Towing a truck can work out to be rather expensive. There is no fixed rate, and the factors that contribute to and influence the cost of towing vary, depending on the situation. The question, “How much to tow a semi truck?” is one that is best examined through the particular circumstances of the towing job.
Generally speaking, the cost of towing a semi truck can reach up to $10,000. From the hook-up fee to being charged by the mile, it all adds up to a bill that you should be happy with at the end of the day. Some companies start charging from the minute they start their engine, while others will be a little more lenient regarding when they start charging their per-mile rate.
Let’s get into some of the factors that make up these costs and give you some better insight into how you are going to evaluate your next towing expenditure.
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Factors Influencing the Cost of Towing
There are roughly 5 factors that influence the cost of any semi truck towing services, most of which cannot be avoided. Here is the basic breakdown of what these services are going to charge you for:
Hookup Fee
Sometimes referred to as a basic service fee, a hookup fee is the amount you are charged once you have decided to make use of the services. This cost is often non-negotiable and differs depending on the company you choose to use. The average hookup fees range anywhere between $250 and $500 and can vary depending on the weight of the vehicle in question.
Cost per Mile
The average cost-per-mile is usually between $20 and $50 per mile towed to your destination choice. Approaches to the cost-per-mile approach often differ. Some companies charge from the first mile, while others charge after a certain mileage. Furthermore, some companies may choose to charge additional fees if towing is further than a certain distance. Thus increasing the cost.
Per Hour cost
Cost per hour is a charge that is normally used for shorter-distance tows that have higher traffic congestion. This traffic may require the driver to move slower than usual, thus adding time to the time it takes to get the job done.
Location, Location, Location
The difference here is with regards to whether you are traveling in a consumer or a producer state. Producer states generally have higher volumes of semi-traffic, and as such, these states are better equipped to handle towing needs. Consumer states, on the other hand, do not have as much semi-traffic, thus having fewer customers to tow, making them more expensive.
On-Site Work
Additional labor, such as clearing an accident wreckage, pulling the semi from a ditch, or getting a vehicle unstuck, will cost you extra. This is usually charged at a per-hour rate, and can range anywhere between $200 to $500 per hour. This additional labor may even result in the company shifting from a per-mile cost to a per-hour rate.
