What is flatbed towing?

Flatbed towing is a method of transporting a vehicle where the entire vehicle is loaded onto a flat platform (bed) on the back of a tow truck, rather than being pulled with two wheels on the ground. This is accomplished using a hydraulic system that tilts the bed, allowing the vehicle to be driven or winched onto it.

Because all four wheels are off the ground, flatbed towing is considered the safest towing method, especially for:

• Luxury or low-clearance vehicles
• All-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles
• Damaged or non-drivable cars

How much is flatbed towing?

Flatbed towing costs vary depending on distance, vehicle type, and time of service, but typical pricing in 2026 is:

• $75–$150 hookup fee
• $3.50–$7.00 per mile
• $100–$200+ for a short local tow (first ~5 miles)

Additional factors that can increase cost:

• After-hours or emergency calls (+$50 – $100)
• Long-distance towing
• Larger or specialty vehicles (EVs, AWD, luxury cars)

👉 In general, flatbed towing is more expensive than standard towing due to specialized equipment and higher safety standards.

Do you need a CDL for a flatbed tow truck?

It depends on the weight of the truck.

• No CDL required → If the truck’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is under 26,001 lbs
• CDL required (typically Class B) → If the GVWR is 26,001 lbs or more

Other factors that may require a CDL:

• Combined weight of truck + load
• Interstate operations
• Type of towing being performed

👉 Bottom line: You only need a CDL for heavier flatbed tow trucks, not all of them.

How much weight can a flatbed tow truck carry?

The weight capacity depends on the type of flatbed tow truck:

• Light-duty flatbeds: ~7,000 – 10,000 lbs (cars, small SUVs)
• Medium-duty flatbeds: ~10,000 – 20,000 lbs (vans, trucks)
• Heavy-duty flatbeds: Can handle up to 80,000 lbs total (combined weight)

Flatbed tow trucks are designed to carry:

• Standard passenger vehicles
• SUVs and pickup trucks
• Commercial vehicles and equipment (with heavy-duty models)

👉 Key insight: The actual capacity depends on the truck’s size, axle configuration, and design, not just the flatbed itself.