Flatbed Towing Near Me

• What Is Flatbed Towing?
• Why Flatbed Towing Is the Safest Transport Method
  • Critical for AWD and 4WD Vehicles
  • Essential for Electric Vehicles
  • Protects Luxury and Low-Clearance Vehicles
• Flatbed vs. Wheel-Lift Towing: Which Do You Need?
• When Do You Need Flatbed Towing?
• How Much Does Flatbed Towing Cost?
• How to Choose a Flatbed Towing Company
• What to Expect During Flatbed Towing
• Types of Vehicles Perfect for Flatbed Towing
• Find Flatbed Towing Companies Near You

When your vehicle needs to be transported safely without any wheels touching the road, flatbed towing is the solution. This towing method places your entire vehicle on a flat platform bed, keeping all four wheels completely off the ground during transport. Whether you're dealing with an all-wheel-drive SUV that's broken down, a luxury sports car that needs damage-free transport, or an electric vehicle requiring specialized handling, flatbed towing provides the safest way to move your vehicle from point A to point B.

Flatbed towing isn't just a premium option—it's often a necessity. For vehicles with all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive systems, using any other towing method can cause thousands of dollars in drivetrain damage. Electric vehicles like Teslas and Rivians require flatbed transport to prevent motor and battery system damage. Low-clearance sports cars and luxury vehicles benefit from flatbed service to avoid undercarriage scraping and cosmetic damage that can occur with traditional wheel-lift towing.

Our directory connects you with local flatbed towing companies in your area. Compare providers, check their service areas, and contact them directly—no middlemen, no membership fees required. Find the right flatbed towing service for your specific vehicle needs, whether it's an emergency breakdown or planned transport.

#What Is Flatbed Towing?

Flatbed towing uses a specialized truck with a long, flat bed that hydraulically tilts and slides backward to ground level. Your vehicle is then loaded onto this platform—either driven on if it's operational, or winched on if it's disabled—and secured with heavy-duty straps and chains. Once your vehicle is safely positioned and secured, the bed tilts back to horizontal position and the truck transports your vehicle with all four wheels completely off the pavement.

This method is also called "rollback towing" or "slide towing" because of the way the bed operates. The flatbed itself typically measures 18 to 24 feet long and can accommodate most standard passenger vehicles, from compact cars to full-size pickup trucks. Some heavy-duty flatbed trucks can handle even larger vehicles like small RVs or commercial vehicles.

The loading process is straightforward but requires skill and proper equipment. The driver positions the truck appropriately, activates the hydraulic system to tilt the bed downward, and creates a gentle ramp angle. If your vehicle can roll, it's carefully guided onto the bed using a winch cable attached to the vehicle's frame or designated tow points. If your vehicle is stuck or damaged, the winch pulls it onto the bed with controlled, steady force. Throughout the loading process, experienced operators ensure the vehicle's weight is distributed properly and that no low-hanging components make contact with the ramp.

Once loaded, your vehicle is secured using multiple tie-down points. Professional towing operators use specialized straps rated for vehicle transport, attaching them to the vehicle's frame or designated anchor points. These straps keep your vehicle stable during transport, even over rough roads or during sudden stops. The entire system is designed to protect your vehicle from movement, shifting, or any type of transport-related damage.

Flatbed towing differs fundamentally from wheel-lift towing, where only two wheels are lifted off the ground while the other two remain in contact with the road. With wheel-lift towing, your vehicle's drivetrain components can be forced to move even when the engine isn't running, potentially causing serious mechanical problems for certain vehicle types.

#Why Flatbed Towing Is the Safest Transport Method

Flatbed towing eliminates virtually every form of transport-related vehicle damage because your entire vehicle rides on the platform with zero contact with the road surface. This complete separation from the pavement protects your vehicle in ways that traditional towing methods simply cannot match.

When all four wheels are off the ground, your vehicle's drivetrain remains completely stationary. The transmission doesn't need to turn, the differential stays motionless, and your tires experience zero wear. For vehicles with complex all-wheel-drive systems or delicate drivetrain components, this protection is essential. Even standard vehicles benefit from this preservation of mechanical components, especially during long-distance transport.

