Towing services are an essential part of the transportation industry, providing assistance to drivers who have broken down, been in an accident, or have a vehicle that needs to be relocated.

In this blog post, we’ll be exploring towing statistics to give you a comprehensive understanding of the importance of towing services.

Key Towing Statistics 2023 – MY Choice


  • In 2018, the towing industry generated revenue of approximately $9 billion in the United States.
  • The average towing cost in the US is $109, with a range between $50 and $150.
  • In 2018, the average cost of a tow in the US increased by 3.7% compared to the previous year.
  • In 2018, the average towing distance was approximately 7.5 miles.
  • The majority of towing companies are small, with fewer than five employees, and generate an average revenue of $150,000 per year.
  • The US towing industry employs over 140,000 people.
  • In 2018, the towing industry grew by 2.6% compared to the previous year.
  • The top three states for towing services in the US are California, Texas, and Florida.
  • In 2018, the US towing industry was valued at $11 billion.
  • The number of towing companies in the US has increased by 2% annually in the last decade.

Towing Statistics

Table 1: Market Size and Growth of Automobile Towing Industry in the US
VariableValue
Market Size (2023)$11.3bn
Market Size Growth (2023)2.9%
Average Annualized Market Size Growth (2017-2023)5.5%
Industry Sales (2018)$7.1bn
Industry Growth (Past 3 Years)4.7%
Table 2: Business and Employment Statistics of Automobile Towing Industry
VariableValue
Number of Businesses47,618
Industry Employment113,885
Biggest CompanyAmerican Automobile Association
Market ShareNot specified
Table 3: Safety and Injury Statistics for Workers in Automobile Towing Industry
VariableValue
On-the-job Fatality Risk15 times greater than other private industries
Leading Cause of DeathMotor vehicle incidents (64%)
Leading Cause of Nonfatal InjuryContact with objects and equipment and overexertion and bodily reaction
Percentage of Deaths97% (men)
Percentage of Nonfatal Injuries94% (men)
Table 4: Oil Spill Statistics for Tank Barges
VariableValue (2016)Value (2017)
Total Oil Spilled32,202 gallons84,319 gallons
Three Largest Spills97%99%
Overall Oil Spill RateLowLow
Increase in Oil Transportation Volumes (last 5 years)22%17.7%
Table 5: Incident Statistics for Towing Vessels
VariableValue (2016)Value (2017)
Total Towing Vessel Incidents1,231934
Percentage of Low Severity Incidents84%82%
Percentage of Medium Severity Incidents10%10%
Percentage of High Severity Incidents6%8%
Change in Investigated Incidents (2015-2016)12.8% increase24% decrease
Table 6: Demographic Statistics for Tow Truck Drivers
VariableValue
Percentage of Women4.4%
Percentage of Men95.6%
Average Age40+ years old (75% of population)
Ethnicity (most common)White (64.5%)
Ethnicity (second most common)Hispanic or Latino (18.3%)
Ethnicity (third most common)Black or African American (10.8%)
Table 7: Salary and Job Title Statistics for Tow Truck Drivers
VariableValue
Gender Pay Gap (2021)Women earned 88% of what men earned
Top 10% Earnings$61,000 or more
Percentage of Women in Job TitleBus Matron (89%), Bus Escort (82%), Bus Monitor (81%)
Percentage of Men in Job TitleTow Truck Driver (96%), Wrecker Operator (99%), Tank Wagon Driver (99%), Diesel Truck Driver (100%)

1. Definition of Towing Services

  • Towing services involve the transportation of vehicles that are unable to be driven.
  • Towing services can include relocating vehicles, providing assistance to drivers who have broken down, and transporting vehicles that have been in an accident.
  • Towing services can be performed by professional towing companies, as well as by individuals using their own vehicles.

2. Importance of Towing Services

  • Towing services are essential for ensuring the safety of drivers and passengers who have been in an accident or have broken down.
  • Towing services can also help to reduce traffic congestion and improve the flow of traffic on the road.
  • Towing services can also help to protect the environment by preventing vehicles from being abandoned on the side of the road.

3. Types of Towing Services

  • There are several types of towing services, including:
    • Flatbed towing
    • Wheel-lift towing
    • Dollies
    • Tow trucks
    • Private towing

4. Towing in Road Safety

  • Towing services play an important role in road safety by providing assistance to drivers who have broken down, been in an accident, or have a vehicle that needs to be relocated.
  • Towing services help to keep the roads safe and clear of disabled vehicles, reducing the risk of accidents and improving the flow of traffic.

5. Towing in Emergency Situations

  • Towing services are especially important in emergency situations, providing assistance to drivers and passengers who need to be relocated quickly and safely.
  • Towing companies should have well-equipped vehicles and trained personnel to handle emergency situations effectively.

6. Challenges in Towing Services

  • Towing services can be challenging due to the need for specialized equipment and training.
  • The cost of towing services can also be a challenge, as it can be expensive for drivers who need to have their vehicles towed.

7. Importance of Proper Training and Equipment

  • Proper training and equipment are essential for ensuring the safety and efficiency of towing services.
  • It’s important to work with experienced towing companies that have well-equipped vehicles and trained personnel.

8. The Future of Towing Services

  • The future of towing services is bright, with the demand for towing services expected to continue growing in the coming years.
  • The advancement of technology, such as the use of GPS and real-time communication, will continue to drive the growth of the towing industry.

In conclusion, towing services are essential for ensuring the safety of drivers and passengers on the road. From providing assistance in emergency situations to reducing traffic congestion and protecting the environment, the importance of towing services cannot be overstated. These 100 towing statistics will give you a comprehensive understanding of the industry and the impact that towing services have on road safety and the transportation industry.

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