Whether you own a local business or a large regional company, we connect you with freight brokers who understand valuation multiples in the Transport & Retail sector.
Selling a freight brokerage is different than selling an asset-heavy trucking company. Your value lies in your shipper relationships, agent network, and proprietary technology.
Buyers in this industry are looking for specific assets: a diversified book of shippers (low concentration), a reliable carrier network, and a strong management team that can retain agents post-sale.
We start by analyzing your revenue mix. Are you primarily spot market (high volatility) or contract freight (steady volume)? Do you specialize in flatbed, reefer, or dry van?
Some owners are best served by local brokers who know the regional competition. Others, especially those with over $5M in Gross Revenue, may attract interest from national logistics firms or private equity groups looking to roll up brokerages.
• Customer Concentration – No single shipper > 20% revenue is ideal.
• Gross Margins – Healthy spreads (15%+) signal pricing power.
Buyers scrutinize specific operational metrics when valuing a logistics company.
Direct relationships with shippers are worth far more than load board freight. Buyers look for long-term contracts and "first call" status with manufacturers and distributors.
Freight brokerages are people businesses. If your top agents control 80% of the revenue, buyers will require retention agreements to ensure they stay post-closing.
Proprietary lane data and a robust TMS (Transportation Management System) are valuable IP. They allow the new owner to price competitively and scale efficiently.
To get the highest price, we don't just look at your tax returns. We work with brokers who "recast" your P&L to show the true Seller's Discretionary Earnings (SDE). In logistics, this involves specific add-backs:
Understanding the buyer landscape is critical for setting expectations. The type of buyer depends largely on your size and agent model (W2 vs. 1099).
1. Large 3PLs & Carriers:
Major logistics firms often buy smaller brokerages to acquire talent, niche shipper relationships, or technology. They pay for synergy and scale.
2. Private Equity Groups:
PE firms are active in logistics. They look for platform companies with $2M+ in Net Revenue to build regional powerhouses through acquisition.
3. Individual Investors / Industry Vets:
For smaller brokerages with SDE between $200k and $600k, the buyer is often a former logistics executive looking to own their own operation. They typically use SBA financing.
To maximize your multiple, ensure your agent agreements include non-solicitation clauses. Buyers need assurance that your sales team won't leave and take the shippers with them.
Our Advice: Diversify your shipper base. If one customer is 50% of your revenue, it's a major risk. Also, clean up your AR/AP aging reports. Buyers hate seeing 90+ day receivables.
Selling a brokerage carries specific risks. If word gets out, the damage can be immediate:
The Agent Risk:
Top-producing agents are constantly recruited. If they hear the business is for sale, they may jump to a competitor for a better commission split.
The Shipper Risk:
Shippers value stability. Competitors may use rumors of a sale to poach your accounts, claiming service levels will drop.
Our Approach: We utilize strict NDAs and "blind profiles." We market the financial performance and niche focus without revealing your name until a buyer has been vetted.
"In our first six months with Centergrowth, we secured over $3.5 million in high-quality listings across Florida. One of them received over 40 inquiries in just two days."
Joe Ram
Orlando, FL
@FL Business Brokers
"Within the first two months of partnering with Centergrowth, we secured three business listings in the Phoenix area. Centergrowth has delivered tremendous value."
Dr. Fernando Acosta
Phoenix, AZ
@First Choice Brokers
"Within just two weeks of partnering with Centergrowth, I secured two business listings in my area of Pittsburgh. We're very happy with the results."
Helen Berger
Pittsburgh, PA
@PGHBIZ Business Brokers
"It’s currently the first month of working with Centergrowth, and we’ve already signed our first listing. In addition, they’ve over-delivered on appointments."
Russell Kitzberger
Cincinnati, OH
@CincyCRE
If you are exploring a sale now or in the next few years, your first move should be speaking with someone who understands the Transport & Retail industry.
On our first call, we will discuss your revenue, assets, and exit goals. From there, we will suggest one or more brokers or M&A advisors who are best positioned to sell your specific type of business.
Centergrowth works with specialized Freight Brokerage Business Brokers in every state to help owners sell efficiently, confidentially, and for maximum value.
Don't see your specific niche listed? We likely still cover it.
Discuss Your IndustryCentergrowth works with specialized brokers in every state. Whether you are a local business or a multi-state firm, we have the network to help you sell.
If you’re a broker specializing in freight brokerage sales, our business broker lead generation can put more qualified business owners into your pipeline each week.
CLIENT SUPPORT
Support center is for existing clients only.
