Towing contracts
As roadside assistance professionals, towing contractors perform towing services for third parties, who hire them for their towing needs. They own one or more towing trucks and use them to move vehicles to various locations. Businesses, organizations, and government agencies hire towing contractors to meet their towing needs.
The contractor signs an agreement with the employer and performs their services by the terms. Towing contractors may work for one employer, such as the American Automobile Association (AAA), or multiple companies may employ them.
How does a towing contractor work?
A towing contractor is a professional who specializes in transporting and moving vehicles that have broken down or have been involved in an accident. The process starts with a phone call from the customer or the police, who request the services of the towing contractor. Once the call is received, the contractor dispatches a tow truck to the location of the vehicle. The tow truck driver arrives at the scene and assesses the situation. They will then prepare the vehicle for towing, which may involve securing it to the tow truck with chains or straps.
Once the vehicle is secured, the tow truck driver will tow it to the destination requested by the customer. This could be a repair shop, a junkyard, or a storage facility. The towing contractor will then collect payment for their services, either from the customer or the insurance company.
Towing contractors must have a deep understanding of the weight limits and towing capacity of their equipment to ensure the safe and efficient transport of the vehicle. They should also be well-versed in local laws and regulations related to towing to avoid any legal issues.
In addition to traditional towing services, some contractors offer specialized services such as flatbed towing or motorcycle towing.
They are hauled to auto repair shops or impound lots by towing contractors. Towing contractors’ job duties might include:
- Driving to the vehicle’s location
- Coordinating with dispatchers
- Communicating with drivers and police officers
- Providing roadside assistance
- Connecting cars to the towing vehicle in a safe manner
- Maintaining trucks in good condition
- Filling out paperwork
- Dealing with contracts
Tow truck drivers spend most of their time on the road or working on vehicles. They are usually employed full-time, usually during long shifts or unusual hours, and must possess the strength to walk, bend over, and lift heavy loads throughout the day.
How to succeed in the towing business?
There is never a dull moment in this industry. There is no shortage of situations and challenges presented by the business owner in this field, from changing tires in heavy traffic to recovering a capsized vehicle to dealing with disgruntled customers. The following are some options for you if you wish to start a towing business:
- As an employee of a towing company, you will be paid for your time and expertise, and your services will be sold at a higher price.
- With one truck, you can start your own towing business and offer your services directly to customers, bypassing your employer.
- You can start your own towing business, hire employees, and sell their services to end-users.
You can make money in the towing industry by:
- Storing vehicles
- Preserving vehicles
- Disposing of vehicles
- Sale of parts for vehicles
- Composing letters
For a towing company, expenses include:
- Purchasing tow trucks
- Fueling
- Wages for drivers
- Damage payments
- The insurance
What are the steps to securing a towing contract?
Towing is a competitive business, so you have to offer more value and prepare more than your competitors to land a contract. The following steps can increase your chances of winning a contract.
- Ensure that you hold all the necessary licenses, permits, surety bonds, and other documents for the operation of a towing business.
- Ensure your business with a liability policy through a reputable company.
- Work with an attorney to draft an agreement with parking areas or properties that have parking lots owned by companies.
- Find a sign-maker who can create “No Parking” signs for strip malls and building owners.
- All licenses, permits, insurance policies, and bonds should be copied.
- Print business cards to distribute to companies and agencies you intend to work with.
- Offer your towing services to local businesses, law enforcement departments, and government agencies.
- Provide companies and agencies with a booklet or binder containing all the information they need regarding licensing, insurance, and so forth.
- You should also explain the advantages of your towing business over those of your competitors.
- Following up with companies or agencies after the initial meeting is a good idea.
- Provide one original copy to the other party and keep one for your records after signing a contract.
- If you are providing towing services to a commercial location, place signs indicating that you will be there to provide towing services.
Towing contracts can be created or reviewed by a lawyer from UpCounsel’s marketplace. Only the top 5 percent of lawyers make up UpCounsel’s site. Most lawyers have worked with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.
What are the skills for towing contracts?
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Contractors operating tow trucks must possess a unique set of hard and soft skills to perform their jobs safely and effectively. Specific skills for towing contracts include:
- Strong and stamina: Towing contractors work long hours and are often on their feet throughout the day. Lifting heavy objects and connecting vehicles to tow trucks requires strength while staying focused requires stamina.
- Hand-eye coordination: Tow truck drivers need to react quickly and safely to situations on the road.
- Communications: Towing contractors communicate with dispatchers, police, insurance agencies, and drivers. During stressful situations, they should speak clearly and give and receive precise instructions.
- Time management: Clients expect towing contractors to promptly arrive at the job site and carry out the work efficiently. To complete hauling jobs as quickly as possible, these professionals need to manage their time well under pressure.
- Mechanical ability: A towing contractor should assess a vehicle and perform essential maintenance and repairs, such as changing tires or jump-starting it.
- Attention to details: Towing contractors should pay attention to details when communicating with dispatchers and clients, completing paperwork, and connecting cars to towing vehicles.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- How much money can you make owning a towing company?
An average tow truck business owner earns between $30,001 and $40,001 per year. The exact amount may vary based on the region in which a business is located.
- How to apply for an Allstate towing contract?
Contact your Allstate agent to learn more about roadside assistance. You can access our roadside assistance rescue services by calling 1-877-597-3393, downloading the All state Mobile app, or visiting roadside.allstate.com.
- Do tow trucks work?
For tow trucks work, brackets are installed between the wheels of a car, and pins are used to attach the car safely to the truck. The tow truck parts are potent and reliable tools because of their strength and materials.
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