Towing business: How to price a tow

in this video I go over how I price my tow calls.
I take in to account my overhead cost and regular expenses.
#towing #smallyoutuber #smallbusiness

[@roberthendersoniii5230]

This is my second video I have viewed….what got me is,…”I provide quality service” and “I’m trying to take care of my family….thanks for honesty…I’ll be checking for more of your honest videos

[@scotthockema5341]

Good video ! Appreciate your advice. Very helpful

[@jeff2370]

I just went to your channel yesterday to see if you’ve posted lately. In the early early stages of starting my own business.

[@mikebullard9566]

Brother I really appreciate this video!!! Im trying to start my towing business and this video was completely awesome!! Thanks so much brother!!!!

[@Guardianautoservices]

Watch my others. It will give you the basics to help get you started

[@jimmymcnamara8149]

Well said buddy I appreciate the info

[@hamidqadri4100]

Great information, Thank You!

[@henrycarlson7514]

So Wise , Thank You . Happy Hooking . If all goes well you will not hurt you're self to much to much. In my opinion consumables can be a budget buster

[@MrBIGELL357]

Good info. Now I need to learn how to hook and tow

[@northsidetowing]

Total sense to me. Pricing is an individual decision per expenses.

[@A-OKTowing]

A good rule to remember that my granddaddy taught me was the first one to speak about money is a loser that being said, I interpreted it as get all the information you can before you give them a quote

[@rodmpactharrell3403]

Thank you for sharing! It truly means alot!$

[@A-OKTowing]

I have a tow truck company based out of Alpharetta and we are 75 and four or 85 and four if I gotta use ramps it’s out automatically 125. If I don’t wanna do it, I price it real high and if they go for it, then I do it and if they pay cash, I’ll give them a discount.

[@hiredgun0551]

Thanks for the good info. I have a K2500 pickup and car trailer, plus motorcycle trailer. Thinking of getting into an after hours side gig, only doing fully rolling stock on 2 or 4 wheels. Not planning on doing wrecks. I've worked for a towing company in the past, and don't have much interest in doing accident cleanup. I'll leave that to the folks with tougher stomachs that can watch a kid get cut out of a car and not start crying. idea and looking into how to get started without getting into trouble with the state or IRS. Since you're kinda close to me, I might even give you a call in the next few days.

[@randomdude8310]

I feel that...I've cleaned up after the ambulance crews leave usually, but yeah there's some heaviness that comes with the territory. The thing that got me is everyone feeling bad for the drunk that wandered into the highway on foot the next day, when i had to tow the poor motorists blood soaked car...to police evidence impound...so no car for them for months. The motorist that didn't make any bad decisions and just had a drunk wander into their windshield at highway speeds before they could do anything about it. Nobody felt bad for that innocent motorist the next day, it was all sympathy for the drunk that scarred that poor lady for life. I roll up to what I know is a fatal accident scene, the fire department says "We'll hose the blood off the road after you move the car out of the way." And that's all that was said. That's just one fatal accident though, you'll encounter that sort of thing a lot as tow truck driver. But you'll get the experience of being the undertaker in a wild west film right? Makes you laugh at dollar amounts and what people think is valuable I guess.

[@pedrogunner9750]

Hey man I just wanted to say thanks. I’m a combat veteran that is currently running my dad’s heavy equipment company, I’ve been doing so for 10 years but things are bad with him so it’s time for me to move. I saw all that to say that I’m extremely driven/ hungry (I have a family to feed) and I have been around trucks and equipment my entire life so having a tow truck is some sort has always been a low key dream of mine. I’d love a rotator but I don’t have the experience or a million dollars. I think if I get a truck I’m going to buy a light duty like a ram 5500 or a small Kenworth. I’ll comment more but I really appreciate your information your passing on. It’s great info and I like that you’re prefacing all of this with saying “hey this is how we do it here, that doesn’t mean that’ll work where you are.”. Cheers man

[@Guardianautoservices]

Good luck! It's a great business if your heart is in it. Buy the biggest piece of equipment that will do the most work. I wouldn't buy an f550 unless its a twin line wrecker. But any questions please ask. Im going to try to do more videos as i have time. Just been busy with transports

[@DynoDieselWagon]

