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 is the largest franchised moving company in the US, with more than 350 locations across the US and internationally. Founded in Lansing, Michigan in 1985, the brand pioneered the franchise model for professional moving services and has built one of the most recognized names in residential and commercial relocation. Moving services exhibit recession-resilient demand characteristics — people move for life events (job changes, family formation, retirement) that persist across economic cycles, regardless of consumer confidence levels. This guide is for prospective Two Men and a Truck franchisees at the capital planning stage.
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:
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.
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.
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:
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:
Most Two Men and a Truck loans are SBA 7(a) term loans at 10-year terms covering franchise fee + moving truck acquisition + equipment + working capital. After 10–20% equity injection, loan amounts typically run $148K–$488K. Commercial vehicle financing for the truck fleet is often layered on top of the SBA loan — trucks are financed at favorable rates given their long useful life and resale value. See SBA 7(a) vs. equipment financing for the structural tradeoff.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
SBA SOP 50 10 7 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 7.
Borrowers must inject equity from personal funds — not borrowed for this purpose — per SBA SOP 50 10 7. 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.