Owner-Operator towing with a used truck

Stranded motorists, local repair shops, dealerships, apartment managers and roadside assistance or motor club dispatchers.

A flat hook-up fee plus a per-mile charge for each tow. Extra fees for winching, after-hours calls or storage. Motor club jobs pay set rates, while private calls let you set your own prices.

• Safe, confident driving
• Mechanical know-how
• Staying calm with stressed customers
• Basic bookkeeping

• Commercial insurance for tow trucks is expensive and required, so get quotes first
• Check whether your truck's weight rating means you need a CDL or a USDOT number (rules vary by state and by whether you cross state lines)
• Some cities and counties require tow operator permits, truck inspections or approval to work police or private-property calls
• Used trucks can have costly repairs, so get a mechanic to inspect before buying
• Late-night roadside work carries real safety risks, so use reflective gear and proper warning lights

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $70,000, depending on the truck and its condition, equipment, and insurance. Commercial tow insurance is expensive, so get quotes first. These figures are estimates, not guarantees.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on how many evening and weekend calls you take and whether you pick up repair shop or dispatch work. These are estimates, and the idea starts at about 15 hours a week.

Check whether your truck's weight rating means you need a CDL or a USDOT number, as rules vary by state and by whether you cross state lines. Also check city or county tow permits, truck inspections, and approval for police or private-property calls.