Food Truck Catering Cost: Minimums, Per-Person and Travel Fees

The three billing models

National ranges; big-metro premium 30-50%. Dessert and coffee trucks run lower minimums ($600-1,500).

The per-person number usually buys one entree and a side or a two-taco plate with a drink, with unlimited service inside the window. Two entrees per guest, or a second truck for dessert, adds $8-15 per person. Staffing is included — that's the whole point.

The add-ons

• Travel fee: free within 20-30 miles of the truck's commissary, then $1.50-3 per mile or a flat $100-300.
• Generator: most trucks run their own; some charge $100-250 if there's no 50-amp hookup. Ask where they'll park it — it's loud.
• Permits on private property: most cities don't require one for a backyard party, but some do (and HOAs sometimes ban trucks). Public parks almost always require a permit, $50-300, which you or the truck pull.
• Service charge: less common than with caterers, but 10-20% appears on some contracts. Ask whether it's the tip. (It usually isn't — see the caterers guide.)
• Extra time: $150-400 per additional hour.
• Serviceware: compostable plates and napkins are included; real plates are not.

Worked example: 80 guests, backyard

• Taco truck, per-person model, $22 x 80 guests: $1,760
• Second entree option (upgrade), $6 x 80: $480
• Travel, 35 miles: $150
• Tip for the crew of three (optional but customary), $50 each: $150
• Total: about $2,540, or $32 per guest. A buffet caterer for the same crowd would start at $2,400 for food alone before service charge, staffing and rentals.

The questions before you book

• Does the truck need a hookup, and what amperage? Where will it park? (It needs a level 10-by-25-foot space and a way in.)
• What's the plan for rain? Trucks serve fine in rain; guests don't line up in it. A tent by the window solves it.
• What's the minimum, and how is a shortfall billed?
• Is there a deposit (usually 25-50%), and what's the cancellation policy?
• Can the truck do 80 covers in 90 minutes? Most do 60-100 per hour with one window; ask, because a line is the only thing a truck party can get wrong.
• Will they arrive an hour early to set up and cook? They should.

For a kids birthday, a dessert or pizza truck plus a bounce house is a common at-home package — the comparison against a venue is in Kids Party at Home vs a Venue. For a team event, a truck is the cheap end of corporate catering. Everything about the truck business itself is in the Food Trucks guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a food truck cost for a wedding?

Plan $20-35 per guest on a per-person contract, or a $2,000-3,000 minimum for a 3-hour service, plus travel. For 100 guests, $2,500-4,000 all-in is typical — two trucks (dinner and dessert) run $4,000-6,000.

What is a food truck minimum?

The least the truck will accept for a private booking, usually $1,200-3,000, covering a 2-3 hour window. If guest orders come in under it, the host pays the difference.

Do I tip a food truck at a private event?

If the contract doesn't include a gratuity, $50-100 per crew member or 10-15% of the bill is customary. If a service charge is on the contract, ask whether it goes to the crew.

Do I need a permit for a food truck at my house?

In most cities, no, for a private party on private property. Some cities and many HOAs have rules; public parks and streets require a permit. The truck will usually know the local answer — ask.