Transportation
Transportation CPA and Advisory Services
There is no doubt that the transportation and logistics industry is a crucial part of our economy. Transportation companies are the link between suppliers and consumers, with companies in every market relying on transportation services to deliver materials and ship goods. Although each company has its own set of struggles, many challenges within the transportation industry are universal and impact companies of all sizes, from owner-operators to large organizations.
For over 80 years, KSM has been a partner to those in this industry and a leader in providing accounting, tax, and advisory solutions that help improve profitability, financial reporting, and tax efficiency. Our work with approximately 200 transportation companies throughout North America has given us a profound understanding of the issues and regulations unique to the industry. We know that this is a low-margin business, so we strive to find solutions for enhancing your performance and monitoring costs.
Who We Serve
With deep industry experience and cross-functional firm resources, KSM supports the full range of accounting, tax, and advisory needs for transportation companies across fleet sizes and operating models, including:
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- Dry van
- Refrigerated
- Flatbed
- Tank/bulk
- Intermodal
- LTL
- Final mile
- Brokerage
- Warehousing
I really appreciate the depth and breadth of the team across KSM’s transportation practice. The CPAs who have worked on our review and tax returns have been great.
-Don Christenson, president & CEO, Christenson Transportation Services
Transportation Solutions That Drive Growth and Profitability
KSM delivers integrated accounting, tax, and advisory solutions designed specifically for transportation companies, helping leaders gain financial clarity, manage risk, and make confident decisions that support performance today and long-term sustainability tomorrow.
KSM helps transportation companies clearly understand current and historical financial performance so leaders can make informed decisions that strengthen margins, improve cash flow, and support long-term sustainability especially in volatile freight markets.
Our audit and assurance teams bring deep transportation industry knowledge and deliver accurate, timely financial reporting tailored to the industry.
We offer a full suite of tax services, including federal and state income tax preparation and federal and state income tax analysis, planning, and structuring. We can help evaluate state tax matters with an income tax nexus analysis and explore state and local tax incentives.
With a proactive approach, we help transportation companies improve tax efficiency, reduce risk, and support stronger cash flow in a low-margin and highly regulated environment.
Using its proprietary FreightMath™ model, KSM Transport Advisors delivers data-driven insight tailored to carrier operations, helping align pricing, network balance, and operations with long-term, sustainable performance. Learn more about FreightMath and KSM Transport Advisors.
For many transportation company owners, an ESOP can be an effective strategy for ownership transition, employee engagement, and long-term business continuity. Our team evaluates whether an ESOP aligns with your strategic, financial, and cultural goals, guiding you through feasibility analysis, transaction structuring, valuation considerations, and ongoing compliance to support a smooth and sustainable transition. Explore ESOP services.
KSM’s outsourced finance and accounting services provide companies with scalable support, from day-to-day accounting to CFO-level insight, helping improve visibility into costs, cash flow, and overall performance.
Our team brings deep transportation industry experience and works with leading systems, including McLeod Software, to support accurate reporting and informed decision-making. Learn more about outsourced finance and accounting services.
KSM’s IT consulting professionals help transportation leaders evaluate, implement, and optimize technology solutions that align systems and data with the operational and reporting needs of transportation companies. Learn more about intelligent technology services.
Whether you are preparing for growth, acquisition, or transition, transportation-focused transaction advisory support is essential. KSM helps navigate mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures with financial diligence, quality of earnings analysis, and deal structuring insights so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. Explore transaction advisory services.
KSM’s transportation calculation of value provides transportation companies with clear, data-driven insight into what their business is worth, supporting informed decisions around succession, transition planning, financing, and long-term strategy. Learn more about KSM’s transportation calculation of value.
Dedicated Transportation Industry Expertise
KSM’s commitment to the transportation industry is reflected in our active involvement and leadership within transportation associations and our strong relationships with industry professionals in banking, legal, insurance, and maintenance, allowing us to share timely insight and best practices.
We regularly speak at transportation industry events, contribute to industry publications, and host forums such as our Transportation Leaders Roundtable, where owners and executives connect to discuss challenges and share practical solutions.
Our national transportation association memberships include the American Trucking Associations (ATA), Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC), Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), and Next Generation in Trucking Association (NGT).
KSM is also a member of numerous state transportation associations across the U.S.
- Alabama Trucking Association
- Arkansas Trucking Association
- Georgia Motor Trucking Association
- Illinois Trucking Association
- Indiana Motor Truck Association
- Iowa Motor Truck Association
- Kentucky Trucking Association
- Michigan Trucking Association
- Minnesota Trucking Association
- Missouri Trucking Association
- New Jersey Motor Truck Association
- North Carolina Trucking Association
- Ohio Trucking Association
- Oklahoma Trucking Association
- Tennessee Trucking Association
- Texas Trucking Association
- Trucking Association of New York
- Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association
A Strategic Partner in Transportation
In our 80+ year history, KSM has built one of the nation’s most established transportation-focused accounting and advisory practices, helping transportation companies navigate complex challenges with confidence. We work alongside industry leaders to deliver practical solutions that help strengthen performance, navigate change, and keep your business moving forward.
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