Towing Industry Statistics 2026: Market Size, Trends & Key Data

How big is the towing industry?

The U.S. towing and recovery industry generates an estimated $13.3 billion in annual revenue as of 2025, according to IBISWorld market research. The industry employs approximately 155,000 workers across roughly 35,000 businesses nationwide.

The roadside assistance segment specifically — which includes services like jump starts, lockouts, tire changes, and fuel delivery in addition to towing — is estimated at $27 billion globally, with North America representing the largest regional market.

Growth has been steady at approximately 2-3% annually, driven by increasing vehicle age (the average U.S. vehicle is now 12.6 years old, per S&P Global Mobility) and the growing complexity of modern vehicles that require professional assistance for issues that drivers once handled themselves.

What does the average tow cost in 2026?

Towing costs vary significantly by region, distance, and vehicle type, but the national averages provide a useful benchmark.

A standard local tow (within 5-10 miles) typically costs between $75 and $150. Per-mile charges beyond the base distance range from $2.50 to $7.00 depending on the market and whether the tow is loaded (vehicle on the truck) or unloaded (driving to the pickup). Flatbed towing for AWD or luxury vehicles commands a premium of 20-40% over standard hook-and-chain or wheel-lift towing.

Other common roadside services show more price consistency: jump starts average $50-75, lockout assistance runs $50-100 depending on vehicle type, tire changes average $50-80 (not including the tire itself), and fuel delivery ranges from $50-75 plus the cost of fuel.

After-hours and weekend surcharges typically add 15-30% to base rates across all service types.

What is the typical tow company operator profile?

The towing industry is remarkably fragmented. According to industry surveys and census data, approximately 85% of towing businesses operate with fewer than 5 trucks, and the majority are owner-operators with 1-2 vehicles.

The average independent tow operator works 50-60 hours per week and handles 8-15 jobs per week depending on location and coverage. Annual revenue for a single-truck operation typically ranges from $100,000 to $250,000 before expenses.

The biggest operating costs are insurance (often $8,000-15,000 annually for a single truck), fuel, and vehicle maintenance. Many operators report that finding consistent, fairly-priced jobs is their primary business challenge — more so than the operational costs themselves.

This fragmentation creates the opportunity for network marketplace platforms: thousands of capable operators with available capacity who need better access to job volume.

How are motor clubs changing the economics?

Motor clubs like AAA have historically dominated the dispatch side of roadside assistance, but their economic model creates tension with operators. According to towing industry forums and operator surveys, motor club reimbursement rates have remained largely flat while operating costs have increased.

Multiple sources report that average motor club payouts to operators range from $35-55 per job — for the same service a retail customer would pay $95-150 for. This gap, combined with payment delays of 30-90 days, has led many experienced operators to limit or stop accepting motor club dispatches entirely.

The result is a two-speed market: motor clubs face increasing difficulty maintaining operator networks, while direct dispatch platforms and marketplace models — where operators earn full retail rates — are seeing rapid growth. This structural shift is the single biggest trend reshaping the towing industry's economics.

What technology trends are shaping the industry?

The towing industry has traditionally been one of the least digitized service sectors, but several technology trends are accelerating change.

GPS-based dispatch has moved from luxury to expectation. Both dispatchers and customers now expect real-time tracking and accurate ETAs — the "Uber effect" on service expectations. Platforms that provide this see significantly better customer satisfaction scores.

SMS-based dispatch is gaining traction over app-based models. Requiring operators to download and maintain an app creates friction; platforms that dispatch via text message with mobile web links report faster operator onboarding and higher adoption rates.

Photo documentation is becoming standard for dispute prevention. Timestamped, GPS-tagged photos at pickup and delivery create irrefutable records that protect both operators and dispatchers from fraudulent damage claims.

Digital payment processing is replacing checks and cash. Faster payment cycles (same-day or next-day versus 30-90 day motor club cycles) are a primary driver of operator adoption of new platforms.

What does the future look like?

Several factors suggest the towing and roadside industry will continue evolving rapidly through 2026-2028.

Electric vehicle growth is creating new service categories — EV towing requires flatbed transport (no wheel-lift), and mobile EV charging is emerging as a roadside service. As EV adoption reaches 8-10% of registered vehicles, operators who invest in EV-compatible equipment will capture premium rates.

The marketplace model is expected to accelerate industry consolidation — not through acquisitions, but through network effects. Platforms that reach critical mass in a metro area (enough operators for sub-30-minute response times) become very difficult for new entrants to displace.

For operators, the clearest trend is economic: the gap between motor club pay rates and direct dispatch rates makes platform adoption a financial imperative. Operators who transition to marketplace-based job sourcing can realistically increase per-job revenue by 60-100% compared to motor club dispatch.

Frequently Asked Questions