestone in driver safety.

4. CRST The Transportation Solution

Founded in 1935
Headquarters: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Area Served: United States
Annual Revenue: $2.9 billion
Earnings: 70% of revenue plus fuel surcharge

CRST is a privately held company with a current fleet of over 6,000 trucks and annual revenues exceeding $2.9 billion. It provides a wide range of transportation and logistics solutions, including dedicated, flatbed, expedited, and last-mile services.

Experienced drivers can join their lease purchase program and work towards owning the latest model truck and generating decent profits. Once you sign a contract, you can leverage the company’s shops, tools, and optional benefit programs.

Benefits

Low payments
Doesn’t require a credit check
Up to $10,000 sign-on bonus available
Bumper-to-bumper maintenance and repairs
No forced dispatch; select your home time
Walk-away leases

There are numerous freight options available for both solo drivers and teams. You can choose the route and earn as per your convenience. Their lease purchase drivers earn over $7,500 per week, with many averaging six-figure incomes annually.

Unlike most other lease purchase firms, CRST doesn’t run a credit check and requires zero down payment. However, you do need to have a valid CDL-A license and at least six months of OTR experience.

The company has started offering one-week flatbed training. And the best thing is, you don’t need any experience to enroll in this flatbed securement certification course. As per the official website, flatbed contractors can earn up to $325,000 per annum.

In 2023, CRST acquired Texas-based BCB Transport, which operates a fleet of 275 trucks. Their annual revenue, growing steadily year-on-year, reached $2 billion.

In 2025, CRST received several major honors, including Kloeckner Metals’ Premier Asset-Based Carrier of the Year, Uber Freight’s Long Haul Carrier of the Year, and the Handshake Early Talent Award, recognizing both its operational excellence and investment in emerging talent.

3. PAM Transport

Founded in 1980
Headquarters: Tontitown, Arkansas
Area Served: United States, Mexico
Annual Revenue: $714 million
Rent: Starts at $380 a week for solo drivers

With a humble beginning in 1980, PAM now boasts over 2,000 trucks, 6,000+ trailers, and more than 2,500 drivers. Most of its trucks are Freightliner, Peterbilt, and International tractors with an average age of 1.5 years.

All trucks include standard industry equipment such as air-ride cabs, electronic logs on all units, Qualcomm satellite equipment, in-cabin email service, and routing and directional software programs.

The company offers various truck options and lease-to-own opportunities. You can select from hundreds of fully loaded trucks; the cheaper ones (2018 models) start at $380 a week for solo drivers. Team owner-operators can lease these trucks for $680 per week.

Plus, there is an option to purchase the (2018 model) truck at the end of two years for $12,500. The newer models, such as the 2022 579 Peterbilt and 2025 International trucks, are available at slightly higher prices.

Benefits

Low-cost leasing options with zero down payment
New truck models are available for lease
Option to buy in two years only
Experienced drivers can earn more (about $.10 CPM) by mentoring new drivers

PAM also offers a CDL training program for entry-level drivers. The company covers the upfront training costs and offers entry-level jobs to drivers upon completion of the training. So far, they have introduced more than 15,000 new drivers to the trucking industry.

In 2024, PAM reported $714 million in annual revenue, down from $810 million in 2023. The number of owner-operator trucks exceeded 400, growing both sequentially and year-over-year, while the company driver count varied. This trend reflects a strategic shift toward greater reliance on independent operator partnerships.

2. JB Hunt Transport Services

Founded in 1961
Headquarters: Lowell, Arkansas
Area Served: United States, Canada, Mexico
Annual Revenue: $12.06 billion
Lease purchase price: Starts at $400 a week for three years with no balloon payment at the end

JB Hunt employs more than 33,000 people and operates 13,000+ trucks, generating an annual revenue of $12 billion. Its fleet contains over 100,000 trailers and containers.

The company offers various lease purchase programs, each with its own credit qualification and down payment requirements. You can enroll in any specific program as per your needs and earn weekly.

As an owner-operator, you can choose between two pay options: percentage-based or mileage-based. With the percentage plan, you earn a share of the revenue from each load plus 100% of fuel surcharges. With the mileage plan, you’re paid a fixed rate in cents per mile for every load hauled.

