How many trucking companies are there in the US? (2026 data)
Trucking is one of the most fragmented industries in the country. DealSeam tracks roughly 1.55 million registered motor carriers from the FMCSA registry, and the vast majority are small, owner-operated fleets. That long tail of small operators — many run by owners approaching retirement — is exactly the profile consolidators look for.
Buyer interest is concentrated in carriers with stable lanes, recurring contract freight, a clean safety record (CSA scores), and a maintainable fleet. Asset-light segments like freight brokerage and 3PL command higher multiples than asset-heavy long-haul trucking because they convert more revenue to free cash flow.
For owners, fragmentation cuts both ways: it means plenty of acquirers building regional platforms, but also that scale and customer diversification materially affect your multiple. DealSeam is not a traditional business broker; where there is a fit, it introduces owners to qualified buyers, with the buyer paying the success fee so sellers pay nothing.
Where they are: top states
| State | Businesses |
|---|---|
| CA | 221,397 |
| TX | 125,679 |
| FL | 107,953 |
| NY | 92,333 |
| GA | 74,888 |
| PA | 57,675 |
Typical valuation: about 5x-9x EBITDA (3x-6x SDE for smaller, owner-operated businesses). See the full valuation & buyer guide.
Methodology & sources
Count reflects motor carrier records in DealSeam's companies database sourced from the FMCSA carrier registry as of June 2026. FMCSA records represent registered carrier businesses (by USDOT/MC number), so this is a business-level count, though it includes some inactive or single-truck operators. State is the carrier's registered state.
This is general educational information, not legal, tax, or financial advice.
Related questions
How fragmented is the trucking industry?
Extremely. With ~1.55 million registered carriers and most operating only a few trucks, no single company holds meaningful market share — the classic setup for private-equity roll-ups building regional platforms.
What multiple do trucking companies sell for?
Roughly 5x-9x EBITDA for established, professionally managed carriers and logistics businesses. Asset-light freight brokerage and 3PL operations tend toward the higher end; asset-heavy long-haul trucking toward the lower end.
Is private equity buying trucking companies?
Yes. PE and strategic acquirers are actively consolidating fragmented trucking and logistics niches, favoring carriers with recurring contract freight, strong safety scores, and diversified customers.
Thinking about selling?
DealSeam introduces owners to qualified, funded buyers off-market — confidentially, and at no cost to sellers. Start with a private conversation.