How Much Does Flatbed Tow Truck Rental Cost?

Last Updated on October 2, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

When you need to transport heavy equipment, multiple vehicles, or oversized loads, renting a flatbed tow truck is often the most practical and cost-effective solution. But what exactly does it cost to rent a flatbed tow truck?

This guide examines flatbed tow truck rental costs in depth. We’ll look at the key variables affecting rates, typical price ranges reported by real users, additional fees to account for, money saving tips, and provider comparisons. Let’s dive in!

How Much Does Flatbed Tow Truck Rental Cost?

On average, the cost for a flatbed tow truck ranges from $50 to $200 per day for a standard flatbed pickup or medium duty truck. Heavy-duty trucks capable of handling 20,000 lbs.+ exceed $200+ daily. Hourly rental rates generally run $15 to $50 per hour.

However, all the extra charges like insurance, safety gear rental, mileage fees, and other costs can potentially double your starting rental quote. The main elements that determine your flatbed truck rental rate include:

Truck Rental Duration

Length of the rental significantly impacts overall costs. Daily and hourly rates offer different value depending on needs:

• Hourly Rentals – Rates range $15 to $50 per hour, so best for short local jobs lasting a few hours, not all-day use. Hourly allows flexibility.
• Daily Rentals – Average costs $75 to $250+ per 24-hour day. Better value than hourly for rentals exceeding 5+ hours of use. Discounts often apply for multi-day rentals.
• Weekly or Monthly Rentals – Offering 20% to 40% discounts off daily rates for long term rentals of 1 week or longer. Ideal for extended use like construction projects.

Confirm all specifics like exact rental duration, overtime policies, cancellation policies upfront before booking to avoid surprise fees. Know the rental timeframe needed.

Towing Distance and Estimated Mileage

Local towing and maneuvers confined within a limited radius from the rental facility generally has no mileage fee. But longer distance trips with the truck often involve per-mile charges that add up quickly:

• Local Usage – Typically no mileage fee applied within a 20-100 mile “free zone” radius from the rental location. This covers in-town use.
• Long Distance Trips – Average per-mile charges range $1.50 to $5 per mile beyond the local mileage zone. Consider distance to estimate total mileage fees.
• Fuel Surcharges – On top of mileage fees, fuel surcharges ranging from 5% to 20% may apply for longer distance towing involving high fuel consumption.

Always clarify if unlimited mileage is included or if distance charges apply. You don’t want surprise expenses after the rental.

Type, Size, Weight and Capacity of Truck Needed

Larger, heavier flatbed tow trucks with increased load capacity capabilities cost substantially more to rent but enable transporting bulky, heavy equipment:

• Light-Duty Flatbeds – Pickup truck flatbeds handling up to 10,000 lbs. cost around $75 to $150 daily plus mileage. Ideal for standard pickup trucks or small tractors.
• Medium-Duty Flatbeds – Designed to tow 15,000+ lbs. equipment or vehicles, medium flatbeds rent for $125 to $250 daily plus mileage. Used for mid-size tractors, dump trucks, or other moderately sized loads weighing under 20,000 lbs.
• Heavy-Duty Flatbeds – These industrial capacity flatbeds for oversized equipment exceeding 20,000+ lbs. rent in the $250+ daily range plus mileage costs. Needed for excavators, massive tractors, bulldozers.

Consider both the physical footprint and weight capacity needed to safely transport your loads without overloading. Oversized and overweight loads often require special permitting.

Geographic Region and Location

Metropolitan and urban area rental costs are significantly higher than rural regions. For the same truck, expect rate differences:

• Major Metro Areas – Average rental rates range $125 to $300 daily in high-demand urban areas. High traffic and parking costs increase rental company overhead in cities.
• Suburban/Rural Areas – Typical daily rental fees around $75 to $175 in less populated regions. Lower costs of living equal lower rates.

Always research local area rates where you need to pick up and drop off trucks rather than assuming national averages. Regional pricing differences are very real with vehicles.

According to HomeGuide, the average cost for towing services, which includes flatbed options, typically ranges from $75 to $125 for local towing. For longer distances, companies often charge a hook-up fee of about $75 plus an additional $2 to $4 per mile.

In a detailed overview by Grimm’s Automovation, they note that flatbed tow truck rentals can vary widely in price. Many services offer flat rates that start around $75 to $100 for local tows, while long-distance towing may be priced at approximately $90 to $120. Factors influencing these costs include the distance of the tow and the type of vehicle being transported.

