How to Get Dealership Towing Contracts (2026)

The Short Answer

Dealer accounts are won at the service manager and used-car manager level, not the sales floor. They require a clean flatbed, $100k–$250k on-hook coverage, a COI naming the dealer, and net-30 invoicing. Expect $85–$175 per local move with steady daytime volume — better rate and better hours than motor club work, but you carry the receivable.

Motor club calls come at 2am in the rain. Dealer transports come at 10am on a Tuesday, pay more per move, and repeat every week. That's why experienced operators chase them.

Quick Answer

Approach the service manager and the used-car manager directly with a certificate of insurance showing high on-hook limits, a flatbed-only guarantee, and net-30 terms. Start with one no-charge or discounted trial move to prove damage-free handling.

The Four Dealer Revenue Lines

Work type	Who orders it	Typical rate
Non-running trade-in pickup	Used-car manager	$95–$175
Service department customer tow	Service manager	$85–$150
Auction runs (buy/sell)	Used-car manager	$125–$300
Dealer-to-dealer trade swaps	Sales manager	$110–$250
Lot shuffles / recon moves	Recon manager	$45–$85 per unit

What They Require Before They'll Use You

Flatbed only — no wheel-lift on customer or inventory vehicles
$100k–$250k on-hook, certificate naming the dealership as additional insured
Photo condition report at pickup and delivery, every unit
Clean, unmarked deck and soft straps for late-model and EV inventory
Consistent driver — dealers hate a rotating cast on their lot
Invoicing that matches their PO or RO number exactly

Get Paid Terms in Writing

Dealer work is net-30 at best and net-45 in practice. One truck financing $6k–$10k of receivables is normal. Set credit limits per dealer, invoice same-day with photos attached, and stop service at 60 days — politely, in writing.

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The Pitch That Works

Show up at 9:30am with donuts and a COI, not a sales pitch
Ask the service manager one question: who do you call when your current guy is two hours out?
Offer to be the backup first — backups become primaries within 90 days when you're faster
Quote a flat local rate and a per-mile beyond a radius, in writing, no surprises
Send a photo-documented invoice the same day to build the paperwork trust

How Dealer Work Changes Your Week

A healthy one-truck mix is roughly 40% motor club (fills gaps), 30% cash and PPI (highest margin), and 30% dealer and commercial B2B (daytime, predictable, invoiceable). That mix keeps the truck moving during business hours instead of waiting on club dispatch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a flatbed for dealer towing?

Effectively yes. Most dealers will not allow wheel-lift on inventory or late-model customer vehicles, and EVs and AWD units require flatbed transport.

How much on-hook insurance do dealers require?

$100,000 is the common floor, and franchise dealers with luxury inventory frequently require $250,000 with the dealership listed as additional insured.

How do dealers pay tow companies?

Almost always by invoice on net-30 terms against a PO or repair order number, not cash at the scene. Budget for the receivable.

What rate should I charge a dealership?

Below your cash retail but above motor club: a flat $85–$175 local rate plus $3.50–$5.00 per mile outside your radius is typical for light-duty flatbed work.

How many dealers can one truck serve?

Three to six active accounts keeps a single truck busy during business hours without missing ETAs.

How to Get Dealership Towing Contracts (Higher-Margin Accounts, 2026)