Your vehicle's suspension system also experiences no stress during flatbed transport. Unlike wheel-lift towing, which can put unusual strain on suspension components as two wheels remain on the ground, flatbed transport keeps your entire suspension in its natural, at-rest position. This matters particularly for vehicles with lowered suspensions, air suspension systems, or any existing suspension damage.

Undercarriage protection is another critical advantage. Low-clearance vehicles face serious scraping risks when loaded onto wheel-lift trucks at an angle. Expensive components like exhaust systems, spoilers, carbon fiber underbody panels, and front splitters can make contact with ramps, curbs, or uneven surfaces. Flatbed loading eliminates these angle-related risks by using a long, gentle ramp that accommodates even the lowest sports cars without any contact issues.

For vehicles that have already been in accidents or have existing mechanical problems, flatbed towing prevents any worsening of damage. If your vehicle has frame damage, broken suspension components, or wheels that won't turn properly, flatbed transport means these compromised parts don't have to function during the tow. Nothing needs to roll, steer, or support weight—the flatbed does all the work.

Road debris and weather exposure also become non-issues with flatbed transport. Your vehicle sits high on the platform, well above road spray, loose gravel, and debris kicked up by other vehicles. While wheel-lift towing exposes towed wheels to everything on the road surface, flatbed transport provides an extra measure of protection, particularly important during long-distance tows or transport in harsh weather conditions.

#Critical for AWD and 4WD Vehicles

If your vehicle has all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive, flatbed towing isn't just recommended—it's absolutely required to prevent catastrophic drivetrain damage. The mechanical reality of AWD and 4WD systems makes wheel-lift towing potentially disastrous for these vehicles.

In AWD and 4WD vehicles, all four wheels connect mechanically to the transmission and drivetrain through a complex system of differentials, transfer cases, and driveshafts. Even when your vehicle is in neutral or powered off, these mechanical connections remain engaged. When you tow an AWD vehicle with two wheels on the ground, those wheels turn and force connected drivetrain components to rotate without engine power and without proper lubrication.

This forced rotation causes several types of severe damage. The transfer case, which distributes power between front and rear axles, runs dry without the lubrication that normally comes from the running engine. Transfer case replacement typically costs between $2,500 and $5,000. The transmission experiences similar problems, with internal components grinding against each other without proper oil pressure and flow. Transmission repair or replacement for AWD vehicles runs $3,000 to $8,000 or more, depending on your vehicle make and model.

Differential damage is equally expensive. Both front and rear differentials can suffer gear damage when forced to turn without lubrication. Even short towing distances with wheels down can cause enough heat buildup and friction to permanently damage these components. The driveshafts connecting everything can also experience stress and potential failure.

Some AWD systems are more vulnerable than others. Subaru vehicles, known for their symmetrical all-wheel-drive systems, require flatbed towing for any significant distance. The same applies to Audi Quattro models, BMW xDrive vehicles, Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC systems, and virtually all modern crossover SUVs and SUVs with AWD as standard equipment. Even vehicles with "part-time" four-wheel-drive systems often have permanent mechanical connections that make wheel-lift towing risky.

The cost difference between flatbed and wheel-lift towing—typically $10 to $50 more for flatbed service—becomes completely insignificant when compared to potential repair costs. A $120 flatbed tow prevents a potential $5,000 transmission replacement. This math makes flatbed towing not just the safe choice, but the economical one for any AWD or 4WD vehicle owner.

If you're unsure whether your vehicle has AWD or 4WD, check your owner's manual, look for AWD or 4WD badges on the vehicle, or ask the towing company dispatcher when you call. Professional towing operators will always recommend flatbed service when they learn your vehicle has all-wheel-drive capabilities.

#Essential for Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles require flatbed towing for reasons that most people—and unfortunately, some towing companies—don't fully understand. The issue stems from how EV motors and regenerative braking systems work, creating unique towing challenges that make flatbed transport absolutely mandatory.

Unlike traditional gasoline engines that disconnect from the wheels when turned off, electric vehicle motors remain mechanically connected to the wheels at all times. Most EVs don't have a traditional neutral gear in the way gas-powered vehicles do. When an EV's wheels spin while the vehicle is powered off or disabled, the motors act as generators, producing electricity that flows back into the vehicle's electrical system.

