Introduction
Free towing sounds like a great deal when you plan to get rid of an old vehicle. But many owners in Ontario later realize the offer depends on distance, location, and even the car’s condition.
Far distances might not cost extra at certain places, yet elsewhere adjustments happen behind the scenes. Knowing where junkyards go without charging becomes useful before setting a date. What shifts the payout often hides in the details that people overlook.
What Free Towing Means When Selling a Scrap Car
When companies advertise free towing of scrap cars in Ontario, they usually mean you will not pay a separate fee for the tow truck. The buyer arranges pickup and transports the vehicle to their yard as part of the deal.
However, towing is never truly free from a business perspective. The cost of fuel, driver time, and truck operation is included in the price they offer for your vehicle. If your location is far from their yard, they may reduce the payout rather than charge a visible towing fee.
This is why two sellers with similar vehicles sometimes receive different offers. Distance plays a direct role in pricing.
Free Towing Distance in Ontario
There is no fixed rule across the industry, but most scrapyards follow practical service ranges based on location and demand.
- Urban Areas: In cities and nearby suburbs, free towing usually covers 30-50 km from the scrapyard. High competition in urban markets encourages companies to offer broader coverage without raising prices.
- Extended Service Zones: Many buyers also operate within a 50-100 km radius. In this range, towing is often included, but the offer may be adjusted slightly depending on the vehicle’s value.
- Rural and Remote Locations: If the pickup location is more than 100 km away, the company may review the request before confirming. They might lower the quote, plan the pickup along an existing route, or decline if the trip is not practical.
Why Distance Affects the Offer
Scrap vehicles have limited profit margins. Buyers earn from metal weight, reusable parts, and current scrap rates. Longer travel distances increase fuel costs and reduce the number of pickups a truck can complete in a day.
Instead of billing customers separately, most companies adjust the vehicle value. For example, a car worth $500 near the yard may receive an offer of $420 or $450 if it is located farther away.
Also Read: Top 10 Factors Affecting Scrap Car Prices
When Free Towing May Change
Distance is the main factor, but other conditions also affect towing terms.
- Vehicle Condition: Complete vehicles with engines, wheels, and significant parts intact are worth more. If the car is stripped or very light, the buyer may not cover the cost of long-distance pickup at the same price.
- Accessibility: Vehicles parked in tight spaces, underground garages, or on uneven rural properties take longer to load and require more effort. Difficult access can affect the final offer.
- Market Conditions: When scrap metal prices drop, buyers operate more carefully. Service areas may shrink during low market periods.
How to Confirm Your Pickup is Truly Free
Before you accept any offer, share accurate details with the buyer and provide:
- Full postal code
- Whether the vehicle runs
- Exact parking location
- Any access limitations
- Confirmation that towing is included in the final price
Comparing Offers the Right Way
Many sellers contact multiple buyers and choose the highest quote. This approach can backfire if towing is not included.
One buyer may offer a higher price but reduce it later due to distance. Another may give a slightly lower number that already includes pickup.
When you want to sell your junk car in Ontario, including towing, focus on the final amount you will receive at the time of collection, not the initial estimate.
Pickup Timing and Distance
Location also affects scheduling. Within major Ontario cities, same-day or next-day pickup is common. Areas outside the central service zone usually require one to three days. Remote locations are often added to planned routes rather than dispatched immediately.
Conclusion
Two decades shape what happens at Greenway Auto Recycling. Service stands firm through seasons, regions, and Ontario-wide reach grows without fanfare. Pricing stays open, there are no hidden turns, and trust builds quietly over time. From initial contact onward, clarity guides every step. Simplicity runs deep in how tasks unfold. Dependability shows up early and remains until vehicle removal finishes.