City Rent a Truck provides rental options for flatbed trucks with prices that can start as low as $100 per day, depending on the specific model and rental duration. They offer various sizes, including F550 and F650 models, which can accommodate different types of cargo.

According to a report on Angi, while specific prices for flatbed rentals aren’t detailed, they emphasize that costs can vary significantly based on local market conditions and specific service requirements.

Additional Rental Fees

Along with the base truck rental rate itself, expect to pay these other common fees:

Insurance Coverage and Liability Protection

The majority of rental companies require customers carry sufficient liability insurance and damage coverage:

• State Minimum Liability – Around $10-$30 per day covers state minimum liability requirements in case of accidents. Offers limited protection.
• Standard Supplemental Insurance – For $20-$40 daily, adds further liability plus basic coverage against damage and theft with a deductible.
• Premium Full Coverage – Top tier policies for $50+ daily provide 100% protection against all damage with zero deductible, roadside assistance, etc. Recommended for high value loads.

Without proper insurance, you risk extensive out-of-pocket costs for damage repairs or injuries. Don’t skimp on coverage.

Rental of Add-On Equipment and Accessories

Additional rented gear like straps, winches, ramps, gloves, pads, chains, and other accessories increases costs:

• Towing/Loading Equipment – Items like winches, straps, chains, ramps, dollies, and rigging gear average $20-$100+ per rental depending on what you require. This equipment may be essential for vehicle/equipment transport but avoid renting unneeded items.
• Safety Equipment – Cones, wheel chocks, safety vests, protective gloves and other safety gear averages $15-$50 per rental. OSHA may mandate standard gear.

Ask about possible discounted bundles if you need multiple rental add-ons for a project. But don’t go overboard assuming you need every accessory.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a tow dolly, a scamp trailer, or car towing services.

Security Deposits and Miscellaneous Fees

Other potential charges to anticipate include:

• Refundable Deposit – Typically $500-$2000+ for high-value truck rentals to ensure the vehicle is returned clean and undamaged. Fully refundable at end.
• Non-Refundable Fees – Administrative or cleaning fees around $50-$200 are common. Ask for full explanations of all miscellaneous charges.
• Pickup/Drop Off – If needing delivery/collection of the truck, expect $50+ each way depending on distance.

Factor deposits and other obligatory fees into your rental budget from the start. Skipping details leads to payment surprises.

DIY Flatbed Rental vs Hiring Professionals

Two popular flatbed towing options to consider are:

Hiring Full-Service Professional Towing

Paying an experienced towing operator means:

• Convenience – The tow company handles all permitting, insurance, loading/unloading, routing, etc. Much simpler process.
• Peace of Mind – Professional drivers ensure safe, secure transport without damage. They have extensive handling experience.
• Costs – Hiring a full-service towing firm costs $200 to $500+ per hour depending on mileage. Priciest option but lowest effort.

Full-service towing simplifies the rental process significantly but lacks flexibility and affordable pricing.

DIY Flatbed Tow Truck Rental

Renting a flatbed yourself to transport equipment involves:

• Cost Savings – DIY rentals can save over 50% compared to full-service towers. Affordability is the prime benefit.
• Flexibility – Choose your own route, schedule, loading/unloading methods, towing equipment, etc. You make all decisions.
• Complexity – You handle permitting, insurance, loading/unloading, tie-downs, driving, and any troubleshooting. Far more work and coordination involved but grants control.

For those comfortable towing heavy loads, DIY rental offers major budget savings. But it requires assuming risks and hassles professional towers handle.

One-Way vs Roundtrip Rentals

Most flatbed truck rentals are standard roundtrips – you pickup and return the truck to the same original rental location. However, one-way rentals dropping off at a different location provide greater transportation flexibility. Understand the differences:

One-Way Flatbed Truck Rentals

• Allow point-to-point transport without returning to origin.
• Additional one-way fee often applies for the company repositioning the truck after drop-off.
• One-way trips often have mileage limits before substantial per-mile overage fees occur.
• Pre-approval may be required for one-way rentals depending on destination.

Roundtrip Flatbed Truck Rentals

• Require returning the truck to original pickup location.
• No additional one-way fees since company regains asset immediately.
• Unlimited mileage generally included in base rate within region.
• No pre-approval needed; full circle routing.

