Transportation business valuation is the method of determining a market value for your business. Assessing the value of your company should be your first step when you are considering selling or expanding your current business. Many factors go into valuating your transportation business, such as the amount of vehicles in your fleet, the current fuel prices and the diversity of your customer base. There are plenty of valuation resources out there. It is up to you to use the best method for your company.

Getting a business assessment is an invaluable resource to help you make important business decisions. Consider these options when wanting to find your transportation business’ value:

1. Consider using informational resources like forecasting and financial reports in your valuation.

2. Invest in software to figure out your transportation business’ worth yourself and on your own time.

3. Consult a local appraiser and take advantage of the opportunity to work closely with them.

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

Look to business reports and analyses to appraise a transportation business' unique sector

One way to gauge your transportation business' worth is by consulting industry-specific financial and market reports and analyses. These give you all of the information you will need when valuating your transportation business. A general economic report will show how the economy is doing as a whole. A transportation industry-specific report will go into much greater detail regarding the performance of the sub-division you are in, such as wedding or corporate transportation.

I recommend: Infiniti Research will provide all of the transportation industry and market information you need to complete an accurate transportation business valuation. When you’re looking for transportation industry reports or any other kind of industry financial reports, look to First Research. They have comprehensive information packets on the different sub-divisions of the transportation industry, such as the trucking industry.

Purchase specialized software to appraise a transportation business on your own

Learn how to value a business by using helpful transportation business valuation software. The factors and formulas created especially for valuing a transportation business are included, meaning you will get a report tailored specifically to your industry and particular business. Being able to value your business can help obtain financing if you ever want to sell your transportation business or purchase a new fleet of vehicles.

I recommend: RDS Associates offers a software called BizPricer that can determine the market value of any type of transportation business that has at least three years of income and expense data. Business-Valuations.biz is an online tool that allows you access to their business valuation tool for the specific amount of time you purchase.

Work with a valuator and purchase a transportation appraisal that is specific to your business

Not all business valuations are the same. A local appraiser will be able to meet with you and explain the different reports and formulas that are necessary for a proper and accurate transportation business valuation. A valuator in your area will have a better idea of regional economics, giving you advice to help you make sound business choices when it comes to expanding or selling your business, for example.

I recommend: Banister Financial in Charlotte, North Carolina has many years of experience in performing business valuations for companies of all sizes in the transportation industry. Work with Apogee Business Valuations in Framingham, Massachusetts when you are looking for a transportation business valuation company who will do your assessment right the first time.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many accountants have experience in transportation business valuation. If you currently have an accountant, consider utilizing their services.