This forced electricity generation causes several problems. First, it can damage the motor itself, which isn't designed to operate as a generator when the vehicle's power management system is offline. Second, it sends uncontrolled electrical current into battery systems and power electronics that aren't prepared to receive it. Third, it can trigger safety systems that may lock up wheels or activate brakes, creating dangerous situations during transport.

Tesla's official towing guidelines are explicit: flatbed towing only, with the vehicle placed in Transport Mode before loading. Transport Mode is a special setting that allows the wheels to rotate freely without generating power or triggering safety systems. Other electric vehicle manufacturers have similar requirements, though the specific procedures vary by make and model.

This requirement applies to all current electric vehicles on the market, including Tesla Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X; Rivian R1T and R1S; Chevrolet Bolt and Bolt EUV; Nissan Leaf; Ford Mustang Mach-E; Porsche Taycan; Audi e-tron; BMW i4 and iX; Mercedes EQS and EQE; Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6; Kia EV6; and all other pure electric vehicles.

When calling for a tow, always inform the dispatcher that you have an electric vehicle and verify that they have experience with EV transport. Some towing companies may not be familiar with Transport Mode requirements or may not have personnel trained in EV-specific procedures. Finding a towing company with documented EV towing experience can prevent complications during loading and transport.

The good news is that flatbed towing for EVs is straightforward once the vehicle is in the correct mode. The loading and transport process is identical to any other vehicle—the key is simply ensuring the towing company understands the special requirements before they arrive.

#Protects Luxury and Low-Clearance Vehicles

Luxury vehicles, exotic sports cars, and any vehicle with low ground clearance benefit enormously from flatbed towing's damage-free approach. These vehicles combine expensive components, delicate aesthetics, and minimal clearance in ways that make traditional wheel-lift towing risky.

Ground clearance is the primary concern. High-performance sports cars typically have 3 to 4 inches of clearance between the lowest part of the vehicle and the ground. Luxury sedans with sport packages often have similarly low profiles. This limited clearance means that even slight angles during wheel-lift loading can cause front spoilers, splitters, or exhaust components to scrape against the tow truck's equipment or the pavement.

A single scraping incident can cause thousands in repair costs. Carbon fiber front splitters on performance vehicles can cost $2,000 to $5,000 to replace. Custom exhaust systems run $3,000 to $8,000. Even cosmetic damage to painted lower body panels requires expensive repair and color-matching. Flatbed towing eliminates these angle-related risks entirely because the loading ramp can be adjusted to create the gentlest possible approach angle, and the vehicle rolls onto a flat surface without any lifting or tilting.

Luxury vehicles also feature advanced electronics and suspension systems that shouldn't be stressed during towing. Air suspension systems, which many luxury brands use, can be damaged if the vehicle is lifted improperly. Advanced driver assistance sensors and cameras positioned low on the vehicle can be knocked out of alignment or physically damaged during wheel-lift towing. The value of these systems—often $5,000 to $15,000 to repair or replace—far exceeds the small premium charged for flatbed service.

Vehicles that particularly benefit from flatbed towing include Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Porsche 911 and Cayman, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, Corvette (especially C8), Mercedes-AMG GT, BMW M2 through M8, Audi R8, and any vehicle with aftermarket lowering modifications. Classic cars and collector vehicles also warrant flatbed transport to preserve their value and condition.

The $20 to $50 premium for flatbed service becomes inconsequential when you consider the vehicle's overall value and the potential for even minor cosmetic damage to require expensive repair. For vehicles worth $50,000 to $500,000 or more, flatbed towing is simply the only sensible choice.

#Flatbed vs. Wheel-Lift Towing: Which Do You Need?

Understanding when to choose flatbed versus wheel-lift towing helps you make the right call for your specific situation. While flatbed is universally safe for all vehicles, certain vehicles and scenarios absolutely require flatbed service, while others can safely use the less expensive wheel-lift option.

