Category: Routes for Sale Blog

About The Route Exchange

Who We Are:

My name is Jay Armour and I am the founder, owner and operator of The Route Exchange.  I started working in the distribution business by covering for route owners that were sick, on vacation or simply needed a few days off.  Summers, winters and weekends were spent running bread routes and snack/chip routes to make money while I was in school.

After I obtained a business Masters degree I found a professional role in sales, marketing and internet advertising.  I quickly realized that spending 40+ hours per week in a cubicle was not what I wanted to do.  That was when I decided to purchase another route and re-enter the distribution route business.  After running that business for several years I decided to sell and start The Route Exchange.  My goal was to make the sales process easier and save route owners the headache of dealing with unqualified, unfunded, not serious buyers.

What We Do:

Our entire process revolves around generating interest and qualifying leads.  We post all listings on our website which attracts 4,000-5,000 users per month that are looking for route opportunities.  We take every effort to make sure that the route will get in front of as many eyes as possible.  As soon as we start receiving interest we will initiate our qualification process.  We require non-disclosure agreements, proof of funding, and ensure that the lead has a good understanding of how the business works.

Other Benefits:

The Route Exchange is designed to save our sellers and buyers their time and effort.  We offer several benefits to both parties including access to third party business funding, template purchasing paperwork and 100% no cost advertising.  Every situation is unique and I will do whatever I can to make the process easier for both the buyer and seller.

Working with Us:

There is absolutely zero risk or cost in working with us.  If you have any questions please contact us at any time.  Thank you!

How to Buy a Box Truck

Many larger routes, especially bread/snack/tortilla routes, will require a vehicle larger than an SUV or pickup truck.  These types of businesses can deliver thousands of items per week and need a truck that can handle that workload.  The most common vehicle for these types of routes is the box truck.  Some routes may include a truck in the purchase price but others will require the new owner to find and purchase their own vehicle.

Factors to Consider

Box trucks come in a variety of sizes that range from 10′ to 26′.  The average sized box truck in this business is somewhere between 14-17′.  That size truck will be adequate for almost any route that does under $10,000 per week in sales volume.  Some owners that have very high volume routes will purchase trucks that are 20′ or larger.

Other items to consider when looking at trucks is if you will need a ramp or a lift.  If your products will be delivered on pallets (for example in the dairy or drink business), you will want a liftgate to lower down your delivery.  Most route owners will be fine with a simple ramp system.  Owners that have a ramp will keep wheels or dollies on their truck which they place their delivery on.  Once the order is picked they simply roll it down their ramp and into the store.

Where to Find a Box Truck

You can find new and used box trucks through a number of sources.   First, feel free to check with other route owners to see if they know of anyone trying to sell an extra truck.  It is not uncommon for an owner to end up with multiple trucks and they are typically willing to sell them at a very fair price.

Companies such as U-Haul and Penske also sell their used trucks.  These vehicles are typically well taken care of and have great maintenance records since they have to ensure customer safety on their rentals.

Of course you can also check local car dealerships for box trucks as well.  Most dealerships have a wide array of both new and used trucks that will fit any budget.  You may even find that there is a local business that specializes in selling work trucks ranging from 10′ box trucks to semi trucks and other equipment.