GITNUXREPORT 2025

Towing Industry Statistics

Towing industry grows with technology, safety, eco-focus, and workforce challenges.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The average cost for a basic tow in the US ranges from $75 to $125

Statistic 2

Over 80% of towing companies in the US reported increased demand during the COVID-19 pandemic

Statistic 3

65% of towing companies are family-owned businesses, indicating a high level of small business participation

Statistic 4

The most common incident requiring tow truck services is vehicle breakdown, accounting for over 55% of calls

Statistic 5

Tow trucks are increasingly being utilized for vehicle recovery in natural disasters, with a 20% growth noted during recent hurricane seasons

Statistic 6

In 2021, over 5 million accidents in the US involved a vehicle that needed towing, representing about 4% of total accidents

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The number of towing incidents involving roadside assistance rose by approximately 12% from 2019 to 2022

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Insurance claims related to towing accidents have increased by 8% annually over the past five years

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Mobile apps for booking towing services have seen a user growth of 30% annually in the past three years

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The percentage of towing companies offering 24/7/365 service is approximately 75%, ensuring constant availability

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The adoption of AI and machine learning in dispatch and fleet optimization has increased industry efficiency by an estimated 20%

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Towing companies report an average gross profit margin of around 40%, indicating the overall profitability of the industry

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The average cost for long-distance towing (over 100 miles) can range from $200 to $600, depending on vehicle type and distance

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The number of towing service providers accredited by the Better Business Bureau has grown by around 15% in the last five years, indicating increased industry professionalism

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The industry’s growth rate is projected at 3.2% annually through 2025, driven by increased vehicle ownership and roadside assistance needs

Statistic 16

Mobile monitoring and GPS tracking contribute to a 25% reduction in response times for towing services

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Over 40% of towing companies offer specialized services such as luxury car towing, motorcycle recovery, and heavy equipment, indicating diversification

Statistic 18

Towing industry employment in the US is projected to grow by 5% over the next five years, adding thousands of new jobs

Statistic 19

The volume of roadside assistance calls peaks during holiday seasons, with an increase of approximately 20% in December and July

Statistic 20

Industry-wide, the towing sector’s revenue growth is directly correlated with increases in vehicle ownership, which has grown by roughly 1.2% annually in the US

Statistic 21

The percentage of towing incidents involving heavy-duty trucks has increased by approximately 10% over the past three years, reflecting broader transportation trends

Statistic 22

The number of towing-related fatalities has decreased by about 15% over the last decade, thanks to improved safety protocols and equipment

Statistic 23

The average length of a towing service contract is about 1 to 3 years, with longer-term contracts more common in commercial sectors

Statistic 24

Customer satisfaction ratings for towing services are averaging around 85%, with top providers achieving over 90%, as per industry surveys

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The global towing services market was valued at approximately $6.4 billion in 2021

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The North American towing industry was estimated to generate over $3.5 billion annually

Statistic 27

The number of registered vehicles in the US exceeds 275 million, many of which require towing services at some point

Statistic 28

Autonomous towing vehicle development is projected to grow at a CAGR of about 15% through 2030

Statistic 29

Towing emergency roadside assistance accounts for roughly 60% of all towing industry revenue

Statistic 30

In 2022, there were approximately 15,000 towing operators in the United States

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Heavy-duty towing accounts for roughly 25% of the overall towing industry revenue

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Towing services are increasingly integrating electric vehicles into their fleets, with EV trucks accounting for nearly 5% of new fleet additions in 2023

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Towing industry revenue from law enforcement impound services accounts for roughly 35%, highlighting their importance in the sector

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Towing services are increasingly partnering with automotive insurance companies, with over 60% of providers reporting such collaborations

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In 2022, the average towing fee for a standard vehicle in the US was around $100, with regional variations

Statistic 36

The average age of towing equipment in the industry is around 12 years, which impacts efficiency and safety

Statistic 37

The average response time for towing services in urban areas is approximately 30 minutes, while in rural areas it can be up to 90 minutes

Statistic 38

Approximately 10% of tow trucks are equipped with environmental safety features such as spill containment and emission controls

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The average lifespan of a tow truck is about 10-15 years, influencing equipment replacement cycles

Statistic 40

The average weight of a light-duty tow truck is around 12,000 pounds, while heavy-duty trucks can exceed 40,000 pounds

Statistic 41

The average cost of vehicle recovery after an accident ranges between $300 and $1500, depending on complexity and vehicle size

Statistic 42

Towing companies use an average of 4 to 6 trucks per fleet, with larger operators managing over 20 trucks

