Count the empty miles
The drive to the pickup costs fuel and wear just like the tow. A $150 tow 40 miles away can lose money once the deadhead is counted.
Will this tow actually make money?
Type in what the customer is paying, the loaded miles and the empty miles to get there. You'll see fuel, wear, driver pay and what's left — before you roll the truck.
Try it — no account
Did your last job make money?
That job kept $241
$2 per mile across 160 miles · 53% margin
- Fuel
- $77
- Upkeep
- $29
- Driver
- $83
- Misc
- $20
Rough estimate using typical upkeep of $0.18/mi and $20 of small costs per job. In the app every number is your own.
Pay the driver first
If your driver earns a day rate, split it across the tows they run that day. That share is a real cost of every job.
Know your floor
Once you know your cost per mile, you know the lowest price you can say yes to — and when to say no.
Common questions
How do I calculate towing profit?
Take the tow price and subtract fuel for loaded and empty miles, truck wear per mile, the driver's share of pay and small per-job costs. What's left is profit.
What should a tow cost per mile?
It depends on your truck, fuel and pay. Use the cost-per-mile calculator to find your own cost, then price above it.
Is this calculator free?
Yes. No account needed and nothing you type is saved.