Equipment Hauling With Your Flatbed: The Daylight Revenue Stream
If you already own a flatbed tow truck, you've probably wondered whether you're leaving money on the table during regular business hours. The short answer is yes, many tow operators use equipment hauling with their flatbed as an additional service line, but the opportunity only works if you understand the logistics, liability, and customer acquisition side of the business.
I've insured thousands of contractors, trucking companies, towing operations, and service businesses over the years. One pattern I've seen repeatedly is that the most resilient operators aren't always the ones with the biggest trucks. They're the ones who find practical ways to keep their equipment working throughout the day while staying within their capabilities and insurance requirements.
Can You Make Extra Revenue Hauling Equipment With a Flatbed?
Yes. Many flatbed operators supplement traditional towing revenue by transporting equipment such as skid steers, mini excavators, compact tractors, scissor lifts, forklifts, generators, and other machinery between job sites.
The key is understanding that equipment hauling is not just "towing something different." It involves different customers, different liability exposures, different loading requirements, and often different insurance considerations.
For many operators, equipment hauling fills daytime gaps when accident calls and emergency towing volume may be lower.
Why Equipment Hauling Fits Naturally With a Tow Truck Business
One reason equipment hauling makes sense is that the equipment is already sitting in your yard.
You already own a truck capable of moving heavy assets. You already understand load securement basics. You already have experience navigating commercial job sites and working with business customers.
Contractors regularly need equipment moved because:
Projects change locations.
Rental equipment must be returned.
Machines break down.
Equipment purchases require delivery.
Customers lack their own transport capability.
Many construction companies would rather pay someone reliable than tie up employees moving equipment across town.
I've seen operators build strong local relationships with:
Excavation contractors
Landscapers
Roofing companies
Concrete contractors
Utility contractors
Equipment rental companies
Municipal departments
Those business relationships often produce recurring work rather than one-time emergency calls.
The Types of Equipment You Can Commonly Haul
Not every flatbed can haul every machine.
Before marketing equipment hauling services, know your truck's actual capabilities, weight limitations, and loading configurations.
Common loads include:
Compact Construction Equipment
Mini excavators
Skid steers
Compact track loaders
Walk-behind trenchers
Plate compactors
Landscaping Equipment
Compact tractors
Stump grinders
Wood chippers
Small loaders
Material Handling Equipment
Forklifts
Scissor lifts
Boom lifts
Industrial carts
Specialty Equipment
Generators
Air compressors
Welding units
Light towers
The operators who stay profitable typically know exactly what they can safely move and what jobs should be declined.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that hauling equipment is about owning the truck.
It isn't.
It's about owning customer relationships.
I see many operators spend time worrying about truck specifications while ignoring sales and networking. Meanwhile, the operators who consistently stay busy are visiting rental yards, construction companies, equipment dealers, and contractors every week.
The truck gets you into the business.
Relationships keep you in business.
That's one reason I often tell people to evaluate their local market carefully before expanding. If you're unsure whether your area can support additional towing-related services, my article on Is Your City Oversaturated With Tow Companies? How to Tell can help you think through local demand before investing additional time and money.
Finding Customers for Equipment Hauling
Most successful operators don't rely solely on online searches.
They build referral networks.
Start with businesses that regularly move equipment:
Equipment rental yards
General contractors
Excavation companies
Site-development contractors
Property management firms
Municipal agencies
Agricultural operations
You can also connect with local construction and small-business organizations through resources such as the U.S. Small Business Administration , which provides guidance and networking opportunities for growing businesses.
The first goal isn't hundreds of customers.
The first goal is a handful of businesses that repeatedly need equipment moved.
A contractor who moves equipment twice a week can become more valuable than dozens of one-time customers.
Understanding Load Securement and Safety
Equipment hauling introduces significant liability.
Improperly secured equipment can shift during transport, damage property, cause accidents, or create injuries.
Every operator should become familiar with applicable cargo securement requirements and transportation regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration provides guidance regarding cargo securement standards and transportation safety requirements at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Practical best practices include:
Inspecting tie-down equipment regularly
Documenting equipment condition before transport
Verifying machine weight
Using appropriate securement points
Training anyone helping load equipment
Refusing unsafe loads
The most expensive job is often the one that shouldn't have been accepted.
Pricing Equipment Hauling Services
Pricing varies significantly by market.
