Key Takeaways
- Passenger transportation businesses owned by L-1 holders qualify on ticket and contract revenue
- Vehicle financing, insurance capital, and working capital all eligible
- Rideshare fleet operators, shuttle services, and charter bus companies all qualify
- SBA closed to L-1 holders — Bankable funds transportation businesses directly
- 48-hour decisions, funding from $50K to $5M
The US transportation sector is deeply embedded with immigrant business ownership. Taxi medallion holders, limousine company founders, shuttle service operators, and charter bus companies have historically been owned by first-generation immigrants who built their businesses from a single vehicle up. L-1 visa holders in this sector often come from transportation management backgrounds — logistics directors, fleet operations executives, or regional managers for international ground transportation companies who leverage their L-1A status to establish independent US operations.
Transportation businesses generate predictable, recurring revenue: airport contract runs, corporate shuttle agreements, wedding and event bookings, school transportation contracts. This revenue is highly fundable — it is regular, documented, and often contract-backed. The obstacle is the citizenship filter that prevents L-1 transportation operators from accessing the vehicle financing and working capital they need to grow their fleets.
Transportation Capital Products
- Vehicle acquisition financing: Sedans, SUVs, sprinter vans, minibuses, and charter coaches — asset-backed with the vehicle as collateral
- Commercial auto insurance premiums: Fleet insurance can require large upfront premiums — financing the insurance cost preserves operating capital
- Dispatch software and GPS systems: Samsara, Fleetio, and booking software subscriptions and hardware
- Airport contract requirements: Bonding and insurance certificates required by airports and municipalities to hold transportation contracts
- Working capital for driver payroll: Between client payment cycles, driver payroll requires steady working capital
Check your Bankability Score or explore vehicle financing options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. L-1 holders operating passenger transportation businesses with a US entity, EIN, SSN, and documented revenue qualify for Bankable funding. We evaluate your revenue and operating history, not your immigration status.
Yes. Sedans, SUVs, vans, minibuses, and charter coaches all qualify for vehicle financing. The vehicle serves as collateral. Minimum credit profile and operating history requirements apply.
Yes. Airport shuttle services and ground transportation companies with airport authority contracts are particularly strong qualifying profiles. The contract's recurring nature and payment reliability are positive factors in underwriting.
Rideshare fleet operators who lease vehicles to independent drivers qualify based on lease revenue. We evaluate the lease structure, driver pool stability, and bank-verified revenue. Uber/Lyft fleet accounts are accepted as revenue documentation.
Yes. Charter bus companies with documented booking revenue, CDL-certified drivers, and proper FMCSA authority qualify. We evaluate seasonal booking patterns and annual revenue rather than single-month snapshots.
Active commercial auto insurance for all vehicles in your fleet, and if applicable, livery or public carrier liability insurance. Insurance requirements vary by jurisdiction and vehicle type.
Vehicle financing decisions arrive within 48 hours. Funding, including lien registration on the vehicle title, typically completes in 5-7 business days. Used vehicles may require an inspection or appraisal.
Active TNC licensing (Transportation Network Company) is a positive factor that validates your business's regulatory status. It does not affect immigration-based eligibility — Bankable does not require a green card regardless of licensing category.