Selling with trucks vs. authority only
Some owners sell the company with its trucks, drivers and customers. Others sell the authority-holding company only and sell the trucks separately. Here’s how the two compare.
Authority-only sale
The buyer gets the LLC with its USDOT number, MC authority, history and broker setups, but no equipment. You keep or sell the trucks yourself.
- Price is driven by age, safety record, insurance history and setups.
- Faster to close, with simpler due diligence.
- Lots of buyers, especially owner-operators with their own trucks.
Operating company sale
The buyer gets the company plus its trucks, trailers, drivers and customer contracts.
- Price adds equipment equity plus a multiple of the owner’s annual profit, often 1.5 to 2.5 times for small fleets.
- More due diligence: maintenance records, driver files, contracts.
- Fewer buyers, since they need financing, but higher prices.
- Truck loans must be paid off or assumed by the buyer with the lender’s approval.
Which earns more?
If your business has steady contracts and profit, selling it whole usually brings more than selling the parts. If it has little profit, an authority-only sale plus a separate truck sale is often cleaner. Try both scenarios in the valuation calculator. Tick “Selling as an operating business” to add equipment and profit.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell my trucks separately from my company?
Yes. Many sellers sell the authority-holding company and sell or keep their trucks separately.
How are operating trucking companies valued?
Usually the authority value plus equipment equity plus a multiple of owner profit, often 1.5 to 2.5 times for small fleets.
Next step
Model both options in our calculator.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Have your own attorney review any purchase agreement.