Most operators consider factors such as:
Distance traveled
Equipment size and weight
Loading complexity
Time required
After-hours scheduling
Permits if applicable
Specialized handling needs
Some use flat-rate local pricing.
Others use mileage-based rates.
Still others combine mileage and hourly charges.
The important thing is understanding all costs involved, including fuel, maintenance, labor, insurance, downtime, dispatching, and administrative expenses.
Too many operators focus on what competitors charge and not enough on whether their own pricing supports a sustainable business.
Expanding Beyond Equipment Hauling
Many operators eventually discover that customers need more than transportation.
A contractor needing a skid steer moved today may need roadside assistance next week.
A rental company needing equipment delivered today may need recovery services later.
That is why many businesses gradually expand service offerings rather than relying on a single revenue source. If you're evaluating additional opportunities, my article on Adding Roadside Assistance Services: Jumps, Lockouts, and Fuel Runs explores another service line many operators use to diversify their operations.
I cover the exact process of evaluating service expansion, operational planning, and startup considerations step-by-step in my e-book, How to Start a Tow Truck Business.
Insurance and Licensing Reality Check
This is where many operators make costly assumptions.
Just because your policy covers towing does not automatically mean every type of cargo transportation is covered.
Coverage needs vary depending on:
Vehicle type
Cargo type
Business operations
Radius of operation
State requirements
Customer contracts
Licensing and regulatory requirements can also vary by state and locality.
Before adding equipment hauling services, verify requirements with the appropriate state agencies and discuss your plans with a qualified insurance professional.
I've seen operators assume they were covered, only to discover gaps after a claim occurred. That conversation is always far more painful after a loss than before one.
Operational Challenges Most New Haulers Underestimate
Equipment hauling sounds straightforward until daily operations begin.
Some challenges include:
Scheduling Conflicts
A towing call may arrive while you're transporting equipment.
Without a plan, you can end up turning away business.
Job Site Delays
Contractors often run behind schedule.
Equipment may not be ready when you arrive.
Loading Conditions
Mud, uneven terrain, weather conditions, and access restrictions can complicate a simple pickup.
Equipment Damage Disputes
Customers occasionally claim damage occurred during transportation.
Documentation before and after transport becomes extremely valuable.
These issues don't mean equipment hauling isn't worthwhile.
They simply mean it should be approached as a professional service, not an afterthought.
For a realistic look at what operating this type of business actually involves, I also recommend reading A Day (and Night) in the Life of a Tow Truck Owner-Operator.
Building Long-Term Customer Relationships
The operators who consistently generate repeat work focus on reliability.
They:
Show up when promised.
Communicate delays.
Maintain clean equipment.
Document jobs properly.
Handle customer property carefully.
Construction and equipment customers value dependability more than flashy marketing.
A contractor who trusts you with expensive equipment is often willing to call repeatedly when new transportation needs arise.
Over time, those relationships can become one of the most valuable assets in your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I haul construction equipment with a tow truck flatbed?
In many cases, yes, provided the equipment falls within your truck's legal and operational capabilities. Always verify weight limits, securement requirements, and applicable regulations.
Do I need special insurance for equipment hauling?
Possibly. Coverage needs vary based on your business operations and cargo exposures. Review any expansion plans with a licensed insurance professional before offering the service.
What equipment is commonly hauled on flatbeds?
Mini excavators, skid steers, forklifts, compact tractors, generators, scissor lifts, and other compact commercial equipment are commonly transported.
Is equipment hauling different from traditional towing?
Yes. Customer expectations, cargo liability, scheduling requirements, and operational risks can differ significantly from standard vehicle towing.
Can equipment hauling be combined with roadside assistance services?
Yes. Many operators diversify their business by combining towing, roadside assistance, equipment transportation, and recovery services where permitted and properly insured.
Final Thoughts
If you're considering entering the industry or expanding your existing operation, my e-book, How to Start a Tow Truck Business, provides a practical roadmap covering startup planning, equipment considerations, operations, customer acquisition, risk management, and common mistakes new operators make. It's written for people who want a realistic view of the business, not hype or promises. Every market is different and results vary, but having a structured plan can help you make better decisions before investing significant time and money.
And if you enjoy practical business content for towing operators, contractors, and service-business owners, be sure to subscribe to the Nate Jones Entrepreneur YouTube channel.
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