FAQs – TEL Fleet Leasing Program

In short, TEL’s fleet program is tailored to maximize the CASH FLOW through managing your third biggest expense as a Fleet Owner – equipment cost. Through a consultative approach, Fleet experts will break down your fleet’s utilization, maintenance practices, specs, and finance options. This is to increase your cash flow and the overall profitability of your trucking company.

To start, TEL’s Fleet Leasing program offers a consultative approach to inform you, the fleet owner, on the latest industry knowledge. Specifically, this includes info about maintenance, specs, warranty, and emission. This information is available through your sales rep and support staff to keep you up to date on what your warranty covers. As an additional benefit, TEL’s breakdown service is here for you 24/7, and we can handle any maintenance questions or breakdown concerns. So, ask your sales rep how to access this service today.

Yes, when you apply to lease from TEL, we have a credit packet that you will need to fill out. Depending on the size of the deal, we have two different options. Thus, your sales representative will provide you with more information about the major differences. Then, they can help you decide which one is right for your company’s needs.
In general, TEL’s Fleet Leasing program offers Class 8 Sleepers as well as Day-cabs from most original equipment manufacturers. In addition, our Flatbeds, Reefers, or Dry Vans options provide you with all the trailer needs your business may have. As a result, this makes TEL Fleet Leasing a one stop shop for most Fleet Owners across the country.

A minimum of 3 years in business and 10 trucks under your authority is all you need to get started with the credit process. Once you complete the application online, your sales representative can take you through the remainder of the credit process and give you a plan to reach your goals.

In short, TEL offers extensive support to all our fleet leasing customers. To be specific, these services include fleet risk services, warranty management, and maintenance support. In addition, we offer services for equipment remarketing and cost savings by utilizing TEL’s national buying power. However, our services are not limited to the ones listed above.

TEL has existing Lease Support available to help with all inquiries regarding your lease.
Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm (EST)
Phone: (423) 214-3913
Email: TEL.leasingsupport@tel360.com

FAQs – TEL Lease Purchase Program

Yes, a credit check is part of our application process. But decisions are based upon a collective set of factors we look at as well as the specific program you are applying for. Thus, your account manager at TEL will review multiple aspects of an applicant’s employment and credit history. Overall, the goal of our review process is to provide the best possible fit for each applicant.
To be eligible for TEL’s Lease Purchase program, you will need at least one (1) year of CDL experience.

Our program works with several OEM’s including Freightliner, Peterbilt and Volvo. During your discovery call with TEL, a member of our team will communicate the availability of trucks you can choose from.

Upon receipt of a complete application, we typically have an answer within 24-48 hours. Once your application has been reviewed and a decision has been made, the onboarding process begins. Onboarding can take anywhere between 3-6 weeks depending on several factors. The best way to speed up this process is to continually stay up to date with everything your onboarding specialist requires of you.
TEL carries trucks from the following manufacturers: Freightliner, Peterbilt, Volvo.
Our lease terms vary between 24- 33-month lease options, depending on whether you are running solo or as a team.

TEL gives you the opportunity to own your truck and run your business. However, not many people are able to place such a hefty down payment and start running their own business with no prior experience. For that reason, TEL offers you a brand-new truck that you lease. Throughout the lease process, you will receive valuable insights into what it’s like to own your own business and operate your own truck. At the end of the lease, you have the option to buy your truck.

There is an initial payment that covers the required security deposit or advance payment for your lease structure.

Yes, all of the trucks at our disposal have both refrigerators and inverters.

At the end of your lease, you may return your truck according to the lease terms, return your truck and upgrade to a New truck, or buy your truck through exercising the Purchase Option in your lease by purchasing with cash, financing through TEL or financing from an outside source.

Near the end of your lease, your lease advisors will contact you about your next steps. You will have the option to either buy your truck outright, or upgrade your truck to a brand new model.
Yes, all of our trucks come with warranties that our maintenance advisors can help you manage throughout your lease.
All TEL trucks have an automatic transmission.
Our Freightliner tractors have Detroit engines, our Volvo tractors have Volvo engines, and our Peterbilt tractors have Cummins engines.

First, determine what you want from your truck. Do you need a Sleeper or a Day Cab? What engine makes the most sense for your length of hauls? And how much horsepower do you need? What will your fuel economy be? Do you prefer an automatic or a manual transmission? Do your research and narrow down what you are in search of to a few options. Lastly, decide on a budget. Will you need financing? Our customer-centric, in-house financing provides assurance that all your needs are met with the best rates available. Thus, doing your homework up front will always pay larger dividends.

In general, TEL Equipment Sales stands behind its equipment. To do this, we deliver unparalleled value and world class support. In fact, all our used trucks are sold at the highest industry standard trade terms found anywhere in the marketplace today.

