FairFuel / Calculators / Towing & Roadside
Towing Fuel Surcharge Calculator
A flatbed or wrecker averages about 9 MPG on diesel, and less with a vehicle on the deck. This calculator turns the official EIA diesel price into a per-mile or per-call fuel surcharge you can add to private tows, motor club work and commercial accounts.
- Price above baseline
MAX(0, $6.13 − $3.822) = $2.308/gal - Surcharge / mile
$2.308 ÷ 9 MPG = $0.2564/mi - Total surcharge
$0.2564 × 25 mi = $6.41
U.S. Average · On-Highway Diesel · calculated November 2026. Only the increase above the baseline is passed on.
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Fuel Surcharge Adjustment — FairFuel Verified (EIA U.S. Average Diesel Index: $6.13/gal vs. $3.822/gal baseline @ 9 MPG for 25 mi) — $6.41
Paste into QuickBooks, Jobber, Stripe or Housecall Pro.
A short, polite explanation that the surcharge follows official EIA data and drops automatically when fuel prices fall.
A printable FairFuel Verification Statement your customer can open. Preview statement →
Practical tips for towing & roadside businesses
- Check local rate rules firstMany cities and states cap rates for police-ordered and non-consent tows, and some regulate fuel surcharges directly. Confirm what is allowed before adding one to regulated calls.
- Include the miles to the sceneYou burn fuel from the yard to the vehicle, to the drop and back. Use total miles, not just loaded miles, unless your rate sheet says otherwise.
- Give account customers a published tableFor body shops, dealers and fleets, run the calculator once a month and publish a simple per-mile fuel adjustment they can budget around.
- Account for idling and PTO timeWinching and recovery work burns fuel without adding miles. If that is a large part of your work, use the invoice percentage method instead of mileage.
Need contract wording? See the free fuel surcharge clause templates.
Towing & Roadside fuel surcharge FAQ
Can tow truck companies charge a fuel surcharge?
For consensual private and commercial tows, generally yes, if it is disclosed up front. Non-consent and police-rotation tows are often rate-regulated, and the surcharge may be limited or need approval. Check your state and municipal rules.
How much is a typical towing fuel surcharge?
It depends on diesel prices and distance. At 9 MPG, every $1.00 that diesel rises above your baseline costs about $0.11 more per mile, or roughly $2.75 on a 25-mile call.
Will motor clubs pay a fuel surcharge?
Each motor club sets its own policy and some add their own fuel adjustment when prices spike. Having a documented, EIA-based calculation strengthens your case when you negotiate rates.
What MPG should I use for a tow truck?
Light-duty flatbeds and wreckers usually average 8 to 11 MPG; medium and heavy-duty units are lower. 9 MPG is a reasonable default for a diesel flatbed.