Owner-operator tow truck service

Motorists paying directly, insurers, motor clubs, garages, property managers and sometimes municipalities or police rotation lists.

Flat hook-up fee plus a per-kilometre charge, with extra for winching, after-hours calls and storage. Contracts with insurers and motor clubs usually pay set rates per job.

• Confident driving a heavy vehicle
• Safe loading and securing of vehicles
• Calm customer service at stressful moments
• Basic mechanical knowledge

• Provincial and municipal tow licensing rules differ widely, check with your provincial transport ministry and local municipality
• Insurance for towing is specialized and can be costly, confirm cover for the vehicles you tow and for storage
• Check the driver's licence class and any commercial vehicle registration or safety requirements for your truck's weight
• Winter roads, roadside traffic and heavy lifting carry real safety risks
• Check rules on fees, consent and storage, especially for private property towing, as they vary by province
• Irregular on-call hours and truck repair costs can make income uneven

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $40,000 to $120,000, depending on the truck and equipment you choose. Towing insurance is specialized and can be costly, so confirm cover for the vehicles you tow and for storage.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $5,000 to $20,000, depending on how many calls you take and your on-call hours. Irregular hours and truck repair costs can make income uneven.

Check provincial and municipal tow licensing rules with your provincial transport ministry and municipality, as they differ widely. Also check your driver's licence class, commercial vehicle requirements for your truck's weight, and rules on fees, consent and storage.