Adam Wingfield
5 min read
Think your LLC protects you from credit checks? Think again—here’s what lenders really look at and how to get your score ready before your next big move.
Let’s get one thing straight—your business credit is not separate from your personal credit, especially when you’re just starting out. If you’re running a small fleet or even one truck, every lender, leasing company, and equipment finance company is going to look at your personal FICO score first. They’re not just betting on your business. They’re betting on you. And if you’re waiting until you need money to care about your personal credit, you’re already too late. This article is about taking control—because in trucking, access to capital can make or break your next move. Whether it’s adding a truck, covering a repair, or surviving a slow month, your personal credit profile is either a weapon or a weakness.
Here’s how small fleet owners can get their credit right before it ever becomes an emergency.
Don’t get fooled by the legal structure. Having an LLC doesn’t mean lenders won’t look at your personal score. In fact, until you’ve got 3–5 years of business financials and strong business credit reporting, your personal credit is the co-signer on everything.
Whether it’s a:
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Truck lease
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Line of credit
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Business credit card
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Equipment loan
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Fuel advance program
…they’re pulling your personal credit first. Your LLC might help protect liability, but it doesn’t shield you from credit checks.
And if your score’s under 620, most lenders won’t even finish the application.
Let’s break it down. These are the key areas every underwriter is reviewing:
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Credit score (FICO 8 or FICO Auto) – Most want 680+ to unlock the best terms
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Credit utilization – Keep it under 30%, ideally under 10%
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Payment history – Any late payments in the last 12 months hurt your profile
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Credit mix – Installment loans (auto, student) + revolving accounts (credit cards)
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Length of credit history – The longer, the better
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Derogatory marks – Collections, charge-offs, bankruptcies, tax liens
Pull your real credit report—not just the Credit Karma version. Use AnnualCreditReport.com and check all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). That’s what lenders are looking at.
If your score is under 640, start here before you ever apply for business credit:
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Go through each line item on your report
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If anything looks wrong (wrong balance, duplicate account, incorrect late payment), dispute it directly with the bureau
