Starting a moving company requires more than just a truck and some muscle. The right equipment directly impacts your efficiency, safety, and ultimately your profitability. Whether you’re launching a one-man operation or building a fleet, understanding which equipment to invest in—and when—can mean the difference between struggling to break even and building a thriving moving business.

This comprehensive guide breaks down every piece of equipment you’ll need, from trucks and dollies to protective gear and wholesale suppliers. We’ll also provide budget-friendly starter packages so you can launch at any investment level.

Moving Trucks: Your Biggest Investment

Your fleet is the foundation of your moving business. Choosing the right trucks affects everything from fuel costs to the types of jobs you can handle.

Cargo Van (Compact Moves)

Best for: Studio apartments, small loads, courier-style deliveries

Cargo vans like the Ford Transit or Mercedes Sprinter are ideal for solo operators or companies focusing on small moves. They’re fuel-efficient, easy to park in cities, and don’t require a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in most states.

– Capacity: 1-2 rooms

– Payload: 3,000-4,500 lbs

– MPG: 14-18 city / 18-22 highway

– Cost (used): $25,000-$45,000

– Cost (new): $45,000-$65,000

16-Foot Box Truck (Entry-Level Commercial)

Best for: 1-2 bedroom apartments, small houses

The 16-foot box truck is the sweet spot for new moving companies. It handles most residential moves while remaining maneuverable enough for urban environments.

– Capacity: 2-3 rooms

– Payload: 6,000-9,000 lbs

– MPG: 10-12 combined

– Cost (used): $35,000-$55,000

– Cost (new): $65,000-$85,000

20-Foot Box Truck (Mid-Size Fleet)

Best for: 2-3 bedroom homes, medium commercial moves

Twenty-foot trucks offer significantly more space while still avoiding CDL requirements in most jurisdictions (check your state’s GVWR limits).

– Capacity: 3-4 rooms

– Payload: 8,000-12,000 lbs

– MPG: 8-10 combined

– Cost (used): $45,000-$70,000

– Cost (new): $75,000-$110,000

26-Foot Box Truck (Full-Size Commercial)

Best for: 3-4 bedroom homes, large commercial moves

The 26-footer is the largest non-CDL truck available in most states. It’s essential for companies handling full-house moves or commercial relocations.

– Capacity: 4-5 rooms

– Payload: 10,000-15,000 lbs

– MPG: 6-8 combined

– Cost (used): $55,000-$85,000

– Cost (new): $95,000-$140,000

Truck Comparison Table

*Verify GVWR limits in your state; some states require CDL at 26,001 lbs GVWR

Dollies & Hand Trucks: Efficiency Multipliers

Professional movers rely on dollies to move heavy items safely and quickly. The right dolly can reduce move time by 30-50% while preventing injuries.

Standard Hand Truck (Two-Wheel Dolly)

The workhorse of any moving operation. Look for models rated for 600+ lbs with stair climbers (triangular wheels) for multi-story buildings.

– Cost: $150-$400

– Capacity: 600-1,000 lbs

– Best for: Boxes, appliances, stacked items

– Recommended: Magliner Gemini or equivalent

Appliance Hand Truck

Specially designed for refrigerators, washers, dryers, and other heavy appliances. Features ratchet straps and larger wheels for stability.

– Cost: $300-$600

– Capacity: 800-1,200 lbs

– Best for: Heavy appliances, vending machines

– Features: Ratchet straps, rubber padding, pneumatic wheels

Furniture Dolly (Four-Wheel Flat Dolly)

A flat platform on wheels used for moving dressers, sofas, and other bulky furniture that can’t stand upright on a hand truck.

– Cost: $80-$200

– Capacity: 1,000-1,500 lbs

– Best for: Large furniture, pianos (with additional equipment)

– Dimensions: 30″ x 18″ typical

Piano Board (Piano Dolly)

Essential if you plan to move pianos. These specialized boards have rubber padding and locking straps to secure pianos during transport.

– Cost: $400-$800

– Capacity: 1,500+ lbs

– Best for: Upright and grand pianos

– Note: Piano moving requires training and experience

Stair-Climbing Dolly (Electric)

Powered dollies use tracks or rotating wheels to climb stairs, reducing the physical strain on movers and preventing damage to walls.