Let's face it , we're ALL paying a minimum of $1200@mo. Per unit. for insurance alone...don't leave any donuts on yal table

[@JoeCnNd]

I had a camaro needed towed 2 miles and the tow company wanted 150. I thought that was really high. I've had tows for 20 miles for 100 bucks. Luckily I remember I had a compressor with fix a flat and it saved my butt and made it home. Got me thinking of starting a tow truck company. 😅

[@terrymosssr.3637]

On pricing to make sure I’m within the rate I am in Douglasville, Georgia

[@randomdude8310]

This video highlights why you should never pay per click for advertising...they will call everyone in town to shop around. The advertising company will charge you for that phone call whether the customer chooses to use you or not. The advertising company that "only charges per click, with a monthly maximum budget" will always find a way for their algorithm to charge enough per click to magically max out your budget for the month, every month, regardless of the number of calls they send you. I totally agree with you about how the pricing sounds for a cash tow...for me 5 mile two used go like this: $100 to load up (hook fee), $3/loaded mile...the en-route/dead-head mileage is where this one gets muddy. Then loading processes/stuff to do them, is absolutely my responsibility as a former State Patrol Service Provider, but doesn't mean you can't charge for those things within the Public Utilities Commission's rules in Colorado. Weird load-up procedures like Toyotas with a broken ball joint are common, and just kinda fall into what I charge for the hook fee...you can't count on the customer knowing or telling the truth when it comes to that sort of thing and can't really give an accurate quote until you're on-scene. Low slung cars should get charged extra for loading up since they require cribbing/ramping to get onto a standard flatbed truck without scraping the bumper and exposing you to liability. At the end of the day we don't get much return business as a towing company, and it doesn't serve us well to "screw everyone once, so we don't need return customers." Seems like a lot of of companies go that route and find every excuse to do it, rather than find a set of numbers and strategies that actually work. Charge at least $100/hr as a tradesman, and behave like a proffesional tradesman, I've had little complaint over my rates. Most folks expect me to charge $100 to drive five minutes and unlock their car, they're confused when I only want $75. I could go up, but the average person in this town makes less than $100/day and I don't need to clean people out to get by.

[@davisgomes8126]

I just got my tow truck and I’m very confused about the price,I just started on tow business,but I love job and i know everything is steep by step,thank you for the information.

[@Guardianautoservices]

Figure out your expenses and figure out an hourly rate based off that to get you started.

[@LeilaniWhite]

I own a tow truck fifth wheel out right now just need to get a contract any ideas ? I’m in Orlando florida USA tried AAA they aren’t looking for co tractors in this area

[@Guardianautoservices]

Check my video on marketing. It will give you some ideas

[@mblue693]

Love your channel great job. I am starting a roadside assistance service next week but I will not be doing towing. Just tire changes, lock outs, battery jumps, and fuel delivery. What would I expect a motor club to pay for those services just a ballpark please. Is it a flat fee or does it include mileage. For cash calls should I charge a fee and mileage? Any wisdom you could give me would be greatly appreciated. It will be in central Arkansas. Thank you so much

[@Guardianautoservices]

They will send you a rate sheet claiming the prices offered are to get the highest volume. Always negotiate your rates. You will be started at the bottom of the list so make it a price that works for your business. Typically, there is a service fee plus enroute mileage rate. When i started i took all the long distance calls since i wasnt getting alot of calls so i made up for it on mileage.

[@terrymosssr.3637]

I have a Ford F250 and a 10 x 20 car hauler’s work would you suggest on me starting out

[@Slowwahhjeep]

WE NEED MORE VIDEOOOOOOOS‼️‼️‼️‼️

[@lanceellis6081]

Sweet man. Thanks for the help. Was wounding how much do you spend on your rollback on a good day of running on fuel. Everybody i talked to don't know their MPG

[@biggdogg907]

2022 ford f550 diesel range 13mpg unloaded 10-11 mpg loaded

[@lanceellis6081]

Thanks again

[@chevyman6975]

H*** yeah thanks for the information fixing to get started Just got to replace my wench More money lol

[@joecory6137]

Do appreciate all the knowledge question what do you charge on a ball joint

[@Guardianautoservices]

Typically an extra 50 to 100 depending on how i need to load the vehicle and the size of the vehicle

[@michaelbiggs5192]

I’m just starting my buisiness towing and been towing 10 plus years ! Completely restored my whole truck! Know every nut and bolt,wire everything thx for the advice this is my first time flying solo and going legit

[@kesdersontheodore9887]

How’s the business going brother?

