How Much Does It Cost To Tow A Semi Truck?


Semi trucks are meant to pull heavy loads, and that’s why many trailers prefer them. However, it becomes an issue when the truck breaks down and requires towing. These trucks weigh quite a bit, which also affects the towing costs. This issue has attracted considerable debate, with people offering conflicting answers about how much you have to pay when the truck is towed.

There are two costs involved in towing a semi truck. There is the hook-up fee, which can cost between $200 and $500. You also have to pay for every mile towed, which can cost between $20 and $40 per mile. However, the cost varies with the location, often different from state to state. 

That’s not all, as you still need to know what else influences the cost of towing a semi truck and whether it’s possible to tow a semi truck and a trailer together, which we will cover more below.

What’s the Average Cost of Towing a Semi Truck?

While there is no fixed amount you can pay to tow a semi truck, you can get a rough estimate by going through the basic requirements of towing a truck and how much each would cost. This way, you’ll be able to derive an average figure you can pay to get your semi truck towed. Here’s how you can break down the cost:

The Hook-Up Fee

It’s common for towing companies to charge a hook-up fee, which they consider the basic cost. The hook-up fee varies with different companies, but you should expect to pay anywhere between $200 and $500. It’s a non-negotiable cost, and some towing companies go to the extent of charging more if your semi truck is heavier than anticipated. 

Payment per Mile

After hooking your truck to a rig, the towing company will charge you for every mile they tow your truck. Again, depending on the company you choose, you should expect to pay at least $20 or $40 per mile. However, some companies are known to increase the cost per mile after reaching a designated number of miles. In most cases, you might be charged more per mile after the first 20 miles. Keep in mind that some towing companies don’t have this requirement in place. 

 Additional Work on Site

If your truck broke down on the roadside, you should be fine since the towing company will only charge you the hook-up fee and for every mile they tow the truck. However, the cost will shoot up if the truck broke down in a ditch or further away from the main road, as this will require more people to work on it. You should expect the same if the truck was involved in an accident, since people would be needed to clear the wreckage. 

The Location

The cost of towing a semi truck depends on the location, as you’ll find that it fluctuates depending on the state. This variation makes it hard to pinpoint a specific figure you can pay to have your semi truck towed. 

Additional Charges

Besides the hook-up and per-mile costs, you still need to factor in additional charges involved, such as:

  • Daily outdoor storage fee – Usually charged between $20 and $25 for vehicles claimed six hours after towing 
  • Daily indoor storage fee – Charged between $30 and $35 if you claim your semi truck six hours after it was towed 

Can You Tow a Semi Truck and a Trailer At the Same Time?

In some states, it’s acceptable to tow a semi truck and a trailer together. However, you would need to have at least two towing trucks for this – one for the trailer and one for the truck. Keep in mind that a trailer should be detached from the truck before towing. 

This means you’ll have to pay more since the towing company will charge for both the truck and the trailer. Make sure you indicate this with the towing company so that they can give you an average cost you’ll pay for both vehicles. 

Conclusion

It’s frustrating when a semi truck breaks down since this will delay your trip. As expected, the total cost of towing the truck will depend on your location, the towing company you choose, and whether there is any additional work required, such as pulling the truck from a ditch. After towing, the company will also charge you for storage which can either be indoors or outdoors. The total cost will also depend on whether you want both the truck and the trailer to be towed together. 

Dane Eyerly

Dane is a lifelong lover of semi-trucks and the trucking industry. He loves learning about semi-trucks, careers in the trucking industry, and the lifestyle of truckers. Dane also enjoys attending the Mid-America Trucking Show and Great American Trucking Show in Louisville, KY and his home town Dallas, TX. Click here to learn more about Dane.

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