One-way rentals offer more utility but cost more. Clarify all terms and mileage limits when booking either rental type.

Rental Rates Across Major Providers

Rental costs can vary widely across providers and regions. Here are some major national flatbed rental companies along with sample rate comparisons:

Leading Flatbed Tow Truck Rental Companies

• U-Haul – Rents light and medium duty flatbeds. Daily rates from $50-$125.
• Penske – Specializes in heavy duty flatbeds up to 50,000 lbs. Rates from $175-$250 daily.
• Budget Truck Rental – Offers light duty pickup flatbeds. Rates start around $75 daily.
• Ryder – Extensive inventory of heavy commercial flatbeds and equipment. Rates from $250+ daily.
• Enterprise Truck Rental – Daily rental flatbeds handling up to 26,000 lbs. Rates from $100+ daily.

Average National Cost Comparison

Truck Type	Sample Companies	Average National Rates
Light-Duty Flatbed (up to 10,000 lbs.)	U-Haul, Budget, Enterprise	$75-$150 daily
Medium-Duty Flatbed (10,000-20,000 lbs.)	U-Haul, Ryder, Penske	$150-$250 daily
Heavy-Duty Flatbed (20,000+ lbs.)	Ryder, Penske	$250-$500+ daily

Shopping rates between major rental companies in your area ensures you find the best deals for your specific flatbed truck needs. Don’t assume one company offers the most budget-friendly pricing across all vehicle classes.

Minimizing Rental Costs

Beyond insider advice, consumers can also minimize flatbed rental expenses themselves through smart planning:

• Book further in advance – Reserve 1-2 weeks early to get the lowest rates and best truck availability. Last minute rentals often have surcharges.
• Opt for off-peak rental days – Weekdays are best. Weekends often have premium pricing – avoid for cost savings.
• Leverage weekly or monthly rates – Long term rentals amortize costs with generous discounts for 7+ day rentals.
• Clarify all add-ons – Confirm every fee and insurance option to avoid surprise charges upon pickup. Be thorough.
• Research multiple companies – Shop rates between major vendors like U-Haul, Penske, Enterprise, Budget, Ryder. Compare costs for each truck type needed.
• Rent only capacity needed – Avoid oversized heavy duty trucks if your loads require only a light or medium duty flatbed. Right-size for savings.

Is DIY Flatbed Tow Truck Rental Right for You?

Whether a DIY flatbed truck rental makes sense depends on your specific situation:

Best Suited For

• Flexible self-directed transport
• Cost savings over contracted towing
• Repeated short local trips
• Simple accessible loading/unloading

Not Ideal For

• Towing valuable cars or equipment
• Oversized delicate loads like machinery
• Cross-country long-distance towing
• Challenging loading/unloading

Evaluating your particular towing requirements, mechanical skills, and risk tolerance is key before pursuing a DIY flatbed rental. For precious cargo or complex transport, professional towing may justify added costs for peace of mind.

Final Words

Transporting oversize loads, equipment, and vehicles often requires renting a specialized flatbed tow truck. While convenient, flatbed rentals involve an array of fees that can significantly inflate the starting base rental rate. However, understanding the key variables impacting costs allows you to more accurately estimate and budget for your specific flatbed truck rental needs.

The main elements influencing pricing include rental duration, mileage, truck size/capacity, regional location, insurance, and add-on rental gear among other factors. With research and smart planning timing, DIY flatbed truck rentals can provide flexible affordable transport compared to contracted towing services. Just be sure to assess challenges and risks before committing.

Answers to Common Questions

Why use a flatbed tow truck?

Flatbeds allow securely transporting equipment, machinery, and oversize vehicles that can’t be towed on a standard trailer safely or legally. Flatbeds have open space and tying points to properly fasten and haul irregular loads.

What is the towing capacity of a flatbed?

Towing capacity depends on the flatbed size and class. Light-duty flatbeds handle up to 10,000 pounds. A medium duty flatbed can tow around 15,000 pounds. Heavy-duty models exceed 20,000+ pounds for oversize industrial equipment and machinery needing transport.

How do tie-down straps safely secure a load on a flatbed?

Flatbed loads must be tightly strapped down at marked tie-down points on the frame using high-strength ratchet straps rated for the weight. Loads should have a minimum of 4 tie-down points, preferably more for heavy cargo. Rubber protections pads should be used to prevent abrasion.