General and temperature-controlled freight
Examples to help describe the request.
- Dry vans
- Refrigerated trailers
- Flatbeds and step decks
- Car carrier trailers
CANADA & UNITED STATES
Commercial trailer financing
Choose the trailer around the freight.
Explore financing for commercial trailers serving Canadian and U.S. carriers, owner-operators and specialist fleets. Compare the unit’s capacity, condition and revenue use alongside the purchase price and payment schedule.
Discuss your financing needs ↗
Start with the work the asset needs to do.
A refrigerated trailer requires a different review from a dry van. Inspect the cooling unit, insulation and service history as well as the trailer itself. For tankers or specialist units, confirm documentation and inspection requirements for the intended cargo.
- Trailer type and fit with available freight
- Frame, flooring, brakes, axles and suspension
- Refrigeration hours or specialist inspection records
EQUIPMENT FINANCING, EXPLAINED
▶ Watch video ↗A general introduction to equipment financing. Discuss the specific vehicle and transaction with our team.
Equipment and configurations to discuss.
Specialist freight
Examples to help describe the request.
- Lowboys and equipment trailers
- Tankers and livestock trailers
- Dump, chassis and other commercial configurations
- Specialist equipment and vehicle transport trailers
Brands and models are illustrative equipment examples, not a statement of affiliation or guaranteed eligibility. Availability depends on the unit, seller, business and transaction.
Compare ownership, flexibility and cash use.
| Approach | How it works | What to review |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment loan | A purchase financed over an agreed term. | Review security, down payment, total repayment and any final balance. |
| Equipment lease | Use of the asset under a contract with defined end-of-term conditions. | Compare rentals, deposit, buyout or return conditions and residual exposure. |
| Cash purchase | Pay the seller from available business funds. | Compare the upfront cash use with operating reserves and other planned spending. |
A financing label does not determine tax treatment. Canadian and U.S. rules differ, and a lease may be treated differently from a purchase depending on the agreement. Confirm deductions, sales tax and timing with your accountant.
Explore equipment leases ↗ · Compare loan and lease scenarios ↗Tax references: CRA leasing costs ↗ · IRS lease or purchase treatment ↗
Build the budget around a realistic operating case.
Before adding a reefer, compare the additional freight opportunity with refrigeration fuel, service, cleaning, insurance and seasonal demand. Include any tractor capacity needed to use it. Financing a trailer does not by itself create the work required to repay it.
This is a planning example, not a customer result or forecast. Compare a base case with lower utilization, slower customer payments and an unexpected repair.
Include more than the purchase price
Check these costs before committing to the asset.
- Deposit, delivery, inspection and setup
- Insurance, registration and operating expenses
- Maintenance reserve, downtime and any final payment
Understand the structure behind the payment.
Loan or purchase-oriented lease
A route to retaining the asset may fit a business that plans to use it for several years.
- Compare the full payment schedule and any final purchase amount.
- Check security, settlement costs and title-transfer conditions.
- Allow for maintenance as the equipment ages.
Use now, decide at the end
Some leases provide a return, renewal or purchase choice. The agreement must actually include the option.
- Review notice periods, return standards and excess-use charges.
- Confirm who determines fair market value.
- Do not assume a lower payment means a lower total cost.
Keep operating reserves in view
Cash ownership avoids a new financing payment but uses funds that may be needed elsewhere.
- Compare purchase cost with payroll and other commitments.
- Set aside maintenance and downtime reserves.
- Review the business effect of a slower-than-expected start.
Ask what happens to the residual.
For eligible commercial vehicle transactions, a TRAC lease may link an end-of-term adjustment to the difference between the vehicle’s realized value and an agreed residual. Depending on the contract, a shortfall can create an additional payment and a surplus may be credited. Availability and tax treatment depend on the location, use and structure.
- Ask who carries the resale risk and how the settlement is calculated.
- Compare the final obligation alongside the regular payment.
- Confirm whether a sale, return or purchase process applies.
What supports a financing request?
Applications are reviewed using the business, cash flow, credit profile, equipment and proposed transaction. A newer operation, a private seller or an unusual asset may need more supporting information. Explain how the asset will earn or save money and identify current obligations.
Prepare the business location and transaction currency. For cross-border purchases, discuss the seller, asset location, delivery and import requirements before making a non-refundable commitment.
Apply for financing ↗Documents to prepare
Requirements vary by transaction.
- Trailer quote, VIN, year and specification
- Inspection and refrigeration records where relevant
- Current fleet and planned freight use
- Business statements and existing debt schedule
From a requirement to a reviewed proposal.
1. Share the requirement
Describe the asset, business location, purchase price and intended use.
2. Review the details
Provide the requested documents. Discuss cost, security, payment timing and conditions.
3. Complete agreed conditions
If approved and you choose to proceed, complete the agreement and required conditions before disbursement.
Questions, answered.
Can I finance several trailers together?
A multi-unit request may be considered. List each unit, its price and condition, and explain how the additional capacity will be used. Review whether the proposal links the units under shared security and what happens if one is sold early.
Is financing available in Canada and the USA?
Mehmi supports business financing requests in Canada and eligible U.S. markets. Product availability, documentation and terms depend on the business location, asset and transaction.
What determines the down payment?
The asset, business profile, credit, valuation and proposed structure may affect the required contribution. Do not assume a zero-down arrangement is available; review the full amount due at signing.
Can I compare a lease with a loan?
Yes. Compare upfront cash, all scheduled payments, fees and the final ownership or return position. Some vehicle leases include residual exposure. Ask how any final adjustment or purchase amount is determined.
How long does a decision take?
Timing depends on the application, requested documents, verification and approval conditions. Identify any seller or project deadlines early. A discussion or application is not a commitment to fund.
Can I sell or settle the financing early?
Review the contract first. Settlement costs, security releases, notice requirements and restrictions can differ. Request a written payout figure before selling, trading or refinancing the asset.
Guides for your next step.
Trucking & Logistics Equipment Financing Canada
A Canadian guide to the documents, costs and decisions behind a financing request.
Used Equipment Financing Canada Guide
A Canadian guide to the documents, costs and decisions behind a financing request.
These articles focus on Canada. Requirements for U.S. transactions may differ.
Browse all financing articles ↗Tell us what your business needs.
Share your location, amount and purpose to begin a financing discussion.
Apply for financing ↗Financing is subject to application review and approval. Availability, costs, terms and documentation vary by business, product and location. This page provides general information and is not a financing offer.