Always choose flatbed towing for:

• All-wheel-drive (AWD) or four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles of any kind
• Electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs)
• Luxury vehicles, exotic cars, and high-performance sports cars
• Vehicles with ground clearance under 4 inches
• Classic cars, antique vehicles, and collector cars
• Motorcycles (the standard transport method)
• Vehicles with significant accident damage or structural issues
• Non-running vehicles with locked wheels or steering problems
• Vehicles with flat tires on two or more wheels
• Long-distance transport over 50 miles
• Any vehicle where the owner wants maximum protection

Wheel-lift towing is acceptable for:

• Standard front-wheel-drive vehicles (wheels lifted from front) for short distances
• Standard rear-wheel-drive vehicles (wheels lifted from rear) for short distances
• Short local tows under 10 miles with no traffic complications
• Budget-conscious situations when vehicle has standard drivetrain
• Tight extraction situations where flatbed access is impossible
• Quick removal from traffic or hazardous locations
• Parking violation tows of standard vehicles

The cost difference between these two methods is typically modest. Wheel-lift towing might cost $75 to $125 for a local tow, while flatbed towing runs $85 to $150 for the same distance. That $10 to $50 difference is negligible compared to the potential cost of damage from using the wrong method.

Here's the crucial cost-benefit calculation: if incorrect towing causes transmission or drivetrain damage to an AWD vehicle, you're looking at $3,000 to $8,000 in repairs. Even minor undercarriage damage to a luxury vehicle can cost $1,000 to $3,000 to repair. Against these risks, the small premium for flatbed service becomes not just worthwhile, but essential.

When in doubt, choose flatbed. If you're unsure whether your vehicle has AWD, if you don't know your ground clearance, or if you're dealing with any vehicle of significant value, request flatbed service. The peace of mind and damage prevention is worth the minimal additional cost.

#When Do You Need Flatbed Towing?

Flatbed towing serves both emergency and planned transport needs. Understanding the specific situations where flatbed service is appropriate helps you make the right call when you need vehicle transport.

Emergency breakdown situations are perhaps the most common need. When your AWD SUV breaks down on the highway, your first call should be for flatbed service. Engine failure, transmission problems, electrical issues, or any mechanical breakdown that leaves your vehicle immobile should trigger a flatbed tow request if your vehicle has all-wheel-drive. The same applies to electric vehicle breakdowns—always specify flatbed when calling for EV roadside assistance.

Accident recovery often requires flatbed service even if your vehicle has standard drivetrain. After a collision, your vehicle may have frame damage, suspension damage, or wheel alignment issues that make it unsafe or impossible to tow with wheel-lift equipment. Flatbed towing ensures that already-damaged components don't experience additional stress during transport to the repair facility.

Locked wheel or steering situations necessitate flatbed service. If your steering is locked, if wheels won't turn due to brake problems, or if you have multiple flat tires, wheel-lift towing becomes impractical or impossible. Flatbed trucks can load vehicles that can't roll, using the winch to pull them onto the platform regardless of wheel or steering condition.

Long-distance vehicle transport benefits from flatbed service for any vehicle type. Moving across state lines, relocating vehicles between homes, or transporting vehicles purchased from distant sellers all warrant flatbed transport. The additional cost is minimal when spread over hundreds of miles, and the protection against accumulated wear over long distances proves valuable.

Classic car shows and collector vehicle events rely heavily on flatbed transport. Owners of vintage vehicles, restored classics, or collector cars routinely use flatbed service to ensure their valuable vehicles arrive at shows and events in pristine condition. Many classic car insurance policies actually require flatbed transport for covered events.

Luxury car purchase and delivery often includes flatbed transport. When purchasing a high-value vehicle from a dealer or private party, many buyers arrange flatbed delivery to protect their new acquisition. Some luxury dealerships include flatbed delivery as part of the purchase experience for their highest-end models.

Motorcycle transport uses flatbed trucks as the primary method. While some specialized motorcycle trailers exist, most towing companies transport motorcycles on flatbed trucks, securing them with specialized wheel chocks and tie-down points designed specifically for two-wheeled vehicles.

Planned relocations may include vehicle transport as part of moving services. If you're moving cross-country and don't want to drive all vehicles, flatbed transport offers a safe alternative to putting additional miles on your cars.

