How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your monthly operational costs in the left panel (vehicle payment, fuel, insurance, etc.)
- Adjust your business parameters (profit margin, expected tows, fuel efficiency, etc.)
- View recommended rates instantly on the right panel
- Export your results as a CSV file for your records
- Use these rates as a starting point and adjust based on your local market
Monthly Operational Costs
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Total:$10,600.00
Business Parameters
10%50%
miles
MPG
$/gal
$/hr
MPH
Cost Breakdown
Total Monthly Costs:$10,600.00
Expected Monthly Tows:100
Break-Even Per Tow:$106.00
Per-Mile Cost Breakdown:
Fuel:$0.58
Wear & Tear:$0.20
Labor:$0.83
Total Direct Cost:$1.62
Recommended Rates
Per-Mile (Loaded)
$2.10
Per-Mile (Unloaded)
$1.16
Hookup Fee
$105.00
Hourly Rate
$85.00
Port-to-Port (Avg Distance)
$155.00
Fuel Surcharge
+15%
💡 Tip: These are recommended rates based on your operational costs and profit margin. Adjust the parameters above to see how different scenarios affect your pricing. Remember to research your local market to ensure competitiveness.
Understanding Your Costs
The calculator includes all major operational expenses. If you're unsure about any category, review your business accounting records or bank statements for the past 3 months.
- Vehicle Payment: Truck lease or loan payment
- Fuel Costs: Diesel or gasoline for your trucks
- Insurance: Liability, vehicle, and workers' comp
- Maintenance: Oil changes, repairs, inspections
- Equipment: Chains, straps, rotator parts, etc.
- Facility: Office rent, garage space, storage
- Utilities: Electricity, water, internet, phone
- Licensing: Business licenses, permits, registrations
- Salaries: Driver wages and benefits
- Other: Marketing, office supplies, miscellaneous
Interpreting Your Results
The calculator provides recommended rates based on your inputs. Here's what each rate means:
- Per-Mile (Loaded): Charge this for each mile with a vehicle attached
- Per-Mile (Unloaded): Charge this for return trips without a vehicle
- Hookup Fee: Flat fee for each tow, regardless of distance
- Hourly Rate: Use for recovery work, winch-outs, or complex jobs
- Port-to-Port: Flat rate for long-distance tows
- Fuel Surcharge: Add this percentage when fuel prices spike
💡 Pro Tips for Rate Setting
- Research your market: Call competitors and check online reviews to ensure your rates are competitive
- Start conservative: If you're new, consider starting 10-15% below market rates to build your customer base, then increase after 6 months
- Monitor profitability: Track your actual costs and revenue monthly to ensure you're hitting your profit targets
- Adjust seasonally: Consider higher rates during peak seasons (winter, holidays) and lower rates during slow periods
- Factor in contracts: Contracted rates (insurance, roadside assistance) are typically 15-40% lower than spot market rates
- Communicate clearly: Always provide written quotes and explain what customers are paying for
- Review annually: Update your costs and rates at least once per year, or when fuel prices change significantly