Truck Loans Australia :: Podcasts

Truck Loans Australia Weekly Road Transport News Briefing

Each week, we cut through the noise with a concise recap of the biggest stories shaping Australia’s road transport sector. Expect clear summaries on regulation changes, industry policy, freight demand, fuel and operating costs, safety updates, technology and equipment trends, and the small-business impacts that matter to drivers, fleets and contractors. Stay informed in minutes, with level-headed context and practical takeaways to help you plan the week ahead—reliable, repeatable, and ready every week.

This Week:

Paige recaps four items for Australian truck operators: hotter‑than‑expected inflation before Tuesdays RBA meeting and what that means for loan affordability; early‑February CPI indexation of fuel excise and fuel tax credits and the need to update BAS and budgets; a new heavy‑vehicle safety grants round open until 16 March and how to prepare a bid; and 2025 truck market results showing strong demand with higher Euro 6 costs and more late‑model used stock, plus tips on pre‑approvals and flexible finance. She signs off inviting listeners to truck‑loan.com.au for calculators, comparisons and a free eligibility check.

Read Full Transcript:

Hello and welcome to Truck Loans Australia Weekly Road Transport News Briefing, Im Paige Estritori, its Sunday 1 February 2026. First, inflation ran hotter than expected in the December quarter, and the Reserve Bank meets on Tuesday. Many economists now think a rate rise is on the table. For owner‑drivers and fleets, that means borrowing costs could nudge higher and lender assessment buffers may stay tight. If youre planning a purchase, keep your pre‑approval current, compare offers across lenders, and stress‑test repayments so the numbers still work if rates shift. Next up, fuel costs and cash flow. Excise and fuel tax credit rates are CPI‑indexed in early February. That means the cents‑per‑litre you can claim for eligible heavy‑vehicle use will change for fuel acquired from the new period. Update your accounts and BAS settings, and review budgets for the next quarter. If higher operating costs pinch, use our calculator to test different loan terms and structures so repayments fit your workload. Meanwhile, safety funding is in the spotlight. A new round of heavy‑vehicle safety grants has opened with millions available for industry‑led projects, from fatigue and load‑restraint training to in‑cab tech and data tools. Submissions close Monday 16 March, so speak with suppliers now about scope, timelines and evidence of benefits. A successful bid can reduce incident risk and help lower downtime—both matter when youre financing equipment. Finally, truck demand. Australia ended 2025 with one of its strongest new‑truck years on record, even after a pull‑back from 2024s peak. Euro 6‑aligned models and compliance upgrades have added to upfront pricing, while late‑model used stock has increased as big fleets turn over assets. The takeaway: be flexible on spec, consider nearly‑new options, and line up finance early to hold a build slot or move quickly on a good used unit. Thats the wrap. For tools, lender comparisons and a free eligibility check on commercial or private truck loans, head to truck‑loan.com.au. Safe travels and Ill see you next week.

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