What You May Not Know About the Truck Towing Industry
November 30, 2022
We’ve all seen cars being towed before – but have you ever thought about truck towing?
There’s an old adage that says sometimes you’re the hammer, sometimes you’re the nail. Most of the time, commercial trucks are the ones hauling a heavy load. But sometimes they may need to be the ones getting hauled.
Towing a commercial truck is a bigger job, literally and figuratively, than towing any type of passenger vehicle. But, like anything with a battery, motor, and tires, it may need to be towed eventually.
Because of this, it’s wise to know about the process and prices associated with towing a semi-truck. This piece will cover some of the lesser-known facts about the process, as well as where industry pricing stands in the present and heading into 2023.
Pricing Associated with Commercial Truck Towing
When truckers think about their rig rolling down the road and not under its own engine power, their first thought is often cost—how much does it cost to have your semi towed?
According to Cost Hack, the average cost to tow a commercial rig is around $2,500. But, since this is an average, it’s important to remember that your experience could come with a higher or lower bill.
But what factors can influence the price of a commercial truck tow job? A few of the most common ones include:
Size and Weight of the Truck: There are many types of commercial trucks ranging from standard semis to flatbeds to municipal waste trucks and more. Towing can cost between $0.10 and $0.75 per pound, which means that it’s helpful to shop around for a good rate, especially if your rig is on the heavy side.
Distance of the Tow: Tow trucks that pull heavy vehicles like commercial trucks incur a lot of wear themselves, so be prepared to pay more the longer the distance you need to be towed. A typical range to expect is anywhere between $10 and $40 per mile.
Towing a Trailer and Tractor: Some states allow for a tractor and trailer to be towed together. While some tow trucks do exist to handle very heavy and awkward loads, it often requires two trucks to tow a tractor and trailer.
There are some additional charges you may face when it comes to having a commercial truck towed. Let’s say the truck needs to be retrieved out of a ditch due to an accident—this would come with a fee of its own. Towing a truck with mobility issues, like a broken axle, may also raise the price.
Some additional fees are standard, such as the cost of hooking up the rig for towing. This is a basic cost, and can run between $200 and $500. If your rig needs to be stored before you can retrieve it, you can expect to pay $20-$25 per day for outdoor, or $30-$35 per day for indoor.
How to Reduce the Chance You’ll Need Towing
While there are some instances where you have no choice but to pay for truck towing, it’s likely a cost you’d want to avoid when possible.
Every seasoned truck driver knows that it’s important to take care of their rig. Regular inspections and scheduled maintenance can greatly reduce the chance your rig will become inoperable and require towing. You can also keep your rig off the tow hook by driving safely—safe, in this case, meaning within the speed limit and in a defensive manner at all times.
But what about those instances when you do need towing? In these cases, it’s still possible to reduce the financial burden that comes with the process. Some insurance policies can cover part or all of the cost of towing expenses.
These policies may vary from truck to truck. They may also be contingent on what type of driving schedule you have and how you service your rig.
Here at Trans Lines, we provide drivers with top-quality trucks they can rely on. What’s more, we equip drivers with 24-hour roadside assistance and maintenance for those instances when the unexpected strikes. Reach out to learn more about why more drivers and shippers choose us.