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Guide 9 min read Updated May 6, 2026

Two Men and a Truck Franchise Cost (2026): $185K–$610K Moving

Two Men and a Truck franchise startup costs run $185K–$610K — the largest franchised moving company in the US, with non-discretionary demand driven by residential and commercial relocation.

Two Men And A Truck franchise costs at a glance

Total investment $185,000–$610,000
Franchise fee $50,000
Royalty 6%
Ad / marketing fee 1%
Liquid capital required $80,000
Net worth required $300,000
Source: Two Men And A Truck Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) · as of 2026-05-06. Figures vary by market and site; verify against the current FDD before signing.

Key takeaways

  • Total estimated startup cost: $185K–$610K (residential + commercial moving services)
  • Franchise fee: $50,000
  • Ongoing royalty: 6% of gross sales
  • Advertising fee: 1% of gross sales
  • Net worth requirement: $300K+; liquid capital requirement: $80K+. Recession-resilient — moving demand persists across economic cycles.

Total startup cost breakdown

Per Two Men and a Truck's current FDD, total estimated initial investment runs approximately $185K–$610K. Moving truck acquisition and operational fleet size drive most of the range — a one-truck startup is at the lower end; multi-truck operations with warehouse space for storage services are at the higher end. Major cost categories include:

  • Franchise fee: $50,000
  • Moving trucks (purchase or lease, 1–3 trucks for initial operations): $60K–$250K
  • Office and operations space (lease deposit, build-out): $15K–$50K
  • Equipment (furniture pads, dollies, straps, boxes, wrapping materials): $10K–$25K
  • Technology (dispatch, scheduling, CRM, routing software): $5K–$15K
  • Vehicle signage and branding: $5K–$15K
  • Initial marketing and lead generation: $10K–$30K
  • Training and pre-opening preparation: $8K–$20K
  • Insurance (commercial auto, cargo, general liability, workers comp): $15K–$40K
  • Licenses, DOT authority, and regulatory compliance: $5K–$15K
  • Working capital reserve: $25K–$75K

Ongoing fees and royalty structure

Two Men and a Truck charges a 6% royalty on gross sales and a 1% advertising fee — one of the lowest ad fee structures in the service franchise sector. The 6% royalty is mid-range for moving franchises; the 1% ad fee reflects that local market lead generation (local digital advertising, referrals, and repeat business) is the primary growth driver rather than national media campaigns.

Net worth and liquid capital requirements

Two Men and a Truck requires a minimum net worth of $300K+ and liquid capital of $80K+. Commercial vehicle insurance requirements are a notable cost consideration — moving companies carry commercial auto, cargo, general liability, and workers compensation coverage, which can run $15K–$40K annually depending on fleet size and territory. Franchisees should factor insurance costs into their total operating expense model.

Financing options for Two Men and a Truck franchisees

Two Men and a Truck is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA loan processing. At $185K–$610K, the investment range spans SBA 7(a) and larger commercial financing structures. Key financing options include:

  • SBA 7(a) loan: Covers franchise fee, truck acquisition, equipment, and working capital. Strong fit for the $185K–$400K range.
  • Commercial vehicle financing: Moving trucks can be financed on commercial auto loans or commercial vehicle leases secured by the trucks.
  • Equipment financing: Moving equipment (dollies, pads, straps, specialized furniture-moving tools) can be financed on small equipment loans.
  • Working capital line of credit: Revolving facility for managing seasonal cash flow (moving demand peaks in spring/summer).
  • Section 179 deduction: Qualifying truck and equipment purchases may be immediately expensed under IRS Section 179.

What lenders look for in a Two Men and a Truck franchise application

Two Men and a Truck is on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA loan eligibility. At $185K–$610K, SBA 7(a) is the primary path. Here is what underwriters evaluate:

  • DSCR 1.25×–1.35× on moving service revenue pro forma: SBA SOP 50 10 8 sets the minimum DSCR at 1.15×; SBA participating lenders for franchise startups typically require 1.25×–1.35×. For Two Men and a Truck, lenders build the pro forma from FDD Item 19 average annual revenue for comparable franchises, then model the 7% combined royalty/ad fee, fleet insurance ($15K–$40K/yr), labor, lease, and fuel costs to project net cash flow. Seasonal demand peaks in spring/summer are factored into year-round DSCR calculations.
  • Equity injection 10–20% of project cost: Per SBA SOP 50 10 8, borrowers must inject equity from personal funds not borrowed for this purpose. At $185K–$610K, that runs $18K–$122K. Multi-truck builds at the higher range of the investment typically require 20%; single-truck startups near the floor may qualify at 10%.
  • Net worth $300K+ per franchisor requirement: Lenders verify the borrower meets Two Men and a Truck's minimum net worth threshold ($300K+) in addition to liquid capital ($80K+) requirements, beyond SBA equity injection standards.
  • Commercial vehicle and cargo insurance documentation: Lenders require proof of commercial auto, cargo, general liability, and workers compensation coverage at application — underwriters view inadequate insurance coverage as an operational risk that can result in catastrophic uninsured losses.
  • Moving operations or business management experience: Prior moving company experience is not required, but lenders assign lower risk to operators with demonstrated logistics, field services, or multi-crew business management background.