[@505fastlife6]

I have a pick up and a trailer and was wandering if its possible to start with this or preferably i would like to deliver cars for a dealership or something like that how do i get the jobs?

[@artfordhamdesigns4453]

Liked the video. Keep making them. I have a question about pricing when called out by law enforcement. Does the city, county or state set the amount for the tows? Is it a preset amount that doesnt change from wrecker service to wrecker service?

[@Guardianautoservices]

Every county / city is different. But from my experience, prices are always preset prices that are contracted.

[@artfordhamdesigns4453]

@@Guardianautoservices Thanks for the quick reply.

[@NishasJourney]

Hey there I'm starting a tow truck business yes I'm a woman but I've towed for one of the biggest companies just was wondering if I could get some information on getting the tow truck itself saw many different ways and wondering which one is the best

[@Guardianautoservices]

What works best i cant answer just because i dont know anything about you. But there is companies out there, beacon funding for instance who helps start ups and less than perfect credit individuals get into equipment. There is several others though so shop around. I personally recommend building a business relationship with a small local bank. They are always the best to work with.

[@joep918]

I want to start my business but I would like to know if I need property/land to drop the vehicles once towed (removing from a property or parking lot).

[@505fastlife6]

This is what no one ever talks about and I'm pretty sure you do.

[@sasuke6025]

Where i live my compagny have contrat with the law enforment we fully committed to law enforcement and basic price start a 130$ plus tax et 10 km free

[@TravisProctor-qw8zz]

Onrotationwithlawinforcement18milestowhowcanhecherge&551.00 50morefortagwouldnot letter mytag

[@mitchellhleonardi8139]

I am starting a towing company and logistics just bought myself a 2022 Ram 2500 cumins 6.7L my question to you how much will you charge a dealership manufacture to take a brand new car to a out of state same company dealership. What would be the right price?

[@Guardianautoservices]

A dealer to dealer transfer or swap ( if you get one coming back) is a great gig. But.. like i mentioned in this video. I dont know your overhead and charging a price based on what someone else charges is bad business. I sat down and figured out what all my expenses amounted too.. truck cost, insurance, repair fund, overhead business cost, etc. Then figured what i needed to make a day to cover cost. Car transporters vary from .50 cent a mile to 3 a mile per vehicle depending on what it is and the time frame. Once you figure out your cost ask yourself, what makes you different than everyone else? What value do you bring to your customers with the services you offer. My towing rates are different than my transport rates. I do both towing and car hauling. I personally do a flat rate for car hauling since i move 100+ cars a week to and from dealers / auctions. But towing actually pays more per car.

[@Timberbeartrail]

Do you have a very good way of doing a video? I’m trying to get into the Towing business. I was in the Roadside Assistance business but where I live all that stuff it’s just pretty much taken out by the very well-established towing companies here people would rather wait an hour and a half to two hours for to pay cash for somebody that they know had been in the business for years then they would somebody starting out they can do the same work so I didn’t turn out well for me I’m trying to get me a rollback.

[@Guardianautoservices]

You have to find what sets you apart from those companies. I have similar companies in my area but customers prefer quicker, better quality service.

[@joeblack007]

The people who would rather wait may already have some sort of road side assist insurance. Unless they are in a rush, most would rather wait. An option would be joining the auto club or insurance road side team. Of course n the beginning, you are going to get the calls no one else wants but you will hopefully receive positive reviews and customer referrals.

[@williamburns3211]

I was considering buying a Class 4 rollback to haul single cars. As far as I can tell, a CDL is not needed to drive a rollback. Just commercial insurance. Is that accurate?

[@Guardianautoservices]

Every state has Slightly different regulations. So you would need to look at the DOT site. But typically, anything 26k lbs or less does not. You will need a medical card to operate a commercial vehicle. That's just a physical so nothing crazy.

[@farhanmohammed1059]

How much would you charge to tow a vehicle with stolen wheels sitting on the ground. also mention if there is a price difference between retail and motorclub for this specifically.

