Types Of Towing: Local Towing vs. Long-Distance Towing
Most people who own a vehicle will experience the need for towing at some point in their lives. Even the sturdiest, most reliable vehicles may occasionally need the help of a towing service. Unexpected damage from dangerous weather or a car accident may render your car inoperable and require you to hire a towing service, or you may plan to have a vehicle towed to a show or your new home. No matter what the reason, the towing service will get your car from one location to the next without you needing to drive it.
Unfortunately, many people don’t think twice about towing until they find that they need it. There are actually different types of tows and which one is best for you depends on your specific situation. Instead of waiting to learn about towing until you are on the phone with the tow company, read on about the different types of towing. In this post, we explain the things you need to know about local and long-distance towing, as well as the differences between the two.
Local Towing
Local towing is a very common type of towing that most people will experience in their lives. Stauffer’s Towing does local tows across all our locations many times a day. Local towing is used to transport vehicles (typically damaged/inoperable ones) short distances. Here are the top things to know about local towing:
Distance
Local towing is used to transport vehicles to nearby locations. Local towing consists of any towing job that is within 100 air miles for CDL or 150 air miles for non-CDL drivers.
When You Need It
When your vehicle experiences mechanical malfunctions, you will typically need local towing. These malfunctions may be due to wear and tear, or an accident. We use local towing to get your vehicle to the nearest repair shop so you can get it fixed quickly and get back on the road. If your vehicle develops a malfunction that makes it impossible to operate, local towing is an efficient solution for getting your vehicle to the closest auto shop.
Time
Since local towing involves traveling a shorter distance, it will take less time than long-distance towing. However, the exact amount of time the tow takes depends on many different factors including the actual distance you must travel, weather conditions, and more. While you can generally expect a quicker process from local towing, each situation is unique.
Cost
Local towing requires fewer resources and less labor than long-distance towing, so it is the less expensive option. If possible, we will help you select the least expensive solution, but we always offer affordable towing services.
Long-Distance Towing
Unlike local towing, long-distance towing involves transporting vehicles further away. Stauffer’s Towing is highly experienced in long-distance tows, and even performs tows over 250 miles on a weekly basis. Here are some of the top things you should know about long-distance towing:
Distance
Long-distance towing is distinguished by the distance traveled. According to DOT, long-distance towing is any job over 100 air miles for CDL or 150 Air miles for non-CDL drivers.
When You Need It
If you need to transport your vehicle further, then you may need long-distance towing. Extreme damage may require long-distance towing, especially if you are further away from home. For example, if you experience an issue while traveling and are far enough away from your home that you cannot call your local towing experts, long-distance is one option to get you back in your hometown.
However, long-distance tows are not only used for damaged vehicles. Sometimes, long-distance tows are for vehicles in perfect working condition. Families who are relocating may use long-distance towing to bring their vehicles to their new destination. Long-distance towing can also be used to move special vehicles, like vintage cars that will be displayed at another location.
Time
A long-distance tow is a lengthy process that will take significantly longer than a local tow. When you choose a long-distance tow, you must plan for a much longer time commitment. When a long-distance tow is planned ahead of time, like when you are moving to a new location or transporting a special vehicle for a show, then you will be able to get an estimate for the time of the project. Unexpected long-distance tows are harder to predict, but Stauffer’s Towing always does our best to give you an accurate time estimate for every tow.
Cost
Long-distance towing generally requires more resources than local towing, so it also tends to be more expensive. Again, the cost of towing will be determined by the specific circumstances, including the exact distance you are traveling. With Stauffer’s Towing you will always receive an affordable estimate with detailed information on the reason for the cost.
Long Distance vs Local Towing FAQs
Do I need long-distance or local towing?
The determinant for which type of towing you need is how far you must transport your vehicle. Whether you know the situation ahead of time or run into emergency issues with your vehicle, Stauffer’s Towing is happy to discuss your needs and advise you on which type of towing is for you.
Do I need to know which type of towing I need before calling?
No, you do not need to know if you need local or long distance towing before calling us for help. Stauffer’s Towing has the expertise you need to help determine the best kind of towing for your situation.
What is the cost of local towing vs long-distance towing?
Each towing project is unique and has its own requirements. In order to let you know the projected cost of your towing job, we must have some information about your situation. Simply fill out the form on our website or give us a call and we are happy to provide you with an honest quote.
Are you able to do long-distance towing?
Yes. Stauffer’s Towing has the experience, equipment, and knowledge to handle any towing project. While we perform local towing most often, we do complete many long-distance tows, including a tow over 250 miles approximately several times a week. No matter how big or how small, Stauffer’s Towing can expertly complete your towing job.
Hire The Best Local and Long Distance Towing
No matter which type of towing you need, quality matters. Not all towing companies are created equal, and you need one that has the experience and knowledge to handle your local or long-distance towing job.
For the best towing and transportation services in Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming, look no further than Stauffer’s Towing. With over 65 years of experience towing across the Wasatch Front and Beyond, we are the trusted leader in towing and recovery and can handle any towing project no matter how big or how small. Stauffer’s is available 24/7 for your towing needs and always provides the highest quality tows at an affordable price. Our knowledgeable team is happy to help you determine if you need local or long-distance towing. Get your quote today. Contact us at (801) 869-2727 or via the form on our website for all of your towing needs.