Predatory towing is a significant concern for many trucking companies. Unscrupulous towing companies take advantage of the vulnerable position that fleets often find themselves in during roadside incidents. By exploiting legal loopholes and imposing excessive charges, they can cause major disruptions to fleet operations and lead to unexpected financial strain. Understanding the common tactics used by dishonest towing companies and implementing strategies to prevent and address these practices can help protect a fleet from unnecessary costs.
Common extraneous towing fees & charges to watch for
In addition to high towing and storage fees, many companies report being charged for items such as:
- Per-pound billing
- Additional surcharges
- Fuel costs
- Weather-related charges (e.g., for hot, rainy, snowy, or cold conditions)
- Snacks for the tow crew
- Photos/scanning fees
- Communication charges (e.g., answering the phone, using radios)
- Administrative fees
- Gate-opening fees at the tow yard
- Cleaning charges for the truck
- Emergency lighting fees (e.g., turning on the light bar)
If a fleet is being billed for items like these, it’s crucial to ask for clarification. If the charges are unclear or unjustified, they should not be applied to the account. Never hesitate to ask questions about the charges, ask for itemized invoices, and dispute faulty charges when necessary.
Strategies to avoid inflated towing bills
The Trucking Industry Defense Association (TIDA) offers the following strategies to help avoid inflated towing bills:
- Implement a policy for incident/accident response: Establish a clear and detailed plan outlining the steps to take after an accident or roadside incident. This should include designated points of contact, procedures for verifying towing services, and guidelines for handling billing disputes.
- Build relationships with towing companies along routes: Partnering with reputable towing providers in key areas of operation can help ensure fair pricing and reliable service. Having pre-arranged agreements with trusted companies reduces the chances of dealing with predatory operators in an emergency.
- Join and support state trucking associations: State trucking associations advocate for fair regulations and provide resources to help fleets navigate towing-related challenges. Membership can also offer networking opportunities, legal guidance, and updates on industry best practices.
- Ensure all staff are trained on the action plan: Everyone involved in fleet operations, from drivers to dispatchers, should be familiar with the company's response procedures. Proper training ensures that incidents are handled efficiently, minimizing downtime and reducing the risk of excessive towing charges.
Training drivers to handle towing situations
It’s essential to train drivers on how to handle towing situations effectively. Specifically, they should be trained to:
- Immediately contact headquarters for guidance
- Work with law enforcement to request a company-contracted tow, if possible
- Ask the tow operator to communicate with the maintenance manager
- Never sign documents presented by the tow operator
- Document the scene, including tow equipment and personnel
- Record arrival times, completion times, and other tow-related activities
- If a reasonable offer is made and refused, demand that towing companies stop charging for storage
- File complaints with local authorities or the attorney general if necessary
Creating a strong culture of safety within a fleet not only reduces accidents but also ensures that drivers are well-prepared to handle towing situations when they arise. When safety is a core value, drivers are more likely to follow best practices for vehicle maintenance, defensive driving, and compliance with regulations. A safety-focused culture also reinforces the importance of training, equipping drivers with the knowledge to recognize red flags, communicate effectively with law enforcement, and document interactions with tow operators. When drivers understand company policies and feel empowered to advocate for fair treatment, they are less likely to fall victim to unjust towing practices. Prioritizing safety at every level of operations not only protects drivers and assets, but also reduces the overall risk of financial losses due to inflated towing fees.
Preventing towing altogether
While knowing how to handle predatory towing is vital, prevention is the best approach. Ensuring the fleet is parked legally, maintaining vehicles properly, and encouraging safe driving practices helps avoid incidents and towing situations in the first place.
It’s important to remember that many towing companies operate ethically, and their services and equipment can be costly to maintain. While towing bills can still be expensive, knowing the common tactics of dishonest companies helps ensure that fleets receive fair service at a reasonable price.
By staying informed about predatory towing practices and implementing preventive measures, trucking companies can reduce the risk of falling victim to dishonest operators. Educating staff, establishing strong relationships with trusted towing companies, and ensuring proper training for drivers are key components of an effective strategy to protect the fleet from unnecessary fees. Ultimately, proactive efforts can minimize disruptions and maintain a fleet's operational efficiency.