Benefits

No forced dispatch
Discount on fuel, insurance rates, and maintenance services
Compensation plans to fit your business needs
Receive incentive payments for referring owner operators or company drivers
Truckload contractors can use the official app to book their own freight

Once you sign the contract with JB Hunt, you get special deals on fuel, tires, and maintenance from their various vendors. For instance, you can enjoy a 35% discount on Goodyear tires and save $0.50 per gallon on diesel. Keep in mind that fuel discounts may differ depending on your location and market conditions.

JB Hunt has acquired five companies over the past decade, including Special Logistics for $136 million, Cory 1st Choice Home Delivery for $100 million, and Zenith Global Logistics for $100 million.

In FY 2025, the company generated $12.06 billion in revenue with a gross profit of $5.5 billion, compared to $14.81 billion in revenue and $5.98 billion in gross profit in 2022.

1. Swift Transportation

Founded in 1966
Headquarters: Phoenix, Arizona
Area Served: United States, Canada, Mexico
Annual Revenue: $7.14 billion
Earning: Lease operators make an average of $80,000 a year

With over 23,500 trucks and 48,000 trailers, Swift Transportation is one of the largest common carriers in the United States. They offer many freight options ranging from refrigerated and dry vans to intermodal and flatbed trucks.

The company takes care of your work-life balance. It allows you to run solo or team, set your own hours, and accept only the loads you want.

Benefits

Numerous freight options
Productivity bonuses and referral programs
Toll reimbursement and detention pay
Cheaper insurance premiums

When you sign a lease agreement with Swift, you will be supported by all their shop locations and terminals, as well as their extensive trailer network. You can leverage their extensive business resources and utilize online business management tools, as well as medical and legal protection plans.

The company regularly updates its truck technology and in-cab equipment. In 2021, they introduced the Zoner Tablet, which helps drivers perform their everyday tasks with ease. For example, it makes it easier to document pre- and post-trip inspections, submit documentation without setbacks, and view assigned loads on demand.

They have also developed an advanced safety system called SmartDrive. It’s an automated video-based safety tool that records audio and video, reads roadway signage, and assigns drivers a Safety Score.

In 2025, Swift Transportation implemented advanced AI technology from Netradyne to bolster fleet safety measures.

In terms of financial performance, Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, its parent company, has shown consistent growth over the past few years. However, in FY 2025, there was a slight 2.5% decline in revenue to $7.42 billion. Despite the decline in revenue, the company maintained a strong gross profit margin of 73.4%.

Things to consider before leasing a truck

While payment options and terms and conditions vary from company to company, there are a few common factors that you must consider before leasing a truck.

Contract terms: Make sure the company is not tying you into a rigid contract
Fleet choices: Go for modern trucks with the latest safety technology
Hidden fees: Check if there are any hidden fees, such as insurance premium costs or accidental damages. Also, verify the balloon payment (if applicable) or early payoff penalty.
Maintenance and service: The contract should clearly state who will be responsible for maintenance and scheduled services.
Additional discounts: Check whether the company offers any additional discounts on fuel charges or accessories.

Benefits of lease-purchase trucking

In most cases, leasing is a better option (instead of owning a commercial truck) because it —

Eliminates hidden costs of purchasing: You don’t have to pay towing, taxes, licensing, and overhead, among other hard costs.
Reduces the cost of repair and maintenance: A full-service lease covers both expenses at predictable monthly costs
Improves cash flow: Since you don’t have to pay the high upfront costs, you can easily maintain a steady cash-flow profile.
Eases hassles: Renting or leasing a truck could save you potential compliance issues and time lost to breakdowns. This way, you can better focus on your business model.
Keeps a fleet up-to-date: Since automotive technology is changing rapidly, vehicles are becoming obsolete faster. With leases, you have shorter trade cycles and plenty of options to upgrade to new technology sooner than if you’ve owned a truck.

How much can you make as a lease purchase trucker?

In the United States, the average pay for lease purchase drivers is about $117,771 per year or $57 per hour. The highest-paying cities are Nome, followed by Berkeley, Sitka, Justin, and San Francisco.

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