Should you close your trucking company or sell it?
When freight slows or an owner wants out, the reflex is to shut it down: cancel insurance, park the trucks, let the authority go inactive. But an aged authority with a clean record has value that disappears the day you close.
What you lose by closing
- Authority age. Once revoked, it can’t be revived for a new owner, and a new authority starts at zero.
- Broker setups and load board history.
- Amazon Relay access, if you have it.
- Continuous insurance history.
- The time you spent getting past new-carrier monitoring.
What a sale gets you
Buyers pay for exactly those things, because they let a new owner start booking loads on day one. Even a company with no trucks and no current freight can sell, if the authority is active, insurance is continuous and the record is clean.
Our clients have sold 1 and 2-year-old companies they were about to close. Run the numbers on yours with the valuation calculator.
Before you cancel anything
- Don’t let insurance lapse. A lapse puts the authority at risk and lowers its value.
- Keep the MCS-150 current.
- Keep the LLC or corporation in good standing with the state.
- Talk to us first. Listing is free.
When closing makes sense
Closing is the better choice when the company is a sole proprietorship, the safety record is poor (recent crashes or a Conditional rating), or there are open claims or debts. Even then, ask us before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell my trucking company if I’m not running trucks?
Yes, as long as the authority is active, insurance is in place and the company is an LLC or corporation in good standing.
What happens to my MC number if I close?
The authority becomes inactive or is revoked, and its age and history are lost to any future owner.
Next step
Find out what your company is worth before you shut it down.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Have your own attorney review any purchase agreement.