Cargo Van Business For Sale

When you see a "cargo van business for sale" listing, what's actually being sold varies dramatically depending on the type. An Amazon DSP route is a different kind of asset than a 1-van independent courier business. This article walks through what's actually for sale in each category and how to evaluate the deal.

It's part of the Cargo Van Business guide.

Talk to a small-business attorney before signing any asset purchase agreement. Vehicle businesses often have liens on the vehicles, customer contracts that may not be assignable, and (for DSP routes) Amazon-specific transfer requirements. Don't sign without legal review.

Type 1: Amazon DSP for sale

When an existing Amazon DSP route owner wants to sell, they're typically selling:

  • Operational rights to continue the Amazon DSP contract (subject to Amazon's approval of the new owner)
  • A fleet of 20-40 vans (owned or leased)
  • Existing employee relationships (drivers, dispatchers, managers)
  • Lease or ownership of any operating facilities (parking lot, dispatch office)
  • Operating history and metrics

DSP routes typically sell for prices in the high six figures to low seven figures, depending on the route size, profit margins, and Amazon relationship quality. Amazon has its own approval process for DSP transfers, so the deal isn't done until Amazon signs off.

Critical: Amazon controls the contract relationship. If Amazon doesn't approve the buyer or decides not to renew the contract, the value of what you bought drops to whatever the vans and equipment are worth as standalone assets. The "intangible" value of the route is entirely contingent on Amazon's continued willingness to use you.

Type 2: Independent delivery / courier business for sale

A solo or small-fleet independent courier business with established customer contracts is sometimes available for sale. What's being sold:

  • The vehicle (or vehicles)
  • Customer contracts (where assignable)
  • Customer relationships (where not formally contracted)
  • Routes or recurring deliveries
  • Phone number and online presence

These businesses typically sell for 1.5x-2.5x annual SDE for solo operations. A solo independent courier generating $35,000 SDE typically sells for $50,000-$90,000 including the van.

Type 3: Moving and hauling business for sale

A moving and hauling business sale usually includes:

  • The truck or van
  • Moving equipment (dollies, blankets, straps, ramps)
  • Customer database
  • Online reviews and reputation
  • Local contractor relationships (real estate agents, property managers)

Typical pricing: 1.5x-3x annual SDE depending on customer concentration and equipment value.

What to ask for

Regardless of type:

  1. Three years of bank statements showing actual revenue
  2. Three years of tax returns
  3. Vehicle titles and any UCC liens on the equipment
  4. Customer list with revenue per customer (or per route for DSP)
  5. Insurance certificates and claims history
  6. Any pending lawsuits, complaints, or regulatory issues
  7. For DSP: documentation of the Amazon relationship including any performance metrics, contract amendments, and recent communications about the route

What to inspect

Vehicles:

  • Service records for every vehicle
  • Mileage and condition inspection
  • Mechanical inspection by an independent mechanic
  • Title and lien check

Customer base:

  • Verify customer addresses are real
  • Where possible, contact a sample of customers to confirm they actually use the service
  • Check the assignment language in any written contracts

For DSP specifically:

  • Talk to current employees about morale and turnover
  • Review Amazon's performance metrics for the route
  • Confirm the contract isn't on probation or warning status
  • Understand exactly what Amazon's approval process for the transfer looks like

Red flags

  • Seller refuses financial documentation
  • High customer concentration (one customer = high risk)
  • Bank statements don't match claimed revenue
  • Vehicles have obvious deferred maintenance and seller won't price-adjust
  • For DSP: Amazon hasn't been informed of the sale or won't comment on the transfer
  • Driver turnover is high (for DSP) and seller can't explain why
  • Asking price is more than 3x SDE

Deal structure

A reasonable structure for a small cargo van business sale:

  • Asset purchase, not stock purchase
  • 30-50% cash down with seller financing for the rest
  • Performance contingency if customer retention falls below threshold
  • Non-compete from seller
  • 30-90 day transition with the seller introducing customers

For DSP specifically, the structure usually requires Amazon approval of the buyer before closing, which can extend the timeline to 90-180 days.

What we'd actually do

For a first-time cargo van business buyer, the lowest-risk deal is buying a small independent courier business with 1-3 vans, a documented customer base, and a clear transition plan. Avoid Amazon DSP for first-time buyers because the complexity and capital requirements are too high.

Next steps

Or back to the Cargo Van Business guide for the rest.

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