How do I describe my snow plowing route’s equipment fleet for a buyer?

Build a fleet schedule with one line per unit: description, year, hours or kilometres, current condition, last major repair and whether it is owned, financed or leased. Attach service records and photos taken this season. A buyer can then compare your description with what they see in the yard instead of finding surprises afterwards.

Be direct about weaknesses. Note which units have been unreliable, which parts are hard to find and which pieces are due for replacement. Buyers tend to trust a seller who raises the problem first. Also say which units are needed to serve the contracts, since a route with a heavy truck that cannot be replaced quickly is one risk a buyer should price in on their own.

Then confirm what actually transfers. Equipment under a loan or lease may need the lender’s consent, and personal vehicles used partly for the business may not be part of the sale at all. Ask your lawyer how to document the transfer, and have an equipment appraiser or your accountant help with value, rather than quoting a figure yourself, and keep their report with the schedule.

Key takeaways

• Prepare one line per unit with age, condition, repairs and ownership.
• Attach service records and recent photos to the schedule.
• Disclose weak or ageing units before the buyer discovers them.
• Check which units are financed, leased or personally owned.