While you are preparing to purchase a transportation business, you will need to make several decisions, including what location you are interested in, whether to purchase an independent business or major franchise and how much capital you will allow for the deal. It is also important to investigate how much competition you will have in any specific area. You won't want to open a small transportation business right next to a major chain that offers the same services.

Once you have decided to buy a transportation business, it will take a lot of time, money and effort. You must be certain the business opportunity you are considering is right for your needs. There are many things to consider before you make the investment, including:

1. What expenses you will have, such as purchasing fees, marketing costs, royalties and inventory?

2. Does the transportation business for sale have a name or brand that is commonly recognized by the local residents?

3. How many employees will need to be hired and trained for the facility?

4. Will you will make the purchase directly or utilize the services of a transportation business broker?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Investigate franchisors that offer transportation business sales

Purchasing a franchise offers several benefits over starting up a new transportation business. An established chain comes with a well-known name and brand, a business plan that has been tried in several other locations and ongoing support from the franchisor. The company that established the franchise has done all the ground work to get the business started, so you can get a jump start into the business world. Whether you are interested in a business that rents vehicles, offers public transportation services or provides customers with the large trucks they need when moving, you can find the transportation business that best suits your interests.

I recommend: Look into transportation franchises such as Thrifty, Two Men ana a Truck and Bates International Motor Home Rental Systems. The Fun Bus offers transportation and a fitness solution for children.

Invest in a product shipping transportation business opportunity

The transportation industry has a wide array of opportunities for potential business owners. Instead of providing transportation services for people, you may be interested in the transporting of goods and products. Whether you want to start a business that ships via large trucks or on ships, or one that provides the storage containers that are used in the transportation process, you can find a franchise that will get you started.

I recommend: Own your own freight company with help from Craters & Freighters. Vital Express provides franchise opportunities for shipping via air, rail, sea or roads. Start a business that rents storage containers like PODS Enterprises.

Hire a business lawyer when you are ready to invest in a transportation business for sale

Business lawyers thoroughly cover all the details of any contract you must sign with the seller, notify you of your rights as a buyer and explain all the legal obligations you will have if you move forward with the purchase.

I recommend: Receive business law advice from Corporan & Katz and franchise law help from Stephen A. Katz.

Sell a transportation business

Current transportation business owners may decide to sell their business at some point. There are websites that small business owners can use to find a buyer for their establishments. These sites work as a transportation business brokerage and help to connect buyers and sellers who are searching for a mutually beneficial transaction.

I recommend: List your transportation business on BizBen or GlobalBX.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check with the Better Business Bureau for detailed information about the transportation business for sale you are interested in buying.
• •  Find out if transportation franchises are regulated by your state government, and if they are, how?
• •  Hire a certified public accountant to investigate the financial history of any transportation business you are looking into purchasing, explain the expenses that would be involved and help you calculate your earning potential over time.
• •  Consider working with a business broker who will assist you with the purchase.