I recently came across an alarming article on TruckingInfo.com about towing companies taking cold-hearted advantage of truckers.
This doesn’t happen everywhere, but it’s a stark reminder for drivers to stay vigilant.
A Shocking Example from Memphis
In Memphis, Tennessee, Fenn Church, a trucking company owner, faced a nightmare. His trucks got towed by what he calls a predatory towing company. The bill? A staggering $17,500 for two trucks.
A1’s Hauling and Towing, the company involved, claims they were just enforcing parking laws. But Church’s story paints a different picture. It seems like these trucks were targeted.
One Way the Predator Get His Prey
You’re parked somewhere for longer than the tow signage says you can be there.
At one minute over that designated time, the tow company boots a truck.
If you catch them before they tow it, they’ll demand a cash payment to remove the book. If the driver can’t pay, they tow the truck.
The actual tow can cost $1,000+ an hour. And the charges don’t stop until the truck is in the tow company’s yard. Plus, there are other administrative fees automatically tacked on as the tow company sees fit.
After numerous complaints about actions like this, the Memphis Transportation Commission suspended A1’s towing permit for 30 days.
But this is just one example that reached the daylight. I imagine there are countless stories like this floating around out there from truckers who pay the price and don’t report it.
Protecting Your Pockets from Predatory Towing Companies 101
Here are some tips to keep you from becoming a victim of predatory towing:
1. Have a pre-established plan in case of an accident. Predatory tow companies count on the fact that you’re nervous and frazzled after an accident or a breakdown. If you have a tow plan already in place, you won’t have to worry about feeling pressured by tow companies that ‘suddenly’ arrive during your situation.
2. Get the estimated tow cost IN WRITING before they hitch you up. Make sure both driver and tow truck company sign the documents before hitching. And don’t forget to read the fine print. The devil is definitely in the details.
3. Read the tow signage. Read the tow signage. And finally, read the tow signage. Anyone who thinks, “I’ll just be in here a few minutes… it’ll be okay,” is the exact reason why these predatory towing companies thrive. If the sign is there, don’t doubt the fact that there’s a tow truck driver watching your moves and counting your minutes.
