When it comes to towing, one size does not fit all. Different situations require different types of towing services, each designed to handle specific vehicles and circumstances. Whether you’re dealing with a compact car, a large commercial truck, or specialized equipment, understanding the various towing services available can help you choose the right solution for your needs. In this post, we’ll explore the main types of towing services, from light-duty to heavy-duty towing, and explain when and why each type is necessary.
Here is an table that includes the approximate costs for different types of towing services along with the types of vehicles that fall under each category:
| Type of Towing Service | Types of Vehicles | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy Duty Towing | Large trucks, tractor-trailers, buses, construction equipment (over 26,000 lbs) | $200/hour (2-hour minimum) or $300-$500 for recovery/accident towing |
| Medium Duty Towing | Delivery trucks, buses, larger vans (10,000 – 26,000 lbs) | $150 – $250 per tow |
| Light Duty Towing | Passenger vehicles, motorcycles, small trucks (up to 10,000 lbs) | $50 hookup + $5 per mile, typically $75 – $125 for local tows |
| Emergency Towing | All vehicle types in urgent situations | $75 – $150 for local tows, higher for long distances |
| Flatbed Towing | Vehicles with low ground clearance, non-operational vehicles, luxury cars, motorcycles | $75 – $125 for short distances, $200+ for long distances |
| Car Lockout | All vehicle types | $50 – $100 |
| Wheel Lift Towing | Small to medium-sized vehicles (not suitable for 4×4 or AWD) | $75 – $150 |
| Fuel Delivery | All vehicle types | $50 – $100 |
| Motorcycle Towing | Motorcycles | $75 – $150 |
| Tire Change | All vehicle types | $50 – $100 |
| Long-Distance Towing | All vehicle types | $2 – $4 per mile, potentially $800+ for extensive distances |
| Battery Jumpstarts | All vehicle types | $50 – $100 |
Table of Contents
What are the Types of Towing Service?
Heavy Duty Towing
Heavy duty towing is essential for transporting large and heavy vehicles, typically weighing over 26,000 pounds. This service is crucial for moving commercial trucks, buses, and construction equipment that standard tow trucks cannot handle. Heavy duty tow trucks are equipped with specialized gear, including powerful hydraulic systems, winches, and extendable booms, allowing them to safely lift and transport these massive loads. Operators require extensive training and expertise to manage the complexities and safety protocols involved in heavy duty towing, ensuring that heavy vehicles are moved without incident and in compliance with regulations.
Type of Vehicle: Large trucks, tractor-trailers, buses, construction equipment (over 26,000 lbs)
Approximate Cost: $200/hour (2-hour minimum) or $300-$500 for recovery/accident towing
Medium Duty Towing
Medium duty towing is designed for vehicles that are heavier than standard cars but lighter than heavy-duty trucks, typically ranging from 10,000 to 26,000 pounds. This service is often used for towing delivery trucks, buses, and larger vans. Medium duty tow trucks are equipped with specialized equipment that allows them to handle a variety of towing situations, including accidents and breakdowns. Operators in this category must also be trained to ensure safe towing practices, making it a reliable option for commercial and personal vehicle needs.
Type of Vehicle: Delivery trucks, buses, larger vans (10,000 – 26,000 lbs)
Approximate Cost: $150 – $250 per tow
Light Duty Towing
Light duty towing is the most common type of towing service, primarily used for passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and small trucks weighing up to 10,000 pounds. This service is often called upon for roadside assistance situations such as flat tires, dead batteries, and lockouts. Light duty tow trucks are typically smaller and more maneuverable, making them ideal for urban environments. They can quickly respond to calls for help, providing essential services to drivers in need and ensuring their vehicles are safely transported to repair shops or other locations.
Type of Vehicle: Passenger vehicles, motorcycles, small trucks (up to 10,000 lbs)
Approximate Cost: $50 hookup + $5 per mile, typically $75 – $125 for local tows
Emergency Towing
Emergency towing services are crucial for drivers who find themselves in urgent situations, such as accidents or breakdowns. This service operates around the clock, ensuring that help is available whenever needed. Emergency tow trucks are equipped to handle various situations, including transporting damaged vehicles from accident scenes to repair facilities. The operators are trained to assess the situation quickly and act efficiently, providing a critical lifeline for stranded motorists and ensuring safety on the roads.
Type of Vehicle: All vehicle types in urgent situations
Approximate Cost: $75 – $150 for local tows, higher for long distances
Flatbed Towing
Flatbed towing is a preferred method for transporting vehicles, especially those with low ground clearance or those that are non-operational. In this method, the vehicle is loaded onto a flatbed truck, ensuring all four wheels are off the ground during transport. This minimizes the risk of damage to the vehicle being towed and is suitable for a wide range of vehicles, including luxury cars, motorcycles, and construction equipment. Flatbed tow trucks are versatile and can handle various towing needs, making them a popular choice among towing services.
