Who Usually Buys
- Van line agents
- Agents from other markets who want a station near the fleet.
- Logistics companies
- Freight and warehouse firms adding household goods work.
- Local competitors
- Movers who want more trucks, more storage and a known name.
Where the Moves Come From
Buyers start by sorting your revenue. Military moves booked through a van line, local residential moves, office moves and storage income each carry different margins and risks. A company with a good mix is easier to finance.
If one van line or one program sends most of the work, a buyer will ask what happens if that relationship ends. Our guide on selling a company with one large customer covers that worry.
The Summer Peak
Most military orders cluster in late spring and summer. Buyers will look at how you staff the peak, how much you rely on temporary labor and how the slow months cover fixed costs.
Trucks, Warehouse and Storage
Fleet age, mileage and maintenance records matter. So does the warehouse. Storage vaults that stay full through the year are steady income, and buyers value them. If you own the building, see keeping your building when you sell the business.
Claims and Reputation
Damage claims, their cost and how they were settled tell a buyer a lot about your crews. So do reviews and repeat corporate customers. Keep a simple log of claims for the past few years.
Have These Ready
- Revenue split by military, residential, commercial and storage
- Fleet list with year, mileage and ownership or lease terms
- Agency agreements and their transfer terms
- Crew size in peak and off season
Movers carry large crews, so the VEC experience rating transfer is worth reading. When you want a number, request a sale estimate.