Livestock Hauling
Every head of cattle that moves between a farm, sale barn, and feedlot needs a truck — you own the truck
Livestock hauling operators transport cattle, hogs, horses, sheep, and other animals between farms, sale barns, feedlots, and processing facilities using semi-trucks with livestock trailers. The business generates revenue per loaded mile ($3.50–$7.00/mile depending on animal type, distance, and market) plus minimum load fees and deadhead surcharges. A single-truck owner-operator running 100,000 loaded miles per year at $5.00/mile produces $500,000 in gross revenue. Established operators grow by adding drivers and trailers, building direct relationships with large cattle operations that need reliable weekly hauls. The business is relationship-intensive: large feedlots and commercial cow-calf operations give repeat contracts to operators who show up on time, handle animals properly, and keep mortality rates near zero. Entry requires a CDL with the appropriate endorsements, a DOT number, and a livestock trailer ($40,000–$120,000 used).
Avg Revenue
$520K
Profit Margin
28%
Acquisition Multiple
1.5x - 3x
Startup Cost
$75K - $200K
Difficulty
3/5
How It Works
The operator maintains a CDL-A license with combination vehicle endorsements and registers as an interstate motor carrier with the FMCSA. Revenue comes from per-mile or per-load contracts negotiated directly with cattle operations, sale barns, and feedlots. Sale barn hauls are spot market — the operator is available on auction days (typically Monday-Wednesday) to haul whatever sells. Direct farm contracts provide predictable weekly revenue: a feedlot receiving 500 head per week at $4.50/loaded mile ($200–$400 per haul) generates $10,000–$20,000/month from one client relationship. The operator handles DOT compliance, animal welfare protocols (proper trailer density, watering, rest stops), and insurance ($15,000–$25,000/year for commercial livestock cargo). Rates are set by distance, species, and seasonal demand — spring cattle movement and fall weaning generates significant rate spikes.
Revenue Range
Real Acquisitions in This Category
SBA 7(a) change-of-ownership loans · NAICS 484220 · Specialized Freight (except Used Goods) Trucking, Local
Deal Size Distribution
Deal Flow Over Time
Financing Profile
Recent Comparable Deals
| Closed | State | Loan | Implied deal | Jobs | Franchise |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2025 | GA | $1.6M | $1.9M | 11 | — |
| Sep 2024 | NC | $2.5M | $3.0M | 13 | — |
| Sep 2024 | NC | $150K | $177K | 13 | — |
| Aug 2024 | NY | $100K | $118K | 12 | — |
| Aug 2024 | NY | $1.7M | $2.0M | 12 | — |
| Dec 2023 | UT | $719K | $846K | 8 | — |
| Nov 2023 | WV | $2.1M | $2.5M | 1 | — |
| Nov 2023 | WV | $350K | $412K | 1 | — |
| Mar 2023 | WI | $525K | $618K | 28 | — |
| Aug 2022 | FL | $781K | $919K | 4 | — |
Source: SBA 7(a) FOIA dataset, filtered to acquisitions (loans where business age is "Change of Ownership"). Implied deal size assumes an 85% loan-to-purchase ratio, a common SBA change-of-ownership structure. Charge-off rate shown only when 10+ loans have resolved (paid in full or charged off). Interest rates reflect last 24 months only. Actual deal values vary with equity injections, seller financing, and working capital terms.
Pros
- +Direct relationships with large cattle operations create consistent, multi-year haul contracts
- +Livestock transport is non-discretionary — animals move regardless of economic conditions
- +CDL requirement and industry relationships create a meaningful barrier to new entrants
- +Multi-truck operators can scale linearly: one truck = one revenue stream, ten trucks = ten revenue streams
Cons
- -High physical and regulatory demands: DOT compliance, hours-of-service rules, and animal welfare standards require diligence
- -Fuel and insurance costs can compress margins sharply when diesel prices spike
- -Animal mortality or injury claims carry significant liability — proper insurance and handling are non-negotiable
Best For
CDL holders with agricultural backgrounds or existing trucking operators looking to add a specialized route with strong direct-client relationships in the livestock industry
Operating Costs
At $520K revenue: fuel 28–32%, driver wages (multi-truck) 25–30%, insurance 4–5%, equipment maintenance 8–10%, permits and compliance 2–3%. Owner-operators net 35–40% running solo.
SBA Financing Estimator
Adjust the deal — see if it cash flows after debt service
Estimates only. Excludes owner compensation, capex, working capital draws, and taxes. Margin assumes average occupancy and volume. Actual SBA terms vary by lender and borrower profile.
Where to Buy
Search for trucking and specialty transport businesses including livestock hauling operations
Industry association representing sale barns and livestock marketers — useful for market context and sale barn relationships
Acquisition Score
Scores margin (30), entry multiple (25), SBA market depth (20), category risk (15), and deal momentum (10). Higher = better acquisition candidate.
Quick Facts
- Category
- service
- Difficulty
- 3/5
- Buy price
- $780K–$1.6M
Buyer's Toolkit
Essential tools to get started
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Largest business-for-sale marketplace in the US
SBA loans and business acquisition financing — get funded fast
ROBS financing — use retirement funds to buy a business tax-free
Bookkeeping for small business owners — hands-off financials
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