[@Guardianautoservices]

Depends on alot of things. But that is a question to ask yourself. What price do you need to charge to make a profit and worth your time for that kind of call.

[@farhanmohammed1059]

Okay thank you

[@banginzaza]

Oh Lord. Not Georgia 😂😂😂

[@skillz4250]

How Much Do You Make A Year? What Kind Of Flatbed Truck Do Your Recommend? How Many Hours A Day Do You Work? How Does The Police Pay You?

[@Guardianautoservices]

My goal is 1k a day gross. Hours vary but i shoot for 125 an hour per hour my truck works. I do not work for the police on rotation since my business model is not based on it.

[@leonardocardichon1399]

What's the best way to find leads in towing business ???

[@Guardianautoservices]

Networking... go to mechanics, body shops, motorclubs, google, facebook, etc. Watch my marketing and other videos. It will give you ideas of how and where to start.

[@A-OKTowing]

I know that you know this, but I’m just writing these comments to help out the other people who may be reading them

[@vitaliydudko2277]

How much would a tower make on an average day?

[@murtazaqasimi6961]

Its my question too

[@Fasttowpro]

Hey what's the name of your company?

[@Guardianautoservices]

My business is called Guardian

[@Introverted-Trucker]

Crooks i drive semis i park at a local shopping center for years a cpl weeks ago i ride by to check on my semi it’s gone call local police they say it’s been towed call the tow company they charge me $2200 for a tow no signs were posted they say the shopping center switched management and enforced no parking there were a total of 10 trucks there I got mines out the following morning so I can only imagine what those guys paid

[@Guardianautoservices]

Your right. One side of the business i wont do is impound. Not worth it especially someone like yourself just trying to make a living.

[@towtruckaj]

@@Guardianautoservices Impounds and private property impounds are two entirely different things, and even still if you are parking a semi where it's not permitted for years then that guy deserves the impound anyway.

[@JosephTrees-ep6fo]

If you 100k to start a tow company from the ground up, how would you do it?

[@Guardianautoservices]

Does the person starting it have industry experience?

[@JosephTrees-ep6fo]

@@Guardianautoservices this comment may come up twice, sorry. I have commercial driving and heavy equipment experience but never had any experience with a tow truck.

[@Guardianautoservices]

@@JosephTrees-ep6fo the best is going to be getting experience with a company. But, you could use the experience you have and focus on equipment and materials hauling. Might be better for your skill set.

[@JosephTrees-ep6fo]

@@Guardianautoservices how did you get started?

[@Mainstreamroadside]

How can I buy a tow truck? They are so expensive

[@towtruckaj]

Good luck, with the current market, Been about a 150 percent increase in truck prices here recently. Best bet is finding a good running used truck and paying cash.

[@kennethgazella5043]

Can you give high prices for miserable customers and give good prices to nice customers

[@Guardianautoservices]

Haha well both are part of the job but... one of the things i do keep in mind, is if someone is causing difficulty over the phone or in person. Sometimes it is smarter to decline the call respectfully, and professionally because those are the type of people that will file claims saying you scratched / dented their car when you didnt.

[@BayAreaWrecker]

AAA is 15$/mile after your 5 free miles are used

[@Guardianautoservices]

What's your hook rate and enroute?

[@BayAreaWrecker]

@@Guardianautoservices 82 hookup fee but obviously 3 a pays for it depending on the membership you have

[@Guardianautoservices]

@BayAreaWrecker im aware they pay. Those are great rates from them. You must be west coast. Here in the southeast. 35 to 45 hook is common from them but they typically buy companies out and have their own trucks. We typically just focus on retail. Now, its 100 to 200 hook and 5-8 a mile for all miles. Rates have changed quite a bit.

[@auntbee2639]

What's your buiness name and number?

[@r.d.r7658]

da boy is crooked as the letter s get a price list boy

[@Guardianautoservices]

Crooked? How so?

[@towtruckaj]

You literally can't be "crooked" in a consensual job quote... If you agree to his price you agree to his price whether it's 10 dollars or 10,000, It's up to you to shop around and find who has the best price and value for what you need to be done, You can only ever call someone crooked when you get into nonconsensual work and in towing those jobs are almost always restricted by contract.