For more insights on how to safeguard your fleet in the event of an incident, contact: nirvanatech.com
Predatory towing is a significant concern for many trucking companies. Unscrupulous towing companies take advantage of the vulnerable position that fleets often find themselves in during roadside incidents. By exploiting legal loopholes and imposing excessive charges, they can cause major disruptions to fleet operations and lead to unexpected financial strain. Understanding the common tactics used by dishonest towing companies and implementing strategies to prevent and address these practices can help protect a fleet from unnecessary costs.
Common extraneous towing fees & charges to watch for
In addition to high towing and storage fees, many companies report being charged for items such as:
- Per-pound billing
- Additional surcharges
- Fuel costs
- Weather-related charges (e.g., for hot, rainy, snowy, or cold conditions)
- Snacks for the tow crew
- Photos/scanning fees
- Communication charges (e.g., answering the phone, using radios)
- Administrative fees
- Gate-opening fees at the tow yard
- Cleaning charges for the truck
- Emergency lighting fees (e.g., turning on the light bar)
If a fleet is being billed for items like these, it’s crucial to ask for clarification. If the charges are unclear or unjustified, they should not be applied to the account. Never hesitate to ask questions about the charges, ask for itemized invoices, and dispute faulty charges when necessary.
Strategies to avoid inflated towing bills
The Trucking Industry Defense Association (TIDA) offers the following strategies to help avoid inflated towing bills:
- Implement a policy for incident/accident response: Establish a clear and detailed plan outlining the steps to take after an accident or roadside incident. This should include designated points of contact, procedures for verifying towing services, and guidelines for handling billing disputes.
- Build relationships with towing companies along routes: Partnering with reputable towing providers in key areas of operation can help ensure fair pricing and reliable service. Having pre-arranged agreements with trusted companies reduces the chances of dealing with predatory operators in an emergency.
- Join and support state trucking associations: State trucking associations advocate for fair regulations and provide resources to help fleets navigate towing-related challenges. Membership can also offer networking opportunities, legal guidance, and updates on industry best practices.
- Ensure all staff are trained on the action plan: Everyone involved in fleet operations, from drivers to dispatchers, should be familiar with the company's response procedures. Proper training ensures that incidents are handled efficiently, minimizing downtime and reducing the risk of excessive towing charges.
Training drivers to handle towing situations
It’s essential to train drivers on how to handle towing situations effectively. Specifically, they should be trained to:
- Immediately contact headquarters for guidance
- Work with law enforcement to request a company-contracted tow, if possible
- Ask the tow operator to communicate with the maintenance manager
- Never sign documents presented by the tow operator
- Document the scene, including tow equipment and personnel
- Record arrival times, completion times, and other tow-related activities
- If a reasonable offer is made and refused, demand that towing companies stop charging for storage
- File complaints with local authorities or the attorney general if necessary
Creating a strong culture of safety within a fleet not only reduces accidents but also ensures that drivers are well-prepared to handle towing situations when they arise. When safety is a core value, drivers are more likely to follow best practices for vehicle maintenance, defensive driving, and compliance with regulations. A safety-focused culture also reinforces the importance of training, equipping drivers with the knowledge to recognize red flags, communicate effectively with law enforcement, and document interactions with tow operators. When drivers understand company policies and feel empowered to advocate for fair treatment, they are less likely to fall victim to unjust towing practices. Prioritizing safety at every level of operations not only protects drivers and assets, but also reduces the overall risk of financial losses due to inflated towing fees.
Preventing towing altogether
While knowing how to handle predatory towing is vital, prevention is the best approach. Ensuring the fleet is parked legally, maintaining vehicles properly, and encouraging safe driving practices helps avoid incidents and towing situations in the first place.
It’s important to remember that many towing companies operate ethically, and their services and equipment can be costly to maintain. While towing bills can still be expensive, knowing the common tactics of dishonest companies helps ensure that fleets receive fair service at a reasonable price.
By staying informed about predatory towing practices and implementing preventive measures, trucking companies can reduce the risk of falling victim to dishonest operators. Educating staff, establishing strong relationships with trusted towing companies, and ensuring proper training for drivers are key components of an effective strategy to protect the fleet from unnecessary fees. Ultimately, proactive efforts can minimize disruptions and maintain a fleet's operational efficiency.
For more insights on how to safeguard your fleet in the event of an incident, contact: nirvanatech.com
