Anthony Sasso, Head of TD Equipment Finance, shares how strategic partnerships, digital tools and a disciplined approach are powering TD’s rise in the competitive trucks and trailers space.
TD Equipment Finance is making serious moves in the trucks and trailers asset class, earning recognition as a top 10 performer. In this Q&A, Anthony Sasso, Head of TD Equipment Finance, breaks down the key drivers behind that success. From tailored fleet financing and OEM partnerships to faster credit decisions and digital transformation, Sasso shares how TD Bank is staying agile in a sector defined by regulatory shifts, rising costs and evolving customer demands. For originators, dealers, and fleet operators alike, his insights offer a playbook for financing smarter and scaling with confidence in 2025.
TD Bank was recently named a top 10 company in the Trucks & Trailers asset class. What factors do you attribute to this strong performance?
Anthony Sasso: Our success reflects TD’s deep industry expertise, disciplined credit approach, and strong dealer and OEM relationships. We focus on consistency and reliability, which resonates with customers who depend on predictable financing partners.
How does TD Bank differentiate itself in the highly competitive trucks and trailers financing space?
Sasso: We combine competitive structures with relationship-driven service. Our local market coverage and industry specialists allow us to deliver flexible financing while providing customers with speed, certainty, and long-term partnership.
What trends are currently shaping your trucks and trailers financing strategy?
Sasso: Demand is being influenced by replacement cycles, regulatory shifts on emissions, and rising operating costs. We’re tailoring solutions to help customers upgrade fleets efficiently while managing cash flow.
How are customer needs evolving in the trucks and trailers space?
Sasso: Customers want faster decisions, digital ease, and financing structures that align with fleet utilization. We see heightened interest in solutions that balance upfront cost with long-term efficiency.
Can you share an example of a recent deal or financing solution that demonstrates TD Bank’s approach?
Sasso: We recently worked with a regional carrier to finance a fleet refresh, structuring terms that aligned with seasonal revenue patterns. This flexibility allowed the customer to modernize their fleet without straining liquidity.
How has technology — from credit decisioning to fleet management tools — changed the way you work with customers?
Sasso: Technology enables faster credit turnaround and gives customers better visibility into fleet performance. We’ve invested in digital tools to streamline approvals while partnering with customers on data-driven fleet decisions.
What role do partnerships (with dealers, OEMs, or other industry players) play in TD Bank’s trucks and trailers business?
Sasso: They’re critical. Strong dealer and OEM relationships create early visibility into customer needs and help us deliver competitive, tailored solutions quickly.
How does your risk management approach adapt to the unique cycles and challenges of the trucking industry?
Sasso: We balance disciplined underwriting with industry knowledge. Our team understands freight cycles, equipment values, and utilization trends, which allows us to adjust structures without overextending risk.
Looking ahead to 2025, what opportunities and challenges do you see?
Sasso: Opportunities lie in fleet modernization, particularly with cleaner and more efficient equipment. Challenges will include interest rate pressure and continued margin compression. TD is preparing by staying close to customers and investing in technology to deliver speed and flexibility.