#How Much Does Flatbed Towing Cost?

Understanding flatbed towing costs helps you budget for service and recognize fair pricing when you need help. Prices vary by location, distance, and circumstances, but national averages provide useful benchmarks.

Base fees and hook-up charges form the foundation of most towing bills. For flatbed service, expect to pay between $85 and $150 for the base rate in most markets. This base rate typically includes the first 5 to 10 miles of transport (varies by company). The national average for a local flatbed tow hovers around $109, though urban areas with higher operating costs may charge more, while rural areas might charge less.

Per-mile rates apply after the included base distance. Once you exceed the included mileage, companies charge $2.50 to $7.00 per additional mile. Urban areas tend toward the higher end of this range due to traffic and operating costs. A 20-mile flatbed tow might cost $85 base + (10 miles × $4 per mile) = $125 total, for example.

Time-based cost multipliers significantly impact your final bill. After-hours service (typically 8 PM to 6 AM), weekends, and holidays can add 20% to 50% to base rates. A tow that costs $100 during business hours might cost $120 to $150 at 2 AM on a Saturday. Emergency service premiums may apply if you need immediate dispatch during peak demand times.

Vehicle-specific charges affect pricing. Heavy-duty vehicles like full-size pickup trucks, large SUVs, or commercial vehicles may incur $50 to $100 surcharges due to their weight and size. Extremely low-clearance vehicles might also face modest premiums if special loading procedures are required.

Special equipment needs add to costs. If your vehicle is stuck in mud, snow, or off-road, winch-out service typically costs $50 to $250 extra depending on difficulty. Multiple attempts, extended winching, or situations requiring specialized recovery equipment will increase this fee.

Distance significantly impacts total cost. Here are typical scenarios:

• Local tow (under 10 miles): $85-$150
• Medium distance (10-30 miles): $120-$250
• Long distance (30-50 miles): $200-$400
• Very long distance (50+ miles): $400+ (often charged at reduced per-mile rate after 50 miles)

Hidden fees to watch for include storage charges if your vehicle sits at the towing company's lot overnight ($25 to $100 per day), waiting fees if you're not ready when the truck arrives ($50 to $100 per hour), and administrative or processing fees. Always ask for the complete out-the-door price, including all fees, before authorizing service.

Fraudulent charges to avoid include excessive "hook-up fees" added after quoting a lower price, "gate fees" or "release fees" with no legitimate basis, demands for cash-only payment (reputable companies accept credit cards), and refusal to provide itemized receipts. If something feels wrong about the pricing or payment demands, it probably is.

Cost-saving tips include calling your insurance company first to see if towing is covered, comparing quotes from multiple companies when time allows, clearly explaining your vehicle type upfront to get accurate quotes, and asking if AAA or other memberships provide discounts.

The modest premium for flatbed over wheel-lift towing (typically $10 to $50) should never discourage you from choosing the safer option when your vehicle needs it. Compared to potential damage costs—$5,000+ for drivetrain damage, $2,000+ for undercarriage damage—the flatbed premium represents smart insurance against expensive problems.

#How to Choose a Flatbed Towing Company

Selecting the right towing company ensures your vehicle receives professional treatment and that you're charged fairly. Several key factors distinguish reputable operators from problematic ones.

Licensing and insurance verification should be your first priority. Every legitimate towing company must hold appropriate business licenses for their location and maintain both liability insurance and cargo insurance. Liability insurance protects against property damage or injuries during towing operations. Cargo insurance specifically covers damage to your vehicle while in their care. Don't hesitate to ask for proof of insurance before authorizing service—professional companies expect this question and provide documentation readily.

Equipment confirmation matters when you specifically need flatbed service. Some towing companies primarily operate wheel-lift trucks and may claim they can safely tow any vehicle. When you call, explicitly confirm they have a flatbed or rollback truck available and that it can arrive within your needed timeframe. Ask about the truck's size and capacity to ensure it can handle your vehicle if you drive something larger than a standard car.

