Tow Truck Pricing Guide: What to Charge in 2026
Towing pricing varies more than any other automotive service — by class, by region, by time of day, by who's paying. This guide gives you real 2026 ranges plus the math behind how a profitable towing operator builds a price list.
Light-duty (passenger car) pricing
Light-duty is the highest-volume, lowest-margin work. Cash retail rates differ massively from motor-club rates.
- •Cash retail hook fee: $95-$175
- •Per loaded mile: $4-$7
- •Motor club rate (AAA, Geico, Agero): $50-$95 hook + $2-$4/mile
- •After-hours surcharge (10pm-6am): $50-$100
- •Lockout: $65-$125
- •Jump start: $65-$100
- •Fuel delivery: $65-$100 + cost of fuel
Medium-duty pricing
Medium-duty (Class 4-6) is the sweet spot — better margins than light-duty, less capital than heavy.
- •Hook fee: $250-$500
- •Per loaded mile: $7-$12
- •Hourly on-scene rate: $175-$275/hr
- •Box truck winchout: $250-$500
- •After-hours surcharge: 50-100% adder
- •Storage: $50-$100/day
Heavy-duty pricing
Heavy-duty (Class 7-8 + tractor-trailer) is where towing operators make real money. Pricing reflects equipment cost.
- •Hook fee: $750-$1,500
- •Per loaded mile: $12-$22
- •Hourly on-scene rate: $400-$650/hr
- •Recovery (overturned, off-road): $500-$1,200/hr
- •Air-cushion recovery: $1,500-$3,500 setup + hourly
- •Decking/undecking: $200-$500
- •Storage: $125-$350/day for tractor + trailer
Motor club vs cash math
Motor club work pays the bills but doesn't build the business. The right ratio depends on your market.
- •Motor club margin: 8-18% after fuel, payroll, equipment
- •Cash retail margin: 35-55%
- •Police rotation: middle ground — steady, fair-pay states only
- •Target mix in year 2-3: 40-60% cash, 30-40% motor club, 10-20% police/PPI
- •Pure motor club operators almost always exit within 5 years
Frequently asked
How are tow rates regulated?
Varies by state. Most have a max-rate filing for police rotation and PPI (non-consent). Cash retail is usually unregulated. Always check your state DOT/PUC.
Should I take motor club contracts?
In year 1, yes — for volume. By year 3, replace at least half with cash and police-rotation work. Pure motor club kills margins.
What's the highest-margin tow service?
Heavy-duty recovery (hourly billing, specialty equipment) and accident scene cleanup. Both routinely bill 50%+ gross margin.
How do customers find a tow company?
Google "tow truck near me" (60%), motor club dispatch (25%), police rotation (10%), referrals (5%). GBP optimization is the highest-leverage marketing.
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Parts pros use for this job
- •OEM replacement parts
- •Maintenance fluids
- •Filters
Tools pros use
- •Mechanic tool set
- •OBD-II scanner
- •Jack stands
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