Lease-to-purchase, explained in full
Treated like an owner-operator without the capital risk of buying a truck outright. Here is exactly how the program works.
The path to ownership
- 1
Pick your truck
Choose from Freightliner, Kenworth, or Peterbilt. We'll source new units if you want something specific.
- 2
Drive and earn
Dispatch books steady loads. Your earnings scale with your miles.
- 3
No repair surprises
Engine, transmission, drivetrain — major repairs covered during the lease. You drive, we cover the unexpected.
- 4
Truck is yours
End of the lease term, the title transfers to you. No balloon payment, no surprises.
What the lease costs
Your lease cost is a fixed weekly base plus the per-mile maintenance plan — there is no separate lease charge on top.
Fixed weekly base
Currently $925 to $1,100 per week depending on the truck. The base covers the truck, plates, and base insurance.
Per-mile maintenance plan
15¢ per mile covers all truck and trailer mechanical breakdown and maintenance. 22¢ per mile also covers tire and brake wear and tear. Negligence, blowouts, and damage caused by driver actions are excluded.
Breakdowns & downtime
For a covered major breakdown, RUNFOREST handles the covered repair path and dispatch helps you get moving again. If you are broken down for more than 24 hours, the lease is prorated for the covered downtime.
Questions every driver should ask
What is the truck's actual purchase price?
There is no one-price-fits-all number because it depends on the exact VIN, year, and spec. RUNFOREST shows the truck-specific purchase price on the lease worksheet before you sign, along with the lease term and title-transfer terms.
What is the weekly payment, and what's included?
Your lease cost is a fixed weekly base plus the per-mile maintenance plan — there is no separate lease charge on top. Current weekly bases run from $925 to $1,100 depending on the truck, and the base covers the truck, plates, and base insurance. The per-mile portion is the maintenance plan, either 15¢ or 22¢ per mile depending on your coverage.
Who pays for maintenance during the lease?
Maintenance is built into the lease as a per-mile plan — either 15 CPM or 22 CPM. At 15 CPM it covers all truck and trailer mechanical breakdown and maintenance; at 22 CPM it also covers tire and brake wear and tear. Negligence, blowouts, and damage caused by driver actions are excluded.
What happens if the truck breaks down - who covers downtime?
For a covered major breakdown, RUNFOREST handles the covered repair path and dispatch helps you get moving again. If the driver is broken down for more than 24 hours, the lease is prorated for the covered downtime.
What's the fuel discount, and how is it applied?
Drivers use the RUNFOREST Navigation app for fuel optimization and network discounts. When the driver follows the fuel optimizer, they get the best available discount through our network, see it on the app dashboard, and then see it again on the settlement.
Can I see a real settlement from a current driver?
Yes. RUNFOREST can show a recent real settlement example with private driver information removed, so you can see gross revenue, lease cost, fuel, deductions, and net pay before you decide.
What happens if I walk away in month 6? Month 18?
If you leave before completing the lease, you do not receive the title. Whether it is month 6 or month 18, the truck is returned, open balances and damage responsibility are settled, and ownership transfers only after the full lease is completed.
Where is dispatch located?
Dispatch is fully American — based right here in the USA in Woodridge, IL. When you call in, you reach our own team, not an overseas call center.
Ready to start?
Apply in 2 minutes — April follows up during our hours (Mon–Fri, 9 AM – 5 PM Central).