Service area coverage affects response time. Some towing companies serve wide areas but may be far from your location when you call. Others specialize in specific cities or regions and can respond quickly within their territory. Ask for an estimated arrival time and consider whether waiting that long works for your situation.

Response time commitments help set realistic expectations. Most flatbed service arrives within 30 to 90 minutes of your call, depending on location, time of day, and how busy the company is. Some companies guarantee arrival within specific timeframes, while others provide estimates that can stretch during peak periods or severe weather.

Questions to ask dispatchers when you call for service include:

• "Do you have a flatbed truck available right now?"
• "What's the complete cost including all fees for a tow from [location] to [destination]?"
• "What's your estimated arrival time?"
• "Are you licensed and insured in [city/state]?"
• "Can you provide a binding quote or is this an estimate that might change?"
• "Do you accept credit cards or require cash?"
• "What's the driver's callback number once they're dispatched?"

Red flags that indicate problems include refusal to provide licensing or insurance information, prices significantly below market rate (suggests potential scams or bait-and-switch), high-pressure tactics to authorize service immediately without answering questions, inability or unwillingness to confirm flatbed availability, cash-only payment demands, and vague or evasive answers about total costs.

Professional characteristics of good companies include dispatchers who ask about your vehicle type (AWD, FWD, RWD), drivers who inspect your vehicle before loading, proper tie-down procedures using rated straps at multiple points, willingness to let you observe the loading process, itemized receipts showing all charges, and courtesy and professionalism throughout the interaction.

Reviews and reputation provide valuable insights. Check Google reviews, Better Business Bureau ratings, and local consumer review sites. Look for patterns in reviews—occasional negative reviews happen to every company, but consistent complaints about specific issues (billing, damage, rudeness) indicate systemic problems.

Local knowledge matters more than you might think. Companies familiar with your area know the fastest routes, understand local traffic patterns, recognize difficult access locations, and have relationships with facilities like repair shops and storage lots. This local expertise often translates to better service than calling a national dispatch service that subcontracts to unknown local operators.

#What to Expect During Flatbed Towing

Understanding the flatbed towing process helps you know what's normal and when something seems off. The process follows standard procedures that professional operators perform routinely.

When you call for service, the dispatcher will ask key questions: your location, destination, vehicle make and model, drivetrain type (AWD, FWD, RWD), whether the vehicle runs, and any special circumstances like accident damage or off-road recovery needs. Provide accurate information—telling them you have front-wheel-drive when you actually have all-wheel-drive could result in them sending the wrong equipment.

Arrival and assessment happen when the tow truck reaches your location. The driver will introduce themselves, examine your vehicle, verify the destination, and explain the process. They should walk around your vehicle noting any pre-existing damage—this documentation protects both you and them. If your vehicle has accident damage or special considerations, point these out clearly.

Preparation steps include setting your parking brake (driver will release it before loading), putting your transmission in park or neutral as directed, removing or securing any loose items that could shift during transport, and providing your keys so the driver can operate the vehicle during loading. Some drivers ask you to stay in your own vehicle or at a safe distance while loading occurs—follow their directions as heavy equipment is operating.

The loading process begins with the driver positioning the flatbed truck. The hydraulic system tilts the bed down, creating a ramp from ground level to the truck bed. If your vehicle can roll, the driver may drive it onto the bed (if operational) or use the winch cable to pull it up the ramp. The winch cable attaches to your vehicle's frame at designated tow points, not to bumpers or weak mounting points.

Securing your vehicle involves multiple tie-down straps attached to solid mounting points on your vehicle's frame. Professional operators use at least four straps (one for each corner), though six-point systems provide even more security. The straps are tightened to prevent any movement during transport, but not so tight that they strain or damage components. Wheels may be chocked to prevent rolling.

During transport, your vehicle rides on the bed with the driver monitoring for any issues. On longer transports, drivers typically stop once or twice to check that all tie-downs remain secure and that nothing has shifted. You can follow in another vehicle if you're able, or the driver can deliver the vehicle to your specified destination without you present.

Unloading reverses the loading process. The bed tilts down, straps are removed, and your vehicle is driven or winched off the bed. The driver should perform a quick check to ensure nothing appears damaged during transport, and you should do the same before signing any delivery paperwork.

