How to sell your trucking company: step by step
Selling a trucking company is simpler than most owners expect, as long as it’s done as a proper company sale. Here’s the full process from first estimate to money in your account.
Step 1: Know what it’s worth
Start with our free valuation calculator. Authority age, safety record, insurance history and broker setups drive most of the price. Read what makes a trucking company valuable.
Step 2: Get your house in order
Keep insurance active, bring your MCS-150 up to date, and gather your documents. See how to prepare your company for sale.
Step 3: List it
Submit your company. We review it, agree on an asking price with you, and publish a listing that shows the key facts without revealing your MC or USDOT number.
Step 4: Pre-qualified buyers sign an NDA
Buyers must pre-qualify and sign an NDA before seeing your numbers. That keeps tire-kickers and scammers away from your company.
Step 5: Letter of intent and deposit
The buyer signs a letter of intent and places a 10% deposit with Escrow.com. They then have 14 days of due diligence.
Step 6: Closing
Both sides sign the purchase agreement. The buyer funds escrow, ownership of the company passes to the buyer, and escrow releases your payment. Our fee comes out of the proceeds at closing.
Step 7: Hand over
The buyer updates FMCSA, state and IRS records with the new owners, and files their own insurance. Don’t cancel your insurance until the buyer’s is on file. Make sure your name comes off the FMCSA records as a company official, and keep copies of the signed agreement.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to sell a trucking company?
Once a buyer signs a letter of intent, most deals close in 2 to 6 weeks. Time to find a buyer depends on price and the company’s record.
How much does it cost to sell?
Listing with MCDOT Sales is free. We only earn a fee when the sale closes, paid from the proceeds.
Can I sell if my company is a sole proprietorship?
A sole proprietor’s USDOT number can’t go with a sale, so the authority can’t be sold. Talk to us about your options.
Next step
Listing is free. We only get paid when you do.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Have your own attorney review any purchase agreement.