– Cost: $2,500-$5,000

– Capacity: 400-600 lbs

– Best for: Multi-story buildings without elevators

– ROI: Pays for itself quickly in urban markets

Moving Supplies: Protecting Customer Belongings

Quality moving supplies protect your customers’ belongings and your reputation. Don’t skimp here—damaged items lead to insurance claims and bad reviews.

Moving Blankets (Furniture Pads)

Moving blankets protect furniture from scratches, dents, and dirt during transport. You’ll need dozens of these for each truck.

– Cost: $8-$20 each (wholesale)

– Recommended: 24-36 per truck

– Types: Lightweight (economy), heavyweight (pro), quilted (premium)

– Tip: Buy darker colors—they hide dirt better

Moving Straps (Tie-Downs)

Secure loads inside the truck to prevent shifting during transit. Ratchet straps are more secure than bungee cords.

– Cost: $15-$40 per strap

– Recommended: 8-12 per truck

– Types: Ratchet straps, cam buckle straps, E-track straps

– Length: 12-20 feet standard

Stretch Wrap (Shrink Wrap)

Clear plastic wrap keeps drawers closed, protects upholstered furniture, and bundles loose items together.

– Cost: $25-$50 per roll

– Usage: 1 roll per 2-3 moves

– Sizes: 15″, 18″, 20″ widths

– Tip: Buy extended-core rolls—they’re easier to handle without a dispenser

Moving Boxes

While many customers provide their own boxes, keeping a supply on hand allows you to sell packing services and handle last-minute moves.

Packing Tape & Dispensers

High-quality tape prevents box failures. Buy in bulk and always have dispensers ready.

– Cost: $2-$4 per roll (wholesale)

– Usage: 1 roll per 10-15 boxes

– Tip: Use 2-3″ wide, 2.0+ mil thickness for heavy boxes

Truck Equipment: Load Management

Specialized truck equipment improves efficiency and safety while reducing property damage claims.

Lift Gates

Hydraulic lift gates allow one person to load heavy items safely. Essential for heavy appliance and commercial moves.

– Cost: $3,000-$6,000 (installed)

– Capacity: 2,500-3,500 lbs

– Best for: Heavy items, palletized goods

– Note: Reduces payload capacity due to weight

Loading Ramps

Aluminum loading ramps are lighter and less expensive than lift gates. Required for hand trucks and appliance dollies.

– Cost: $500-$1,500

– Length: 8-12 feet

– Capacity: 1,500-2,500 lbs

– Storage: Mounts under truck body

E-Track Systems

E-track is an aluminum rail system installed on truck walls and floors. It provides multiple anchor points for straps and load bars.

– Cost: $200-$500 per truck

– Benefits: Flexible tie-down points, faster loading

– Accessories: Load bars, D-rings, rope tie-offs

Load Bars (Cargo Bars)

Spring-loaded or ratcheting bars create temporary walls to prevent load shifting. Critical for stacked loads.

– Cost: $40-$100 each

– Recommended: 4-6 per truck

– Sizes: Adjustable 89″-105″

Toolbox & Organizers

Keep straps, blankets, tape, and small tools organized and protected from weather.

– Cost: $300-$800

– Features: Weatherproof, lockable, mounted to truck frame

– Contents: Straps, tape, box cutters, tools, cleaning supplies

Protective Gear: Safety First

Moving is physically demanding and potentially dangerous. Proper protective gear reduces injuries and keeps your crew working.

Back Support Belts

Back injuries are the #1 cause of missed work in the moving industry. Support belts remind workers to lift properly and provide compression.

– Cost: $25-$60 each

– Features: Adjustable compression, breathable material

– Policy: Require on all jobs

Work Gloves

Gloves protect hands from splinters, sharp edges, and blisters while improving grip.

– Cost: $10-$30 per pair

– Types: Leather (durability), synthetic (breathability), padded (comfort)

– Stock: Keep multiple sizes available

Steel-Toe Boots

Protect feet from dropped items and provide ankle support on stairs and uneven surfaces.

– Cost: $100-$200 per pair

– Features: Steel or composite toe, slip-resistant sole

– Requirement: Industry standard for all movers

Knee Pads

Essential for movers who frequently work on their knees wrapping furniture or navigating tight spaces.

– Cost: $20-$50 per pair

– Types: Soft cap (comfort), hard cap (durability)

Hard Hats (Commercial Moves)

Required for commercial and industrial moving jobs. Protect against overhead hazards.

