Real 2026 valuation multiples, why carrier and client diversification are everything, and how to get a free, confidential valuation.
The industry rule of thumb for logistics and freight brokerage companies is 3x to 5x annual EBITDA, similar to distribution and manufacturing businesses. Client and carrier diversification are the biggest factors that move you within this range.
These figures are industry rules of thumb, not appraisals — your actual valuation could land higher or lower than shown above depending on your specific client base and carrier network.
Revenue tied to one or two shipper clients carries more risk in a buyer's eyes than a diversified client base.
Aggressive rate competition compressing margins signals a harder-to-defend business model to buyers.
Legacy tracking and TMS systems make operations less efficient and harder for a buyer to scale post-sale.
The industry rule of thumb is 3x to 5x annual EBITDA, similar to distribution and manufacturing businesses.
Yes. A broad, reliable carrier network gives flexibility and resilience, which buyers view favorably compared to carrier-dependent businesses.
Yes, significantly. Revenue concentrated in one or two shipper clients carries more risk than a diversified client base.
Client and carrier concentration, thin margins, outdated technology, and owner dependency are the most common reasons a logistics company sells below its potential.
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