Local moving company with a box truck and crew

Families moving house, realtors and their clients, property managers, and small businesses relocating offices.

Hourly rate for the truck and crew, with a minimum, or a flat quote for larger jobs. Extra income from packing services, materials and heavy-item fees.

• Managing and scheduling a crew
• Estimating job size and pricing
• Customer service and handling complaints

• Many states license household goods movers and set rules on estimates, liability and consumer disclosures, so check your state agency
• Interstate moves involve federal registration and rules, so check with FMCSA before offering them
• Startup costs add up quickly: a used box truck, commercial insurance deposits, moving equipment, and cash to cover payroll before payments arrive
• Workers' compensation, payroll taxes and correct worker classification once you hire
• Heavy seasonal demand in summer and quiet winters, so plan your cash flow
• Damage and theft claims, so train your crew and keep written records

Startup costs are typically around $45,000 to $130,000, depending on your box truck, commercial insurance deposits, moving equipment and cash to cover payroll before payments arrive. Treat this as an estimate and budget for a cash buffer.

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on the number of trucks, crew size and how many moves you book. Demand is heavy in summer and quiet in winter, so plan your cash flow.

Many states license household goods movers and set rules on estimates, liability and disclosures, so check your state agency. Check with FMCSA before offering interstate moves. Also check workers' compensation, payroll taxes and correct worker classification.