– Cost: $15-$40 each

– Standard: ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 compliant

Starter Equipment Packages

We’ve created three starter packages based on common budget levels. Each assumes you’ll finance or lease your truck.

Budget Package ($8,000)

For the solo operator starting with a used cargo van or small box truck.

*Remaining budget for licensing, insurance, marketing, and operating capital*

Professional Package ($20,000)

For the serious entrepreneur launching with a 16-20 foot truck and one employee.

*Remaining budget for truck down payment, insurance, marketing, and operating capital*

Fleet Package ($40,000)

For launching with multiple trucks and a complete equipment setup.

*Remaining budget for truck down payments, insurance, marketing, and operating capital*

Where to Buy Moving Equipment Wholesale

Buying at wholesale prices can reduce equipment costs by 30-50%. Here are the best sources for moving companies.

Uline

The largest distributor of shipping and moving supplies in North America. Excellent for boxes, tape, stretch wrap, and organizational supplies.

– Best for: Boxes, tape, stretch wrap, packing materials

– Minimum order: None

– Shipping: Fast, nationwide

– Website: uline.com

U-Haul Dealer Program

Become a U-Haul dealer to access wholesale pricing on boxes and supplies. Also provides an additional revenue stream through equipment rentals.

– Best for: Boxes, moving supplies, rental income opportunity

– Requirements: Retail location preferred

– Benefits: Wholesale pricing, marketing support

– Website: uhaul.com/dealer

Amazon Business

Amazon Business offers bulk pricing and business accounts with net-30 payment terms. Great for dollies, straps, and smaller equipment.

– Best for: Dollies, straps, protective gear, tools

– Benefits: Fast shipping, easy returns, business pricing

– Tip: Look for “Business Price” on eligible items

– Website: business.amazon.com

Direct from Manufacturers

For large orders, buying directly from manufacturers can save 40-60%. Contact Magliner (dollies), Wesco (appliance trucks), and Dickies/Magid (protective gear).

– Best for: Large quantity orders

– Minimums: Vary by manufacturer

– Lead time: 2-6 weeks typical

Local Equipment Dealers

Check for local material handling equipment dealers. They often carry used equipment at significant discounts and can service what they sell.

– Best for: Used equipment, local service

– Advantage: See before you buy, local support

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to start a moving company?

Starting a moving company typically costs between $8,000 and $100,000 depending on your approach. A one-person operation with a used cargo van can launch for under $10,000, while a multi-truck operation requires $50,000-$150,000. For a complete breakdown, see our Complete Guide to Service Business Startup Costs.

Do I need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate a moving truck?

In most states, you don’t need a CDL for trucks under 26,001 pounds GVWR. This includes most 16-foot and 20-foot box trucks, as well as 26-foot trucks with lower payload ratings. Always verify your state’s specific requirements before purchasing.

Should I buy or lease my moving trucks?

Leasing offers lower upfront costs and maintenance packages, making it ideal for new businesses. Buying provides equity and lower long-term costs once established. Many successful movers start with used trucks, then upgrade to new purchases or leases as cash flow improves.

What insurance do I need for a moving company?

At minimum, you need general liability insurance, commercial auto insurance, and cargo insurance. Most states also require workers’ compensation if you have employees. Consider additional coverage for goods in transit and umbrella policies for larger operations.

How many moving blankets do I need per truck?

Plan for 2-3 moving blankets per room you’ll be moving. For a 26-foot truck handling full-house moves, 36-48 blankets is standard. It’s better to have too many than too few—customers notice when furniture isn’t properly protected.

Can I make money with just a cargo van?

Yes, many successful moving companies started with a single cargo van focusing on small moves, studio apartments, and delivery services. The key is targeting the right market segment and building a reputation for reliability before expanding.

What’s the most important piece of moving equipment?

A quality hand truck (dolly) provides the highest ROI. It prevents injuries, speeds up moves, and allows one person to handle items that would otherwise require two. Invest in a professional-grade model rated for at least 600 pounds.

Ready to Start Your Moving Company?

The right equipment is just the beginning. Azgari Foundation helps entrepreneurs launch profitable service businesses without franchise fees. From business planning and SBA financing to operational systems and marketing, we provide the guidance you need to succeed.

Schedule a free consultation to discuss your moving business goals and get a personalized equipment checklist based on your budget and target market.

Azgari Foundation · azgari.org ·
Shop ·
YouTube ·
See If You Qualify