Last updated 2025-11-25
How Much Is a Moving Company Worth?
A moving company is typically worth 1.5x to 3x its seller's discretionary earnings (SDE), based on comparable transaction data from recent moving company business sales. For a business generating $1 million in annual revenue with the sector-average 8% net margin, that translates to an estimated value between $250K and $700K. The exact figure depends on profitability, growth trajectory, customer concentration, and how dependent the business is on its current owner.
Key Takeaway
A moving company is worth 1.5x to 3x SDE ($250K to $700K on $1M revenue). Profitability, growth, customer concentration, and owner dependency determine where your business falls in this range.
Conservative
$250K
0.25x revenue
Most Likely
$450K
0.45x revenue
Optimistic
$700K
0.7x revenue
Based on $1M annual revenue. Actual value varies by earnings and risk profile.
Moving Company Value by Revenue Size
The table below estimates what a moving company is worth at different revenue levels using industry-standard revenue multiples of 0.25x–0.7x. Revenue-based estimates provide a quick benchmark, but moving company valuation multiples based on SDE and EBITDA produce more accurate results because they account for profitability differences between individual businesses.
| Annual Revenue | Conservative | Most Likely | Optimistic |
|---|---|---|---|
| $250K | $63K | $113K | $175K |
| $500K | $125K | $225K | $350K |
| $1M | $250K | $450K | $700K |
| $2M | $500K | $900K | $1.4M |
| $5M | $1.3M | $2.3M | $3.5M |
Revenue multiples: 0.25x (conservative) / 0.45x (median) / 0.7x (optimistic). For a personalized estimate using your actual earnings, run a free moving company valuation.
Three Ways to Value a Moving Company
Professional business appraisers and experienced brokers use multiple methods to triangulate a fair market value. Each method answers a slightly different question about what a moving company is worth, and the most defensible valuations weight all three.
SDE Multiple Method
Best for owner-operated moving company businesses under $5M revenue
Seller's discretionary earnings represent the total financial benefit available to one full-time owner-operator. SDE adds back owner compensation, personal perks, depreciation, and interest to net income. This is the standard valuation basis for moving company businesses where the owner actively manages day-to-day operations.
EBITDA Multiple Method
Best for larger operations with hired management
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization isolate operating profitability by removing capital structure and accounting decisions. EBITDA multiples are preferred for moving company businesses with revenue above $2M that employ a general manager, because the buyer will need to replace that role regardless of the valuation method chosen.
Revenue Multiple Method
Quick benchmark, does not account for profitability
Revenue multiples provide the simplest calculation (annual revenue times the industry multiple) but they are the least precise method because two moving company businesses with identical revenue can have vastly different profitability. Use revenue multiples as a sanity check against the SDE and EBITDA results, not as the primary valuation.
What Makes a Moving Company Worth More (or Less)
Where your moving company falls within the 1.5x–3x SDE range depends on five transportation & logistics-specific factors that buyers evaluate during due diligence. Strengthening these areas before listing can materially increase your sale price.
Fleet Condition and CDL Driver Retention
Average fleet age below 5 years and CDL driver tenure above 2 years signal a well-capitalized, well-managed operation. Driver turnover is the industry's biggest cost and operational risk.
Lane Contracts and Dedicated Routes
Contracted freight lanes with shippers provide revenue stability that spot-market dependent carriers lack. Dedicated accounts with major shippers command premium valuations.
Operating Authority and Safety Record
Clean DOT safety ratings, current operating authority, and a strong CSA score reduce regulatory risk and maintain insurability at competitive rates.
Fuel Cost Management
Fuel surcharge pass-through agreements, fuel card programs, and efficient route planning protect margins against diesel price volatility that erodes profitability in poorly managed carriers.
Technology Platform and Load Optimization
GPS tracking, ELD compliance, TMS (transportation management system), and load optimization software demonstrate operational sophistication that reduces deadhead miles and increases revenue per mile.
Ready to see where your moving company ranks? Our free valuation calculator applies risk adjustments for each of these factors and produces a weighted estimate using all three valuation methods. If you are preparing to sell, our guide to selling a moving company walks through the full process from valuation to closing.
Who Buys a Moving Company?
Entrepreneurial owner-operators with logistics experience are the most common buyers for local moving companies. National van lines and their agents acquire independent movers to expand geographic coverage. Commercial relocation firms seeking to enter residential markets occasionally acquire established local brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate the value of a moving company?
The most reliable approach uses three methods in parallel. First, calculate seller's discretionary earnings (SDE) and multiply by 1.5x–3x. Second, calculate EBITDA and apply a 3x–6x multiple. Third, apply a 0.25x–0.7x revenue multiple as a cross-check. Weighting these three estimates produces a defensible valuation range. Valzura's free calculator runs all three methods simultaneously using moving company industry data.
What multiple is used to value a moving company?
The most common multiple for smaller, owner-operated moving company businesses is 2.3x SDE (seller's discretionary earnings), within a range of 1.5x–3x. Larger operations with hired management use EBITDA multiples of 3x–6x instead. Where a specific business falls within these ranges depends on profitability, growth trends, customer concentration, and owner dependency.
How many times revenue is a moving company worth?
A moving company typically sells for 0.25x to 0.7x annual revenue, with a median of 0.45x. Revenue multiples are the simplest valuation method but the least precise because they ignore profitability differences. A moving company earning 8% net margins is worth substantially more per dollar of revenue than one earning half that margin.
What is the average profit margin for a moving company?
The average net profit margin for a moving company is approximately 8%. Businesses operating above this benchmark command higher valuation multiples because each dollar of revenue contributes more to the bottom line. Margins below the industry average compress multiples, even when top-line revenue is strong. Profit margin is one of the most significant factors buyers evaluate because it directly affects the return on their acquisition investment and the speed of payback.
How long does it take to sell a moving company?
Most moving company businesses sell within 6 to 12 months from listing to close. Businesses with clean financials, documented processes, and earnings above $500,000 SDE tend to sell faster, sometimes in 3 to 6 months. The timeline extends if the business has undocumented owner perks, inconsistent earnings, or unresolved lease or license issues that require buyer due diligence.
Find Out Exactly What Your Moving Company Is Worth
Enter your actual revenue, expenses, and owner compensation. Our business worth calculator applies moving company-specific multiples and risk adjustments to produce a personalized valuation range in under two minutes.
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