When purchasing new equipment, you might consider leasing from TEL. Or you may want to buy directly from the manufacturer. On the other hand, when purchasing used equipment, it is vital that you be an informed buyer. So, start by asking what is covered under any remaining warranty and for how long. At TEL, we thoroughly inspect all our trucks through an outside 3rd party. We do this to ensure every detail is covered and captured. Then we put our trucks through a rigorous best-in-class reconditioning process. This process is to provide our buyers with exceptional, dependable, road-ready trucks.

FAQs – TEL Truck Maintenance

TEL’s Maintenance department provides 24/7 support to guide you through the repair process. Our national network of service providers enables you to pay less for parts and labor than you can achieve on your own. In addition to improving the time it takes for repairs to be made, you can leverage TEL’s buying power.

DOT requirements are that steer tires be no lower than 4/32 and drive tires be no lower than 2/32. If your tires are above DOT requirements, you are compliant. That said, here at TEL we have found that steers typically last about 150K miles and drives 350K miles. Tire life will vary depending on several factors, including:

  • Keeping your tires at the proper PSI (Steers 110PSI / Drives 100PSI)
  • Getting an alignment if the truck is pulling or seeing wear
  • The roads you travel on
  • Rotating tires when in for PM services
  • Matching tread depth height if you must replace single tires because of an unforeseen event

The PM interval varies by whichever engine your truck has. The PM intervals are found on the Truck Maintenance section of our website. Select your brand of truck and look for your truck’s engine to find that information.

A TEL Lessee with an escrow account can submit an out-of-pocket invoice to Breakdown@TEL360.com. Maintenance will review the invoice and check over verification requirements (VIN, Name, truck number, vendor, copy of a paid transaction receipt, etc). Once all requirements have been met, maintenance will submit a check request from the operator’s escrow account. This check will be mailed to the operator’s address on file with TEL.

Operators can add modifications to make their truck unique, but what TEL recommends is these modifications be easily removed and do not alter the value or intended use of the equipment. If you have any further questions or clarification, reach out to TEL’s Breakdown department at 423-214-3911.

Maintenance escrow funds may be used for all necessary truck repairs not covered under warranty, or for OEM recommended maintenance.

Notify TEL Maintenance immediately at 423-214-3911 that your truck has been impounded. The impound fees are not an Escrow approved expense. An operator will need to pay all the fees related to the impound directly to the tow company.
If an operator has locked their keys in their truck, a local lock smith should be able to get the truck open. This will be an out-of-pocket expense, not reimbursable through the escrow account. TEL always suggests an operator to hide a spare key on the outside of the truck, only where they know it is.

Depending on your truck’s manufacturer, TEL Breakdown has the ability to read your Check Engine Light codes and send software updates. Please call TEL’s Breakdown department at 423-214-3911 so that we can check the telematics of your unit.

If you have an icon with the outline of an engine (with or without the words “Check Engine”), or a “Stop Engine” light icon, then TEL Maintenance will be able to read the codes on your truck. Call 423-214-3911 so that we can verify.

If your truck has the outline of an engine icon (with or without the words “Check Engine”), you can contact TEL Breakdown and we can remotely access your truck to read the codes. If your truck gets a red “Stop Engine” light icon, find the closest safe haven, turn off the truck, and contact TEL Maintenance immediately. 423-214-3911.

You can adjust the foot and cruise speed of your truck, as long as that speed does not surpass the speed rating of the tires and the approved speed limits of your partner carrier. Some manufacturers can remotely re-program your speed, others you will need to go to an OEM dealership. Adjustments from factory settings are not an approved escrow account expense. The operator will need to pay out-of-pocket to the dealership at time of re-programming.

FAQs – TEL Finances & Credit

TEL has some of the lowest lease payments structures in the marketplace. Our payments designed to be highly sustainable an promote our customer’s success as they are based on how the truck is to be operated. We encourage you to reach out to our sales team to receive the best information for your particular needs.

TEL’s Carrier dedicated Lease Purchase Program requires a small security deposit of $1,500 for Solo Operators and $2,500 for Team Operators. All other full owner operator upfront payment requirements are based on the full scope of the transaction and the applicant’s financial strength. Contact us for more information.

FAQs – TEL Business Startup

Becoming an owner-operator is starting your own business. At TEL, we try to make the process as easy as possible. Through TEL’s Lease Purchase program, the costs to begin your business are significantly minimized. For more information, contact us at info@tel360.com or call 423-214-3915.

Contact TEL at info@tel360.com or call 423-214-3915, and we will be more than happy to walk you through the process of becoming an owner-operator.