Apply at ClearValue Lending

ClearValue Lending works with moving and logistics service franchise operators at every stage of fleet expansion. Start at small business financing or apply at Find my match. Your file routes to the funding partners best matched to your file. Use our business loan calculator to model costs.

Sources

  • Two Men and a Truck is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA loan eligibility. SBA Franchise Directory
  • SBA 7(a) loans finance franchise startups including truck acquisition, equipment, and working capital. SBA 7(a) Loan Program
  • Qualifying moving truck and equipment purchases may be immediately expensed under IRS Section 179. IRS Publication 946
  • All Two Men and a Truck franchise cost and fee data derives from the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) filed under the FTC Franchise Rule. FTC Franchise Rule — Buying a Franchise: A Consumer Guide
  • Census County Business Patterns data shows moving and storage services (NAICS 4841) among the most resilient service-sector small-business categories, with consistent establishment growth through recent economic cycles. U.S. Census Bureau — County Business Patterns

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Two Men and a Truck franchise cost in 2026?
Per the current FDD, total estimated initial investment runs $185K–$610K. Moving truck count and whether you include storage services determine where in the range a specific project lands.
What is Two Men and a Truck's royalty and ad fee?
Two Men and a Truck charges a 6% royalty on gross sales and a 1% advertising fee — one of the lowest ad fee structures in the service franchise sector.
Why is moving considered recession-resilient?
Moving demand is driven by life events — job changes, family formation, divorce, retirement, and estate transitions — that occur across economic cycles. While discretionary moves (upgrading to a larger home) may slow in recessions, necessary relocation demand (job-driven moves, lease expirations) remains relatively stable.
What are the insurance requirements for a Two Men and a Truck franchise?
Moving franchises require commercial auto insurance (for the trucks), cargo insurance (for customers' property in transit), general liability, and workers compensation. Annual insurance costs can run $15K–$40K depending on fleet size and territory. Factor these costs into your operating expense model.
Can I use SBA financing for a Two Men and a Truck franchise?
Yes. Two Men and a Truck is on the SBA Franchise Directory. SBA 7(a) is the primary path, particularly for the lower end of the investment range. Commercial vehicle financing for the moving truck fleet is a common supplement.
What DSCR do lenders require for a Two Men and a Truck SBA loan?
SBA SOP 50 10 8 sets the minimum global DSCR at 1.15× — projected net cash flow must cover all debt obligations at 1.15× or better. Most SBA participating lenders require 1.25×–1.35× for franchise startups. For Two Men and a Truck, lenders build the DSCR from FDD Item 19 average annual revenue for comparable franchises, adjusting for the 7% combined royalty/ad fee, commercial fleet insurance, labor, fuel, and lease costs. Seasonal demand peaks (spring/summer moving season) are factored into the annual DSCR. Source: SBA SOP 50 10 8 (https://www.sba.gov/document/sop-50-10-lender-development-company-loan-programs).
How much equity injection is required for a Two Men and a Truck SBA loan?
Borrowers must inject equity from personal funds — not borrowed for this purpose — per SBA SOP 50 10 8. For Two Men and a Truck's $185K–$610K range, equity injection runs $18K–$122K (10–20% of project cost). Multi-truck builds near the top of the range typically require 20%; single-truck startups near the floor may qualify at 10%. Equity is documented at closing with bank statements showing funds seasoned in the account for 60+ days.
Summary:

Two Men and a Truck franchise startup costs run $185K–$610K — the largest franchised moving company in the US, with non-discretionary demand driven by residential and commercial relocation.

This article is for educational purposes and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Rates, fees, qualification requirements, and product availability are illustrative ranges that vary by lender, market conditions, and individual business profile. ClearValue Lending is a funding platform; all financing is subject to lender partner approval and terms. Always read your contract end-to-end and verify specific numbers before signing.

https://clearvaluelending.com/franchises/two-men-and-a-truck/cost-to-start

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