Type of Vehicle: Vehicles with low ground clearance, non-operational vehicles, luxury cars, motorcycles, construction equipment
Approximate Cost: $75 – $125 for short distances, $200+ for long distances
Car Lockout
Car lockout services are provided when a driver accidentally locks themselves out of their vehicle. Towing companies often offer this service as part of their roadside assistance packages. Trained technicians use specialized tools to unlock the vehicle without causing damage. This service is especially helpful in emergencies, allowing drivers to regain access to their vehicles quickly and continue their journeys without significant delays.
Type of Vehicle: All vehicle types
Approximate Cost: $50 – $100
Wheel Lift Towing
Wheel lift towing is a method used to tow vehicles by lifting either the front or rear wheels off the ground. This technique is commonly employed for small to medium-sized vehicles, allowing for a quick and efficient towing process. Wheel lift tow trucks are equipped with a yoke that attaches to the vehicle’s drive wheels, making it easier to transport without the need for a flatbed. This method is effective for short-distance tows and is often used in urban settings where maneuverability is essential.
Type of Vehicle: Small to medium-sized vehicles (not suitable for 4×4 or AWD)
Approximate Cost: $75 – $150
Fuel Delivery
Fuel delivery services are essential for drivers who run out of gas while on the road. Towing companies often provide this service as part of their roadside assistance offerings. When a driver calls for help, a technician is dispatched to deliver a small amount of fuel directly to the vehicle’s location, allowing the driver to refuel and continue their journey without the need for towing. This service is particularly useful in remote areas or during late-night hours when gas stations may be closed.
Type of Vehicle: All vehicle types
Approximate Cost: $50 – $100
Motorcycle Towing
Motorcycle towing requires specialized equipment and techniques to ensure the safe transport of two-wheeled vehicles. Towing companies offer motorcycle towing services using trailers or dollies designed specifically for motorcycles. The motorcycle is securely loaded onto the trailer, preventing damage during transport. This service is vital for motorcycle owners who experience breakdowns or accidents, ensuring their bikes are handled with care and transported safely to repair shops.
Type of Vehicle: Motorcycles
Approximate Cost: $75 – $150
Tire Change
Tire change services are provided by towing companies to assist drivers with flat tires. When a driver encounters a flat, they can call for help, and a technician will arrive at their location equipped with the necessary tools to either repair the tire or replace it with a spare. This service is particularly valuable for those who may not have the experience or tools to change a tire themselves, ensuring a quick resolution to the problem and getting drivers back on the road safely.
Type of Vehicle: All vehicle types
Approximate Cost: $50 – $100
Long-Distance Towing
Long-distance towing is a specialized service for transporting vehicles over extended distances, often exceeding 100 miles. This service is ideal for individuals relocating or needing to transport a vehicle to a distant repair shop or dealership. Long-distance tow trucks are equipped to handle various vehicle types and ensure safe transport over long journeys, often utilizing flatbed or specialized tow trucks to minimize wear and tear on the vehicle being towed. This service provides peace of mind for those needing to move their vehicles far from their original location.
Type of Vehicle: All vehicle types
Approximate Cost: $2 – $4 per mile, potentially $800+ for extensive distances
Battery Jumpstarts
Battery jumpstart services are offered by towing companies to assist drivers whose vehicles have dead batteries. When a driver calls for help, a technician arrives with the necessary equipment to jump-start the vehicle, allowing it to start and enabling the driver to continue their journey. This service is particularly useful in emergencies and can save drivers from the inconvenience of being stranded due to a simple battery issue.
Type of Vehicle: All vehicle types
Approximate Cost: $50 – $100
How Our TowingReascueTeam Offers Various Type of Services?
At Towing Rescue Team, our skilled professionals are equipped to handle a variety of towing services tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients. Whether you find yourself stranded on the side of the road due to a breakdown or involved in an accident, our team utilizes different types of towing services to ensure a prompt and safe resolution. For heavy-duty needs, we deploy specialized tow trucks capable of transporting large vehicles like buses and trucks. In situations involving standard cars or motorcycles, our light and medium-duty towing services come into play, utilizing flatbed or wheel-lift techniques to ensure the safe transport of your vehicle. Additionally, we offer emergency towing for urgent situations, car lockout assistance, and even fuel delivery services. Our commitment is to provide reliable and efficient towing solutions, ensuring you receive the right service at the right time, no matter the circumstances.