Sterling

Mehmi Financial Group helps businesses finance and lease Sterling equipment, including transportation equipment, in Canada and the USA. As a brokerage, we compare options from banks, equipment finance companies and alternative lenders for new and used Sterling units, from dealer purchases to private sales. Approval, rates and terms are set by each lender.

About Sterling Trucks

Sterling Trucks was a heavy- and medium-duty truck brand owned by Freightliner and later Daimler Trucks North America from 1997 to 2009, according to its history. In October 2008, Daimler announced it would discontinue the Sterling brand in March 2009. Sterling trucks are no longer built, but many remain in service.

Sterling trucks on our list

Our eligible equipment list includes the Sterling A-Line and L-Line, which were common as vocational trucks (dump, mixer, plow) and regional tractors.

Financing an older Sterling truck

Because every Sterling is now at least 17 years old, financing focuses on condition. Lenders review mileage, engine and transmission rebuild history, frame and body condition, and how the truck earns revenue. Many lenders have maximum age limits, so fewer of them will finance an older Sterling, and terms may be shorter with a larger down payment.

What helps

Rebuild invoices, recent inspection reports and a clear plan for the truck's work make the biggest difference. For vocational trucks, the body (dump, mixer or plow) may hold significant value and should be documented.

How Sterling equipment financing works

Most Sterling purchases are financed with an equipment loan or a lease. A loan gives you ownership from day one, with the lender registering a security interest (PPSA in Canada, UCC in the USA). A lease keeps title with the lessor and can lower the monthly payment, with a buyout, renewal or return option at the end.

What lenders check on a Sterling transportation equipment

Lenders look at model year, odometer reading, engine and emissions history, and your driving or operating experience. Long-haul use is often reviewed more closely than local or vocational work.

Expect to provide a credit application, recent business bank statements, the dealer quote or bill of sale with serial number and kilometres or miles, and financial statements or tax returns for larger amounts.

See the full list of eligible equipment, compare equipment financing options, or estimate payments with the equipment financing calculator.

All Sterling models with financing pages

Tax treatment of Sterling equipment

In Canada, trucks and tractors designed for hauling freight with a gross vehicle weight rating over 11,788 kg generally fall in CCA Class 16, while other trucks and vehicles generally fall in Class 10. Trailers have their own rules, so confirm the class with your accountant. With a loan, you generally claim capital cost allowance and deduct interest. With a true operating lease, lease payments are generally deductible instead. See the CRA classes of depreciable property. In the USA, Section 179 and bonus depreciation may apply; see IRS Publication 946. Always confirm with your accountant.

Can I still finance a Sterling truck?

Yes, through lenders that finance older trucks. Expect shorter terms and a larger down payment.

When did Sterling trucks stop being made?

Daimler discontinued the Sterling brand in 2009.

What do lenders check on an older Sterling?

Mileage, engine and transmission rebuilds, frame and body condition and the work it will do.

Can I finance a Sterling dump truck with the body?

Yes. The body should be documented, since it may hold significant value.

Do age limits affect Sterling financing?

Many lenders have age limits, which narrows the options for older trucks.

Can a rebuild invoice help?

Yes. Documented rebuilds and inspections are the strongest support for an older truck.