Towing is coupling two objects together so that a designated power source may pull them. The object(s) may be a motorized land vehicle, vessel, animal, or human.
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As a tow truck driver, you’ll be helping people in need of roadside assistance. Whether they’ve broken down or are in an accident, these drivers are likely feeling frustrated and vulnerable. Your job is to take care of them, and this requires a high level of customer service and compassion. This industry is lucrative and evergreen, making it a great choice for those who want to start a business that’s immune to recessionary swings. However, getting started is a complex process, and it’s important to plan for every aspect of your tow truck company.
Before you start operating your tow trucks, you’ll need to secure startup funding. You’ll also need to decide what type of trucking services you will offer. For example, some tow truck companies focus on non-consensual towing, which is used when a car owner doesn’t consent to having their vehicle towed away. Other companies offer more consensual towing services, such as jump starts and tire changes. If you’re going to offer non-consensual towing, you’ll need a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
Once you have your finances and plans in place, it’s time to get started. Start by registering your tow truck company with your local and state governments. Depending on your location, you may need to register your business as an LLC or corporation. An LLC is a popular choice for small businesses because it offers limited liability protection, which shields your personal assets from debts and liabilities associated with the company. A corporation is a separate legal entity owned by shareholders, and it offers pass-through taxation.
Your tow truck company will need various supplies and equipment to operate safely. You’ll need a truck and trailer, as well as towing equipment. You’ll also need to secure insurance, which typically includes general liability, workers’ compensation, and property damage.
You should also set up a central dispatch office. This will help you manage your calls, optimize routes, and streamline communication. Dispatch software, like Upper, is a great option for tow truck companies because it helps improve response times and reduce fuel costs. Moreover, it lets you communicate with customers and track job status in real-time.
Safety First
Before towing, it’s crucial that both the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle undergo a full inspection. This includes a comprehensive test of each towing component, including the brakes, lights, and tires. It also involves inspecting the trailer to ensure that it is properly secured and in good working condition.
In addition, it’s important to be aware of the towing capacity and payload capacities of both the towing vehicle and the trailer. Exceeding these limits can cause damage to both the vehicle and the towed item. It’s also essential that safety chains are used to connect the towed vehicle and trailer to the towing vehicle.
Lastly, it’s also a good idea to carry a roadside emergency kit that includes flares and a spare tire in case of a breakdown. Keeping up with routine maintenance, like oil changes and tire rotations, is also important when towing. However, because towing places extra strain on the vehicle and trailer, this type of maintenance may need to be done more frequently than usual.
Towing is a hazardous activity, and even though it seems straightforward, there are a lot of things that can go wrong. Luckily, most of these hazards can be avoided with the right precautions and knowledge.
One of the most common dangers is overloading the towing vehicle and trailer. Whether it’s due to extra cargo, several passengers, or both, exceeding the weight limit can lead to catastrophic failure. Moreover, it can also compromise the safety of other road users.
The weight of the trailer can also shorten the life of the tires of the towing vehicle. Hence, it’s a good idea to change the tires before you start hauling a heavy load. Likewise, it’s recommended to increase the following distance between the towing vehicle and the vehicles in front of it.
Lastly, the added weight of the trailer can strain the towing vehicle’s suspension system. It’s therefore a good idea to have the suspension system inspected before towing and to use high-quality components for the best results.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Most people do not plan to need a tow truck, but sometimes situations arise that leave them in need of one. It could be that their car won’t start, they are involved in an accident and need to be towed or they have a flat tire and need to have it fixed. Regardless of what the situation is, it is important that they vet towing companies properly and ask questions. This will help them choose the best company to get the job done quickly and safely.
It is also important to make sure that the towing company has insurance. This will ensure that they are covered if something unexpected happens while they are working on your vehicle. It is also important to follow the instructions of the tow truck operator and cooperate throughout the process. This will ensure the safety of you, the tow truck driver and other road users.
Another question that is often overlooked is whether or not the towing company offers a mobile service. This will allow them to come out to your location and fix the problem right away. This will save you time and money because it means that they don’t have to take your car to their shop and then back again to fix the issue.
It is also a good idea to find out how long it will take the towing company to get to your location. If you are stranded on the side of the road, it would be nice to know that they will be there soon so that you can wait in your car with your family until they arrive.
Additionally, it is a good idea to ask the towing company what forms of payment they accept. Some may only accept cash or checks, while others may be willing to take credit cards. This will save you time and hassle, especially if you are in a hurry and need to be on your way.
While the vast majority of towing companies are reputable, there are some that prey on unsuspecting drivers. These predatory tow trucks can cause huge headaches and unnecessary costs for motorists. To address this issue, state legislators are introducing legislation to create an office within the Public Utilities Commission that will conduct hearings and listen to complaints from people who have been subjected to non-consensual towing.
Be Patient
The biggest thing to remember is that it takes time to become comfortable driving with a trailer attached. Just like learning to drive a car or ride a bicycle, there are going to be mistakes made in the beginning. However, with a little practice and patience, you will eventually get it down. Just take it slow and be respectful of other road users. They will be more understanding if you aren’t able to make the same quick movements that other drivers do.
When you are ready to try passing vehicles, be sure to signal early and allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. This allows the other driver to see you have a trailer behind your car and anticipate that you may need to slow or stop. This also helps prevent a situation where a driver behind you decides to suddenly slam on their brakes to pass you and cause you to unexpectedly swerve in order to make the pass.
It’s important to note that backing up is also a lot more difficult with a trailer. The turning radius is larger, and you will need to be more cautious around blind corners and other obstacles. It’s best to practice in an empty parking lot a few times before trying to maneuver on the roads with a trailer.
Once you are ready to hit the road, keep in mind that trailer sway is very common and can be dangerous for you and other road users. This can be caused by improper coupling or even just the weight of the trailer. If you start to feel sway, use your trailer brakes as much as possible and slowly accelerate to reduce the amount of force being applied to your vehicle.
As you go along, be sure to check in with the person who is following your trailer and give them instructions if necessary. Then, enjoy the scenery and arrive at your destination safely.