Timeline expectations for the entire process typically include 30-90 minutes for truck arrival after calling, 10-20 minutes for loading and securing, transport time depending on distance and traffic, and 10-15 minutes for unloading. Simple situations move quickly, while complicated extractions or accident scenes may take longer.

What you need to provide includes your vehicle keys, insurance information (if you're filing a claim), destination address and any special instructions (gate codes, specific parking locations), and payment method. Have your phone available in case the driver needs to contact you during transport with questions or updates.

Communication during service should be straightforward. The driver may call when they're 10-15 minutes away, and should call again if there are unexpected delays or issues. You can typically reach them directly if you have questions during transport. Professional companies provide tracking or updates if transport takes longer than expected.

#Types of Vehicles Perfect for Flatbed Towing

Flatbed towing accommodates virtually any vehicle type, but certain categories particularly benefit from or require this transport method.

Motorcycles represent one of the most common flatbed transport uses. Towing companies secure motorcycles to flatbed trucks using specialized wheel chocks that cradle the front wheel and multiple tie-down straps that attach to the bike's frame. This method keeps bikes upright and stable throughout transport without risk of tipping, which makes it far superior to trailer towing for most situations.

All-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles absolutely require flatbed transport for any significant distance. This category includes all Subaru models, Audi Quattro vehicles, BMW xDrive models, Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC vehicles, most modern SUVs and crossovers with AWD, pickup trucks with four-wheel-drive, performance cars with AWD systems, and any vehicle marketed as having full-time AWD.

Luxury and exotic vehicles warrant flatbed transport regardless of drivetrain. This category includes sports cars from Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, and Porsche, luxury sedans from Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and high-end Mercedes and BMW models, exotic vehicles with extreme value or rarity, custom-built or heavily modified vehicles, and any vehicle where the owner wants maximum protection.

Low-clearance vehicles need flatbed transport to avoid undercarriage damage. This includes most sports cars with ground clearance under 4 inches, vehicles with aftermarket lowering modifications, cars with front splitters or ground effects, track-focused vehicles with minimal ride height, and any vehicle where loading angles might cause scraping.

Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles require flatbed transport. This includes all Tesla models (Model 3, Y, S, X, Cybertruck), Rivian R1T and R1S, Chevrolet Bolt, Nissan Leaf, Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning, BMW i4 and iX, Porsche Taycan, Audi e-tron, and all other pure EVs and most plug-in hybrids with electric drive capability.

Classic and collector vehicles benefit from flatbed transport regardless of drivetrain. Owners of vintage cars, restored vehicles, rare or limited-production models, show cars with pristine condition, and investment-grade collector vehicles routinely choose flatbed service to maintain their vehicles' condition and value.

Non-running or damaged vehicles often require flatbed transport by necessity. Vehicles with mechanical failures that prevent rolling, accident damage affecting wheels or steering, multiple flat tires, locked brakes or seized components, and severe structural damage all typically need flatbed service because wheel-lift equipment can't handle them safely.

Long-distance transport candidates include vehicles being relocated across states, cars purchased from distant sellers, vehicles being moved as part of household relocations, seasonal vehicle transport (snowbirds moving to winter homes), and any vehicle traveling over 100 miles where wheel wear becomes a consideration.

#Find Flatbed Towing Companies Near You

When your vehicle needs safe, damage-free transport, flatbed towing provides the protection that all-wheel-drive vehicles require, electric vehicles demand, and luxury vehicles deserve. The modest cost premium over wheel-lift towing—typically just $10 to $50—is inconsequential compared to the thousands of dollars in potential damage that improper towing can cause to drivetrains, transmissions, and expensive undercarriage components.

Our directory connects you directly with flatbed towing companies serving your area. You can compare local providers, review their service areas and specialties, and contact them directly without paying membership fees or dealing with middlemen. Whether you're dealing with an emergency breakdown on the highway or planning transport for a valuable vehicle, finding the right flatbed service starts with knowing what's available in your location.

Search our comprehensive directory now to find reputable flatbed towing companies that can protect your vehicle during transport. Filter by your location, verify their equipment and credentials, and get the professional service your vehicle needs.