How Much Does It Cost to Tow a Semi-Truck? (Factors, Rates)

A semi-truck is a heavy vehicle that ranges from 26,000 to 40,000 pounds. To have this vehicle towed can be an expensive task, costing up to $500 or more depending on the size of the vehicle.

Towing a semi-truck cost two types of fees, the first one is the “hook-up fee” and the second one is “pay as you go per mile towed”.

Hook-up free might cost $250 to $550 and per mile cost between $15 to $50 depending on the state, towed location, etc.

Besides that outdoor and indoor storage fees are involved. The cost of a semi-truck towing can vary greatly.

The cost of a semi-truck towing can range from $450 to $45,000 or more. There are many factors that go into determining how much a semi-tow will cost.

The cost is going to depend on the distance of the tow, the size and weight of the vehicle being towed, and what type of tow service you require.

For example, a short-haul may cost as little as $150 for a pickup truck or SUV, while a long haul could be as high as $500.

There are a lot of things to take into consideration when hiring a tow truck company, but the decision should be made according to what you’re willing to spend.

There’s no clear answer as to how much it costs as rates vary from company to company. In general, though, it shouldn’t cost more than $300 for a standard 10-mile tow.

There are some discounts offered for some companies specifically designated as “tow trucks” but their fleet is limited and they may charge more than other tow services.

If it is not towed within 24 hours of the problem occurring, the cost will go up dramatically.

tow semi truck

Jesse Douglas, a truck driver towed twice and roughly 12 miles each. The first towed cost $550.00 from the Pennsylvania Turnpike to the west of Carlisle. And the second one is West Jefferson to Fyda Freightliner in Columbus which costs $375.

(Information about Jesse is collected from Quora)

The average cost of towing a semi-truck

The average cost to tow a semi-truck can range from $300-$600.

The reason for this is because the cost of a tow is determined by the towing company, the distance the towing company has to tow the semi-truck, the condition of the truck, and the class of the truck.

If you have a trailer, you will have to pay for the trailer separately. The cost of a semi-truck towing can reach $45,000.

This is due to the fact that the cost of a semi-truck towing is determined by the length of the road and the condition of the road.

If your road is a long interstate highway, it will cost much more than a road that is just a couple of miles.

If the road is very rough, you will have to pay more for the truck to tow the semi-truck.

The Volvo Semi Truck Towing Cost

  • Towing cost per mile – $5 to $7
  • Towing cost per hour – $160 to $270
  • Towing cost per 10 hours – $1600 to $2700
  • Towing cost per day – $3840 to $6480
  • Towing cost per month – $115200 to $194400
  • Towing cost per year – $1382400 to $2332800

The factors to tow a semi-truck

  1. Vehicle weight
  2. Length of tow strap needed
  3. Engine power of the tow truck
  4. Driving skills of the driver
  5. Distance from the towing point
  6. How steep the terrain is

Average Towing Cost Rates

Average Tow Truck Rates$75 to $125 
Towing Cost Per Mile $2 to $6
Flatbed Towing Rates $95 to $125 
Motorcycle Tow Rates$75 to $95  + $1 per mile
Tow Rate After Hours$5 up to $150
Tow Rates for Large or Heavy-Duty Vehicles$10 to $35 (up to max 30%)

Average Towing Cost In Different Conditions

ConditionsCost
Tire damage$64 to $78 per hour
Faulty brakes$60 to $75 per hour
Engine failure $55 to $75 per hour
Accidents$100 to $105 per hour