Readers’ choice: Top 5 Equipment Finance News stories of 2025

The most read stories on Equipment Finance News in 2025 reflect readers’ interest in freight bankruptcies, a lawsuit facing the largest equipment rental houses, federal government efforts to revitalize the industry and 20 equipment finance executives to keep an eye on in 2026.  

1. 8 more trucking companies go bankrupt, 2 shut down 

The freight bankruptcy saga was a key element in equipment finance during 2025, with many in the equipment industry trying to navigate increased pressure on the trucking industry. Between July 7 and Aug. 12, eight trucking companies filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and two more shut down, as tightened lending standards deepened the sector’s prolonged downturn. Lenders such as M&T Bank and Midland States Bank faced mounting pressure as the year went on, resulting in a dozen bankruptcies in October. 

2. 20 equipment finance executives to watch in 2026  

The equipment finance industry faced tariff uncertainty, regulatory pressure and shifting customer demand in 2025, resulting in tightened capital and complex risk management. As the calendar turns to 2026, equipment dealers, lenders, OEMs and service providers are innovating, refining credit strategies and creating new financing models. EFN was proud to name 20 executives to watch in 2026, leaders who are poised for success in a difficult market.  

3. Herc, H&E, Sunbelt, Sunstate, United targeted in ‘cartel’ lawsuit 

In April, an antitrust lawsuit alleged that Rouse Services, RB Global and the nation’s five largest equipment rental companies, Herc Rentals, H&E Equipment Services, Sunbelt Rentals, Sunstate Equipment, and United Rentals, formed a price-sharing cartel to coordinate rates and inflate rental prices. RB Global and United Rentals denied any wrongdoing to EFN and declared their intention to defend themselves against the accusations. Entering 2026, the case remains unresolved, with the lawsuit being combined with several others into multidistrict litigation in August and counsel being appointed for the combined plaintiffs in October. 

4. Subsidies could soar under Trump, but frozen funds worry farmers 

The expectations of renewed subsidies under President Donald Trump loomed over the agriculture industry throughout 2025 amid the administration’s freeze on federal loans and grants ahead of the March tariff rollout. While subsidies still represent possible relief for farmers, threats to capital investment and equipment financing dampened optimism. With the announcement of a $12 billion farm aid package on Dec. 8, the yearlong wait for subsidies appears to be ending. 

5. Big, Beautiful Bill a ‘major victory’ for equipment finance 

While bankruptcies, lawsuits and farm subsidy uncertainty concerned many in the equipment finance industry, the signing of the One Big Beautiful Bill on July 4 was a positive step. Equipment industry groups praised the bill’s permanent 100% bonus depreciation and expanded interest deductibility. Both elements are critical tools to spur equipment purchasing, strengthen tax certainty and support business investment. 

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