Statistic 43

The average reported vehicle recovery time after an accident is approximately 2 hours, highlighting the need for efficiency improvements

Statistic 44

Claims related to third-party liability during towing operations comprise roughly 10% of total towing-related insurance claims, emphasizing safety importance

Statistic 45

The average number of calls handled per tow truck per day is around 4 to 6, varying by location and time

Statistic 46

The usage of GPS tracking and dispatch software in towing services has increased by over 45% in the last five years

Statistic 47

Fleet management software adoption among towing companies has increased by approximately 28% since 2020, improving operational efficiency

Statistic 48

The industry has seen a rise of about 18% in the use of eco-friendly fuels and electric power for tow trucks since 2020, reflecting sustainability efforts

Statistic 49

The use of digital payment systems in towing services has increased by over 50% since 2019, facilitating contactless transactions

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Approximately 70% of towing companies operate with fewer than 10 employees

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The average tow truck driver earns about $35,000 to $50,000 annually, depending on location and experience

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Nearly 50% of towing operators report challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified technicians

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The percentage of female tow truck drivers remains under 10%, highlighting gender disparity in the industry

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The average age of tow truck operators is around 45 years old, indicating an aging workforce with future recruitment challenges

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Key Highlights

The global towing services market was valued at approximately $6.4 billion in 2021
The North American towing industry was estimated to generate over $3.5 billion annually
Approximately 70% of towing companies operate with fewer than 10 employees
The average cost for a basic tow in the US ranges from $75 to $125
Over 80% of towing companies in the US reported increased demand during the COVID-19 pandemic
The number of registered vehicles in the US exceeds 275 million, many of which require towing services at some point
The average age of towing equipment in the industry is around 12 years, which impacts efficiency and safety
Autonomous towing vehicle development is projected to grow at a CAGR of about 15% through 2030
Towing emergency roadside assistance accounts for roughly 60% of all towing industry revenue
In 2022, there were approximately 15,000 towing operators in the United States
The average tow truck driver earns about $35,000 to $50,000 annually, depending on location and experience
Heavy-duty towing accounts for roughly 25% of the overall towing industry revenue
The usage of GPS tracking and dispatch software in towing services has increased by over 45% in the last five years

The towing industry, a vital yet evolving sector generating over $6 billion globally, is experiencing rapid innovations, increasing demand, and ongoing challenges that shape the future of roadside assistance and vehicle recovery.

Industry Performance and Growth Metrics

The average cost for a basic tow in the US ranges from $75 to $125
Over 80% of towing companies in the US reported increased demand during the COVID-19 pandemic
65% of towing companies are family-owned businesses, indicating a high level of small business participation
The most common incident requiring tow truck services is vehicle breakdown, accounting for over 55% of calls
Tow trucks are increasingly being utilized for vehicle recovery in natural disasters, with a 20% growth noted during recent hurricane seasons
In 2021, over 5 million accidents in the US involved a vehicle that needed towing, representing about 4% of total accidents
The number of towing incidents involving roadside assistance rose by approximately 12% from 2019 to 2022
Insurance claims related to towing accidents have increased by 8% annually over the past five years
Mobile apps for booking towing services have seen a user growth of 30% annually in the past three years
The percentage of towing companies offering 24/7/365 service is approximately 75%, ensuring constant availability
The adoption of AI and machine learning in dispatch and fleet optimization has increased industry efficiency by an estimated 20%
Towing companies report an average gross profit margin of around 40%, indicating the overall profitability of the industry
The average cost for long-distance towing (over 100 miles) can range from $200 to $600, depending on vehicle type and distance
The number of towing service providers accredited by the Better Business Bureau has grown by around 15% in the last five years, indicating increased industry professionalism
The industry’s growth rate is projected at 3.2% annually through 2025, driven by increased vehicle ownership and roadside assistance needs
Mobile monitoring and GPS tracking contribute to a 25% reduction in response times for towing services
Over 40% of towing companies offer specialized services such as luxury car towing, motorcycle recovery, and heavy equipment, indicating diversification
Towing industry employment in the US is projected to grow by 5% over the next five years, adding thousands of new jobs
The volume of roadside assistance calls peaks during holiday seasons, with an increase of approximately 20% in December and July
Industry-wide, the towing sector’s revenue growth is directly correlated with increases in vehicle ownership, which has grown by roughly 1.2% annually in the US
The percentage of towing incidents involving heavy-duty trucks has increased by approximately 10% over the past three years, reflecting broader transportation trends
The number of towing-related fatalities has decreased by about 15% over the last decade, thanks to improved safety protocols and equipment
The average length of a towing service contract is about 1 to 3 years, with longer-term contracts more common in commercial sectors
Customer satisfaction ratings for towing services are averaging around 85%, with top providers achieving over 90%, as per industry surveys

Industry Performance and Growth Metrics Interpretation

As vehicle woes rise and demand for towing soars—fueled by a 3.2% annual industry growth, technological innovations, and a steadfast workforce—this essential roadside rescue industry proves that behind every tow is more than just a truck; it's a resilient, diversified, and profitable backbone of America’s transportation network.

