The 5,000 independent trucking contractors working for Westport, CT-based expedited carrier Velocity Express Corp. will be able to access new “lease to own” deals via a partnership Velocity is forming with Cincinnati-based Bush Truck Leasing.

Velocity said owner-operators will have the opportunity to lease equipment that ranges from cargo vans to tractors, all from the same source at very competitive rates. “Bush Truck Leasing provides the vehicle you wish, with the specifications you want, all at an affordable price,” said Jeff Hendrickson, Velocity’s COO.

Bush Truck Leasing delivers vehicles with license tags and permits affixed, so an independent contractor can take delivery of their vehicle and immediately start operating.

Under the program, contractors who sign a lease with Bush Truck Leasing will have weekly deductions taken from their settlement. Velocity will handle all the administrative work with Bush on a monthly basis

“We have been receiving numerous inquiries from drivers and have already placed independent contractors into 50 trucks,” said Michael Bush, CEO of Bush Truck Leasing. “Our fleet stands at approximately 15,000 vehicles currently and is positioned to grow dramatically as a result of this agreement.”