Can a moving company get a business loan?

Moving company financing options

Moving companies (NAICS 4841 — General Freight Trucking, Local and NAICS 4842 — Specialized Freight Trucking) use three main financing tools:

• Equipment financing — covers box trucks ($40,000–$120,000 depending on size), moving vans ($50,000–$150,000), appliance dollies, furniture pads, and specialty equipment. Lender holds the vehicle title as collateral; terms run 48–72 months.
• Working-capital lines of credit — used to cover off-season payroll and operating expenses during slow months (November–February when residential moves slow significantly). A revolving line means you draw only what you need and repay as peak-season revenue comes in.
• SBA 7(a) — for established movers (2+ years) purchasing additional trucks, opening a new market, or refinancing higher-rate vehicle notes.

Seasonal cash flow — the moving company lender challenge

Residential moving demand peaks May–September (summer moves, end-of-school-year relocations) and hits troughs in November–February. Lenders underwrite on the full 12-month average, not peak-season revenue. A company with $80K/month in summer and $15K/month in winter produces roughly $50K/month average — that's the revenue base lenders use for DSCR. Document your seasonal pattern with 12+ months of bank statements to help underwriters contextualize the swing.

Local vs. interstate movers — different regulatory requirements

Local movers (intrastate only) operate under state DOT and PUC regulations — requirements vary by state. Interstate movers (crossing state lines) must register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), obtain a US DOT number, and carry FMCSA-mandated insurance coverage (minimum $750,000 for household goods carriers). Lenders verify DOT and FMCSA registration status before funding interstate operators. A lapsed DOT number can stop an application.

What underwriters look for

• 12 months of bank statements showing full seasonal cycle — lenders want to see how you manage winter.
• FMCSA DOT registration (for interstate movers) — current, no compliance violations.
• Commercial auto insurance — minimum $750,000 liability for interstate household goods.
• Customer review profile — lenders in the moving space sometimes check BBB and Google reviews for fraud/dispute patterns (unauthorized charges, damage claims).
• Use-of-proceeds clarity — truck purchase, expansion, or working capital needs a specific breakdown.

Apply at ClearValue Lending

ClearValue Lending connects moving companies with equipment lenders, working-capital providers, and SBA lenders that understand transportation seasonality. Apply through the ClearValue Lending portal — bring 12 months of bank statements, your DOT registration, commercial insurance declaration, and a truck purchase quote if applicable.