Market Size and Revenue Trends

The global towing services market was valued at approximately $6.4 billion in 2021
The North American towing industry was estimated to generate over $3.5 billion annually
The number of registered vehicles in the US exceeds 275 million, many of which require towing services at some point
Autonomous towing vehicle development is projected to grow at a CAGR of about 15% through 2030
Towing emergency roadside assistance accounts for roughly 60% of all towing industry revenue
In 2022, there were approximately 15,000 towing operators in the United States
Heavy-duty towing accounts for roughly 25% of the overall towing industry revenue
Towing services are increasingly integrating electric vehicles into their fleets, with EV trucks accounting for nearly 5% of new fleet additions in 2023
Towing industry revenue from law enforcement impound services accounts for roughly 35%, highlighting their importance in the sector
Towing services are increasingly partnering with automotive insurance companies, with over 60% of providers reporting such collaborations
In 2022, the average towing fee for a standard vehicle in the US was around $100, with regional variations

Market Size and Revenue Trends Interpretation

With a global value surpassing $6.4 billion and over a quarter-billion vehicles in the U.S. alone, the towing industry proves itself as a vital, tech-savvy, and surprisingly diverse powerhouse—whether hauling broken-down cars, embracing electric fleets, or partnering with insurance giants—all underpinning its crucial role in keeping America on the move.

Operational Data and Equipment Standards

The average age of towing equipment in the industry is around 12 years, which impacts efficiency and safety
The average response time for towing services in urban areas is approximately 30 minutes, while in rural areas it can be up to 90 minutes
Approximately 10% of tow trucks are equipped with environmental safety features such as spill containment and emission controls
The average lifespan of a tow truck is about 10-15 years, influencing equipment replacement cycles
The average weight of a light-duty tow truck is around 12,000 pounds, while heavy-duty trucks can exceed 40,000 pounds
The average cost of vehicle recovery after an accident ranges between $300 and $1500, depending on complexity and vehicle size
Towing companies use an average of 4 to 6 trucks per fleet, with larger operators managing over 20 trucks
The average reported vehicle recovery time after an accident is approximately 2 hours, highlighting the need for efficiency improvements
Claims related to third-party liability during towing operations comprise roughly 10% of total towing-related insurance claims, emphasizing safety importance
The average number of calls handled per tow truck per day is around 4 to 6, varying by location and time

Operational Data and Equipment Standards Interpretation

Despite operating with equipment averaging over a decade in age and response times that stretch from half an hour in the city to nearly three in rural areas, the towing industry strives to balance heavy-duty demands, environmental concerns, and safety challenges—highlighting that in a field where every second and pound counts, aging gear and sluggish response times are a costly reminder that sometimes, mobility needs modernization just as urgently as the vehicles they recover.

Technology Adoption and Digital Integration

The usage of GPS tracking and dispatch software in towing services has increased by over 45% in the last five years
Fleet management software adoption among towing companies has increased by approximately 28% since 2020, improving operational efficiency
The industry has seen a rise of about 18% in the use of eco-friendly fuels and electric power for tow trucks since 2020, reflecting sustainability efforts
The use of digital payment systems in towing services has increased by over 50% since 2019, facilitating contactless transactions

Technology Adoption and Digital Integration Interpretation

As towing companies increasingly embrace GPS technology, fleet management, eco-friendly fuels, and digital payments, they're steering the industry toward smarter, greener, and more efficient horizons—reminding us that even in a field built on-road rescues, innovation is the ultimate pull.

Worker Demographics and Workforce Challenges

Approximately 70% of towing companies operate with fewer than 10 employees
The average tow truck driver earns about $35,000 to $50,000 annually, depending on location and experience
Nearly 50% of towing operators report challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified technicians
The percentage of female tow truck drivers remains under 10%, highlighting gender disparity in the industry
The average age of tow truck operators is around 45 years old, indicating an aging workforce with future recruitment challenges

Worker Demographics and Workforce Challenges Interpretation

The towing industry's reliance on small teams and an aging, predominantly male workforce underscores a pressing need for innovation and diversity if it hopes to stay afloat amid recruitment struggles and growing operational demands.