How to start a tow truck business and tips to keep costs low

Starting a tow truck business can be a rewarding venture if you approach it with the right equipment and a clear plan. Profitability in this industry comes down to three things: choosing the right type of recovery truck, controlling your startup costs, and securing steady work.

At Ritchie Bros., we help new and experienced operators lower their capital investment by providing access to well-maintained wheel-lift wreckers and flatbed carriers at auction and online marketplaces. This means you can get into the business faster and with less financial risk than buying new.

Profit potential and opportunities in the towing industry

A tow truck business can absolutely be profitable, but success depends on how effectively you keep your trucks on the road. Profitability isn’t just about rates; it’s about utilization. An idle truck, no matter how nice, costs money every day it sits. Operators who thrive in their first year typically focus on service diversity — not just tows from the side of the road, but also contracts with repair shops, dealerships, and property managers.

For example, a single flatbed can cover everything from accident recovery to dealer-to-dealer transfers. Meanwhile, a nimble wheel-lift truck can handle roadside calls quickly, giving you the ability to stack more jobs in a single day. The more ways your truck can generate revenue, the faster your business reaches profitability.

Choosing the right tow truck for your first year

The biggest decision when starting a towing company is which truck to buy first. At Ritchie Bros., we see new entrants typically choose between a wheel-lift wrecker or a flatbed/rollback carrier — and the right choice depends on the type of work you want to target.

A wheel-lift (hook) wrecker is a smart, lower-cost entry point. These trucks are built for speed, maneuverability, and short-distance jobs. If you anticipate a high volume of roadside assistance calls, city pickups, or repossessions, a wheel-lift is often the best fit. They’re also easier to acquire at a lower price point, which can help keep your startup capital in check.

On the other hand, a flatbed (rollback) carrier offers unmatched versatility. These trucks load the entire vehicle onto a flat deck, making them ideal for all-wheel-drive cars, luxury models, and damaged vehicles. Flatbeds also position you for dealer contracts and long-distance transport, which can be especially lucrative. At our auctions, flatbeds remain one of the most popular listings because they provide such a broad service range.

In practice, many operators start with a wheel-lift for affordability and speed, then expand into a flatbed as they secure recurring contracts. By sourcing through Ritchie Bros., you can find late-model tow trucks at the prices you’re comfortable with, freeing up budget for insurance, marketing, or even an additional truck sooner than you expected.

Understanding tow truck costs and startup expenses

One of the first questions we hear is: how much does a tow truck cost to own? The answer varies, but the truck itself is only part of the equation.

• New tow trucks typically range from $75,000 to $150,000 USD or more depending on capacity and configuration.
• Used trucks at auction can often be found between $25,000 and $75,000, making them a cost-effective entry point.
• Ongoing costs include insurance, fuel, permits, maintenance, and loan payments if you finance.

When planning your tow truck business startup cost, budget not only for the truck but also for:

• Commercial insurance and liability coverage
• Safety gear like chains, straps, winch cables, and PPE
• Communication or dispatch systems
• Licensing and regulatory fees
• Marketing and signage (website, graphics, local ads)

Framing your costs this way helps you see where an auction purchase can significantly reduce your upfront burden. Saving tens of thousands on your first truck gives you more working capital to cover insurance and operating expenses — and it reduces your financial stress in the critical first year.

Services that win you business fast

Launching with the right mix of services helps you get booked quickly and build a reputation. New operators often succeed by combining light-duty towing with roadside assistance. That way, even a simple lockout or dead battery call can lead to a tow, doubling your revenue on the same stop.

Some of the most common revenue streams in year one include:

• Local tows for passenger vehicles and light trucks
• Roadside calls (jump-starts, tire changes, fuel delivery, lockouts)
• Transport for auto dealers and repair shops
• Private property towing for landlords or property managers (where regulations allow)

The best approach is to focus on two or three core services that your truck handles well. A wheel-lift operator might specialize in city breakdowns and private property towing, while a flatbed operator might prioritize dealer contracts and accident recovery.

Pricing and building a client base

How much should you charge for towing? While rates vary by region, most operators structure pricing around a base fee plus mileage. For example, you might charge a flat $95 hook-up fee, plus $3.50 per mile beyond the first five miles. On top of that, you can add surcharges for after-hours calls, winch-outs, or storage.

The real challenge isn’t just setting rates — it’s building a client base that brings repeat business. Many new towing companies secure their first steady income through:

• Contracts with auto clubs
• Partnerships with local dealerships or body shops
• Referrals from property managers
• A strong Google Business Profile with accurate service details and photos

Establishing a reputation for fast response times is one of the simplest ways to outpace the competition. Customers often don’t remember who they called last time — but they do remember the company that showed up quickly when they were stuck on the side of the road.

Keeping your truck on the road

Profitability in towing comes from uptime. A broken-down tow truck doesn’t just stop you from earning — it also damages your reputation if you can’t respond to calls. Preventive maintenance should be built into your weekly routine, not treated as an afterthought.

Regular inspections of tires, brakes, hydraulics, and winch systems help you avoid costly downtime. Replace worn straps and chains before they fail, and keep fluid checks on schedule. At Ritchie Bros., we consistently see higher resale values for trucks with documented maintenance histories, which means staying on top of upkeep protects your margins now and your resale price later.

Quick-start checklist for starting a towing company

To recap, here’s what your first steps should look like:

1. Select your truck wisely — a wheel-lift for fast, affordable entry; a flatbed for versatility and higher-value jobs.
2. Source through Ritchie Bros. — reduce startup costs with well-maintained tow trucks at auctions or online marketplace.
3. Budget realistically — account for insurance, permits, and daily operating expenses.
4. Focus on core services — start with jobs your truck handles best, then expand.
5. Set clear pricing — base rates plus mileage and surcharges.
6. Market locally — optimize online listings, build referral partnerships.
7. Maintain daily — protect uptime and your truck’s long-term value.

Final thoughts

Starting a towing company doesn’t have to mean taking on massive debt. By choosing the right truck — whether a wheel-lift wrecker or a flatbed carrier — and sourcing it through Ritchie Bros., you can reduce your capital costs, start generating revenue quickly, and scale your fleet at your own pace. With the right foundation, towing can be a profitable, sustainable business that grows with your local demand.

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